Merchants, Restaurateurs, Small Business Owners, Artists, and others involved in the community around Petersburg are invited to attend an Open House hosted by Petersburg Old Towne Merchants Group. The meeting will take place Wednesday, November 18, 2009, from 6:00 to 7:30pm. at Old Towne Catering Company, 9 West Old Street in Petersburg.

The purpose of the open house is to bring together Downtown Petersburg business professionals and other stakeholders from around the community, and share ways to promote Petersburg in a business-friendly manner.

In addition to networking and social time, the group will be hosting a discussion based on “Turning Around Downtown: Twelve Steps to Revitalization”, a paper written by Christopher Leinberger of the Brookings Institute.

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Below is a copy of an e-mail received from Shannon Bryant, Controller, Wellotson Holdings, LLC. The below email gives details on acquiring Java Mio – the business, fixtures, new lease on the space, etc.

Shannon writes:
“… We are excited to announce a fantastic opportunity for the perfect person, partnership or group to own the “New Java Mio” (or new name you select)!

We would like to find someone who is excited and able to pursue opening up a new shop!! The existing equipment, furniture and supplies are available to purchase for a Reasonable Offer. This is the right business endeavor if you are looking for the following:
• Successful Business Opportunity
• Established Customer Base
• Great Location
• Negotiate a New Lease
• Purchase of Existing Equipment
All parties involved in this opportunity will be flexible and cooperative to facilitate a successful opening of the “New Java Mio”. We want Old Towne to flourish and Petersburg has definitely missed having its “Quality, Specialty Coffee House”. This is an incredible opportunity with great potential!

If you are interested, please contact:
Shannon Bryant
shannon@xmission.com
(801) 543-3366, ext. 11

Again, to obtain the existing furniture, equipment and supplies a Reasonable Offer will need to be made. All offers should be sent via e-mail and the lease negotiations will be handled simultaneously, but separately. This is not a tax or fire sale and those hoping for such should probably look elsewhere.

I hope to hear from you soon!! Please feel free to forward this e-mail to anyone you feel would be interested.”
End of forwarded email

“The Pizza Shop” – a new Skateboard Shop, will be having a grand opening in Old Towne very soon! To be located behind the Gardener’s Gate at 9 East Bank Street. More details are coming soon!

And, the Divine Diva is expanding into the former Maggie’s. New lines are coming! View their website for current SALES (to make room for new things) and events – thedivinedivaboutique.com / 10 Bollingbrook Street

Virginia was ranked this week by U.S. News & World Report among the “Five Best States to Start a Business.” This follows a sixth number one ranking for Her pro-business environment.

“Virginia makes a great effort to assist in the establishment of small businesses with programs that streamline the startup process and connect entrepreneurs with resources,” said Virginia Secretary of Commerce and Trade, Patrick Gottschalk. “Our business one stop electronic business formation system is continually growing in popularity with Virginia’s entrepreneurs.”

From U.S. News & World Report: “Virginia- This state is not just “purple” in its voting patterns. Like blue states such as Massachusetts, It mixes the highly educated workforce and technological sophistication. And like red states such as Texas, Virginia is known for its low taxes. This state boasts the highest number of information technology jobs in non-IT industries as a total share of jobs, which indicates that Virginia’s businesses are more technologically advanced than businesses in other states.”

Minerva Books will close for business permanently at the end of the day on August 15. Community members are invited to come out and take advantage of the store’s for whom the bell tolls sale until then. All in-stock books and merchandise are 30% off, with previously placed special orders and used book purchases on store credit excluded. Customers who have store credit or gift certificates are asked to use them before August 1. The store will maintain advertised hours as much as possible during the draw-down, with some potential exceptions for job interviews. Call 732-2440, or go to www.minervabooks.net if in doubt. The owner thanks the community for helping her fulfill a lifelong dream. See the store’s website www.minervabooks.net for more information about the shutdown.

There will be a Ward 4 Meeting Monday, May 18, at 7:30pm, sponsored by Councilman Brian Moore at Old Towne Catering, 9 W Old St. The facilitator will be Mr. Mike Termini, President of The Consulting Alliance Group. He will be presenting his findings from the review of the comments sheets submitted from our meetings. The information presented Monday and the comments and concerns presented throughout the work sessions will be used to develop a short and long-term strategic plan.

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As always, there’s a lot going on in charming, historic Old Towne! Read below to learn about this week’s specials and events.

The BIG DEAL (literally) this weekend is the Dog Stroll & Bazaar on Sat, May 16 – 11 to 5 pm including huge sales, fun dog contest at 1 pm. Visit http://oldtownepetersburg.com/dogstroll.html for all details. Remember to start at the Visitor Center, 425 Cockade Alley for the free goodie bag with festivity list, history walk info, dog treats, coupons! Please bring a pet food donation for the PET FOOD DRIVE benefiting the Pbg/Col Hghts SPCA.

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As always, there’s a lot going on in charming, historic Old Towne! Read below to learn about this week’s specials and events. You may also check the Old Towne Merchants Group site at oldtownepetersburg.com for more information.

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As always, there’s a lot going on in charming, historic Old Towne! Read below to learn about this week’s specials and events. You may also check the Old Towne Merchants Group site at oldtownepetersburg.com for more information.

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Each day the Central Virginia Food Bank delivers 160 meals to Kid’s Cafe sites and Meals on Wheels clients in Petersburg and, since July 1, 2008, they have distributed approximately 118,191 pounds of food and other grocery products through their network of 15 agencies in Petersburg.  Much of this food comes from food drives held throughout this service area, including Petersburg, and is a vital component in keeping their distribution center stocked and ready to feed the hungry in Central Virginia. The Old Towne Market Place is accepting donations of food items for delivery to the Food Bank.

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A Workshop Hosted by The Cameron Foundation
Wednesday, April 22 & Thursday, May 7 from 9:00 – 11:30 AM

Randy P. Howard, President of 501 Advisors, Inc. draws on 30 years of his broad experience to offer advice and strategies for leading and managing your nonprofit organization during challenging economic times. He is currently CFO of a nonprofit human service agency facing a 10% revenue shortfall.

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The Crater Small Business Development Center of Longwood University and The Petersburg Chamber of Commerce are pleased to bring a seminar entitled: Learning New Strategies to Manage Your Business in a Troubled Economy.
 

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Read below for details on specials in Old Towne this coming week.

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We launched an online blog for our store last month and we are having tremendous fun updating it regularly for our readers.

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Holly Bandy received her formal retirement papers from the Department of the Air Force in recognition and appreciation of her service to the country. Lt Col Bandy accepted her commission in 1987 and served on active duty for 8 years. She finished the last 14 years of service as a reservist at Langley AFB. During her service she was awarded the Air Force Achievement and Air Force Commendation medals.

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Take that, national economy, Petersburg’s Old Towne boasts a bunch of new businesses. In no particular order: Maggie’s has expanded to 8 Bollingbrook St. (Vera Bradley bags, stationary, luggage); Pure Health has opened at 27 W. Bank St.; Utopia Spa recently celebrated its grand opening at 115 N. Sycamore St.; Grateful Soles has opened at 408 N. Sycamore St. (shoes, handbags); River’s Edge has relocated to new digs at 12 W. Bank St.; Scotty’s Ice Cream & Snack Bar is soon to open at 106 N. Sycamore St.; and I’ve probably missed a few (feel free to help fill in any gaps!).

A major fundraiser for the Richmond Symphony, this year’s Richmond Symphony Designer House, Tara II (located at 5511 Cary Street Road) is on tour from today through Oct. 10 — and Petersburg’s Beverly Rivers, of Rivers Edge Interiors, was the designer for the dining room! Check the Style Weekly sneak-peek article, Rooms for imagination, for Beverly’s insights into the room, and the slideshow available in this RTD article.

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BandyWorks LLC announced today that it has located its offices to 215 N Market Street in Old Towne Petersburg. The company is expanding its internet design and development services that provide integrated solutions to business throughout the southeast region of the United States. The company has begun hiring developers, designers and analysts to fulfill its expanding telecommunications work.

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The Cordial Cricket (formerly known as Paper with Style in Old Towne Petersburg) opened its new store located in Festival Park at Chester Village with a ribbon cutting ceremony on Friday, August 29th. The ribbon cutting event was attended by representatives from the Retail Merchants Association, local media, numerous loyal customers, friends, family and other local business owners.

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Utopia Spa invites you to attend the Grand Opening of their Full Service Spa at 115 N. Sycamore St. on September 12, Friday for the Arts. A Ribbon Cutting at 5:00pm, presented by the Petersburg Chamber of Commerce, will be followed by a night of relaxation and festivity!

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Petersburg’s Chamber of Commerce Invites you to join members of the area chambers to celebrate the grand opening of Candlewood Suites Hotel on Wednesday September 10, 2008, 4-7pm.  Come to view this beautiful facility with other business members from the region.  Bring lots of cards and meet new business prospects while enjoing time with food, drink and conversation.

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Develop your entrepreneurial skills and business acumen at a free Brown Bag Lunch seminar. This seminar will explore Financial Management & Funding Your Business. Ron White, of Merrill Lynch will be the keynote speaker. Ron specializes in financial services and cash management. His focus is on assisting individual clients and business owners in fulfilling their financial goals and objectives.

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From the office of Gov. Kaine: GOVERNOR KAINE ANNOUNCES $6 MILLION INVESTMENT IN DINWIDDIE COUNTY ~ EMJ to open metal products distribution operation and create jobs

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… or, at least, 10 minutes behind a microphone in a public venue.” Minerva Books is hosting a poetry reading September 12 at 7:30pm. Sign-ups for one of roughly 15 slots will begin August 15 and will be first come, first served until all the slots are filled. Note: you must stop by the store to sign up. And I quote: “You are allowed to perform your own original work, read from a favorite author’s work, or do some combination. But you will be limited to no more than 10 minutes of time, after which you will be gonged, drawn in crayon, and burned in effigy on the deck.” How cool is that?

Today’s RTD features a story on the region’s newest independent bookseller, Minerva Books — “Trading in ideas, coffee and comfortable seating since May, 2008.” And on the ‘ideas’ note, Minerva Books will host a poetry reading event in September. More on that in the next post.