The Danville Office of Economic Development & Tourism hosted a Business Appreciation Breakfast to acknowledge existing businesses and industries on June 3, at the Institute for Advanced Learning & Research, 150 Slayton Avenue, Danville. Over 120 individuals registered, representing over 60 businesses and organizations.
The event included a keynote message from speaker, Dr. Melissa Furman, a consultant with over 20 years of leadership experience and President and Founder of Career Potential LLC. Dr. Furman explored strategies for successfully collaborating across multiple generations in the workplace, equipping employers with the skills to recognize and adapt to employees’ varied perspectives, experiences, and work styles.
“It’s always special when we get the chance to say thank you to the businesses that make Danville and the Dan River Region what it is,” said Mayor Alonzo Jones. “No matter your size, whether you’re a one-person shop or a major employer, you’re the heart of our community. We’re especially grateful for Dr. Furman’s message about working across generations. It gave us all something to think about as we continue building strong, connected workplaces. Thank you for all you do to keep Danville and our region moving forward.”
“Business in Pittsylvania County, from homegrown mom and pop shops to corporations with hundreds of employees, fuels the engine of economic growth and stability in our region,” said Eddie Hite, Pittsylvania County Board of Supervisors Vice-Chairman. “Pittsylvania County is continually grateful for the hard work and commitment to excellence that our business owners and their employees exhibit every day, and we thank them.”
Anne Moore-Sparks, President and CEO of the Danville-Pittsylvania Chamber Foundation, said, “The Danville-Pittsylvania Chamber Foundation is proud to support this important event recognizing the incredible contributions of our local businesses and industries. Events like the Business Appreciation Breakfast not only celebrate our region’s economic vitality but also provide valuable insights, like those shared by Dr. Furman, that help employers strengthen their teams and foster growth. We are grateful to the City of Danville’s Office of Economic Development & Tourism for highlighting the essential role our businesses play in building a thriving community.”
“Today’s event was a powerful reminder of the vital role our local businesses play in shaping the economic future of our region,” said Linda Green, Southern Virginia Regional Alliance Executive Director. “We’re proud to recognize the vision, resilience, and dedication of our business community. Their investments, innovation, and commitment to our cities and counties not only drive growth but strengthen the foundation for long-term prosperity across the region. We are deeply grateful for their partnership and continued leadership. A special thank-you to the Danville Office of Economic Development and Tourism for graciously hosting this year’s event and for their unwavering support of our regional business community.”
This event was sponsored by the City of Danville, Pittsylvania County, the Danville-Pittsylvania Chamber Foundation, the Institute for Advanced Learning & Research, the Southern Virginia Regional Alliance, and the River District Association.
To learn more about upcoming events, workshops, and training opportunities, visit https://www.discoverdanville.com/
About the Office of Economic Development & Tourism
The Danville Office of Economic Development & Tourism recruits and retains businesses for the Danville area. The office provides information on available sites and buildings, incentives and other financial resources and offers a website designed for the business community: www.discoverdanville.com.