2022 Impact Report & 2023 Program of Work

140 Years Connecting Creativity & Commerce

2023marksasignificantmilestoneforthe Alliance.140yearsinexistence.That’s140 yearsofleaderscomingtogetherto advancetheregion.140yearsofadvocacy forourbusinesscommunity.140yearsof providingcreativeandinnovative initiativesandopportunitiestoconnect andeducateourmembers. Whatdoesittakeforanorganizationto survivetheGreatDepression,WorldWars, numerousrecessionsandaworldwide pandemic?Ittakesfiscalresponsibility. Ittakessoundbusinesspoliciesand practices.Ittakesresiliency.Andittakes community.Acommunityofleaderswith differingbackgrounds,skillsetsand passionsconvening,foracommongoal. Andthatgoalistoseeourregionthrive.

Today,westandontheshouldersofthose whohavegonebeforeustoadvancethe worktheybegan140yearsago.Wetake ourrolesandourmissionseriously. Encapsulatedinthisyear’sprogramof work,you’llseeourgoalsforadvancing economicandworkforcedevelopment andpro-businessinitiativesthatwillhelp ensureallourmembershavean environmenttosucceed.

Wehopeyouwillreviewandrollupyour sleevestojoinus.Whetherit’sbyserving onacommitteeortargetadvisorygroup championingourregionalprioritiesto local,stateandfederalleaders, participatinginprogramsthatstrengthen ourcollectivevoiceorsendingyourup andcomingyoungtalentto opportunitiesandtrainingssothatthey canbeinspiredtoleadusintothenext generation. Thankyouforyourengagementinour worktocreatearegionwhereindividuals andorganizationsthrive!

Here'stothenext140years, Thank you to Our Chairman's Circle Investors

MeganLucas PaulDenham CEO & Chief Economic Development Officer Chairman of the Board President & CEO SouthernAir

Program of Work

Impact Report

2023 Board of Directors and Alliance Staff & Partners

A mission-Driven 140 Years

We'vehadmanynamessince1883,butourdedication toourmissionandourvisionremainsmuchthesame. Throughtheyearsourservicesandprogramshave evolvedtoservenotjustthe CityofLynchburgbutthe entiretyofourregion.Today,westandstrongthrough ourcombinedeffortsastheregionalchamberof commerceandeconomicdevelopmentorganization readytofacetheopportunitiesandchallengesofthe next140yearsonbehalfofourmembers.

Our Vision

Creatingaregionwherebothbusinessesandindividualscanthrive.

Our Mission

Toleadregionaleconomicdevelopmentthrough:

1.

2.

3.

4.

EnhancingtheBusinessClimate CultivatingTalent GeneratingJobs&Investment

PromotingOurRegion'sBrandandImageGlobally

1950 1975

A 1915 photo of the Lynchburg Chamber of Commerce Board of Directors.

The Lynchburg Chamber of Commerce was a founding member of the Virginia Chamber of Commerce established in 1925.

The Lynchburg Chamber of Commerce was a founding member of the U.S. Chamber of Commerce established in 1912.

This photo taken on April 4, 1957 shows Houston M Crowder, Lynchburg Chamber of Commerce President, seated at left, chatting with then-U S Senator John F. Kennedy when he spoke at the annual meeting of the Lynchburg Chamber of Commerce.

In 1973, the Greater Lynchburg Chamber of Commerce received accreditation from the U.S. Chamber of Commerce for the first time

The inaugural class of Leadership Lynchburg in 1977

Our Core Values

AGILE.

Weembraceand,inmanycases,initiatechangesothatweincreaseour effectivenessandimpact.

ACCOUNTABLE.

Wearegoodstewardsoftheinvestmentourstakeholdersmakeand keepinvestorsabreastofourresults.

BEYOND THE BUSINESS CARD.

Welovetohelpourbusinessesandstakeholdersandcommitwithevery interactiontogobeyondjustknowingwhat'sonyourbusinesscard.

INTEGRITY.

Ourwordsandactionsarehonest,sincere,and collaborative.

CHAMPION FREE ENTERPRISE.

Webelieveinthesystemofsupplyanddemandand worktowardsprotectingafreemarketeconomy wherebusinessescanthrive.

SHOW OFF OUR SOUTHERN HOSPITALITY.

Wearewelcoming,warm,andhospitableto prospectiveresidentsandbusinesses.Wewantyou saying..."Ilovethisregion!"

In the 90’s, the Chamber was instrumental in standing up many community programs, including Crime Stoppers, the Small Business Development Center, Partners in Education, as well as Regional Renaissance

In 1993, the City of Lynchburg contracted with the Chamber to manage the Visitor Center.

In 2004, the Chamber merged with Sports Capital of Virginia, stabilizing the VA 10-Miler race as an organization at the time. Also after years of fundraising efforts, the Chamber presented checks to the City of Lynchburg and Lynchburg Hillcats for $407,000 for improvements to City Stadium.

In 2000, the Chamber's TransDominion Express committee secured $9.3 million from the General Assembly to begin statewide passenger rail service

In 2017, after purchasing the James River Conference Center, the Alliance moved into our new headquarters

In 2016, the Lynchburg Regional Chamber of Commerce and the Region 2000 Business and Economic Alliance combined to form the Lynchburg Regional Business Alliance known today.

In 2022, the Alliance completed the master redevelopment plan for the Central Virginia Training Center. A massive undertaking hoping to bring a bright future to the site in Amherst County. The Alliance also successfully lobbied for the defeasement of $25 million worth of bonds on the property.

In 2006, the Lynchburg Regional Chamber of Commerce received Five-Star Accreditation status from the U.S. Chamber of Commerce for the first-time.

Enhancing the Business Climate

ElevatedmarketingoftheStartSmartprogramandentireentrepreneurialsupport systemintheregionresultingin350engagements(upfrom210in2021)intheprogram.

HeldinauguralNonprofitSummitwithover100localnonprofitleaders.

Createdanewmonthlybusinessdevelopmentlunch,Eat&Meet,whichconnects membersandprospectstoboard,staff,andambassadorswithover150attendeesin2022.

Exceededthenewmembergoalof115newmembersinOctoberof2022.

Distributed519"I'mHereCards"toshowintentionalpurchasingdecisionsatmemberlocations.

Executed47Allianceopportunitiesforbusinessengagementwhichhostedapproximately2,244businessandcommunityleaders.

TheEconomicDevelopmentteampresentedtheCentralVirginiaTrainingCenterMasterRedevelopmentPlantotheAmherstCountyBoardofSupervisors andreceivedunanimoussupportfortheplan’sinclusionintotheCounty’sComprehensivePlan.

Celebratedthe$25MbonddefeasementontheCentralVirginiaTrainingCenterwhichwelobbiedforoverseveralyears.

ProducedandexecutedaCityCouncilCandidateTownhallthatcomprisedofadripcampaignfeaturingprofilesfromallsevenLynchburgCityCouncil candidatesaheadoftheeventandwelcomedover100attendeestotheevent.

SuccessfullymobilizedAlliancememberstosupportwaivingBusinessLicenseFeesonsmallbusinesseswithintheCityofLynchburgwithgross receiptsof$150,000orless,resultinginunanimousapprovalbyLynchburgCityCouncil.

AttendedtheCommonwealthofVirginia’sWorkforceDevelopmentQuarterlyBoardMeetingin

Charlottesvilleandattendedaworkinglunch,organizedbyDelegateWendellWalkerwithSecretaryofLaborBryanSlater.Thisengagementhasledto significantinputtowardsacomprehensiveapproachtorestructuringworkforcedevelopmentandhowitisdelivered.

HostedU.S.SenatorMarkWarnerattheAllianceforalocalEnergyRoundtablethatincludedtheLynchburgregion’senergycompanies,providers,support industries,andworkforcedevelopmentinfluencers.

HostedVEDPBusinessReadySitesTeamforregionalindustrialsitetourtoensurethestateisawareofavailableindustrialsitesinourregion. FacilitatedandcollaboratedwiththeCharlottesvilleRegionalChamberandtheDanvillePittsylvaniaCountyChambertoexecuteavirtual5thCongressional DistrictcandidateeventfeaturingseparateonehourrecordedinterviewswithCongressmanBobGood(R)andJoshThroneburg(D).

Offeredon-aircommentaryandanalysisonbehalfoftheLRBAregardingthepossiblerailroadstrikeandpotentialimpactstomemberbusinessesonWLNI.

Cultivating Talent

SupportedCVCC’snewCTEAcademythroughstatemarketingandadvocacytolocalrecruitmentofstudents.

CreatedtheWorkforceTargetAdvisoryGroup,acoregroupofbusinessesleadersfromtheAllianceandCentralVirginiaCareerWorkswhowill begintocollectivelycreatearegionalworkforceandtalentstrategytofillthein-demandjobsinourregion.

Providedcoachingfor18individualsontopicsrangingfromperformanceimprovement,culturedevelopment,becominganemployeeofchoice.

Consultedwiththreemembersandtheiremployeeswithresourcesforupskillingandfindingnewemploymentasaresultoffacilityclosures.

Facilitated16workshopsandtrainingsforhighschoolandcollegestudentsonpreparingfortheworkforceandtopNACESkillsneededforin-demandjobs

ConductedboththeLeadershipLynchburg’s46thFlagshipClassforemergingleadersaswellastheLeadershipLynchburg2.0programforseasonedleaders andcompanydecisionmakers.

ExecutedasuccessfulWeldingWarsbringingstudentsandprofessionalstogethertoadvanceweldingasaprofession.

Generating Jobs & Investment

Completedtheregion'snextfive-yeareconomicdevelopmentstrategytoidentifyopportunitiesforregionalsuccess

Launchedfive-yearcapitalcampaigntoprovidefundingforeconomicdevelopmentinitiativesdeterminedbyEDstrategicplan.

CompletedCVTCredevelopmentplanandbegunimplementationofrecommendednextsteps.

CoordinatedthecreationoftheMontvaleTargetAdvisoryGrouptopresentanengagedandunifiedvoiceforthefutureoftheformerColonial PipelineTankFarmworkingcollaborativelywithlocal,regional,andstatestakeholders.Thisgroupwillguidetheresearch,discoveryand opportunitiesforthesitewithaneyetowardinfluencingjobsandcapitalinvestmentfortheBedfordCountyMontvalecommunity.

VTIFeasibilityStudyforasmall-scalemanufacturingincubatoratVTI.ThestudywasfundedbyTobaccoCommissionwithmatchingfunds providedbytheTownofAltavistaandCampbellCountythetotalprojectcost$35,000.

GOVA:Appliedfor$250,000granttoestablishtheCenterforEntrepreneurship.

SupportedtheAirportCommerceParkRegionalDevelopmentapplicationsubmittedbytheCityofLynchburgOfficeofEconomic DevelopmentandTourismandtheCampbellCountyOfficeofEconomicDevelopment.

HostedstateVirginiaEconomicDevelopmentAssociation(VEDA)FallConferencewithover300economicdevelopmentprofessionals attendingforprofessionaldevelopment,economicdevelopmentbriefings,withpresentationsfromsubjectmatterexperts. Participatedin8businessinvestmentcalltripsinthecontinentalUS.

Respondedto10industryRFPsandmaintainedsixactiveprojects.

CompletedsitecharacterizationstudyonDearingFordIndustrialParkthatincludescurrenttierranking,nextstepsfordevelopmentand conceptsforfuturebuildings.

Promoting Our Region's Brand & Image

Sentout28pressreleasesandmediaadvisoriesnotifyingthemediaofnewsworthyitems andgarnered80positivementionsinthemediafromlocal,state,andnationalpress.

GrewLinkedInfollowerstoover2,000(30%increase)andInstagramtoover1,100. ViewsofLynchburgRegion.orghavesurpassed141,700inthepastyear.Ahuge increasefromthe122,000pageviewsrecordedfrom2021and2020.

Distributed9actionalertstoourmembersnotifyingthemoftimelybusinessissues. Distributed23AllianceAdvisorsprovidingrelevantbusinessnewsattheregional,state, national,andgloballevel.

Created18podcastsincludingaspecialmentalhealthintheworkplaceseriesinMayfor MentalHealthAwarenessMonth.

Awards&RecognitionthroughLynchburgBusinessMagazine:

ReceivedGoldLevelawardforBestBusinessNetworkingprogramforAMAlliance.

ReceivedTopProfessionaldevelopmentawardfortheLevelUpYPSummit.

ReceivedBronzeLevelawardforBestBusinessCoach.

Governor Glenn Youngkin speaks with Megan Lucas and Ron Martin, CEO & Owner of Virginia Metal Fab (VMF) after announcing VMF would expand into the old Thomasville Building creating 130 new jobs.

ContinuestogrowandexpandoursuccessfulStartSmart ProgramandIntroducedanewtopicundertheheadingof "OnePageBusinessPlan".

StephanieKeenerandJawansaHallpresentedto incarceratedyouthsaboutentrepreneurshipatLynchburg JuvenileDetentionCenter.

InFall2022,facilitatedtheCO.STARTERSprogramin conjunctionwiththeCityofLynchburgOfficeofEconomic Development,a10-weekentrepreneurshipprogramfor startups.Thirteenof14registrantscompletedthecourse. CreateVirginia,ourannualartistandcreative entrepreneurshipfocusedevent,attracted155unique attendeesacrossseveneventsinJulyandAugust2022. Deliveredaseven-sessioncoursefocusedonFamilyDay HomeEarlyChildhoodCare,September-October.

2023 Program of Work

Innovation. Collaboration. Economic Growth.

Lastyear,theAllianceconvenedaprocesstodevelopanew RegionalEconomicDevelopmentStrategy.Thestrategywas ledandcreatedbyadynamicsteeringcommitteeofkey public,private,andnonprofitpartners.Thisgroupwastasked withsharingtheirperspectives,reviewingresearchandinput findings,consideringtheguidancetheBroadRipple Strategiesconsultantteamprovides,andmakingkey decisionsabouttheprioritiesandstrategiesthatpartnerswill pursuetomaketheLynchburgregionamorecompetitive placetolive,work,anddobusiness.

Thisstrategywilllargelydirectoureconomicandworkforce developmenteffortsin2023.

Onthechambersideofthehouse,wecontinuetoutilize feedbackfromourboardofdirectors,ambassadorsand membersviaourprogrammaticsurveystoinformourwork movingforward.

Our2023programofworkalignswiththefourpillarsofour missiontoleadregionaleconomicdevelopmentthrough:

EnhancingtheBusinessClimate

CultivatingTalent

GeneratingJobs&Investment

PromotingOurRegion'sImageGlobally

I. Enhancing the Business Climate

Deliver relevant and high-quality member programs, events, and resources because the work we do is for you.

ENTREPRENEURSHIP & BUSINESS SUPPORT:

Growandattractdiverse,wealth-creatingbusinessesbyproviding qualityprogramsandservicesthroughtheAllianceandourSmall BusinessDevelopmentCenter.

ActivatetheRegionalCenterforEntrepreneurshiptosupportthe growthofstart-upsinourregion.

Buildbusinesssupportforeverystageofdevelopmentand growth.

Coordinateandsponsorregionalgapfundingsolutions.

ADVOCACY:

Deploystrategiesforstrengtheningrelationshipswiththelocal electedofficestoincludeconsistentcallprogramwithlocal electedleaders.

ConductFederalHillvisitssoourmemberscanhavequality engagementwithourcongressionaldelegationtoshareconcerns andpriorities.

Maintainanadvocacycommunicationsstructurethatinformsand engagesmembersontimelyandimportantlegislativematters.

Continuetohostkeylegislativeeventsto:

Toinformmembersofstateandfederalcandidateand incumbentpositionsonpro-businessandfreeenterprise issues.

EnsureelectedofficialshearAlliancememberlegislative concerns.

Persist intheLynchburgRegionalAirport’seffortstoestablish aNortheastConnection.

Advancetheworkwithstakeholdersinadvancingtheregional ConnectivityStudygoals.

MEMBERSHIP SERVICES:

Strengthenmember-to-memberrelationshipsfor supplychainandbusinessdevelopment opportunities.

Increasein“I’mHereCard”distributionsto supportourmembers.

Expandindustrymembershipsegments' engagementandsupportthroughone-on-one meetingsandsectorroundtables.

Continuetoexpandouroutreachandmoving interactionsfromtransactionalto transformationalthathelpssolvemember problems.

IncreaseparticipationandsupportofBIPOC (black,indigenous,andpeopleofcolor) businesses.

II. Cultivating Talent

Creating a steady pipeline of talent by connecting schools, youth, and leaders to current and future workforce needs.

CompletetheregionalworkforceroadmapsothatwealigntheRegion’s talentpipelinewithin-demandjobs.

PromotetheCTE&XLR8STEMAcademiesthataretrainingthenext generationoftalentforin-demandcareerfields.

Assistourregionalemployerswithprofessionaldevelopmentandthe retentionoftoptalentbycontinuingtoprovidecatalyticopportunitiessuch asLeadershipLynchburg,LeadingOffCampus,SeizetheCity,andother traininganddevelopmentprograms.

IdentifytheRegion’scurrentretentionofCollegeGraduatesandfindways toenhancethatretention.

Promotetheregion’sdiversetalentandentitiesthatare equipping/readyingworkforcetalent.

USChamberofCommerceHiringOurHeroesProgram.

V3Virginiaveteransinitiative.

AdvancecollaborationspromotingtheRegion’sworkforce(e.g. veterans,students/alumni,re-entrycitizens.)

LaunchaTargetedTalentMarketingCampaigntofillourregion'sworkforce demandandbetatestaregionaltechtalentincentiveprogram.

Moon Chief Technology Officer CloudFitSoftware

Everything that we could have asked for to help us —and more—the Alliance brought to the table to help us be successful.

Carroll

III. Generating Jobs & Investment

Encourage internal and external investment in the Lynchburg region that creates jobs and retains existing ones.

Sitedevelopmentiscriticaltoincreasingcompetitivenessand buildingcapacity.Wewillleveragestateandregionalresources to supporttheexpansionsofregionalinfrastructurespecificallyrelatedtopad-readysitesandexistingbuildingsintheregionto:

Ensureacompetitivesupplyofindustrialsitesandbuildings. Explorearegionalindustrialshellbuildingprogram. Enhanceanddevelopindustrialsites.

Providedetailedstrategicdemographicinformation. Engageandpromoteafavorableperceptionoftheregionamong corporatedecisionmakers.

ExtendourrobustBRE(BusinessRecruitment&Expansion) programwithregionalemployerstoensuretheyareutilizing existingresourcesandtoolsforregionalexpansion. Retentionofexistingcompanieswhichsupplies90%ofour regionalgrowth.

Jennifer Huffman Vice President, Solutions Banking Relationship Manager AtlanticUnionBank

The Alliance has been a connector to many of my new relationships. I enjoy meeting the new and existing businesses that drive our workforce and local community.

IV. Promoting Our Region's Brand & Image Globally

Showcase our region's unique strengths and opportunities by telling our region's story across the world.

Launchcomprehensivebranding&executionstrategyfor marketingtheregionexternallytoprospectivecompaniesfor relocation.

Identifyandaffirmourtargetedindustrysectors.

Establishtargetedmarketingstrategiesfocusedonenhancingthe diversificationofbusinesswithinourtargetedindustrysectors. Advanceinternalandexternalstoriesofregionalsuccesses. Developinternalandexternalawarenessinitiativesforourregion.

Createcontentdevelopmentplantoincludethestoriesthatare inclusiveandrepresentativeoftheregion.

Identifykeyindustries/businessestopromotetheregionandour inclusivecommunity.

Startups Often Struggle to Raise Capital

Enter the 140 Fund

Incelebrationofour140thanniversary,theLynchburgRegionalBusinessAllianceislaunchingThe140Fund,arevolving loanfunddesignedtoprovidegapfinancingtomicro,start-up,small,andexistingbusinessesintheLynchburgregion.

RevolvingLoanFunds(RLFs)areself-replenishingpoolsofmoneythatuseinterestandprincipalpaymentsonpastloans toissuenewones,providingaccesstoflexiblesourcesofcapitalthatcanbeusedincombinationwithmore conventionalsources.RLFsserveasacriticalsourceoffinancingwhencreditaccessislimited,supportingthe developmentandexpansionofsmallbusinesses,propertyowners,micro-enterprises,andotherspecialinitiatives.

The140Fundwillbeseededthroughthiscommunity-widecampaignwhichencouragesbusinessesandindividualsto contribute$140tosupportregionalentrepreneurs,innovators,andexistingbusinesses.Otherdonationamounts,large orsmall,arealsogreatlyappreciated.Weencourageyoutogivetothisnewinitiativeandhelpussupporttheinnovation andgrowthoflocal,smallbusinesses.YoucanscantheQRcodetotherighttogive.

2023 Board of Directors

WynterBenda,CityofLynchburg

AlecBrebner,CentralVirginiaPlanningDistrictCommission

JeremyBryant,AmherstCounty

JohnS.Capps,CentralVirginiaCommunityCollege

AmyCarrier,CENTRA

RosanaChaidez,N.B.HandyCompany

WilliamCook,Jamerson-LewisConstruction

DavidCorry,LibertyUniversity

CharlesCraddock,Boxley

PaulDenham,SouthernAir,Inc.

LaurenDianich,Atelier11Architecture,LTD

BrandonFarmer,BankoftheJames

Alliance Staff & Partners

JenniferFoster,FosterFuelsInc.

GaryGarner,Gary'sGardenCenter

RexGeveden,BWXTechnologies,Inc.

SheenaGillispie,Truist

RobertHiss,BedfordCounty

ChrisHughes,Georgia-Pacific

LarryJackson,AppalachianPower

ChrisJones,LynchburgHillcats

DennisKnight,Wiley|Wilson

ScottKowalski,PLDRLaw

StephenLamanna,Truist

KeithMann,ScottInsurance

DanaMarr,WooldridgeHeating·Air·Electrical

NathanielMarshall,BWXTechnologies,Inc.

JoeMartin,CloudFitSoftware,LLC

RyanMcEntire,Brown,Edwards&Company,L.L.P.

RichardMcGhee,TownofAppomattox

SaraMcGuffin,TownofAmherst

PatrickMcNamara,MaxPlayFit,LLC

ChetMcPhatter,BankerSteelCompany,LLC

KarlMiller,KarlMillerRealtyLLC

JacquelynMosby,Wiley|Wilson

RobertO'Brian,LynchburgReadyMixConcreteCo.,Inc.

GaryRaulerson,InnovativeWirelessTechnologies

NinaRezai,CampbellCounty

JamesRichards,PLDRLaw

NathanRoberts,VADept.forAging&RehabilitativeServices

FrankRogers,CampbellCounty

AmySeipp,AccupointSurveying&Design,LLC

GaryShanaberger,TownofAltavista

AshtonSosnowski,ABC13

LukeTowles,PinnacleFinancialPartners

GeorgeVaughan,FirstNationalBank

RyanWhite,AmericanNationalBankandTrustCompany

GloriaWitt,DefineSuccessCoaching&Facilitation

DeniseWoernle,Framatome

SBDC - Lynchburg Region

Staff & advisors

MeganLucas CEO & Chief Economic Development Officer

ChristineKennedy COO & Executive Vice President

HeathBarret Vice President of Membership Development

DeniseRowland Vice President of Finance

LaverneBrown Member Specialist RyanWeaks Director of Marketing & Communications

BarryButler Director of Government Relations

AliBerger Event Liaison & Co-CEO AllaurCreative

StephanieKeener Vice President of Small Business & Executive Director

JawansaHall Branding & Marketing Advisor

JordanReeves Finance & Planning Advisor