Here’s a round-up of news briefs from around Southwest and Southside. Send yours for possible inclusion to news@cardinalnews.org.
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Saltville seeks feedback on on food hub
The town of Saltville is soliciting feedback on a possible food innovation hub.
The town has received a planning grant to gather information a hub to serve Virginia farmers and the community at large. Among the questions Saltville wants to know: What would you like to see at this hub and what would help your farm, small business or family? A cannery, a commercial kitchen, commercial dehydrators?
The town will hold community input sessions on June 16 at 9:30 a.m. and 6:30 p.m. at the Saltville Town Hall (also available via Zoom). It also asks people to fill out this survey. To receive the zoom link for the meetings or for more information, email sgillespie@smythchamber.org or call 276-783-3161.
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Prince Edward County official wins honor
Prince Edward Assistant County Administrator Sarah Elam Puckett has received the Marcia Mashaw Outstanding Assistant Award from the Virginia Local Government Management Association Summer Conference in Virginia Beach.
The statewide honor is presented yearly to recognize Virginia’s top assistant local government manager. Named in memory of Marcia Mashaw, assistant town manager of Blacksburg in the 1980s, the award is presented to a deputy or assistant manager or administrator who has demonstrated outstanding performance, particularly with a special project or during a period of unique conditions and circumstances.
Puckett, assistant county administrator since 2018, also serves as Prince Edward’s emergency management coordinator.
“Sarah has been a big part of our response to the COVID epidemic,” Prince Edward County Administrator Doug Stanley said in a statement. “During the pandemic, she made sure that all segments of our population had access to such necessities as masks, gloves and hand sanitizer.”
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Danville Pittsylvania County Chamber of Commerce hiring Director of Operations
The Danville Pittsylvania County Chamber of Commerce is accepting applications for the Director of Operations position.
The chamber’s job description:
The Director of Operations plays an integral role in delivering high value to our members. This individual’s management and coordination of operational activities is vital to the execution of Chamber programs and initiatives. The Director of Operations will collaborate with Chamber staff to develop and oversee membership recruitment, retention, and engagement for the Chamber and manage administrative tasks related to communication with vendors, partners and board members, and event coordination. Further, the manager will work closely with the Chamber’s accounting firm to support financial operations.
This is a 40-hour per week position. The candidate must be self-motivated and highly organized while exhibiting a keen eye for details. The candidate must have strong relationship skills and is comfortable with outreach, enjoys a variety of projects, and is excited by continuous improvement at the individual and organizational level.
Qualified applicants may apply by submitting a letter of interest, current résumé, and three professional references to:
Danville Pittsylvania County Chamber of Commerce
150 Slayton Avenue
Danville, VA 24540
Or email: Anne Moore-Sparks, President & CEO at Anne@dpchamber.org.
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Artists feature Pulaski County’s Peak Creek in new exhibit at the Fine Arts Center
The Fine Arts Center for the New River Valley will open a new exhibit featuring art of Peak Creek on Friday, June 17, with a reception and short talk by the artists from 5-7 p.m. The public is invited.
L.S. King is an award-winning print maker with an M.F.A. from Radford University. Ken Smith is professor of graphic design at Radford University.
The exhibit will also include informational and educational materials provided by the Friends of Peak Creek, a non-profit composed of local volunteers who foster environmental awareness, provide educational opportunities, and develop sustainably responsible recreational and economic opportunities for community members intended to help improve the creek’s ecological habitat.
The Fine Arts Center is located at 21 West Main Street in historic downtown Pulaski.