Vision and Support
The Lynchburg area was sustaining close to full employment when C. Arthur “Art” Middleton, retired executive director of the Lynchburg Regional Chamber, launched Lynchburg Life in 1981. What began as a service for companies in need of an effective recruitment tool, quickly developed into a “community pride” publication, with educational, arts, and civic organizations pitching in to help define and promote the region’s strengths. enduring characteristics.
Five Stars
Of the nearly 7,000 chambers in the United States, only 222 are accredited and even fewer have achieved Lynchburg’s Five-Star rating, the highest honor granted. To qualify, The Lynchburg Regional Chamber of Commerce (LRCC) must demonstrate an ongoing commitment to:
• Reviewing, improving, and promoting strong business practices
• Recognizing leadership and outstanding contributions to the community
• Supporting the principles of free enterprise and promoting pro-growth policies at the federal, state, and local levels, and Establishing best practices and staying in-step with indus try changes The LRCC has accumulated quite a bit of experience strengthening local businesses and stimulating regional prosperity. Founded in 1883, we are the longest-running and largest business association in Central Virginia, and the best source for relevant connections, opportunities, and solutions.
Training & Development
Leadership Lynchburg has a long history of developing effective leaders in the region. What began as a good idea in 1975 quickly evolved into a full-fledged program designed to introduce newcomers to the area and help leaders connect across business sectors.
The program received an overhaul in 2000 and now touts a national award for its challenging curriculum and community impact. The LRCC’s Leadership Council provides oversight and routinely updates the program’s content and structure. Leadership Lynchburg will start its 40th class in September 2011. The program has over 1,000 alumni, many of whom have gone on to serve in prominent positions at the local and state level.
The nine-month program attracts emerging leaders from area corporations, nonprofits, government offices, and small businesses. Interactive sessions offer team-building, conflict-resolution, public-speaking, and leadership skills. Participants also get a comprehensive look at Central Virginia.
Cause for Celebration
Since the launch of Lynchburg Life 30 years ago, the Chamber has logged many miles and spent many long hours advocating on behalf of the Central Virginia business community. Some of our most pivotal successes include:
• 1995: Developing the Technical Education Taskforce and lobbying the Virginia General Assembly for the creation of the Center for Advanced Engineering and Research (CAER).
• 1996: Appointing Amy G. Ray as the first woman to chair the LRCC’s board of directors.
• 2000: Forming the Committee to Advance the Trans Dominion Express (TDX) to expand passenger rail in Central Virginia.
• 2001: Creating the Air Service Partnership and securing grants and funds to return jet service to the Lynchburg Regional Airport.
• 2006: Earning a 5-Star Accreditation from the U.S. Chamber of Commerce. The LRCC is one of only 24 chambers nationwide to achieve this distinction.
• 2009: Convincing the Commonwealth to invest—for the first time—in passenger rail, and watching as
Amtrak’s new Northeast Regional service shattered all ridership and revenue projections.
• 2010: Drawing state and national attention to the congestion on U.S. 29 and the importance of the Charlottesville bypass to truckers and travelers who need a faster and safer route to Lynchburg, Danville, and beyond.
Top 2011 Initiatives
The Chamber works on a broad set of regional initiatives that mirror the needs of our membership at any given time. As those needs change, so do our priorities. In 2011, the
LRCC will be focusing on:
• Transportation
• Higher Education
• Workforce and Training
• Advanced Manufacturing
• International Trade
• Innovation in Destination Marketing
The LRCC is also getting back on track with plans for our new headquarters, a goal that was postponed during the economic turndown.
“As we look toward the year 2020, most of the jobs that will exist at that time do not exist today,” says LRCC president and CEO Rex Hammond. “Small businesses will continue to provide agile and innovative linkages, ushering us into a new economic era. The flexibility of smaller companies moves us ahead. They create more jobs than any other sector and will continue to do so. The entrepreneurial spirit—risk-taking—is at the heart of our small business community. It’s true now. And it will remain true into the future.”
LRCC Membership Benefits
The Lynchburg Regional Chamber of Commerce serves as an advocate, networking tool, and idea hub for local businesses. Members derive numerous benefits, including:
Strength in Numbers
Nearly 900 businesses, professionals, and organizations belong to the LRCC. The size, diversity, and involvement of our membership greatly enhance our effectiveness. Annual dues afford us the opportunity to take on issues and provide services to help businesses in our community succeed.
A Tangible impact
From transportation to tourism, the LRCC is in the forefront of initiatives that support businesses and improve the quality of life in Central Virginia. Our successes range from initiating Amtrak service to Washington D.C., to creating a coalition of Destination Marketing Organizations for aggressively marketing Central Virginia to the growing International travel market.
Strong Advocacy
The LRCC actively represents the views of its members. Whenever potential laws and bills are introduced that impact Central Virginia businesses, our full-time,
registered lobbyist will fight for your best interest.
Access & Referrals
LRCC members make vital connections with other members, with Chamber contacts, and, in many cases, with visiting officials and dignitaries. The Chamber also provides thousands of referrals per year, directing queries to member businesses.
Services & Discounts
Discounts for LRCC members include long-distance phone service, shipping, prescription drugs, and e-marketing.
Visibility
Enjoy exclusive, cost-effective ways to market your business to fellow members and the community. Through our magazine, newsletter, mailings, event sponsorships, online listings, and more, leading businesses use the Chamber to reach customers, consumers, and tourists
Join Us!
All businesses in the Region 2000 area are welcome. Almost half of our members have five or fewer employees, and 91 percent have 50 or fewer. We are a member of the US Chamber of Commerce, which is the world’s largest business federation representing the interests of more than three million businesses of all sizes, sectors, and regions.
Whether you’re looking to network, join panel discussions, serve on a committee, or simply want to come to our events, the Chamber offers opportunities and benefits for everyone. For more information about the LRCC and becoming a member, stop by our office at 2015 Memorial Avenue in Lynchburg, call us at (434) 845-5966, or join us on Facebook.
The "right environment"
Art Middleton, who moved from Richmond to head the Lynchburg Chamber in 1969, has seen the area successfully adapt, transitioning away from a traditional industrial base to an economy that is spurring growth in health, education, technical, and financial services. He attributes that success to a special combination of entrepreneurial vision and community support.
"People forget that First Colony, now Genworth, was once a struggling business," says Middleton. "Eddie Horner had a good idea that, with the addition of George Stewart, turned into a major employer and a major factor downtown. And look at Liberty University. I can remember going to a meeting at the old Virginian Hotel to hear Jerry Falwell talk about the plans he had for a college with an athletic department that would rival Notre Dame. It takes that kind of vision to keep things moving ahead, but that kind of vision also requires the right environment."
During his tenure, Middleton worked hard to create the "right environment" for the region's existing business and up-and-coming enterprises. In addition to Lynchburg Life, his legacy includes the development of Leadership Lynchburg, a nine-month program that strengthens and prepares individuals for personal, organizational, and community leadership
Amy G. Ray, a partner with Brown, Edwards & Company, was the first woman to chair the LRCC's board of directors. "My involvement with the business community was interesting, meaningful, and at times exciting" she recalls. "I particularly enjoyed connecting with our legislative delegation, both in Richmond and in Washington, as well as meeting Terry Anderson (former Beirut hostage) at our annual dinner. Overall, the Chamber provided experiences that I will never forget!"
