Diversity makes for a healthy and stable economy

Central Virginia has proven to be an ideal location for manufacturers, distribution centers, and service businesses with a national or global reach. The economic strength of Region 2000 lies in its broad base of employers. These include over 200 manufacturers, two large nuclear firms with three percent of the region’s workforce, major insurance firms, a sizeable medical complex, and six colleges and universities. Over 20 percent of the workforce continues to be employed in the area’s technology-based manufacturing sector.

Solid employers include the world’s leading nuclear energy company AREVA; nuclear production facilities operators, The Babcock & Wilcox Company; financial conglomerate, Genworth Financial; the largest printing company in the world, RR Donnelley; the snack chip giant, Frito Lay; and AISC-certified steel fabricator, Banker Steel Company.

Lynchburg’s strength is demonstrated by the already flourishing business in the area as well as the array of internationally known names that have chosen to locate here. For example, Banker Steel sized and fabricated the steel columns for the Freedom Tower being built at the World Trade Center site in New York City.  

In addition, young entrepreneurs are finding the Central Virginia area to be a profitable place to set up shop. Lending assistance to these fresh business minds is the Lynchburg Business Development Centre that serves as a “business incubator” providing individual management counseling, technical assistance, financing and training for start-up businesses.

Lynchburg City

Lynchburg City remembers its past while focusing on the future—a vibrant central city fostering a strong sense of community and economic opportunity for all citizens. Technology initiatives are of great importance to Central Virginia. Lynchburg tied for first place as the Top 2007 Digital City in the small cities category of a study executed by the Center For Digital Government. Lynchburg is located near the geographic center of the state, bordered by the eastern edge of the beautiful Blue Ridge Mountains. It is located approximately 180 miles southwest of the nation’s capital, Washington, D.C.

• Size of Area: 50 square miles
• Population: 65,269
• Median Age: 38.4
• Median Home Value: $167,720
• City Hall: (434) 856-2489
• Medical Facilities: Lynchburg General Hospital, Virginia Baptist Hospital
• Education: Public Schools–(434) 522-3700; 2 high schools, 3 middle schools, 11 elementary schools, Central Virginia Governor’s School for Science and Technology; Private–a number of Christian schools and independent elementary/middle schools
• Recreation: golfing, youth sports like baseball, soccer, football, swimming, basketball and tennis, minor league baseball team, miles of hiking and bike trails, Frisbee golf, horseback riding, tennis, ice skating, bowling, skateboarding

Amherst County

Amherst County blends the best of rural and suburban living with thriving businesses such as Greifs Riverville Mill, agriculture, local industries, the beautiful campus and educational opportunities at Sweet Briar College, quaint small towns and shopping areas, and wonderful residential neighborhoods. Nestled along the foothills of the Blue Ridge Mountains, Amherst County offers unique B & Bs, wineries, golf courses, county lakes and parks, campgrounds, 50 miles of the Appalachian Trail, the Blue Ridge Parkway, the historic James River and the James River Heritage Trail.

• Size of Area: 470 square miles
• Population: 32,139
• Median Age: 40
• Median Home Value: $229,900
• Town Hall: (434) 946-9400
• Medical Facilities: Lynchburg General Hospital and Virginia Baptist Hospital
• in nearby Lynchburg
• Education: Public–(434) 946-9386; 7 elementary schools, 2 middle schools, 1 high school; Private–Christian schools Recreation: Lake Nelson, George Washington National Forest, golf, canoeing, kayaking, hiking, horseback riding, youth sports, campgrounds

Appomattox County

Nationally known for the Appomattox Court House Historical Park, Appomattox features a number of other sites worthy of a visit. Visitors can also experience music and craft festivals. Outdoor recreational opportunities abound at Holliday Lake State Park, Buckingham-Appomattox State Forest, and along the James River. Hidden antique shops, inspiring views of the nearby Blue Ridge Mountains, charming bed-and-breakfast facilities, batteau and railroad festivals, local pick-your-own farms and some of the South’s finest most gracious people add to the charm and relaxation experienced at Appomattox.

• Size of Area: 342 square miles
• Population: 13,705
• Median Age: 39.1
• Median Home Value: $169,500
• Town Hall: (434) 352-8268
• Medical Facilities: Lynchburg General Hospital (19 miles); Virginia Baptist Hospital (19 miles); and Southside Community Hospital in Farmville (25 miles)
• Education: Public–(434) 352-8251; 1 Primary School (K-2), 1 Elementary School (3-5), 1 Middle School, 1 High School; Private–Seventh-Day Adventist school
• Recreation: Buckingham/Appomattox State Forest, Holliday Lake State Park, Twin Lakes State Park, Briery Creek Lake, Sandy River Reservoir, youth baseball, softball, football, campgrounds

Bedford City

The city covers an area of 6.81 square miles of history, culture, outstanding architecture, boutiques and fine dining. Bedford was one of the first Virginia Main Street cities—a program based on a downtown revitalization concept that stresses design, organization and promotion as parts of economic restructuring. The area is also the home to the National D-Day Memorial.

• Size of Area: 6.81 square miles
• Population: 6,299
• Median Age: 41
• Median Home Value: $172,800
• City Hall: (540) 587-6001
• Medical Facilities: Bedford
• Memorial Hospital
• Recreation: Liberty Lake Park

Bedford County

Bedford County is one of the fastest-growing counties in the Commonwealth of Virginia. It encompasses 764 square miles of Piedmont Plateau in the Western Central portion of Virginia and is bordered by the Blue Ridge Mountains to the west, the James River on its northeast and Smith Mountain Lake to the south. It has rolling, hilly terrain with elevations ranging from 800 to 4200 feet above sea level. A growing number of people see Bedford as a place where they can combine mountain views, good schools, quality hospital services and a relatively painless commute to the larger urban centers.

• Size of Area: 764 square miles
• Population: 60,371
• Median Age: 40
• Median Home Value: $245,000
• Town Hall: (540) 586-7601
• Medical Facilities: Bedford
• Memorial Hospital
• Education: Public–(540) 586-1045; 15 elementary schools, 3 middle schools, 3 high schools, and the Bedford Science and Technology Center; Private– Christian schools
• Recreation: Leesville Lake, Liberty
• Lake Park, golf, Smith Mountain Lake State Park, waterskiing, boating, hiking, biking, youth sports, campgrounds

Campbell County

From its beginnings as a frontier settlement, to its emergence as a tobacco producer and then a center for industrial manufacturing, Campbell County has continually evolved and grown with national and world changes. Through the years, the County has developed from a mainly agricultural community into a mixture of the suburban and rural. The number of small businesses in the county has increased, and Campbell County’s economy relies on the growth and diversity of large industries and small businesses.

• Size of Area: 504 square miles
• Population: 51,667
• Median Age: 38
• Median Home Value: $207,200
• Town Hall: (434) 592-9525
• Medical Facilities: Lynchburg General Hospital and Virginia Baptist Hospital
• Education: Public–(434) 332-3458; 8 elementary schools, 2 middle schools, 2 high schools, 2 combined schools (middle/high), Campbell County Technical Center; Private–a Christian school and Mennonite school
• Recreation: Staunton River State Park, Buggs Island Lake, Ooconeechee State Park, John Kerr Dam, campgrounds, fishing, boating, campgrounds, youth sports

Transportation

Air

• Lynchburg Regional Airport: With regional carrier service provided by Delta Connection, and US Airways Express, their affiliation with the major flagship airlines means easy connection and ticketing no matter where you’re headed. (434) 455-6090
• Virginia Aviation: A fixed base operator of Lynchburg Regional Airport, Virginia Aviation offers services to passengers and private pilots including aircraft maintenance, flight training, charter flights and aircraft and fuel sales. (434) 237-8420
• Falwell Aviation: A fixed base operator of Lynchburg Regional Airport, Falwell Aviation offers services to passengers and private pilots including aircraft maintenance, flight training, charter flights and aircraft and fuel sales. (434) 237-7002

Rail

• Amtrak: From the Big Apple to the Big Easy, the Crescent stops twice a day at the historic Kemper Street Station to provide passengers transportation between New York City and New Orleans. 1-(800) 872-7245

Public Transit

• Greater Lynchburg Transit Company: The GLTC offers transportation throughout Lynchburg and into Madison Heights, which is part of neighboring Amherst County. (434) 455-5080
• Greyhound Bus Lines: 1-(800) 231-2222

Limo Services

• Premier Limousine Services: (434) 385-8400
• QR Limousine and Transportation: (800) 592-5466
• K & J Limousine Services: (434) 385-7780

Car Rentals

• Berglund Oak Ridge Toyota Rental Center: (434) 455-4338
• Enterprise Rent-A-Car: (434) 385-7511
• Enterprise Rent-A-Car Airport: (434) 239-5785

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