Lynchburg Business

In the News, November 2012

Issue: November 2012 by Lynchburg Business in In the News

CENTRAL VIRGINIA COMMUNITY SERVICES CHANGES NAME

Central Virginia Community Services has changed its name to “Horizon Behavioral Health.” The change, implemented on November 1, came after a year of research, planning and final approval from all six localities the agency serves. The agency’s new website, www.HorizonBH.org, also went live November 1.

Horizon Behavioral Health has been the public behavioral health care provider for Amherst, Appomattox, Bedford and Campbell counties and cities of Lynchburg and Bedford for over 43 years offering services for individuals struggling with mental health issues, developmental disability and substance use problems. Last year alone, the agency served 8,200 individuals in treatment programs and over 4,800 participated in prevention programs.

The reason for the name change stems from a history of name confusion with other “Central Virginia” agencies in the area in addition to the broad range of services “community services” could provide. “Behavioral health” is the standard term for the services the agency provides and is in line with the title used for Virginia’s Department of Behavioral Health. Through this name change, Horizon Behavioral Health hopes to make clear to the community the services offered through the agency.

This name change does not affect the services provided by the agency. Horizon Behavioral Health is still the local community services board for Central Virginia and will continue to provide accessible, quality, outcome-based care to Region 2000.

LYNCHBURG CITY SCHOOLS DATA SHOWS POSITIVE TRENDS IN ACHIEVEMENT, BEHAVIOR, AND CULTURE

Lynchburg City Schools has completed the first quarter of the 2012-13 school year under the new Comprehensive Plan, and data shows the plan is already demonstrating positive progress across the areas of achievement, behavior and culture.

LCS has data available to show:

• AP enrollment continues to rise
• An increase in As and Bs, as well as a decrease in Ds and Fs
• A decrease in students with seven or more unexcused absences
• A decrease in students with at least one short-term suspension
• An increase in the number of volunteer applications received.

The new Comprehensive Plan that was developed this year. The data included in this report ties into the data in the Comprehensive Plan, which also includes goals and strategies to meet those goals.

APPOMATTOX MEDICAL CENTER RECOGNIZED AS DISTINGUISHED COMMUNITY EMPLOYER

Appomattox Medical Center has been recognized for their continued support of career education by being named a Distinguished Community Employer by the Lynchburg Campus of National College.

Appomattox Medical Center provides primary medical care and urgent care to residents in the Appomattox area. They have hired nine National College graduates from the medical assisting degree program. They also support the campus by accepting students as externs and providing them with a hands-on clinical and administrative learning experience.

“We like to get National College students and enjoy working with them; they are well trained,” Dr. Larry Smith, medical director for Appomattox Medical Center, said.

National College students are enhancing their skills to enter in the workforce and fill jobs that are in high demand in their local communities. Support from area employers like Appomattox Medical Center is crucial in helping students achieve their career goals.

Founded in 1886, National College is dedicated to the training and education of men and women for a full life and a successful career in a number of fields in business, computers, and health care. The College offers more than 40 academic programs including a master of business administration, six bachelor’s degrees, and numerous associate degree and diploma programs.

HERITAGE AFTER SCHOOL PROGRAM GETS NATIONAL RECOGNITION

Heritage Elementary School’s afterschool program has been recognized by the U.S. Department of Education. The 21^st Century Community Learning Center (CCLC) is one of only 15 schools in the nation to be selected for a site visit for the 21st CCLC Lessons Learned Guide project.

On November 7 and 8, educational consultants interviewed teachers, administrators and partners, and observed the program as part of a study to learn from exemplary sites and be able to implement promising procedures and strategies in other sites and organizations.

CLCC is in every state in the United States and Puerto Rico. This program provides academic enrichment opportunities during non-school hours for children and helps students meet state and local student standards in core academic subjects, such as reading and math. It also offers students a broad array of enrichment activities that can complement their regular academic programs. Lynchburg City Schools has CLCC in five of elementary schools and two middle schools.

UPCOMING BUSINESS EVENTS

November 15            

Retail Merchants Association New Member Breakfast

Wingate Hotel, Lynchburg

8:30 a.m.

Breakfast for members who joined since August or have not attended before. RSVP required. (434) 528-1732, www.LynchburgRMA.com.

November 24                                                                                                                                                  

Small Business Saturday      

A reminder from the Retail Merchants Association to get out and support local businesses.

November 28                                                                                                                        

Lynchburg Regional Chamber’s Business at Breakfast                                                                   

The Summit at Wyndhurst, 1400 Enterprise Drive, Lynchburg                                                 

7:30 to 9 a.m.                                                                                                                        

Speaker: Dr. Scott Brabrand, Superintendent, Lynchburg City Schools. Cost includes breakfast and is $15 Members; $25 General Admission. Reservations are required and should be made by November 26 by calling the Chamber at (434) 845-5966, emailing info@lynchburgchamber.org  or registering online.

November 30            

Retail Merchants Association’s Monthly “Coffee Talk”       

Cheryl’s Secret Garden Florist and Gift’s new location, 19204 Forest Rd., Lynchburg

8 to 10a.m.

Open house format, all welcome, drop in, bring business cards.

December 2                                                                                                                             

Lynchburg Christmas Parade           

Downtown Lynchburg

5 p.m.

Join RMA at the Lynchburg Parade and check out their first ever BUY LOCAL Truck.

December 4                                                                                                                           

Pancakes and Politics Series (Legislative Outlook Breakfast)

Liberty Mountain Conference Center, 3700 Candler’s Mountain Road, Lynchburg

7:30 to 9 a.m.

Central Virginia Legislators share how the 2013 General Assembly Session will affect local businesses. Admission includes breakfast, and is $20 for members, $28 for general admission. Reservations are required and should be made by November 27 by calling the Chamber at (434) 845-5966 or emailing info@lynchburgchamber.org.

December 6                                                                                                                           

Lynchburg Regional Chamber’s 10^th Annual Women’s Networking Blitz                           

Westminster Canterbury, 501 V.E.S. Road, Lynchburg                                                                  

11:30 a.m. to 1 p.m.                                                                                                                          

Bring business cards and get ready to make new connections. Cost includes lunch and is $20 for members, $30 for general admission. Reservations are required and should be made by November 28 by calling the Chamber at (434) 845-5966, emailing info@lynchburgchamber.org  or registering online.

December 11                                                             

Lynchburg Regional Chamber Holiday Open House

Chamber Conference Room, 2015 Memorial Avenue, Lynchburg

11 a.m. to 2 p.m.

The Lynchburg Regional Chamber invites area professionals to a Holiday Open House to thank them for their investment in the Chamber. Celebrate, enjoy food and chat with staff and board members.