Celebrating 125 years of strengthening businesses and stimulating regional prosperity.

Since 1883, the Chamber of Commerce has been the leading organization representing the interests of our region’s businesses. The Chamber works to enhance the quality of life for the region, which includes the cities of Lynchburg and Bedford, and the counties of Amherst, Appomattox, Bedford, and Campbell.

Today, the Chamber provides unique opportunities for individuals and businesses to make a difference by connecting them to important community issues. The Chamber provides leadership opportunities, volunteer programs, and business-building initiatives that focus on the critical priorities of the Lynchburg community. It is the success of these programs that led the Lynchburg Regional Chamber to be nationally recognized as a Five-Star Chamber in 2006 by the US Chamber of Commerce, a distinction that is held by 41 Chambers as of 2007.

By leveraging the talents and resources of members, the Lynchburg Regional Chamber of Commerce helps improve economic opportunities for all. As a leading local advocate for a strong community, the Chamber helps create a climate of growth and success in which all companies—regardless of size or industry—can prosper.

Active in Advocacy

Transportation projects in the areas of air, surface, and rail travel carry high priorities, as they relate directly to commerce and the ability to attract and retain industry.

Road and Rail

The Chamber is one of the most visible proponents for completion of the US 29 bypass system on this major north/south highway. The organization actively leads the advocacy effort for creation of the TransDominion Express, a passenger rail service in which Lynchburg will be the hub to connect Southwest Virginia to Richmond and Washington, D.C. via an upgraded national rail system.

Air

During the 2007 General Assembly session, the Chamber advocated and assisted in creating legislative authority for a regional airport authority. It continues to work in partnership with the Lynchburg Regional Airport to ensure quality and affordable access for Lynchburg’s business and leisure passengers.

Other important regional economic issues are championed through state and federal advocacy to reduce prohibitive costs related to health-care, employee benefits, and other business-related concerns. The Chamber’s advocacy program provides several conduits and events joining with other chambers throughout the state to include our annual Jefferson’s Assembly held at Thomas Jefferson’s Poplar Forest. It also maintains a staff lobbying presence in Richmond for the annual General Assembly session.

Partnerships for Progress

Progress never occurs in a vacuum. The Chamber is involved in multiple partnerships. It works closely with the Region 2000 Workforce Investment Board (WIB) to ensure that the region retains its best and brightest talent. In addition to hosting a workforce conference, the Chamber works with the Region 2000 Technology Council’s Future Focus Expo and the Career Center’s Annual Career Fair. It co-sponsors, with local organizations, a variety of programming with topics including:

• Employment Relationships
• Successful Employee Recruitment and Relocation
• Developing and Implementing a Wellness Program
• Financing your Small Business Needs
• Procurement Resources from the State
• Successful Selling Techniques

The Chamber also champions the Young Professionals of Central Virginia’s (YPCV) mission of attracting and retaining young talent by providing leadership and volunteer support. Additionally, the Chamber participates with:

• Partners in Education
• The Region 2000 Partnership
• The Virginia Leadership Association

Shaping the Regional Economy

Economic vitality in the Lynchburg area is the result of both a quality workforce and a strong tourism agenda that draws visitors in to shop, dine and visit attractions in the region.

Molding Lynchburg’s Future Leaders

Yearly, about 36 professionals participate in this nine-month program to enhance their leadership and team building skills. The program features in depth discussions, special projects, tours and presentations by local leaders. The program covers an array of subjects including networking, effective communication and experiential learning in the areas of local commerce, government, history, attractions, and contacts. The Chamber’s dynamic Leadership Lynchburg program has graduated more than 800 business and community leaders since its inception and celebrates its 30 year anniversary this year. And, the Chamber’s Leadership Lynchburg Alumni Association and Leadership Council maintain involvement and administer the program.

Visitors Invited to Discover Lynchburg

Tourism, a vital part of economic development, is well represented and actively marketed by the Lynchburg Regional Convention & Visitors Bureau (LRCVB). The Bureau focuses on attracting a variety of groups to the area including businesspeople, history buffs, and sports enthusiasts.

The LRCVB’s marketing strategy promotes the Lynchburg region and invites visitors to “Discover Lynchburg, In Every Direction!” The Bureau has successfully recruited several major events to the region, including:

• Camp Jeep
• Tour of Virginia
• Dixie Youth World Series Baseball

In 2007, LRCVB obtained a four-year international accreditation from the Destination Marketing Accreditation Program. In earning the accreditation, destination marketing organizations communicate to their community, buyers and potential visitors that they have attained a significant measure of excellence.

The LRCVB and the Lynchburg Regional Chamber of Commerce served more than 450,000 people in the past six years. These contacts include walk-ins, phone and email requests, and web hits. Through tourism sales efforts more than $2.25 million in lodging room revenues were generated since January 2001, directly impacting area innkeepers and the regional economy.

Why Become A Chamber Member?

Value-added benefits

Perhaps most important for its membership, the Chamber locates and bundles bottom line savings with value-added benefits from Anthem. Members may benefit from discounted products and services from OfficeMax and DHL, as well as an affordable 401(k) plan, PowerNet Global business communications, and CybrCollect for dealing with returned checks. Chamber membership with the US Chamber of Commerce allows members access to a portfolio of benefits and programs.

Resources That Bring Businesses Together

The Chamber hosts quality events that provide members vital business connections, creating opportunities for visibility, advertising, and exhibiting; as well as training and leadership functions for employees. Chamber events include:

• The Annual Meeting
• Business After Hours
• net@lunch
• Holiday Sampler
• Connection—the largest business- to-business tradeshow in the region

Members enjoy the social side of business with clients and prospects at events like the annual Shrimp Festival and two annual golf tournaments.

Visibility

Through several communications vehicles, the Chamber informs the public and makes referrals for its members. Publications include The Commerce Report, the Chamber’s quarterly newsletter; Lynchburg Life, the Chamber’s annual quality of life magazine; Chamber Happenings (email news update); Fax-Blast; Legislative Update; and several others. The Chamber website hosts an online business directory, member event posting features and vital data for assisting in the attraction of new business and talent. The Chamber’s website averages more than 60,000 reviews per month.

How to Find Us

Check out the Chamber’s website at www.lynchburgchamber.org. The Chamber’s business office on 2015 Memorial Avenue is open from 9 AM–5 PM, Monday through Friday. The main office provides member information, relocation materials, maps, brochures, industrial data, and economic statistics on Central Virginia. The Chamber also operates The Visitor Information Center, located at the corners of 12th and Church Streets in the heart of downtown Lynchburg, is open seven days a week.

How We Impact The Region…

• Total number of Referrals of Member Businesses - 539,309
• Total number of networking events where members expanded their contacts and grew their business - 24
• Total Certificheck sales being spent at member businesses - $172,930
• Total number of visitor and newcomer packets mailed and/or regional information given through Convention & Visitors Bureau - 17,323
• Total in hotel room night generation for the region as a result of tourism group sales efforts - $365,188

History and Accomplishments

The Chamber was founded in Lynchburg in 1883 with its office located on 135 Main Street. That group of business leaders knew that the continued prosperity of their businesses and the community depended upon their joining and working together. The Chamber’s original purpose was to strengthen the free enterprise system and promote business and community growth.

In 1909 the Chamber reorganized and restructured again in 1915 when it merged with the Board of Trade. In 1969, it changed its name to the Greater Lynchburg Chamber of Commerce to demonstrate that it served the entire Central Virginia area. In 2000, the organization changed its name to the Lynchburg Regional Chamber of Commerce to reflect its regional membership and priorities.

Following is a timeline of important events undertaken by the Chamber in recent decades as early as 1921:

1921: Worked with Home Economics Association to create the Lynchburg Community Chest, which evolved into the United Way of Central Virginia.

1951: Raised $20,000 to build Eagle Eyrie Baptist Conference Center, a religious retreat center on Highway 501.

1954: Raised money for the Lynchburg Baseball Club, now known as the Lynchburg Hillcats.

1956: Supported construction of the Plaza shopping center on Memorial Avenue.

1957: Adopted a new tourism slogan, “Lynchburg, the Hub City in the Heart of Virginia.”

1966: Announced the decision by the Virginia State Board of Community Colleges that Lynchburg was to receive a new community college.

1966: The Chamber’s Aviation Committee secured jet service from Piedmont Airlines for Lynchburg Municipal Airport.

1968: Supported the creation of a Junior Achievement program for Lynchburg.

1968: The Chamber’s Aviation Committee secured a new airport manager.

1973: Earned accreditation from the US Chamber of Commerce. Of more than 7,000 chambers in the United States, less than 350 chambers have achieved this milestone.

1974: Worked with Junior League and created a task force to plan Kaleidoscope, a community-wide festival.

1975: Began a leadership development program that later became, Leadership Lynchburg.

1979: Entered into agreements with the City of Lynchburg to identify industrial sites and determine availability of utilities for industrial development efforts.

1980: The Chamber’s Highway and Transportation Task Force announced the opening of the new segment of the Route 460 bypass from Candler’s Mountain Road to Wards Road.

1985: Secured state funding for a state-of-the-art electronic classroom at Lynchburg College.

1985: The Chamber’s Technical Education Task Force lobbied the Virginia General Assembly for the creation of the Center for Advanced Engineering.

1985: Created the Team 2000 Task Force, which evolved into the Region 2000 program of today.

1991: Spearheaded efforts to establish a Small Business Development Center with Small Business Administration, the City of Lynchburg and Region 2000.

1991: Facilitated the creation of a community-wide visioning program known as “Vision 2001.”

1991: Worked with Lynchburg Public Schools to create Partners in Education, a partnership between businesses and local schools.

1992: Launched an outdoor concert series, “Live At Five,” to benefit area charities. Friday Cheers in Downtown Lynchburg grew out of this program.

1993: the City of Lynchburg contracted with the Chamber to manage the Lynchburg Visitor Center.

1997: Instrumental in organizing Crimestoppers, a private sector initiative, which offers rewards for information leading to the arrest and conviction of criminals.

1999: One of several regional partners to launch Regional Renaissance, a public visioning process.

2000: Formed the Committee to Advance the TransDominion Express and secured $9.3 million from the General Assembly to begin statewide passenger rail service.

2001: Formed the Air Service Partnership that secured grants and funds to return jet service to Lynchburg Regional Airport.

2004: Merged with Sports Capital of Virginia, stabilizing the Virginia 10 Miler and Central Virginia Hall of Fame Banquet. Through fundraising efforts, the Chamber presented checks to the City of Lynchburg and Lynchburg Hillcats for $407,000 for improvements to City Stadium.

2005: Formed the Building Steering Committee to discuss moving to another location or greatly enhancing its current facilities.

2006: Became one of only 24 chambers in the nation to earn 5-star accreditation from the US Chamber.

2007: Lobbied the Virginia General Assembly to authorize the creation of the Region 2000 Airport Authority to broaden regional participation in the operation of Lynchburg Regional Airport.

2007: The Chamber’s Board of Directors approved a timeline for a feasibility study, capital campaign and construction of a new building to be available by 2011.

2008: The power of the Chamber is found in its collective ability to respond and lead on emerging issues facing our communities and region. The Chamber has a proven record of success in business advocacy, economic development, workforce training, providing connections and stimulating regional prosperity. Rest assured that the Chamber’s future accomplishments will be as impressive as its rich history of advances for Lynchburg and Central Virginia!

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