April Edition - The Monitor

by Tanya Hale, Founder

 America watches as Japan struggles with their economic and agricultural infrastructure. Once thought to be secure and sustainable through any natural event, Japan is rethinking their position. Though our particular area of the country seems relatively safe, we do have dangers that lurk. Businesses in particular need to review their emergency preparedness and their stability for continuing to support the local economy during a disaster. We've seen hurricanes, tornadoes, snow/ice storms. We are relatively prepared for these events. What if there were a nuclear fallout? What about an attack on Fort Lee or Fort Pickett? What if you had no internet? What if the power grid went down? What if roadways were blocked? What loss could you have financially, as well as physically? Want to learn more? Want to become more prepared? Dennis Hale, Director of Public Safety, Tony William, Fire Marshall and Sheriff Dusty Rhodes are fully aware of the Emergency Management necessary to keep Dinwiddie moving. They ask every business owner to also be aware and prepared. Join them and the task force currently meeting to keep Dinwiddie County ... A Step Ahead!

 As the Commonwealth faces a complete restructuring of Districts on every level since the latest census, Dinwiddie County and its agricultural neighbors will, most likely, have less of a voice on issues facing agriculture. As more and more people move to the city and suburbs, they are gaining a stronger voice and more representation. This makes increasingly important that we get more involved with our community leadership, our State Representatives, Congressmen and Senators to have our voices heard. Leading the way for Dinwiddie County will be upcoming tourism events that can have far reaching impacts on our tax base. The more citizens and youth get involved to make tourism events successful and shine a positive light on Dinwiddie County for future returns visits to our county, the more revenue we will see coming into Dinwiddie County and the less cuts will need taken from our schools and our county programs. We need community involvement on a wide variety of levels to ensure that the needs of our community are met. Key people who are always stepping up are not the answer, rather more people need to step up and meet the needs. Small steps towards a larger goal!

 Last month I toured you on a small scenario that could become reality with the ingenuity of a few industrious entrepreneurs in our County. More and more I see young people with fabulous ideas for businesses that meet needs ranging from trash hauling to child care/education to craft shops featuring remade items from old items. The difference in these Dinwiddie upstarts is THEY CARE! In my chamber and business travels, this is a common thread to successful businesses. People like doing business with businesses who truly care about the people they serve.

 Email us at This e-mail address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it we want to hear your ideas. Your chamber of commerce plays an important part in economic development and as such, we lean heavily on membership to guide and direct our inputs to the county and future business owners. Get involved! Become a Chamber of Commerce Member today!

Our Sports Complex Brick Project has been advertising in the Monitor! The Bricks are a fundraiser for the new Sports Complex and the purchased bricks will be placed in the common area of the complex for all to see! These make great gift ideas and are great historical markers: births, in memory, in honor or a coach, favorite teacher, group project. The order forms will be available at Eastside Enhancement Center, Dinwiddie County Airport, Pamplin Administration Building, Bank of McKenney, BSV and on-line at www.dinwiddiechamber.org! Add YOUR signature to our new park in Dinwiddie County!

 Watch for changes coming to your Chamber's Website www.dinwiddiechamber.org for your calendar of events in the community, and so much more. Submit your community events via the website or facebook. Join us on facebook as we make it a goal to keep our community and businesses informed. We are building up...building up business in Dinwiddie County. Students at Dinwiddie County Public Schools are eligible for three (3) scholarships for graduating Seniors (scholarship application available on our webpage). We are building business leaders and building a forum for business leaders to connect! Plan to attend our next Membership Meeting, Wednesday, April 13, 2011 - 11:30-1:30 for lunch! RSVP reservations to This e-mail address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it or contact a chamber member today! Member applications are available on our website at dinwiddiechamber.org.