One item that struck me during the most recent Lunenburg Chamber of Commerce meeting Thursday was the way in which the chamber chooses to support numerous organizations in the county.

While the chamber has a focus on strengthening the county’s businesses, its bottom line doesn’t stop there. In the past meeting alone, members of the chamber voted to donate a combined $300 to the Lunenburg baseball and softball leagues, and voted to contribute $2,000 to support the efforts of Lunenburg County, and the towns of Victoria and Kenbridge, as they apply for the Community Business Launch (CBL) grant. The grant, which I’m sure you have read in The Dispatch report before, is a program with the Virginia Department of Housing and Community Development (DHCD) that, according to the DHCD website, “assist(s) communities in taking a systems approach to defining and pursuing an asset-based small business development strategy.”

Prospective business owners and entrepreneurs, through this grant, have the opportunity to learn how to manage a small business and a chance to receive financial backing to open a business of their own in Lunenburg County.

The program has received similar financial commitments from the Lunenburg and Kenbridge Industrial Development Authorities, and a commitment from Benchmark Community Bank.

The CBL has been implemented in areas such as South Boston, and has seen positive results.

The chamber has also played a role in organizing and sponsoring some of the largest programs the county hosts. This includes supporting everything from the The Little Roy and Lizzy Show’s annual performance in Lunenburg County, to supporting the second annual July Jubilee in Kenbridge, scheduled for July 4.

At times when recent news of business closures can be discouraging, it is nice to have things to look forward to, opportunities to enjoy events that bring families and friends together. I appreciate and commend the Lunenburg Chamber of Commerce in its efforts to organize and support events that build up the county.

Emily Hollingsworth is a staff reporter for The Kenbridge-Victoria Dispatch and Farmville Newsmedia LLC. Her email address is Emily.Hollingsworth@KVDispatch. com.