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2009 Annual Conference, Chesterfield County

2009 Conference Logo
2009 Conference Brochure
2009 Sponsors and Supporters

The Virginia Statewide Neighborhood Conference Planning Committee hosts an annual conference with its mission for communities throughout the state to have an excellent opportunity to come together and share their knowledge, experience and vision to make Virginia neighborhoods the neighborhoods of choice. While each neighborhood is unique, all neighborhoods statewide face very similar issues and challenges ranging from the basics of organizing to addressing the complicated issues of public safety. Each year the conference is attended by a diverse group of grass roots neighborhood leaders and youth, non-profit and government staff, and others working in the field of neighborhood development.


Chesterfield Logo

Plans are now being made for the 10th annual conference to take place September 24-26, 2009 in Chesterfield County, Virginia.


The conference provides a great opportunity for attendees to participate in information-packed workshops, listen to thought provoking speakers, view a host of exhibitions and engage in unparalleled networking opportunities with hundreds of neighborhood advocates from across the Commonwealth of Virginia. The one thing all attendees have in common is their interest in improving Virginia neighborhoods.


As we embark upon another conference, please join us as we work together in realizing that the future of Virginia lies in the success of our neighborhoods and in the faith of those who strengthen them.


Thursday, September 24

Pre-Conference Activities
1-5 p.m

Pre-Conference Tour – $10
Henricus Historical Park and The Dutch Gap Conservation Area

Experience history and natural beauty at Henricus Historical Park and the Dutch Gap Conservation Area. Henricus is a 32-acre living-history museum that tells the story of life in an early English settlement and the roles of Chesterfield County and the James River during the Civil War. Henricus is surrounded by the 800-acre Dutch Gap Conservation Area, one of the largest and most scenic natural areas in Virginia. Both sites are located along the historic James River, just 20 minutes south of Richmond.

Pre-Conference Shopping - FREE

Relax, explore and open your mind to the exciting shopping opportunities that Chesterfield County has to offer. With a variety of shops, the choices are endless. Whether you are looking for adventure, quaint boutiques or local antiques, we have something for everyone. Check in at Pre-conference Registration upon arrival.




Thursday, September 24

10th Anniversary Celebration
6-10:00 p.m.

Please join us for dinner, music and reflections as we celebrate our 10th Anniversary of the Virginia Statewide Neighborhood Conference. ( The Anniversary Celebration is included in conference registration; tickets for non-registrants are also available.)




Friday, September 25

Workshops/Mobile Tours
Session I 9:45-11:45 a.m.

Workshop

W-1 Carver-VCU Partnership: Improving a Community’s Quality of Life
Explore the partnership between the university and the community as they work together to improve quality of life.

W-2 Neighborhoods in Bloom (NiB)
Discover how Richmond and nonprofit community-development corporations work together to support the restoration of Richmond’s historic neighborhoods.

W-3 Are you Getting Your Message OUT?
Do your tools, printed materials, Web sites and special events really brand your image? Find out at this workshop presented by Communicate Consulting.

W-4 Communities in Schools
This program links educators, students and the community. Learn how these partnerships can make a difference and how to develop this program in your community.

MT-1 Chesterfield Revitalization
On the way to the Village of Chester, tour revitalization sites, including areas along historic Route 1. Meet the community leaders who envisioned a new life for their historic village center.

MT-2 Historic Route 1 and the JDA
Tour historic Route 1 with members of the Jefferson Davis Association and the 2008 VSNC Organization of the Year winner. Learn about the projects and partnerships planned to revitalize this corridor.




Friday, September 25

Partnership Luncheon

Catherine W. Howard, Ph.D.
Vice Provost, Division of Community Engagement
Virginia Commonwealth University
http://www.community.vcu.edu/about/viceprovost.html




Friday, September 25

Workshops/Mobile Tours
Session II 2:15-4:15 p.m.

W-5 The 3 R’s of Volunteerism — Recruit, Retain and Regain Volunteers
Learn successful tactics to find and keep volunteers who can help develop a neighborhood-based project or organization.

W-6 Legal Aspects of Homeowners Associations (HOAs)
How are HOAs handling the impact of foreclosures and their ability to collect assessments? This workshop will address this and other issues concerning HOAs.

W-7 Supporting Strong, Viable Communities Through Partnership
The Virginia Housing Development Authority supports strong, viable communities by ensuring an inventory of affordable housing. VHDA partners with local governments, housing organizations and stakeholders to address specific housing priorities with innovative financing programs.

W-8 Banks Partnering with Communities
Discover how banks are supporting communities and learn about their active involvement with the communities they serve.

MT-3 Henrico County Partnerships: Lakeside Neighborhood
Tour the Lakeside area of Henrico County, where an active business association has developed strong partnerships with institutions, bolstering revitalization efforts.

MT-4 City of Richmond’s Neighborhoods in Bloom (NiB)
Tour historic Church Hill and learn about NiB’s innovative approach to reversing neighborhood decline through resident and stakeholder involvement.




Friday, September 25

Town Hall Meeting
4:30-6 p.m.

This meeting will provide an oportunity for residents, youth, community leaders, government officials and others to interact with the professionals who work daily with neighborhood concerns. Bring questions and ideas that can be answered by those who deal with the issues and who have obtained positive results. You may e-mail questions in advance to Dianne Morris at morridw@ci.danville.va.us.




Saturday, September 26

2009 Awards Program
8-9:15 a.m.

These awards recognize the neighborhood organizations and individuals that work to enhance the quality of life in their communities.

Award categories:
  • State Neighborhood Project of the Year
  • State Neighborhood Organization of the Year
  • State Neighborhood Advocate of the Year
  • State Neighborhood Youth Individual Effort of the Year
  • State Neighborhood Youth Group Effort of the Year



Saturday, September 26

Workshops
Session III 9:30-11 a.m.

W-9 Be Prepared for Disasters…Know your Neighbors!
Are you ready to go? Are you prepared to stay? Learn how to be prepared for emergencies.

W-10 Affordable Housing in your Community!
Housing authorities are developing affordable housing through a variety of creative and innovative methods. Learn what they are doing to meet the growing demand for affordable and workforce housing.

W-11 Ignorance of the Law is Not a Defense!
Experts from the Deptartment of Professional and Occupational Regulation will teach the basic foundations of fair housing laws. Participants who complete this course are eligible for state certification. CEU offered.

W-12 Stone Soup: Doing More with Less through Creative Partnerships
After hiring its first neighborhood services coordinator, Manassas experienced a $3 million budget deficit and a hiring freeze. Learn how one person retained momentum in the community and how you can adapt her techniques for your community.




Saturday, September 26

Closing Luncheon

Billy K. Cannaday Jr., Ed.D.
Dean, School of Continuing and Professional Studies
University of Virginia
http://www.virginia.edu/uvatoday/newsRelease.php?id=5823