Business Grants Awarded

Downtown Ashland Association proudly presents the 2021 Marketing Initiative, a grant program to catalyze business recovery.

This week, ten local small businesses were awarded over $16,000 in grant funds. The program is designed to help Downtown Ashland businesses recover from the economic effects of COVID-19 and is made possible by funding from the Virginia Main Street Program.

Downtown Ashland businesses receiving the grant awards are Refunkit, Ashland Feed Store, Center of the Yarniverse, Origin Beer Lab, Alvaro Coronado Inc., Thrill of the Hunt, Jake’s Place, RED VEIN Escape, Ashland Meat Company, and Family Eye Care Centers of Virginia. The resulting projects will include digital branding, online sales expansion, and improved outdoor signage.

“COVID-19 changed our global economy almost overnight. With the grant program, we have an opportunity to help local businesses respond to this new challenge and to support the development of a stronger Downtown Ashland economy in 2021,” said Maggie Longest, executive director of Downtown Ashland Association.

“We are thrilled to be a part of Downtown Ashland Association’s 2021 Marketing Initiative,” said Kristina Lyden, owner of Thrill of the Hunt. “The grant funding will help tremendously, and we are getting started right away.”

Awards were chosen competitively, based on the strength of an applicant’s marketing plan as evaluated by an independent panel of business experts. Preference was given to small businesses marketing directly to the public, especially entertainment, retail, and restaurants.

The Downtown Ashland community is cooperating to make the grant program a success. We Think in Ink is offering a 20% discount for grant projects, and the Town of Ashland provided $2,000 funding toward the program. Meanwhile, Downtown Ashland Association is offering a series of free virtual workshops to help all local business owners plan and implement post-COVID recovery projects—information is online at ashlandvirginia.com/brws.

“We are proud to see our local community rally in support of small businesses during the global pandemic,” said Longest. “This spirit is what makes Ashland ‘The Center of the Universe’!”

Volunteer Spotlight: Penny Boyd

Recognition of Penny Boyd’s community spirit, written by her friend and fellow Downtown Ashland Association volunteer, BJ Zarris.

“Individuals build communities” is a guiding principle which Penny Boyd demonstrates every day in every facet of her life.

Penny is one of many Ashland citizens who make up the backbone of the activities provided to residents and visitors in our town. She is also a uniquely positive and generous person who is proud to live in Ashland and be a productive member of this community. She and her husband, Gary Robertson, live on Center Street along the railroad tracks. In addition to their volunteer activities, they provide an opportunity to view and enjoy art and some humorous artifacts as people walk or drive by their front yard.

After obtaining a degree in Community Development and working as one of the early volunteers with VISTA (Volunteers in Service to America), Penny has engaged in helping people in varied and creative ways. She is a longtime employee of the Virginia Department of Social Services and currently works from home. Her two children are grown and she has two wonderful grandchildren. Even with family and work responsibilities, she has always made time to participate in helpful volunteer activities, and Ashland has truly benefited. After graduating from the first Ashland Citizens Leadership Academy, she served on the Board of Zoning Appeals, is a docent for the Ashland Museum, recently became the Secretary of the Friends of Ashland Library, and has been active in supporting the Ashland Theater.

Penny’s generosity of spirit even conveys to how she shares her space.

The yard in front of her house is always a work in progress and changes with the seasons. She and Gary enjoy finding items to add to the scenery. Penny especially looks for things the children walking by may like and enjoy.  Penny’s quirky sense of humor and eye for detail are readily apparent. She loves working in the yard and chatting with passersby. She says one of her favorite things is celebrating Halloween with all the children and families coming by with their wonderful costumes and effusive appreciation for treats; as many as 800 trick-or-treaters have come knocking in years past!

When describing her vision for Ashland, Penny spoke of the Ashland Town Council meetings she attended before COVID. Those meetings were about visiting with and listening to neighborhoods, and striving for equity among citizens of Ashland. She hopes that Ashland will continue to be a welcoming and friendly community while becoming more united, especially in terms of race. For example, she envisions the collaboration of Ashland Museum and the Hanover County Black Heritage Society in order to tell a more complete history of Ashland and to provide a place, a way, to go forward as one diverse but united community.

The Ashland community is strengthened by Penny Boyd’s community spirit and avid volunteerism. Her commitment to our community is recognized by Downtown Ashland Association and our partners.

Business Workshops

Downtown Ashland Association and Dominion Energy Innovation Center proudly offer a series of workshops for local small business owners February 24 through March 31.

WORKSHOPS

Join us for the Business Recovery Workshop Series intended to help local small business owners adapt, grow, and thrive in the post-COVID economy. Each of the free workshops will be presented by an expert in a collaborative environment to encourage discussion.

CONSULTING

Following each workshop, the expert presenter will be available for one-on-one appointments with Ashland businesses. If you own a business or commercial property in the Town of Ashland corporate limits, you are invited to schedule a virtual consultation with any of our six experts.

Light the Way to 2021

Welcome the New Year with a lighted walk in Downtown Ashland!

Ashland neighbors and visitors will walk South Center Street at 6pm on New Year’s Eve with lights of all shapes and sizes. Join the celebration! Bring a light—such as a candle or flashlight—and your favorite people. We will shine our lights and stroll the town in celebration of the new year.

Meanwhile, Light Up the Tracks is in full swing in Downtown Ashland, thanks to presenting sponsor Dominion Energy. White lights outline each building along the railroad tracks. Participants will at once enjoy and add to the spectacle!

This event is proposed by Hanover Arts & Activities Center as a creative option to build community in Ashland despite the global pandemic. Join us to bid adieu to 2020 and celebrate our town’s bright future in 2021!

To maintain everyone’s safety from COVID-19, please utilize face masks and social distancing during this event. If you are sick or exposed to someone who is sick, please stay at home. Walk on sidewalks and cross the tracks at designated crossings, as railroad and vehicle traffic remain open during this event. Battery-operated lights are highly encouraged and open flames are not permitted on public property. Maintaining these precautions can help our community to celebrate together safely.

See you on South Center Street at 6pm on Thursday!

Holiday Dining Specials

Light Up the Tracks is a month-long celebration in Downtown Ashland. In addition to the light display and special events, local businesses offer holiday specials. Visitors can find culinary treats in the midst of old fashioned holiday charm—all while maintaining COVID safety precautions.

Here are a few suggestions for dining in Downtown Ashland this month…

Afternoon Tea Party
Be our guest at Homemades by Suzanne in historic Downtown Ashland! Sip Lavender Earl Gray or Citrus Spice Herbal tea, while you chat with friends and family. Guests of all ages will enjoy a mix of savory and sweet menu items to include tea sandwiches and scones. Dine-in or takeout Tuesday through Saturday.

Biergarten
Enjoy the new outdoor Biergarten at Origin Beer Lab outfitted with personal firepits! This craft beer tasting room is the brewmaster's test kitchen for Center of the Universe Brewing. Open Wednesday through Sundays. Bonus! Get a free growler glass with any 64oz fill-up!

Family Pack
Jake's Place serves barbecue to feed a crowd! The takeout special features your choice of pulled pork, beef brisket, smoked whole chickens, racks of ribs, and all the sides. Fill the table, large or small, by ordering online or by phone.

Pay it Forward
Buy a meal for someone in need this holiday season with Canteen’s You Matter Community Meal Program. Your $10 purchase will send a gift card to one person served by a local social service non-profit. The recipient can exchange it for a meal and drink at their convenience.

Bonus Gift
The Iron Horse Restaurant’s holiday gift card promotion is too good to miss! Purchase a gift card in-person or online and receive a bonus gift card for 20% of your purchase. Enter promo code HOLIDAY2020.

Brunch Bunch
Henry Clay Inn is open for weekend brunch! Enjoy eggs benedict or chicken and waffles on the porch or takeout. The Inn also offers a full dinner menu Mondays and Friday-Sunday for outdoor dining or takeout.

Ribs Night
Tuesdays at Trackside Grill, pay half price for full and half racks of ribs! This mouthwatering deal comes with a full menu of classic American fare, suitable for all ages. Takeout, curbside, indoor and heated outdoor dining is available, and don't miss the signature cocktail menu!

A Universal Gift
Ashland Gift Certificates are redeemable at downtown shops and restaurants. Get yours today--and a few gifts too--at Ashland Town Hall or call (804) 798-1073 for mailing options. This Center of the Universe gift supports local business with zero fees!