image taken from Appalachian Piecework patio with Sears Hill Bridge in the background

Another chapter in the story of Staunton’s community achievements took place this past weekend on April 13.  Bridge Day was a moving tribute and exciting to see.  Hundreds of people came out to see the Ribbon Cutting Ceremony and Grand Reopening of the Sears Hill Bridge.  Our beautiful Train Station bustled with lively activity.  The day started off with Lucas Coffee Roasters and The Bakers Dozen Donut Truck set-up in front of The Depot Grille.  As the crowd began to build, it spilled over onto Appalachian Piecework’s patio where attendees were entertained with demonstrations and music.  In addition to the opening day of the Staunton Station Street Market, where artisans made their wares available, the platform saw community organizations on the scene.  The Sears Hill Community had t-shirts available, the Junior Women’s League supplied Sears Hill Bridge ornaments, and the Staunton Creative Community Fund had information on their alternative economy off-shoot, hOUR Economy.  Monica Wilson Photography screened It Takes More Than Love to Build a Bridge from their Train Station storefront.  The Stonewall Brigade Band rounded things out and built excitement leading up to the dedication and Hound Dog Hill kept that excitement going after the ceremony ended.

There were so many involved in the planning of this event.  Kay of Rachel’s Quilt Patch was instrumental in getting this event started and keeping the vision for how it should transpire working in conjunction with the SDDA.  The City of Staunton assisted on so many levels.  The Friends of the Sears Hill Bridge raised money through Community Foundation.  The neighborhood and good people of Sears Hill participated every step of the way.  During the Ribbon Cutting Ceremony itself Judd Bankert, playing Woodrow Wilson, addressed the crowd.  Mayor Lacy King delivered a proclamation from City Council.  Bill Frazier, Chair of the Sears Hill Bridge Committee, recognized the committee and thanked donors.  Tom Sheets, who along with wife, Peggy, was instrumental in the day’s events, acknowledged businesses who participated and in-kind donors.  The Bridge was blessed by Reverend Shelby Owens and Kathy Eastham spoke on behalf of the Historic Staunton Foundation.

Actors from It Takes More Than Love to Build a Bridge, April Watters and Dave Hazlet, cut the ribbon and reuniting with flowers donated by Rask Florist, before departing toward Woodrow Park.  There, Staunton Parks and Recreation organized family activities in Woodrow Park that included pony rides and face painting.  Property owners John Rorrer and Susan Weeks donated the use of their buildings for family activities on Beverley Street that were put on by Anne Paulus of Grimmcrackery and Stuart Hall School.  Approximately thirty of our SDDA associated merchants participated in special offerings for Bridge Day attendees.  We cannot forget our Bridge Day Sponsors: StellarOne Bank, the News Leader, and STAR94.  To all of these people and those unnamed, we at the SDDA would like to offer a hearty thank you for a job well done.

Richmond, VA – On Friday, March 22, Staunton Downtown Development Association (SDDA) and the city of Staunton were presented with Virginia Main Street Milestone Achievement Awards for the contribution of over 80,000 volunteer hours dedicated to downtown revitalization and for fostering more than 500 building improvement projects in the city’s historic commercial district. The awards were presented at Richmond’s historic Hippodrome Theater. Accepting awards were Julie Markowitz, SDDA Executive Director and Greg A. Beam, SDDA Board President. “We were honored to be recognized by Virginia Main Street for the community’s investment in Downtown Staunton,” remarked Julie Markowitz.

At the ceremony that focused on the results of Main Street efforts, Virginia Secretary of Commerce and Trade Jim Cheng spoke to the audience of more than 70 downtown revitalization volunteers and professionals about the visible results of their leadership. “Virginia main streets are thriving because of the collaboration between public and private sector, local and state governments and the citizens of each community getting involved to make their downtowns an attractive place to live, work and play,” said Cheng.

The Virginia Department of Housing and Community Development Director Bill Shelton pointed to downtown progress through the numbers. “In the last five years, designated Main Street communities have sparked more than $252 million in private investment in their districts,” said Shelton. “As a result, last year, there was a net collective gain of 424 jobs across the 25 Main Street downtown districts.”

“Historic Main Street communities are much more than bricks and mortar. They serve as the heart and soul of our communities as they evoke the stories of our past while providing incomparable economic and cultural opportunities which sustain the quality of life for all citizens,” said Cate Magennis Wyatt, former Virginia Secretary of Commerce and Trade and the founder of The Journey Through Hallowed Ground Partnership. “Our national surveys have found that 84 percent of potential visitors are, first and foremost, attracted to the region because of our quaint small towns. The work of the Virginia Main Street Program is critically important to creating jobs and attracting these visitors to the commonwealth.”

The Staunton Downtown Development Association, the Staunton community, the City of Staunton and City Council has worked cooperatively since 1995 to develop a sustainable downtown economy and a culturally vibrant District that has a positive ripple effect throughout the city. Since the Staunton Main Street designation in 1995, 389 businesses have been created, generating 1,206 jobs.

A key ingredient to Staunton’s success has been the private-public partnership which inspires investment in Downtown infrastructure, streetscape and property development.  Private investments to-date total $54,957,859, funding 509 rehabilitation projects. Public investment totals $40,698,175 with 58 cumulative projects. These improvements make Staunton a premier Main Street that draws visitors and newcomers to our walkable and beautiful community and invites new and exciting businesses to Downtown.

In addition to Staunton, Virginia Main Street recognized the following communities for excellence.

• Abingdon
• Berryville
• Blackstone
• Bristol
• Culpeper
• Harrisonburg
• Lynchburg
• Manassas
• Marion
• Orange
• Radford
• St. Paul
• Waynesboro
• Winchester

Currently there are 25 designated Virginia Main Street communities: Abingdon, Altavista, Bedford, Berryville, Blackstone, Bristol, Culpeper, Farmville, Franklin, Harrisonburg, Hopewell, Luray, Lynchburg, Manassas, Marion, Martinsville, Orange, Radford, Rocky Mount, Saint Paul, South Boston, Staunton, Warrenton, Waynesboro and Winchester.

The Virginia Main Street program, managed by the Virginia Department of Housing and Community Development, provides assistance and training to help communities increase the economic vitality of their downtown commercial districts. Virginia Main Street uses the National Main Street model to help communities revitalize their downtowns by focusing on their unique heritage and attributes.  The program helps communities implement a comprehensive revitalization strategy that creates economic growth and pride in downtowns.

The Staunton Downtown Development Association follows the Main Street 4-Points Approach with an emphasis on Design, Economic Development, Promotions and Organization. We invite new volunteers to join us at any or all of our monthly committee meetings to lend their insights and assist with steering the SDDA initiatives that strategically improve and support the Downtown Service District. Visit us online at www.stauntondowntown.org for a calendar listings and information or sign up for our weekly eNews. For more volunteer opportunities visit hOUREconomy.org.

For more information about the Virginia Main Street program, call (804) 371-7030 or visit www.dhcd.virginia.gov/MainStreet.

SDDA President, Julie Markowitz; Rachel’s Quilt Patch Owners Rachel Brown
and Kay Shirey; SDDA Board President, Greg Beam

The SDDA recently launched a new program designed to recognize one business per month for their outstanding efforts to boost traffic, support their neighbors, their individual business, and District initiatives sponsored by the SDDA.  Brainchild of current SDDA president, Greg Beam, the Thumbs Up! Award recognizes downtown businesses chosen by their peers. The SDDA Promotions Committee selects a nominee to be presented with the Thumbs Up! Award, certificate, and letter of recognition delivered by SDDA Executive Director, Julie Markowitz, and a board member.  The award remains with each recipient to display for a month and is featured online through the SDDA eBlasts and Facebook page.

The program launched in December with Rachel’s Quilt Patch being honored for organizing events around their section of the Downtown Business District.  Taking a planned Customer Appreciation Day and joining forces with the SDDA’s Downtown Trick or Treat Event brought focus to their neighbors at the Train Station with the addition of the Bakers Dozen Donut Truck, Lucas Coffee Roasters, and outdoor music.

Since that first award, in January the Promotions Committee has recognized Susan Weeks, owner of Pretty Pretty and downtown property, including the Bard’s Nest, for philanthropic property ownership. Her willingness to make her storefront accessible and affordable to entrepreneurs encourages start-up businesses.  Pufferbellies Toys and Books was honored in February for their year around commitment to non-profits aiding families through their Shop Sundays for a Cause program.  This month, the recipient of the Thumbs Up! Award for March was Baja Bean selected by their peers for partnering with many charities during the SDDA’s Love, Downtown promotion.  Baja Bean hosted events benefiting Cat’s Cradle, Staunton Montessori, Mary Baldwin, Ocular Melanoma research, Augusta Dog Adoptions, and the American Shakespeare Center!

The SDDA is very excited about the launch of this award.  Keep an eye out for upcoming honorees in our monthly newsletters and weekly eBlasts and on our Facebook page.

 Entrepreneurs Pitch Ideas, Hope to Turn 5 Minutes into $5,000 

 Staunton, VA – Do you have a small idea that might have a big community impact? The community of Staunton wants to hear it.

 This fall, Staunton Creative Community Fund teamed up with Mary Baldwin College to launch an innovative, community-minded entrepreneurial event called Ignite. 

Ignite Staunton is an information exchange designed to foster and inspire Staunton’s creative community. During an Ignite session, the audience listens to new ideas from the area’s creative, technical, and business communities. Local entrepreneurs are invited to take the stage to pitch a current project or favorite idea. Each presenter gets five minutes to make their case…and five thousand dollars in seed money if their idea is selected as the final winner after three rounds of presentations.

The event, which has been hosted in cities like Seattle, Philadelphia, and Raleigh, is a fun and fast-paced open-mic format where presenters share their creative ideas. Staunton is the first city in Virginia and the smallest city on record to offer an Ignite program. 

“While it can be entertaining, Ignite isn’t about watching a show – it’s about participating in the community and watching an idea take root,” says Meghan Williamson, Executive Director of the Staunton Creative Community Fund.  Each evening’s winners are picked via People’s Choice format. The winner for the September 15th Ignite was Michael Reeps with his presentation on “Staunton Fresh:  Local Food for Local People,” a member-driven, online farmer’s market offering weekly produce pickup.  The winner for the October 20th Ignite was Doug Sheridan with his presentation for the “Staunton Pavilion,” an outdoor performance stage in the parking lot of Sunspots. The final $5,000 winner will be selected by a judges panel of creative local entrepreneurs, including owners of Frazier Associates, Pufferbellies Toys and Books, and the Friendly City Food Co-op. Additional $500 grants will also launch student led Ignite projects. 

The final Ignite Staunton will be held on November 17^th at the Darjeeling Cafe at 7 pm.  If you are interested in presenting your concept and want to compete for the $5,000 award, contact the Staunton Creative Community Fund at 540-213-0333 or joelle@stauntonfund.com. 

“Staunton boasts a flourishing creative community and the Ignite program creates a can-do atmosphere – it’s our way to help launch the next great idea,” says Williamson. 

Williamson says startups provide more than just jobs.  They also improve innovation, placemaking, and social good – all on a local level. 

Amanda Glover, Assistant Director of Economic Development for Staunton, agrees, “Research shows that small business drives local economy. Creating a city of entrepreneurs and innovators is a key component of Staunton’s economic development plan.” 

The Staunton Creative Community Fund (SCCF) revitalizes communities by supporting and funding local entrepreneurs in the central Shenandoah Valley. SCCF is set up to finance, mentor, and launch multiple early- stage businesses quickly and systematically.  SCCF leverages existing resources in the local entrepreneurial community and fills critical seed capital and expertise gaps so that Staunton has a seamless foundation for exceptional economic development.  

Download a copy of this poster and post it for others to get the message!!  Lock’em up Lock’em out

Digital Dynamos — Facebook, Google and Twitter — Support Small Business Saturday

Package of FREE, Easy-to-Use Tools Make up Toolkit for Business Owners

NEW YORK, Oct 06, 2011 (BUSINESS WIRE) — –FedEx Offers $1M in Gift Cards for Consumers

Some of the world’s online pioneers are uniting around a common goal: driving more business to local, independent shops for Small Business Saturday 2011. Facebook(R), Google, Twitter and other innovators are joining with American Express to offer a toolkit designed to help small business owners get the cash registers ringing this holiday season. The business owner toolkit will roll out over the next few weeks, starting today, and will be available at http://www.facebook.com/ShopSmall.

In 2010, Small Business Saturday was founded by American Express to help address small businesses’ greatest need: driving sales. It was also an occasion to recognize the importance of small business and their vital contributions to the economy, job creation, and local communities. The national initiative encourages consumers to shop at small businesses during the holiday season. All small businesses, not just those that use or accept American Express, are able toparticipate. Most of the toolkit offerings were created to be relevant to business owners even beyond Small Business Saturday.

Small Business Saturday falls on Thanksgiving weekend between Black Friday and Cyber Monday. This year, Small Business Saturday will be on November 26.

“Last year, we saw a 28 percent rise in sales volumes for our small business merchants versus the same day in 2009,” said Mary Ann Fitzmaurice Reilly, senior vice president, American Express OPEN. “An all-star line-up of partners is coming together to provide the tools to help make this year even more impactful for small business owners throughout the country.”

Free Toolkit Includes:

Facebook Ads

For the second year, American Express is giving $100 in free Facebook advertising to the first 10,000 business owners who sign up. Facebook Ads help build online buzz anddrive customer engagement because they can be targeted to people’s real likes and interests. In addition, for those small businesses that do not have Facebook Pages but want to take advantage of the free advertising, AmericanExpress will offer a tool that takes them step-by-step through the free Page-creation process.

Google Tools to Create Professional-Quality Videos

Google and American Express are partnering to offer small businesses My Business Story, a tool to create and post free videos online about their businesses. Google research has shown that companies who effectively leverage video can expectbetter customer engagement and retention: online video boosts brand recall by 50 percent and likeability by 26 percent. With the free My Business Story tool, small business owners can create personalized, professional-quality videos for YouTube, social networks, business websites and more. This tool will be available in mid-October.

Twitter Follow Button

Small business owners can take advantage of Twitter’s Follow button to expand their marketing reach. These small businesses will be able to place a Follow button on their websites, and with a simple click, consumers will be able to follow them onTwitter.

YourBuzz to Help Drive Social Media Engagement

YourBuzz, an easy-to-use tool from American Express OPEN, helps small businesses reach more customers by enabling them to view and respond to customer reviews and online mentions all from one place. YourBuzz aggregates conversations across highly influential review sites such as Yelp and CitySearch, and social services such as Facebook, foursquare and Twitter, to ensure listings are accurate, buildcustomer relationships, and mitigate the damage that can be caused by poor reviews.

For Small Business Saturday, YourBuzz will offer additional ways for small businesses to market themselves online. The tool will offer $200 in free advertising credits on two online platforms where discussions about small businesses take place: $100 credit for LinkedIn Ads for up to 6,500 business owners and $100 in additional advertising credits on Facebook (in addition to the aforementioned Facebook ad credits). Business owners will also get free offerings or 50 percent off of any package from Pagemodo, a company that helps small businesses create professional Facebook Pages.

Go Social to Promote Coupon-less Offers

In July, American Express launched Go Social, a one-stop shop for American Express merchants to create coupon-less offers for Cardmembers. Go Social simplifies the creation of customized deals for small merchants to further incent Cardmembers to shop with them. Cardmembers will find these offers on foursquare, Facebook and the new American Express Mobile App.

Other Tools to Promote Small Business Saturday

The business owner toolkit will also include downloadable, point-of-purchase displays for small businesses to let customers know they are involved in the initiative. The displays will allow merchants to include their own branding, details about their business, and any special offers they are promoting for Small Business Saturday. Customizable email templates will also be made available for businesses looking to conduct email campaigns to customers and prospects.

One of the biggest Small Business Saturday supporters is FedEx. FedEx Office(R) has announced a special 20 percent savings on all Small Business Saturday materials that can be printed via FedEx Office(R) Print Online. The offer extends to all online print orders through November 26, giving small business owners even more savings as they prepare for the busy holiday season.

Consumer Incentives to Shop on Small Business Saturday

– FedEx recently announced it would inject $1 million into the small business economy in support of Small Business Saturday by distributing 40,000 $25 Shop Smallsm AmericanExpress(R) gift cards for use at small businesses on November 26. A total of 30,000 gift cards are available, first-come-first-serve, beginning November 1 on www.facebook.com/FedEx . FedEx will distribute an additional 10,000 giftcards directly to customers.

– For the second year in a row, American Express will help drive traffic through the doors of small businesses with a special incentive: a $25 statement credit offer forCardmembers when they register their Card and spend $25 or more on Small Business Saturday at any qualifying small business that accepts the American Express Card. Cardmembers will be able to register their cards in early November.

Lastly, WomenImpacting Public Policy (WIPP), a non-partisan organization that advocates for small business issues, has created the Small Business Saturday Coalition. Already, the Coalition has enlisted 200 advocacy organizations to raise awareness for Small Business Saturday and motivate consumers to shop at small businesses this holiday season.

For more information on all Small Business Saturday activities and offers visit: http://www.facebook.com/ShopSmall or smallbusinesssaturday.com.

About Small Business Saturday

November 26thmarks the second annual Small Business Saturday, a day to support the localbusinesses that create jobs, boost the economy and preserve neighborhoods around the country. Small Business Saturday (SBS) was created in 2010 by American Express in response to small business owners’ most pressing need: creating more demand for their products and services. A total of 1.5 million Facebook users, 130 public and private organizations, and 41 elected officials declared their support for SBS last year. More than 100,000 small businesses downloaded SBS marketing materials, 10,000 businesses signed up for free Facebook advertising that ran on SBS, and 200,000 consumers registered their American Express cards to receive $25 statement credits when they shopped at a smallbusiness on SBS. Small retailers who accept the American Express Card saw a 28% increase in sales on SBS when compared to the Saturday after Thanksgiving in 2009.

About American Express and American Express OPEN

American Express is a global services company, providing customers with access to products, insights and experiences that enrich lives and build business success. Learn more at www.americanexpress.com and connect with us on http://www.facebook.com/americanexpress, http://www.twitter.com/americanexpress and http://www.youtube.com/americanexpress.

American Express OPEN is the leading payment card issuer for small businesses in the United States and supports business owners with products and services to help them run and grow their businesses. This includes business charge and credit cards that deliver purchasing power, flexibility, rewards, savings on business services from an expanded lineup of partners and online tools and services designed to help improve profitability. Learn more at http://www.OPEN.com and connect with us at openforum.com and twitter.com/openforum.

SOURCE: American Express

American ExpressOPEN

Rosa Alfonso, 212-640-1712

rosa.m.alfonso@aexp.com

Please welcome Kevin McCartin and Gary Sprouse as they embark on their new venture, Kevin McCartin Design Concepts, opening at 101 W. Frederick St. #207 on the second floor of the professional building.  The store offers affordable consulting and design for Kitchens & Baths. 

Kevin is the talented designer who has migrated from Orlando, FL and has had career that has taken him around the country.  He graduated from Brooks in Long Beach, CA, after studying at Harrington School of Design in Chicago.  He designed the largest kitchen and bath showroom in Los Angeles, CA and spent a year designing in Orlando before finding Staunton.  His partner, Gary Sprouse is originally from the Staunton area. 

Executive Director Julie Markowitz spoke with them recently about their vision. 

K:  Our main focus is custom affordable design that everyone can afford. People’s homes personify who they are.  I came from a family that really couldn’t afford to have an expensive designer and we found someone who was affordable that made our home unique and somewhere that everyone wanted to be.

For me it’s fun because I’m taking this living space that they can use and enjoy every single day and turning it into a space that reflects who they are.  Good design changes your life and makes your everyday life better. 

G: We can redesign your kitchen or bath and even if you move to another home, you’re going to want the service again because it enriches you lifestyle so much.

 JM:  Why Staunton?

 K: I’ve been all over the country but I love Staunton.  I love the cultural feel and I’m excited to be here.

 G:   Coming from Orlando back to Staunton, I appreciate the history.  Staunton has something that a history lover can embrace presented in a clean, crisp environment. It’s charming and diverse.

 Kevin McCartin Design Concepts will be open from 11 AM to 6PM , Monday through Friday.  They can be reached at 540-457-0281 or visit them on the web at www.kmdconcepts.com.

Virginia Main Street program highlights strategies to build local economies
while conserving resources and strengthening communities

  Staunton, VA – On July 20-21, Staunton hosted a statewide training presented by the Virginia Main Street (VMS) program at the Stonewall Jackson Hotel and Conference Center.

The VMS program, managed by the Virginia Department of Housing and Community Development (DHCD) since 1985, works to revitalize Virginia’s historic downtowns by providing training and technical support. Participating communities improve and beautify their traditional downtown districts, encouraging private investment, business development and tourism.  

Mayor Lacey King, Vice Mayor David Metz and City Manager Stephen Owen were on hand to welcome the 70 representatives of downtown development organizations, local governments and nonprofit groups who spent two intensive days exploring ways to create local jobs while efficiently using resources.  Topics included preserving historic buildings, building collaborative partnerships and incorporating green building practices.  

Staunton, which has strategically undertaken sustainable-living strategies in its support of green entrepreneurs and historic preservation, was an intentional choice for the location of the training. 

“The rehabilitation of existing structures is the greenest start we can make,” said speaker Andrea Dono, National Trust Main Street Center program manager of research and training. “It conserves land and limits transportation costs and resource use.  And, reinvesting in traditional, walkable downtown districts creates the places where people want to be. It sustains community.” 

Green projects studied during the two-day session included the Innovation Center, a reused tobacco warehouse at the Southern Virginia Higher Education Center in South Boston, the Hotel Floyd, a unique, locally-themed and environmentally-friendly inn and Harrisonburg’s Friendly City Food Co-op, a downtown, community-owned grocery store. 

“This is not fringe thinking,” said VMS Program Manager Jeff Sadler. “If you look around Virginia, and across the country, communities pursuing these strategies are communities of choice.” 

At the session, communities shared best practices for engaging stakeholders, attracting investment and supporting entrepreneurs and merchants. Meghan Williamson of Staunton Creative Community Fund (SCCF) presented the early successes of Staunton’s micro-loan initiatives supporting entrepreneurship in the region. 

“Sustainable Main Street stressed a comprehensive look at community goals in developing and implementing strategies for downtown,” said Julie Markowitz of Staunton Downtown Development Association (SDDA), who helped put on the event. “A strong sustainability strategy already in place in Staunton includes our tools to encourage local shopping.  Spending our money locally has a strong multiplier effect. It sustains the businesses, and in turn, is spent again, locally. Through the retail taxes collected, it sustains vital services for our community.”   

Currently, there are 21 designated VMS communities and 80 DHCD Commercial District Affiliates.  Staunton, a Great American Main Street Community, received its designation in 1995. 

Toolkit attendees were treated to a special surprise at the dinner event held on Wednesday evening at Staunton’s Mill Street Grill.  A group of local performers representative of Staunton’s vibrant arts scene, infiltrated the pre-dinner cocktail hour posing as other conference attendees, mingling and chatting for some time before launching into a spontaneous reading.  Watch the entire flash event unfold:

For more information about local downtown revitalization efforts, contact Julie Markowitz at (540) 332-3867.  To learn more about the Virginia Main Street Program, or to download archived notes from this or any other VMS training, visit www.dhcd.virginia.gov/mainstreet, or call Jeff Sadler at (804) 371-7040.

Wednesday, March 30, 2011 • 9 AM to 6 PM

Contacts: Amanda Glover, Assistant Director of Economic Development 540.332.3869; GloverAN@ci.staunton.va.us

Julie Markowitz, Executive Director, Staunton Downtown Development Association 540.332.3867; SDDA_Director@ci.staunton.va.us

Staunton, Virginia – March 24, 2011 – The City of Staunton announces that the Office of Economic Development and the Staunton Downtown Development Association will host Entrepreneur Essentials – a day-long business fair – from 9am to 6pm on Wednesday, March 30, 2011 at City Hall in downtown Staunton.

Entrepreneur Essentials is a business resource fair with workshops, exhibitors, and giveaways throughout the day. The workshop schedule will start off with a presentation about QuickBooks presented by Kris McMackin, CPA, followed by a business valuation presentation presented by Dick Halterman with Murphy Business Brokers and Appraisal. Julie Markowitz, Executive Director of the Staunton Downtown Development Association and Sheryl Wagner, Staunton Director of Tourism, will present a workshop entitled “Strategic Media Buys” in the afternoon, just before Meghan Williamson with the Staunton Creative Community Fund discusses relationship-based marketing with special guests Erin Blanton of Pufferbellies Toys and Books and Mary Katherine Froehlich of Stone Soup Books. The day will end with a panel discussion on the power of merchandise with topics related to effective merchandise display and product knowledge. This last workshop, facilitated by former New York City store designer, James Robertson, will feature local retailers including Rebecca Watson of Turtle Lane, Kathleen Steinhart of Cranberry’s, Linda Collins of Sunspots, and Charles Walker of Post 36. “These are action-packed, interactive workshops with local experts” stated Amanda Glover, Assistant Director of Economic Development for the City. “If you are a current business owner or are considering opening a business, you won’t want to miss this opportunity,” Glover added.

In addition to the workshops, approximately a dozen business resource providers will be exhibiting on the first floor of city hall and will be available to speak with event attendees about a variety of business needs. Event organizers say there is something for everyone and encourages every type of business owner to attend, even if just for one workshop or just to stop by the exhibit hall. A number of prizes valued at $1,000 combined will also be given away during the event.

When asked about the concept for the event, Julie Markowitz, Executive Director of the Staunton Downtown Development Association, said, “We’re always looking for ways to provide tools and resources for our businesses. Small business owners in particular don’t always have the time to seek out the services they need during the course of the business day. This event combines a lot of different service providers and makes them accessible to the business community right here in downtown Staunton.” Glover added, “We also want to let our Staunton businesses know that the City appreciates them. A lot of businesses have been facing especially hard times during the last few years and this is our small way of giving back.”

More information and workshop registration is available online at www.staunton.va.us/EE or by calling the Department of Economic Development at 332.3869 or the Staunton Downtown Development Association at 332.3867. There is no charge to attend and the event is open to anyone, regardless of business location.

The 2001-2011 class of Virginia Natural Resources Leadership Institute will hold a three day training session in Staunton March 16-18.  The meeting is the fourth of six sessions held throughout the year, at locations across the state.  Focus of discussion during the session will include sustainable agriculture, nutrient management planning, community food systems, concepts of servant-leadership, and approaches to negotiating consensus.  Session field trips will include a visit to Joel Salatin’s Polyface Farm in Swoope.  Mayor Lacy B. King, Jr. will open the VNRLI sessions with a welcome and introduction to Staunton at the First Presbyterian Church on East Fredrick Street. 

 The VNRLI year began in September at Graves Mountain Lodge in Syria with topics of leadership and environmental justice.  A panel discussion addressing the legislative and cultural climate of the forming of the Shenandoah National Park ended the three day session.  The November session convened in Kilmarnock on Virginia’s Northern Neck.  Following a visit to a small scale, family owned oyster shucking facility and a large, menhaden reduction factory, a panel discussion focused on the complex sets of factors comprising the cultural, scientific, and environmental considerations of the menhaden fishery industry.  January found VNRLI fellows at our state capital, learning the ends and outs of establishing legislation at the state level and discussing the impacts of the Dillon Rule on land use and planning.  During the final two sessions, the 2010-2011 class of the Virginia Natural Resources Leadership Institute will visit the coal fields of the southwest Virginia; a June wrap up sessions will be held in Charlottesville.

The class of 2010 – 2011 is the tenth class program held by the Virginia Natural Resources Leadership Institute.  The Institute works in partnership with the Center for Environmental Negotiation at the University of Virginia. Institute faculty include: E. Franklin Dukes, Tanya L.K. Denckla Cobb, Michael J. Ellerbrock, J. Michael Foreman, Steve Talley, and Paul F. Revel.  VNRLI Fellows, Class of 2011 consist of 31 professionals from both the private and public sectors including: a student from the College of William and Mary; state foresters, grant managers, resource analysts, stormwater specialists, legislative specialists, and environmental planners; a corporate responsibility strategist; educators engaged in teaching, program management, and conflict resolution; a community activist; engineers and resource managers from the private sector; a communications manager; as well as representatives from the U.S. military.  City Planner, Amy Arnold, represents Staunton as a member of the VNRLI Fellows, Class of 2011.            

The Virginia Natural Resources Leadership Institute strives to establish a leadership network of people drawn from all sectors of the community who will: earn each other’s trust while respecting each others different perspectives; call on each other over the years for assistance and ideas; posses the leadership skills needed to engage in collaborative problem solving around environmental issues, to move beyond conflict, and to find creative solutions; and are engaged in working with Virginia’s natural resources at all levels from science to community policy.

For more information contact: 

Amy Ransom Arnold, ASLA
Planner, City of Staunton
540-332-3862 ex 4161
http://www.staunton.va.us/