Blog

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).

Stay up to date on the happenings on North Main with this Newsletter. 

Read the September 2024 RDA Newsletter HERE!

NEWS RELEASE
 
For more information, contact:                                                         
Diana Schwartz, CEO
 
208 N. Union Street                                                                               For Immediate Release
PO Box 685                                                                                           August 9, 2024
Danville, VA 24543
Phone: 434.791.0210
Email: diana@riverdistrictassociation.com
 
 
RIVER DISTRICT ASSOCIATION ANNOUNCES NEW BOARD MEMBERS AND THANKS THOSE LEAVING
 
[DANVILLE, VA] – The River District Association (RDA) is excited to announce the appointment of a new member to the RDA Board of Directors. Danielle Montague, of Virginia Rural Health Association has joined the RDA board in June 2024.
Regarding her board membership, Danielle Montague says, “I am interested to be involved in the development of the downtown area, specifically the North Main portion of downtown. I grew up in close proximity to the North Main area. I hope to bring my strategic development, planning, and programming experience to the board as the River District Association revives all the downtown areas.”
 
RDA would also like to recognize the service of two outgoing board members that have been integral to the success of the organization. Kelvin Perry and Billy Crumpton have both served 9 years on the RDA board and have been an integral part of the organization’s success. RDA is extremely grateful for their dedicated service. 
 
"One of the reasons that RDA is successful in our work is the contribution by our Board leadership.  No nonprofit organization can be successful without a strong board, and we can confidently say that we have a stellar membership" said Diana Schwartz, CEO of the River District Association. "We are grateful for the time and talent that Mr. Perry and Mr. Crumpton so generously gave to our organization and are looking forward to the addition of Danielle Montague to the team".
 
Additionally, RDA says goodbye to Will Mackaman, who has served as RDA’s Director of Economic Vitality for the last 3 years.  Under his leadership, the Dream Launch Bootcamp and Ignite Pitch Competition made amazing contributions to small businesses in the River District.
 
 
The slate of RDA board members for 2024-2025 are:
Emma Sellers, Averett University
President
 
Kunal Patel, Caesars Virginia
Vice-President
 
Irving Perez, First Citizens Bank
Secretary
 
Austin Bunn, Aoss Ventures
Treasurer
 
Rachel Covington, Eptstien Clark Consulting
 
Steven Osborne, International Mission Board
 
Christy Harper, Danville Pittsylvania Chamber of Commerce
 
Drew Herring, West Main Baptist Church
 
Dr. Andrew Hessler, Danville Dental Associates
 
Sandra Chinn-Gilstrap, Chinn Gilstrap Law
 
Rachel Timm, Ruby B. Archie Public Library
 
Danielle Montague, Virginia Rural Health Association
 
 
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).