Blog

NEWS RELEASE
 
For more information, contact:                                                         
Diana Schwartz, CEO
 
208 N. Union Street                                                                               For Immediate Release
PO Box 685                                                                                           August 9, 2024
Danville, VA 24543
Phone: 434.791.0210
Email: diana@riverdistrictassociation.com
 
 
RIVER DISTRICT ASSOCIATION ANNOUNCES NEW BOARD MEMBERS AND THANKS THOSE LEAVING
 
[DANVILLE, VA] – The River District Association (RDA) is excited to announce the appointment of a new member to the RDA Board of Directors. Danielle Montague, of Virginia Rural Health Association has joined the RDA board in June 2024.
Regarding her board membership, Danielle Montague says, “I am interested to be involved in the development of the downtown area, specifically the North Main portion of downtown. I grew up in close proximity to the North Main area. I hope to bring my strategic development, planning, and programming experience to the board as the River District Association revives all the downtown areas.”
 
RDA would also like to recognize the service of two outgoing board members that have been integral to the success of the organization. Kelvin Perry and Billy Crumpton have both served 9 years on the RDA board and have been an integral part of the organization’s success. RDA is extremely grateful for their dedicated service. 
 
"One of the reasons that RDA is successful in our work is the contribution by our Board leadership.  No nonprofit organization can be successful without a strong board, and we can confidently say that we have a stellar membership" said Diana Schwartz, CEO of the River District Association. "We are grateful for the time and talent that Mr. Perry and Mr. Crumpton so generously gave to our organization and are looking forward to the addition of Danielle Montague to the team".
 
Additionally, RDA says goodbye to Will Mackaman, who has served as RDA’s Director of Economic Vitality for the last 3 years.  Under his leadership, the Dream Launch Bootcamp and Ignite Pitch Competition made amazing contributions to small businesses in the River District.
 
 
The slate of RDA board members for 2024-2025 are:
Emma Sellers, Averett University
President
 
Kunal Patel, Caesars Virginia
Vice-President
 
Irving Perez, First Citizens Bank
Secretary
 
Austin Bunn, Aoss Ventures
Treasurer
 
Rachel Covington, Eptstien Clark Consulting
 
Steven Osborne, International Mission Board
 
Christy Harper, Danville Pittsylvania Chamber of Commerce
 
Drew Herring, West Main Baptist Church
 
Dr. Andrew Hessler, Danville Dental Associates
 
Sandra Chinn-Gilstrap, Chinn Gilstrap Law
 
Rachel Timm, Ruby B. Archie Public Library
 
Danielle Montague, Virginia Rural Health Association
 
 
To find out more about the River District Association, or if you have any questions, please visit www.riverdistrictassociation.com.
The River District Association was organized in 1999 as the Downtown Danville Association.
In May 2015, the organization was renamed the River District Association to complement the City’s River District brand and is an Accredited by both the Virginia Main Street Organization and the National Main Street (Main Street America).

Check out our August 2024 Newsletter. 

Check out our July 2024 Newsletter. 

Check out July's North Main Business District Newsletter. 

PRESS RELEASE

For Immediate Release

Contact: Lashawn Farmer, RDA Director of Design and Expansion

434-791-0210

True North Speaker Series event empowers Black women with a celebration of strength, resilience, and sisterhood.

DANVILLE, VA — June 6th, 2024

In recognition of the invaluable contributions and indomitable spirit of Black women, The River District Association is thrilled to announce the upcoming event, "True North Speaker Series Celebration.” 

Together, let us celebrate the strength, resilience, and tenacity that define the essence of Black women entrepreneurship, economics, health and community development. Join us for an unforgettable event dedicated to honoring our past, embracing our present, and shaping a future where every Black woman can shine.

The River District Association, a nationally accredited Main Street Organization is committed to bringing its business district revitalization support to the North Main Business District. 

Lashawn Farmer, RDA Director of Expansion and Design says, "This is a historic moment, an opportunity for our region to witness the profound contributions of black and brown girls and women, shaping every aspect of our lives: from how we live and work, to how we play and pray.”

Event Details:

Date: June 19, 2024

Time: 4:00pm-8:30pm 

Location: Thee Arc Family Life Center

This landmark occasion aims to honor the multifaceted brilliance of Black women, offering a platform for dialogue, inspiration, and empowerment. With an unwavering commitment to fostering the North Main community, solidarity, and growth, this event promises to be a pivotal moment for all attendees.

Highlights of the Event Include:

Vendor Marketplace: Explore a vibrant marketplace featuring products and services from Black-owned businesses, health, education, job readiness and showcasing the creativity and entrepreneurial spirit of the community.

Panel Discussions: Engage in thought-provoking discussions led by esteemed panelists, exploring topics ranging from leadership and entrepreneurship to wellness and social justice. Renowned speakers from diverse fields will deliver powerful insights, experiences, and wisdom garnered from their journeys.

Networking Opportunities: Connect with fellow attendees, build meaningful relationships, and forge alliances that transcend boundaries.

Artistic Showcases: Experience the rich tapestry of Black culture through captivating performances, including music, and visual arts.

Oral History Recording: A space for older black women to sit down and discuss their life. All stories will be recorded and made into a video. 

Network Socialization: A created space for neighbors from diverse backgrounds to come together, network, and engage in meaningful discussions to enhance our community.

This event promises to inspiring, empowering and transformational for the whole community. Mark your calendars and reserve your spot today!

About the Organizers:

This event is organized by River District Association as an opportunity to advance the redevelopment of the Downtown and North Main Business District. The mission of RDA is to continue moving forward in the transformation of Danville's River District and North Main Business Corridor as a welcoming and lively place for all, while inspiring and influencing social and economic development for the great Dan River Region. 

This project was designed by a passionate team committed to uplifting and amplifying the voices of Black women. With a shared vision of creating inclusive spaces that celebrate diversity and empower individuals to thrive, we invite you to join us in this transformative journey.  This event celebrates Black women’s contributions to our community, but it is an event for everyone, ALL are welcome!

Registration Information:

Register online at https://bit.ly/RDATrueNorthRegistration. Registration is highly encouraged.

For media inquiries, or general information, please contact Lashawn Farmer at lashawn@riverdistrictassociation.com or 434-791-0210.

North Main Business District: Follow the North Main Business District Facebook page, or join the newsletter for updates and to join the conversation!

Facebook:  @NorthMainDistrict

Newsletter:
https://lp.constantcontactpages.com/su/mFUpH18/NorthMainBusinessDistrict

#TrueNorthSpeakerSeries #RiverDistrictAssociation #NorthMainBusinessDistrict

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The River District Association was organized in 1999 as the Downtown Danville Association. In May 2015, the organization was renamed the River District Association to complement the City’s River District brand and is an accredited Virginia and National Main Street Community. The office is located at 208 N Union St, Danville VA.