The workshop is designed to provide information on available business resources and deliver practical, hands-on training covering key elements of business practice. Workshop segments will include information on how to start and operate a business, growing an existing business, marketing strategies and resources, financing and other available resources within the Commonwealth.

Although the workshop is offered at no charge, advanced registration is required. Registration information can be found at http://www.rvarc.org/entfair/entexpress/expressregister.html. Please join us to learn why Virginia is among the top states for business. Lists of other Entrepreneur Express Events to be held around Virginia can be found at http://www.vastartup.org. The workshop is FREE but advanced registration is required.

On Saturday, May 10, on Main Street in Independence, Grayson County will hold its first community-wide Earth Day celebration.  This all-day festival wraps up three weeks of Earth Day activities in the community, which have included river-side and roadside clean-ups, the planting of gardens, and tours of local businesses which are mindful of the environment.

The festival will begin at 10:00 a.m. with a ribbon-cutting for the new Farmer's Market and will conclude with a concert by Earth Mama at 4:00 p.m. in the middle of town.  A Procession of the Species Parade is scheduled at 2:00 p.m., in which participants will dress as their favorite species, and which will also feature environomentally friendly vehicles. 

Willing Partners opened a new thrift store in Independence today, May 1, giving away free snacks to customers. The new store is right next to Walters' Drug on Main Street in the old Grayson Garment factory building. Willing Partners is a nonprofit member agency serving the Twin Counties and Galax. In Galax, the Willing Partners food bank gives away more than 1200 food boxes to needy families a month. The mission of Willing Partners is to “bring together people, churches, and groups who share a common desire to improve the lives of those in need.”

Publicizing Your Dream: The Nuts & Bolts of Writing, Editing and Media Exposure
A Workshop Led by Publicist & Educator Chuck Whiting
March 13-14, 2008

Hosted by Earth Mama Music and the Davis-Bourne Inn in Independence, Va.

Saturday, March 29, 2008 - 7am-2pm
at Mt. Olivet United Methodist Church, 6926 Carrollton Pike, Galax, Va

Signature Bridal and Formals by Dawn (formerly "The Proper Choice") invites you to our Grand Opening Friday, January 4, 2008 with a ribbon cutting ceremony beginning at 9:30. Followed by an Open House from 10:00 to 5:30. Come meet the new owner, Dawn Roberts and staff.

During the month of January we are offering 10 to 20% off all in stock merchandise including Bridal dresses, brides maids, flower girl, Prom, cocktail, special occasion dresses and accessories.

We also provide same day tuxedo rentals for your immediate formal wear occasions, ask about our specials.

Signature Bridal is located at 107 W Grayson St. downtown Galax.
Our hours are Monday, Tuesday, Thursday and Friday 10:00 to 5:30 and Saturday 10:00 to 1:30 and can be reached at (276) 238-1716.

The Conservatory of Dance & Theatre in Downtown Galax will accept new registrations the entire month of January in Creative Movement, Pre-Ballet, all levels of Classical Ballet, Broadway Jazz, Tap and Tumbling. Owner and Artistic Director, Dr. Barbara Johnson, is not resting on the success of her recent performances of The Nutcracker in the Twin Counties and at the Ashe Civic Center in West Jefferson, NC. The former professional ballerina has already begun rehearsals for the Conservatory’s next production in March. This performance will showcase exerpts from Hairspray performed by the Conservatory’s Broadway jazz dancers. The ballet troupe will also perform a modern ballet piece featuring original choreography to live old-time music.