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The River District Association in Danville, VA is seeking our next Executive Director. 

Danville is a proud 2023 Great American Main Street Award [GAMSA] recipient, and we are looking for a passionate, strategic, and experienced non-profit professional to lead our impactful work in downtown and business district revitalization.

This individual will exhibit a wealth of Main Street knowledge and experience, boast a proven track record of collaboration, and share our vision of creating a lively place for all while driving meaningful social and economic development throughout the greater region.

Learn more about this exciting opportunity by viewing the Leadership Profile here.

The River District Association (RDA) is excited to announce a call for proposals from professional muralists and painting contractors to help create a signature mural at one of Danville's most prominent locations.

The project will transform the gateway wall at the intersection of North Main St. and Riverside Dr., creating a vibrant welcome to visitors and residents entering Danville's River District and the North Main St. Business District. 

The RDA invites qualified artists to submit their proposals for this high-visibility project. Interested parties can download the complete Request for Proposals by clicking here. 

For additional information or questions regarding the proposal process, please contact Lashawn Farmer, director of design and expansion for the River District Association at lashawn@riverdistrictassociation.com or call 434-791-0210.

For more information, contact:                                                                 

Diana Schwartz, RDA CEO

208 N. Union Street, Suite 101                                                                                          
P.O. Box 853                                                                                                                               

Danville, VA 24543

Phone: 434.791.0210

Email: Diana@riverdistrictassociation.com

River District Association Announces New Director of Promotions and Communications

For Immediate Release

DANVILLE, Va. (April 15, 2025) – The River District Association (RDA) has appointed Shane Brogden as the new director of promotions and communications, effective April 14.

Brogden will manage the organizational communications, including website management, social   media engagement and press releases. He will create promotional content highlighting River District businesses and attractions, coordinate specialevents and serve as the primary  communications liaison for businesses in the River District Association.

"We are thrilled that Shane has chosen the River District Association to utilize his vast  knowledge of communications, marketing and promotions,” said Diana Schwartz, River District Association CEO. “Telling the story and promoting events and information about our community, businesses, stakeholders and our organization is one of our most important functions that RDA serves, and Shane brings a great deal of expertise to accomplish this very important work.  We are thrilled that he is now part of our RDA team."

A native of South Boston, Virginia, Brogden graduated from Averett University in 2014 with a bachelor’s degree in communication studies with a concentration in journalism. He began his career at God’s Pit Crew, where he started as promotions and media coordinator from 2014-2017, then served as marketing director from 2017-2023. Most recently, he served as development marketing and communications specialist at Averett University.

“When I moved to Danville in 2017, the view from my apartment windows on Main Street was the iconic Home sign. I quickly fell in love with the River District everything it has to offer,” Brogden said. “I am honored and excited to bring my skill set to the RDA team and contribute to the ongoing revitalization, growth and promotion of all businesses and events here in Danville’s River District.

For more information about the River District Association, or if you have any questions, please visit www.riverdistrictassociation.com

About River District Association

The River District Association was organized in 1999 as the Downtown Danville Association and rebranded in May 2015 to complement the City’s River District brand. RDA is an accredited Virginia and National Main Street Community. 

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Whether you live in the River District or own a business downtown, we want to hear from YOU! Take our survey, in partnership with the River District Association and lead the change you want to see in our region!
Click here to voice your thoughts on housing, entertainment, retail options, and more in the River District: https://forms.office.com/r/VjxdwcUE05

For more information, contact:                                                         
Diana Schwartz, CEO
 
208 N. Union Street (24541)                                                                              For Immediate Release
PO Box 853                                                                                                       September 20th, 2024
Danville, VA 24543
Phone: 434.791.0210
Email: diana@riverdistrictassociation.com
 
 
**FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE**
 
Miles for Merchants 5K to Kick Off "Shop Small, Shop Local Month" in Danville's River District
 
Danville, VA – October 8th, 2024 – The River District Association (RDA) is excited to announce the inaugural Miles for Merchants 5K, a community-driven fundraiser supporting a grant fund for local small business owners in the River District experiencing hardship. The race will take place on November 2nd, 2024, marking the start of what the RDA is proudly dubbing "Shop Small, Shop Local" month in November.
 
Runners and walkers of all ages are invited to participate in this exciting event, which promises a fun and fast course that weaves through parts of the River District and along the scenic Riverwalk Trail. It's a fantastic way to promote health and wellness while supporting the backbone of our local economy – small businesses.
 
All proceeds from the race will directly benefit small business owners in the River District, helping them navigate challenging times. "This event is not only about fitness, but also about the power of community, the power of connection, and the importance of supporting those who keep our downtown vibrant and thriving," said Diana Schwartz, CEO of RDA.
 
This officially timed race is perfect for competitive runners and casual walkers alike. Medals will be awarded to the top three male and female runners, as well as the top three male and female walkers.
 
Participants can also look forward to:
·      Event T-Shirts for all participants (register by October 19th to be guaranteed a shirt)
·      Special deals to participating downtown merchants with the presentation of your race bib.
·      Pride in knowing that you help make a difference to our small business owners in a time of need.
 
The Miles for Merchants 5K offers a meaningful way for the community to rally around its local entrepreneurs while enjoying a beautiful fall day outdoors. Whether you're a seasoned runner or a casual walker, your participation makes a difference, and we hope you will consider joining us.
 
Registration Information:
To register for the Miles for Merchants 5K, visit RunSignUp.com or bit.ly/3ZJaoBO. Join us on November 2nd and be part of this special day in Danville’s River District! Together, we can ensure that our small businesses continue to thrive.
 
If you would like to donate to the fund without participating in the 5K, please contact RDA at 434-791-0210 for information on supporting the RDA Merchant Hardship Grant Fund.
 
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).