Business Recruitment Packet - Downtown Blackstone Inc.

Foreword
Like other rural towns across the
Commonwealth of Virginia, the Town of
Blackstone has a rich heritage and a grass
roots feel. People are friendly and
community pride is evident. There is also
plenty of land upon which to build homes
and work facilities. What sets us apart?
Although the nation is in an economic downturn, Blackstone is bustling with
activity as well as growth. There is continued public and private funding in our
infrastructures. With the coordination of public and private interests, the
business district is currently undergoing a revitalization of office/store spaces as
well as streetscapes. Market rate apartments are in the planning stages and
downtown housing is a definite priority. Over the past year, private individuals
have invested over a million dollars in renovations and improvements and others
plan to follow in the near future.
Local business leaders and volunteers
have played an integral part in the
process. Organized as the “DBI”
(Downtown Business Incorporated), this
non-profit group has guided current
investment and growth. In addition, it
has established itself as an anchor
organization whose goal is to sustain
existing businesses as well as to foster
new growth in the downtown business
district.
Partnered with local government leaders and employees, the DBI is currently
administering a CDBG grant that has provided additional funding for town
improvements.
Many facts and figures are presented in the document that will help you get to
know Blackstone. For more in-depth marketing analysis, visit our website
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www.downtownblackstone.org. In addition, our DBI project manager, Lafayette
Dickens, has a downtown office at 107 West Broad Street and would be happy to
offer his assistance. Please contact him at 434-292-3041 or by email
manager@downtownblackstone.org
Flavor of the Community
Blackstone dates back to the
Revolutionary War. It began as a
crossroads for two competing taverns
that slowly grew into a thriving
farming and commerce center. The
town of Blackstone was first
incorporated on February 23, 1888
and the Town Manager form of
The restored Schwartz Tavern dates back to the
late 18 th century. It now operates as a museum.
government was adopted on June 1, 1914. It became the thirteenth town in the
United States to choose this form of government, which consists of a Mayor and
seven councilmen elected every two years.
During World War II, the small town was transformed into a bustling economy
that supported thousands of troops stationed at the newly constructed Camp
Pickett. The military required many goods and services as well as housing for
uprooted families. The town was quick to respond. Businesses sprang up quickly
and the town became known as a hub
for local residents as well as for those in
neighboring counties. Unfortunately,
the economic boom was short-lived as
the camp was later closed. The boom
The current United Methodist
Assembly Center was built in 1892
as the Blackstone Female Institute.
and bust would happen again in the
1950’s during the Korean War.
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Blackstone fought back by attracting industries such as Levi Strauss, which
provided opportunity and advancement for women and low-income families. But
like other towns in the U. S., manufacturing moved overseas. Many workers
found employment at nearby state-owned facilities as well as businesses located
within an hour’s commute. Though the job market here is small, the quality of life
remains good. Population increases are small. Former residents and military
retirees continue to locate here, enriching the community.
Blackstone’s business community
continues to offer adequate goods and
services for its residents as well as for
residents of surrounding counties. For
many years it has been a central shopping
place for rural communities within a 50-
mile radius. The downtown business
district experienced revitalization in the
mid 1980’s when local business owners
spent thousands of dollars to upgrade
dilapidated facades. Unfortunately, there
was no organizing force to support
continued maintenance and marketing of the town’s retail and service district. As
a result the downtown district gradually shifted from retail stores to serviceoriented
establishments such as law offices, beauty shops, and restaurants.
In 2007 business and building owners joined with local government to spark a
new revitalization movement that is now supported by the expertise and
encouragement of the state sponsored Virginia Main Street program. As a newly
designated member of the VMS program (2008), Blackstone merchants and
building owners formed “Downtown Blackstone, Inc.,” (DBI) which serves as the
lead organization in guiding the future of the downtown district. The DBI Board of
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Directors and supporting committees have developed short and long-range plans
to ensure well-executed marketing
strategies, business recruitment
strategies, and retention programs for
downtown business district. The main
focus is to sustain slow, steady
progress.
A typical weekday morning and typical smiles at
the Farmer’s Café on Main Street.
One of Blackstone’s major assets is its
friendly, small-town atmosphere.
Businesses owners and employees are
service-oriented and genuinely care
about their customers whom they
treat like friends and call them by
name. Shoppers from many
surrounding counties (Amelia,
Brunswick, Dinwiddie, Lunenburg,
Mecklenburg, and Nottoway) buy
staple commodities on a weekly basis. The district also enjoys the loyal support of
many day-trippers from Chesterfield, Petersburg and Colonial Heights.
Consumers travel here using 3 busy highways: U.S. Route 460, VA Routes 46 and
40.
The business community is a close-knit group well supported by the DBI, the
Blackstone Chamber of Commerce, the town government, and many civic
associations. Members work together on several annual festivals to bring
shoppers to the district. Residents are very proud of their town and encourage
others to visit. Overnight visitors attend conferences and meetings at the Virginia
United Methodist Assembly Center that is housed in the former Blackstone
Women’s College. Conferees walk and/or ride local transit to area stores and
restaurants. In addition, military personnel stationed at Fort Pickett spend money
at the downtown businesses and shopping centers.
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Demographics
POPULATION
There are 15,725 residents in Nottoway
County, of which 8,923 are white, 6,356
are Black, 248 are Hispanic, and 198 are
of mixed race and other ethnic groups.
The population consists of 8,113 males
and 7,612 females. By 2010, the
population is projected to fall to around 15,200 leveling off just above 15,000 by
2020 and remaining flat until 2030. The Hispanic population is projected to grow
to 477 by 2010, and the Black population is projected to decrease to 6,075, and
the white population is projected to decrease to 8,560.
3,638 people live and work in the area with 2,128 commuting into the area to
work and 2,258 commuting out of the area to work (source: 2000 census). The
majority of those that commute out (831) are going to Chesterfield, Richmond,
and Henrico with a smaller share to Prince Edward (370), Amelia (217), and
Lunenburg (195). Conversely the majority of those that commute into Nottoway
(654) are coming from Lunenburg, with 342 coming from Prince Edward, 226 from
Amelia and 172 from Chesterfield.
HIRING DATA
The rate of unemployment for 2006 was 4%, 2007 was 3.8% and was 5.5% for
2007. These figures are slightly higher than the statewide figures of 3.0% for 2006
and 2007 and 4.0% for 2008. Employers can post job openings at
http://www.vec.virginia.gov/vecportal/employer/employer_services.cfm. To
research labor market information go to
http://www.vawc.virginia.gov/analyzer/default.asp for current data.
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Business Exposure and Accessibility Opportunities
LOCAL MARKETING
Both the Blackstone Chamber of
Commerce and the Downtown
Blackstone Inc. work together with
Town staff to improve and expand
upon activities that will attract
consumers to the downtown
shopping district. Marketing and
promotion activities include such
annual events as the Arts & Crafts
Festival, Christmas Parade, and the holiday Running of the Trains. During the
Christmas holiday season, merchants participate in retail promotion events
including the Holiday Open House, the
Grand Illumination, and the “Win the
Window” contest.
CIVIC IMPROVEMENTS
Many civic clubs and organizations of
Blackstone are involved in projects that
directly improve the downtown
environment. The Rotary Club has invested
money in adorning downtown with hanging baskets during the Spring/Summer
months. Together with DBI, they organize an annual Clean-Up day that is well
attended by many citizens, young and old. Other organizations aid in planting
flowers and weeding in Seay Park as well as the areas around the welcome signs
at the edges of Town.
Using public fields and gymnasiums, the Blackstone Recreation Association
provides various sports opportunities for children. Nearby Fort Pickett offers
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hunting and fishing, for which licenses can be obtained at Bevell’s Ace Hardware
Store in Blackstone.
COMMUNITY LINKS
Downtown Blackstone, Inc. –
http://www.downtownblackstone.org
County of Nottoway –
http://www.nottoway.org
Fort Pickett, VA –
http://www.fortpickett.net
Blackstone Chamber of Commerce –
http://www.blackstoneva.com
Nottoway County Economic Development Committee – point of contact with the
Virginia Economic Development Partnership (http://www.yesvirginia.org)
The 1940’s Officer’s Club at Fort Picket recently
underwent an award-winning renovation. It is now
used by the community for special functions.
LOCAL NEWSPAPER & RADIO CONTACTS
Courier Record: William D. Coleburn, editor
111 W. Maple Street,
Blackstone, VA 23824
434-292-3019
434-292-5966 (fax)
news@courier-record.com
WBBC Bobcat Country 93.5 FM WKLV 1440 AM
Dennis Royer, Sr.
P.O. Box 300, Blackstone, VA 23824
434-292-4146 or 800-849-4146
434-292-7669 (fax)
Email: wbbc@meckcom.net
Courier-Record editor Billy Coleburn shows
off a copy of the award-winning, familyowned
weekly paper.
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POSTAL SERVICES
United States Post Office, S. Main Street,
Blackstone, VA 23824
Open 9:00am – 5:00pm Monday-Friday; 9:00am –
12:00pm on Saturday
UPS pickup
Bevell’s Hardware, 109 N. High Street, Blackstone, VA 23824
Open 7:00am – 8:00pm Monday-Friday; 7:00am – 5:30pm on Saturday; 11:00am
– 5:00pm on Sunday
Shipper for UPS, which picks up daily Monday through Friday
FEDEX will come to individual businesses for pickup with advance telephone call,
Monday – Friday.
TRAFFIC ACCESSIBILITY
Municipal Parking lots are located at corner of Main & Maple Streets, corner of
Brown & Broad Streets, in front of Bevell’s Ace Hardware, & behind the Police Station
(Brown & Maple Streets). In addition, there is parking available on both sides of the
street in front of businesses. All parking is free.
A main line of the Norfolk Southern Railroad serves the industrial site at Blackstone
and Fort Pickett.
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BABS, a bus service that charges a nominal fee, provides service to many local spots,
as well as to neighboring counties.
Blackstone Army Airfield is a public airport which has paved and lighted runways,
and offers minor maintenance capabilities and fuel. Amtrak passenger service is
available in nearby Richmond.
Jim and Christine Hasbrouck bought The Grey Swan
Inn just 4 years ago and are pleased they chose
Blackstone for their venture into the B&B world.
The Facts of Doing Business in Blackstone
• Code regulations:
http://www.municode.com/Resources/gateway.asp?pid=12621&sid=46
• Technology needs: VECTEC- www.vectec.org, Technician: Eric Stiles,
Webpage Design: Ed Conley
• Building regulations: Al Ellington
• Zoning regulations: Town of Blackstone, Joan Palmore, 434-292-7251
• Signage regulations: Historic District, DBi Design Committee, 434-292-3041
• Town Ordinances: http://www.townofblackstoneva.com/, Joan Pal more,
434-292-7251
• EPA Regulations: http://www.epa.gov/lawsregs/
• OSHA Regulations: http://www.osha.gov
• Marketing Analysis: http://downtownblackstone.org/pdf/3-
MarketingAnalysis.pdf
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FUNDING INITIATIVES
Grants and State and Federal Business
Programs
DBi Executive Director Lafayette Dickens
and Economic Restructuring Chair Beth
Winn in the DBi offices.
• CDBG Revolving Loan Fund Program- up
to $10,000 at 3% for each job created.
Contact info: Beth Winn @ 434-292-3330
or
bethandfrankiewinn@blackstoneemporium.com
Lafayette Dickens @ 434-292-3041 or
manager@downtownblackstone.org
www.downtownblackstone.org/
• CDBG Façade Improvement Program- up to $10,000 matching grant for
façade improvements.
Contact info: Lafayette Dickens @ 434-292-3041
manager@downtownblackstone.org
www.downtownblackstone.org/
• State and Federal Historical Rehabilitation Tax Credits
Contact info: Ann Andrus @ 804-367-2323
www.dhr.virginia.gov/tax_credits/tax_credit.htm
• Workforce Investment Board- Offers various services for finding qualified
employees.
Contact info: VEC Richmond @ 804-786-1485
www.vec.virginia.gov/vecportal/
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• Department of Business Workforce Assistance- Provides important
information for new business, expanding businesses, and businesses in
need of financing.
Contact info: 804 371-8200 www.dba.state.va.us/index.shtml
Live help is available online!
• VECTEC- Offers inexpensive seminars and help with starting a website or
web based business.
Contact info: 757-594-7092 or www.vectec.org\
Local Economic Development Contacts
• Nottoway County:
John Procise (Assistant Administrator)
- 434-645-8696
nottoway@nottoway.org
www.nottoway.org/
• Town of Blackstone:
Larry Palmore (Town Manager)
- 434-292-7251
info@townofblackstoneva.com
www.townofblackstoneva.com
Business owner Francis Gilmore volunteered
to paint curbs on “Pick up your Pride in
Blackstone Day.”
• Downtown Blackstone Inc.
Joe Allman, Board President and Organization committee Chairman –
434-298-0060
fisherallman@embarqmail.com
Shirley Wilkins, Secretary– 434-292-3012
smwilkins81@hotmail.com
Joe Borgerding, Treasurer– 434-292-8140
joe.borgerding@cbtva.com
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Ben Green, Councilman, Town of Blackstone– 434-292-7285
bgreen@larryschevrolet.com
C. Duncan Quicke, Councilman, Town of Blackstone– 434-292-1650
duncan.quicke@southside.edu
Lafayette Dickens, Executive Director - 434-292-3041
manager@downtownblackstone.org and
www.downtownblackstone.org/
Beth Winn, Economic Restructuring Chair - 434-292-3330
bethandfrankiewinn@blackstoneemporium.com
Louis Malon, Design Committee Chair – 804-648-1889 ext. 307
lmalon@apva.org
Sara Ryan, Promotions Committee Chair – 804-221-0372
sm.ryan@embarqmail.com
Blackstone Chamber of Commerce:
Donna Meade (Executive Director) - 434-292-1677
chamber@blackstoneva.com
• Nottoway County Small Business Incubator at Pickett Park
John Hill - 434-292-1532
or 434-298-0366
Www.vbia.org/
Lake Nottoway is just a few miles out of town.
Getting Started
Town process for permits:
Joan Palmore, 292-7251
Water, Sewer, and Electricity provided by Town of Blackstone
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Tax Rate Comparison on Real Estate
Town of Blackstone .20
Town of Kenbridge .38
Town of Crewe .25
Town of Farmville .14
Town of South Hill .30
Amelia County .43
Chesterfield County .95
Dinwiddie County .87
• Real Estate Contacts
o Carolyn Davis, Access Realty, 434-292-5020
o Barbara Thompson, Blackstone Realty, 222 South Main Street, 434-
292-6161
o Nora Joyner, Tennek Realty, 214 South Main Street, 434-292-5377
o Pete Ellington, Century 21 Dominion Properties, 434-292-4000
o Adrienne Martin, 207 South Main Street, 434-586-3242
o United Country Landmark Realty, 108 West Irvin Street, Nina
Dunnavant 434-292-6444
Your Family’s Needs
• Visitor maps-Chamber of Commerce, 434-292-1677
• Schools: www.nottowayschools.org
Nottoway High
5267 Nottoway Road
Crewe, Virginia Phone: 434-292-5373
• Nottoway Middle School
5279 Old Nottoway Road
Crewe, Virginia Phone: 434-292-5375
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Your Family’s Needs (continued)
• Nottoway Intermediate School
5285 Old Nottoway Road
Crewe, Virginia Phone: 292-5353
• Blackstone Primary School
615 East Street
Blackstone, Virginia Phone: 292-5300
• Crewe Primary School
P.O. Box 107
Crewe, Virginia Phone: 434-645-8149
• Burkeville Elementary
507 Miller Street
Burkeville, Virginia Phone: 434-767-5236
The Epes Library is housed in a turn-ofthe-century
house next to Seay Park.
• Kenston Forest School www.kenston.org
75 Ridge Road
Blackstone, Virginia Phone: 434-292-7218
• Medical care:
James S. Harris Medical Center,
213 N. Main St., 434-292-7261
o Steven N. Spence, MD
o Sherry Sandlin, MD
o Carlos Villar-Gosalvez, MD
Just completed in 2009, the new stateof-the-art
medical center is part of the
Bon Secours heath system.
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• Tourist Attractions: Robert Thomas Carriage Museum and Schwartz Tavern
o Tour Schedule Starting June 10 th
DAY HOURS TOUR GUIDE
Mon-Fri 10-5 Robert Thomas III
Sat 10-5 Robert Thomas III
Sun 1-5 Marie Thomas
(Call (434) 292-7795 for more information)
Available Properties (for more details go to www.downtownblackstone.org)
• 116 South Main Street, STATUS: For Lease $975 per month
SIZE: 5900 Square Feet, CONTACT: Joe Cataldo 434-298-7411
• 123 South Main Street, STATUS: For Sale or Lease, SIZE: 4249 Sq. Ft,
CONTACT: Anthony Sacco 516-690-5411
• 215 South Main Street, STATUS: For Lease $900 per month , SIZE:
1,200 Sq. Ft., CONTACT: Nora Joyner at Tennek Realty 434-298-7537
• 120 West Broad Street, STATUS: For Lease (price negotiable)
SIZE: 1500-2200 Sq. Ft., CONTACT: Deborah Borum 434-292-7254
• 118 East Broad Street, STATUS: For Lease $500 per mo, SIZE: 2000 Sq
Ft (25x80), CONTACT: Franklin Yancey(h) 434- 292-4585 (w) 292-3132
• 113-115 N. Main Street, STATUS: Sale price $399,000, lease
negotiable on space needed, SIZE: 25,000 Square Feet
CONTACT: Carolyn A. Davis 434-292-5020
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