Congratulations to these local businesses for their achievements
5 YEARS: Lynchburg Wealth Management
A fee-only fiduciary financial planning firm, Lynchburg Wealth Management takes pride in being a part of the growing community of Lynchburg that they call home. President John Hall would like to thank all of friends, clients, and supporters who have helped Lynchburg Wealth Management become a top destination for local, informed, and honest financial advice.
5 YEARS: Mountain View Events, LLC
Mountain View Events, LLC was founded on prayers and dreams of bringing vintage and farmhouse decor, antiques and high-end handmade artisans to the community, as well as supporting small businesses. Mountain View Events oversees two events: Mountain View Vintage Market and Mountain View CHRISTmas in the country. Keep up with events at www.mountainview.events.
5 YEARS: Seven Hills Dermatology
Seven Hills Dermatology provides a full range of medical dermatology care, including diagnosing and managing acute and chronic skin conditions, and focuses on safely producing the best outcomes, with an emphasis on progressive and leading-edge procedures. They also offer yearly preventative skin checks. The staff at Seven Hills Dermatology is friendly, compassionate and ready to help you on the path to healthy skin.
5 YEARS: Visiting Angels of Lynchburg
The motivation to start this family-owned business came from the experience of a family member who was a primary caregiver for their spouse for 10 years. Their family believed like many others that a person stayed at home as long possible, with family help, until it was time to go to an assisted living facility. Visiting Angels’ main focus is to educate the community that there are many options to help you stay happy, healthy, and comfortable at home for as long as you wish.
10 YEARS: Heather Kidd Photography
Heather Kidd started doing photography in college as more of a hobby, photographing family and friends. Heather’s passion has always been photographing couples; when she shot her first wedding, she knew this was what she wanted to pursue as a career. Since forming the business 10 years ago, Heather has photographed hundreds of weddings and loves giving clients timeless images they will cherish forever.
10 YEARS: Image Maker Salon and Wig Studio
Image Maker Salon and Wig Studio started with the concept of helping women to regain confidence in their identity after hair loss. Their message to women is you can have that confidence back—either by a haircut that makes thin hair appear to be fuller and thicker or by adding an invisible hair piece (i.e. topper) or wig. The goal is: “No one will believe it’s not your hair!” Image Maker Salon and Wig Studio has won numerous local awards and is a member of the American Hair Loss Council.
10 YEARS: Mrs. Joy’s Absolutely Fabulous Treats
Tarsha Joyner established Mrs. Joy’s Absolutely Fabulous Treats in 2012 as a home-based business selling from the Lynchburg Community Market; she later opened her downtown storefront in October 2015. Mrs. Joy’s actually started as a graphic design project while Tarsha was a student at the University of Lynchburg. Since then she has appeared in four Food Network shows. Mrs. Joy’s recently started shipping The BIG AF Cookie nationwide. (AF stands for Absolutely Fabulous, of course.)
10 YEARS: Appalachian Orthodontics of Lynchburg
Appalachian Orthodontics of Lynchburg and Dr. Elena Black offer effective and high-quality orthodontic treatment using advanced technology in order to achieve the best outcome possible. She believes in staying current on the latest clinical and technological advancements within the field of orthodontics to provide the best care available. Dr. Black also holds the only AADSM Qualified Dental Designation in the Lynchburg area, and is qualified to assess and treat patients with sleep conditions.
10 YEARS: Liberty Mountain Conference Center
In 2010, Liberty University purchased the Candlers Station Shopping Center; they converted the vacant Circuit City building into the Liberty Mountain Conference Center in 2011. Over the years, the LMCC has been heavily utilized by LU Online graduate programs for week-long intensive classes, allowing online students the opportunity to visit campus for a residential education experience. During the pandemic, the staff completely renovated the interior of the building, adding features such as a new coffee bar.
10 YEARS: Weddings at LU
The desire of Weddings at LU is to create a space for couples to celebrate this important milestone in their lives with their loved ones. Built in 1964, the Old Pate Chapel is a unique and historical venue that provides a classic look and intimate charm. The Bottling Company serves as a reception hall and provides plenty of room for guests. If you are interested in one of the venues or would like to set up a time to take a tour, email events@liberty.edu.
15 YEARS: At Your Service Events Planner, LLC
Connie Amos-Parsons started her business on March 31, 2007 in Forest, after dreaming for many years of being a small business owner and following in the footsteps of her mother, an entrepreneur and hair stylist. Connie has enjoyed meeting people all over the world when traveling and being of service to others to help them enjoy their lives. She thanks God for the opportunity of sharing her life with so many diverse people and giving back to the community.
15 YEARS: Bower Center for the Arts
Bower Center for the Arts is named for the mother and father of Bedford native Dr. John Bower, whose generous donation allowed for the purchase of its current location at 305 N. Bridge Street, Bedford in 2005. After renovations, Bower Center opened its doors in 2006 under the name Bedford Academy for the Arts, which was later renamed Bower Center for the Arts. This community arts and cultural center provides access to visual and performing arts through exhibits, classes, concerts, performances, events and more.
15 YEARS: Hot and Cold Café
Hot and Cold Café started serving Indian-Mediterranean fusion cuisine to customers in 2007. It was a dream finally realized by Uday Mukherjee, originally from Kolkata, to start his own restaurant. The first location on 9th Street was formerly a Lebanese restaurant. Since no other Mediterranean food was offered in Lynchburg at that time, Chef Uday felt he should incorporate the Lebanese cuisine with Indian fare. The restaurant offers over 85 vegetarian and over 35 vegan entrees with mostly gluten-free options.
15 YEARS: MB Tile and General Contracting
Owner Maurice Becerra is thankful and humbled by the continuing support from previous clients who provide his business with a steady stream of referrals and thanks them for this milestone. His remodeling company focuses on craftsmanship, where all the work is performed by a skilled individual in each trade, so clients are provided with the highest quality work and experience. His goal for the future is to develop an apprenticeship and help passionate individuals get started in the industry.
25 YEARS: Dance Music Creation
Throughout the past 25 years the Dance Music Creation staff has educated thousands of local dancers ages 18 months and up. Lanette Lucado, DMC studio director, credits the longevity of the business to creating a fun learning environment with positive instruction, a family-friendly atmosphere and making self-esteem building a high priority for each student. Lucado held the National Teacher of The Year Award from Ultimate Starz Productions in 2019 and 2020. DMC dancers have also performed in many events across the country.
25 YEARS: Rush Homes
Rush Homes creates affordable housing in the Lynchburg region for low-income families with disabilities through development, advocacy, and support. From their first home in 1996 to the 100 they have today, Rush Homes is proud to be celebrating 25 years of partnering with the community to address the need for affordable housing. They will soon break ground on Florida Terrace, a development which will bring another 31 one- and two-bedroom accessible, affordable apartments to the area.
30 YEARS: Frank Good Builders
Frank Good founded Frank Good Builders in 1991. The company started off framing for other contractors in the area and taking on small renovation projects. As the years went on Frank began building custom homes. Their mission is to be the top provider of superior custom homes/renovations by consistently improving the quality of their product, giving employees a healthy work environment, and serving each client with character and purpose that brings honor to God.
30 YEARS: Runk & Pratt Senior Living Communities
Runk & Pratt Senior Living Communities is a family-owned and -operated healthcare enterprise that has been devoted to providing quality service and care to seniors in the greater Lynchburg area since 1992. At Runk & Pratt, residents are family. As family, the team not only values their input for the future, but they also value the important milestones in their past that constitute who they are today. From assisted living in Lynchburg to memory support in Forest, Runk & Pratt is committed to continuing a tradition of excellence that has lasted decades.
45 YEARS: Givens Books – Little Dickens
George and Sylvia Givens opened Boonshire Books in 1976 on Boonsboro Road. In 1979, the Givenses moved the business across town and changed the name to reflect the family moniker. Their son Danny and former wife, Kathy, started Little Dickens in 1989 in a space not much bigger than their growing family’s minivan. When George officially retired in 1999, Givens Books changed generational hands and the business moved right down the street on Lakeside Drive, merging Givens Books and Little Dickens into one 16,000-square-foot store. It has become Virginia’s largest collection of books, toys and educational supplies under one roof.
50 YEARS: Greater Lynchburg Community Foundation
Greater Lynchburg Community Foundation was founded by four local banks in 1972 as Greater Lynchburg Community Trust. Four years ago, the named changed and the organization’s office moved to Downtown Lynchburg. GLC Foundation’s donors have given them the opportunity to provide about $2 million each year in scholarships and grants to local nonprofits. In addition, their Century Fund gives a single $100,000 grant each year to an organization for a transformative project or program. Having grown to about $57 million in fund assets, the foundation is well positioned to continue making a strong impact on the region.
50 YEARS: James River Day School
James River first opened its doors on September 8, 1971, with 41 students. Founded as an independent, non-sectarian elementary school, the school’s visionaries believed that children learn better in smaller groups, enabling teachers to focus closely on each student’s learning profile and needs. The school currently serves 266 students, K-8. James River Day School cherishes children and challenges them to become scholars, leaders, and citizens for the 21st century, in a community of academic excellence. The school has always had a non-discrimination policy and is open to all qualified students in the community, regardless of race, color, national origin, ethnic, or social/economic backgrounds.
50 YEARS: Ivy Hill Golf Club
Since 1971, Ivy Hill Golf Club has challenged golfers of all skill levels, ranging from beginner to expert. Designed by renowned and respected golf course architect Porter Gibson, this 18-hole course has earned a reputation for being one of the most exacting and riveting courses in the state. In 2016, after decades of successful operation, Ivy Hill transferred ownership to R&P Golf, a company strictly committed to professionalism and driven by the satisfaction of Ivy Hill’s longstanding members.
50 YEARS: Liberty University
Over the last 50 years, Liberty has created a diverse, faithful, and global community of Champions for Christ. Their 50th anniversary celebrates this rich heritage by tracing the legacy of its champions and their influence upon the world as they have brought Liberty’s mission to life. What began as a small Bible college of 154 students has grown to a 7,000-acre campus, a student body of more than 115,000 students residentially and online, and over 250,000 alumni serving around the globe. Liberty students have volunteered more than 500,000 hours of service, and alumni are working in hundreds of professions from courtrooms to classrooms.
50 YEARS: Billy Craft Honda
Billy Craft was the definition of a Lynchburg local: growing up on Leesville Road, attending Brookville High School, serving in the United States Army, and starting a car business, Billy Craft Honda, in 1972. Billy Craft passed away on March 5, 2016, which led to the next step in the family business. Billy’s son, Kendall Craft, will continue to build on Billy Craft’s legacy of three automobile dealerships, four collision centers and a host of community and charity endeavors.
55 YEARS: Sonny Merryman
Founded as a small bus and trailer sales business in Rustburg in 1967, Sonny Merryman is Virginia’s largest and most experienced bus dealer and is widely recognized as one of the nation’s leading bus dealers. Sonny Merryman operates four dedicated bus centers across the state in Central Virginia (Lynchburg), Hampton Roads (Chesapeake), Northern Virginia (Manassas), and Greater Richmond (Ashland) with nearly 200 employees. During the 2020-21 school year, the company delivered Virginia’s first Jouley electric school buses to 15 localities across the Commonwealth.
80 YEARS: Holiday Lake 4-H Educational Center
Holiday Lake 4-H Educational Center is located in the 20,000-acre Appomattox/Buckingham State Forest. Their mission is to improve the quality of life by educating youth and adults in a natural setting, including educational camping programs, special programs such as Natural Resource Education and more. Today over 10,000 participants benefit from a variety of programs and activities on an annual basis at the 4-H Center.
100 YEARS: Foster Fuels
Established in 1921, Foster Fuels started out delivering flour, ice and lamp oil in an ox-drawn cart in Brookneal. The company is now in its third-generation family ownership and has made many achievements during its century, including being the largest emergency fuel contractor for the federal government since 2006. Notable past emergency responses include Hurricanes Harvey, Maria, and Irma (2017), Superstorm Sandy (2012), and the Haiti Earthquake (2010). In addition, Foster is active in relief efforts following the aftermath of 2021’s Hurricane Ida. In partnership with the Watt Foster Family Foundation, Foster Fuels prioritizes giving back to the community.
110 YEARS: YWCA Central Virginia
Opening in 1912, YWCA Central Virginia was set up as a safe residential center for young single women moving to Lynchburg to work at one of the textile mills or shoe factories. Today, YWCA works to promote the health and safety of individuals through its two flagship victim services programs: Domestic Violence Prevention Program (DVPP) and the Sexual Assault Response Program (SARP). Further, YWCA Central VA has worked to provide safe and secure housing for women since 1918 with a program that continues to this day—the Town Center Women’s Residential Housing Program.
125 YEARS: Schewels Home
Since the company was founded in 1897 by the family’s ancestor Elias Schewel, the team has provided affordable home furnishings and exceptional customer service to families throughout Virginia, North Carolina and West Virginia. This 125th anniversary milestone will be the first for the company under the new Schewels Home brand and at its new corporate office at the Galleria/915 Main St. Their vision for the future is to be the premier destination for home furnishings in the communities they serve—where everyone wants to shop and everyone wants to work.
Is your business approaching a milestone anniversary of 10, 15, 20 or more years? Let us know at lynchburgbusinessmag.com/anniversaries. We will publish submissions in our January 2023 issue of Lynchburg Business.
