Business Appreciation Week Reception

Please help us celebrate these businesses who have been in business in Lynchburg for more than 100 years!!

The third annual Business Appreciation Week Reception was graciously hosted by The Swann Group from 5:30-7:00PM. We had a thunderstorm right before the event and we were without electricity. However, in true business fashion the "show" went on by candlelight. Fitting for the 250th anniversary of Lynch's Ferry. Mary Jane Russell, Director,Office of Economic Development (who is a descendent of John Lynch) and Delegate Shannon Valentine spoke briefly and thanked all our businesses. Our keynote speaker was Marc Schewel, President of Schewel Furniture Company who celebrates 110 years in business in Lynchburg this year. Mark gave the "Top Ten Reasons He Loves Being Downtown".

The Office of Economic Development and Mayor Joan Foster recognized all of the businesses who have participated in the "One Programs™":

• Business Rocks™: Sandusky, Dunbar, Linkhorne Middle Schools ACS, AMG, Belvac Production Machinery, BMS Direct, EDM, Hofmann Global, Lynchburg Sheltered Industries, Milwaukee Iron, Parker Hannifin, Simplimatic Automation, Tessy Plastics
• Mentor One™: Belvac, Boxley Block, Free Clinic, Lynchburg Public Schools, M/A Com, Randolph College, Ward Dean, CPA, Wegmann USA
• Grow One™: Areva, Lynchburg Industrial Development Authority, Moore's Electrical and Mechanical Construction, Region 2000 Economic Development Council, Region 2000 Workforce Investment Board, Retail Merchants Foundation, Progress Printing, The Timken Company, Lovelace Norvelle Mathews & Crews, Lynchburg College, National Council on Economic Education
• Just Hire One™: AMTI; City of Lynchburg Fleet Services, HR Department, IT Department, Library & Museums, and Utilities; Elizabeth's Early Learning Center, McBratney Marketing, Orthopedic Center of Central Virginia, PIP Printing, Seven Hills Urology, Wiley & Wilson

OED consultants: Shirley T. Deen and Charlene Watson

The program concluded with the electricity returning and closing remarks by L. Kimball Payne, City Manager.

Thank you for doing business in Lynchburg, Virginia!!