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CVABC community gathering

Central Virginia Business CoalitionChartered 1906

Let CVABC help you grow your business.

Central Virginia Business Coalition helps local businesses grow, network, and support the local economy year-round. Since 1906, the organization has connected members with visibility, programs, referrals, sponsors, and practical ways to promote business across the region.

Chartered
1906
Formerly the Lynchburg Retail Merchants Association
Gold winner
4x
Best Networking Organization, Lynchburg Business Magazine
Office
Forest
14805 Forest Rd Ste 107, Forest, VA

Contact us to join

Contact us to join

Email or call the CVABC office and the team will help you become a member.

View sponsor paths

Sponsor the network

Explore public placements, event visibility, and community reach.

See events

Attend an event

Find upcoming mixers, workshops, and partner programs.

Membership

Pick the path that fits your business.

Compare tiers

Foundation Partner

The Foundation Partner gives businesses the essential tools, connections, visibility, and resources to make the most of their CVABC membership.

$250/yror$22/mo

Standard membership

Non-Profit Membership

Non-profit organizations building local visibility and relationships.

$125/yr

For non-profit organizations

Sponsor levels

Six sponsorships from Growth to Pinnacle, each including Foundation Partner membership.

Upcoming events

Confirmed calendar dates.

View full calendar

No upcoming events are listed yet.

New networking breakfasts and programs are scheduled regularly. Check the full calendar or reach the office for the next date.

View the calendar

CVABC team

Local staff keeping members, events, and office details moving.

CVABC members are supported by a local office team that coordinates programs, keeps member follow-up organized, and helps sponsors and businesses stay visible across Central Virginia.

Heather Alto headshot

Heather Alto

Executive Director

Heather Alto is a passionate community advocate, business leader, and the Executive Director of the Central Virginia Business Coalition (CVABC). With more than 13 years of experience championing small businesses, Heather has dedicated her career to helping entrepreneurs succeed, building meaningful relationships, and creating opportunities for businesses to grow and thrive. Heather believes that strong communities begin with strong local businesses. Through her leadership at CVABC, she works to connect business owners with the resources, relationships, marketing opportunities, and support they need to achieve their goals.

Beyond her professional accomplishments, Heather is a wife, mother of three, and an avid UVA fan. She enjoys attending concerts in her free time and vacationing with family.

Whether she's advocating for a small business, mentoring a future leader, or bringing the community together, Heather approaches everything she does with heart, purpose, and an unwavering belief in the power of people supporting people.

Member growthCommunity partnershipsSponsor relationships
Autumn Myers headshot

Autumn Myers

Social Media & Membership Coordinator | Central Virginia Business Coalition

Autumn Myers serves as the Social Media and Membership Coordinator for the Central Virginia Business Coalition (CVABC), where she combines creativity, communication, and a passion for connecting people to help strengthen the local business community.

In her role, Autumn shines a spotlight on CVABC members, promotes exciting events and opportunities, and works to ensure businesses feel connected, supported, and valued. From creating engaging social media content to building relationships with members, Autumn enjoys being part of an organization that celebrates local businesses and the people behind them.

Beyond her work with CVABC, Autumn is a proud mother of one and holds her Certified Nursing Assistant (CNA) license, reflecting her caring nature and dedication to helping others. When she's not busy connecting businesses or spending time with her family, you'll likely find her enjoying all things Disney! Whether it's the magic, the memories, or planning her next Disney adventure, Autumn believes a little extra magic makes life more fun.

With a friendly personality, a creative spirit, and a heart for helping others, Autumn brings enthusiasm and a personal touch to everything she does at CVABC.

EventsMember touchpointsPublic calendar support
Magen Boone headshot

Magen Boone

Office Manager

Magen Boone serves as Office Manager for Central Virginia Business Coalition, where she oversees daily operations and supports the organization’s mission to strengthen and connect the local small business community. In her role, she manages administrative functions, coordinates member services, and assists with events and initiatives that promote community growth and engagement.

With a background in office administration and customer service, Magen brings strong organizational skills, attention to detail, and a commitment to creating a positive experience for members. She is known for her approachable style, problem-solving abilities, and dedication to keeping operations running smoothly.

Magen has lived in Lynchburg for 21 years and loves her small business community, relationships built, and friendships made. Magen is passionate about supporting small business relationships, their growth and fostering meaningful connections. Outside of work, she enjoys spending time with friends and family. You will normally find her cheering on one of her two sons at their sporting or school events.

Office coordinationMember recordsFollow-up support
CVABC staff at a holiday parade

Member proof

Real relationships are the strongest reason to join.

“Being a member and sponsor has been a great benefit to Visiting Angels of Lynchburg, helping us build relationships, increase our visibility, and connect with the community we serve. It also gives us opportunities to participate in community traditions like the Bedford and Lynchburg Christmas parades, where we’re proud to be float sponsors. The team’s dedication to supporting local businesses and bringing people together makes this an organization we’re happy to support.”

Mike Norfield, Co-Owner/Director, Visiting Angels of Lynchburg
Terry Heiligenstadt, independent consultant with Pampered Chef

“Being part of the Central Virginia Business Coalition feels like being part of a family. The relationships I’ve built here go far beyond networking—they’re genuine connections with people who want to see one another succeed. Whether I need a product or service for my own business or someone I know is looking for a trusted recommendation, I can turn to the CVABC and know there’s a reliable connection ready to help. From marketing opportunities and community events to encouragement and ongoing support, the CVABC has made a meaningful difference in my business and in my connection to our local communities.”

Terry Heiligenstadt, Independent Consultant, Pampered Chef, Forest, VA

“The Central Virginia Business Coalition has been an incredible resource for 7 Hills Plumbing! The connections, support, and opportunities they've provided have helped us grow our business and become more involved in the community. It's great to be part of an organization that genuinely cares about helping local businesses succeed. Highly recommend the CVABC!”

Dale Cox, 7 Hills Plumbing, LLC
Four-year GOLD Winner: Best Networking Organization, Lynchburg Business Magazine.

Community Hub

Jobs, blog posts, and events in one place for the local business community.

Open hub

Member spotlight

Local businesses made easier to discover.

Directory

Member profiles are being added as new businesses join the network.

Sponsor visibility

Members see who is investing in the coalition.

Sponsor directory

Featured sponsor highlights appear here as CVABC confirms current placements.

Tea Times

Watch local business conversations from CVABC.

Tea Times gives members and local business leaders another way to share stories, promote programs, and stay visible in the community.

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