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Downtown Ashland Association and Ashland Branch Library Empower Entrepreneurs with Monthly Boot Camps

Downtown Ashland Association Executive Director Coach Antonio Miller speaking during the first Wednesday Entrepreneur Boot Camps in Ashland Branch Library

Local entrepreneurs are growing, connecting, and thriving through a new monthly Entrepreneur Boot Camp Series, held the first Wednesday of every month at 6 PM inside the Ashland Branch Library’s conference room.

The first boot camp, held in November, was a resounding success—bringing together business owners, aspiring entrepreneurs, and creative minds from across the Center of the Universe for an evening of collaboration, resource-sharing, and inspiration. Attendees networked, learned about new opportunities, and gained tools to take their ventures to the next level.

“I learned such valuable information in a short amount of time,” Local business owner Anna Riccio of GRIT and Drift Beverage Co. shared. “The whole group was so welcoming! I truly felt like I had a ‘seat at the table.’”

The next Entrepreneur Boot Camp will be held Wednesday, December 3, featuring a holiday meet and greet designed for connection and cheer. Participants can mingle with fellow business owners, exchange ideas, and celebrate the season in true Ashland style.

“These monthly gatherings are about more than business,” said Coach Antonio Miller, Executive Director of Downtown Ashland Association. “They’re about community—because when our entrepreneurs connect, the entire town grows stronger.”

Downtown Ashland is already known as a hub for small business innovation. Main Street is lined with local shops, farm-to-fork restaurants, and vibrant public art—all powered by passionate local owners who make Ashland unique. Downtown Ashland Association also offers year-round resources, including a free online Start Up Business Accelerator, on-demand video workshops, and Happy Hour Vibes Networking and Recording Parties at K101.2 POP Richmond—a partnership that helps businesses engage 1.3 million listeners while enjoying mocktails, games, and laughter.

The Ashland Branch Library complements these opportunities by offering free access to powerful entrepreneurial tools through library card membership, including the Hoopla and Libby apps.

To explore more programs from the Pamunkey Regional Library, visit www.pamunkeylibrary.org. For questions or accessibility accommodations, email ask@pamunkeylibrary.org or call the Ashland Branch Library at (804) 798-4072.

Mark your calendars now—the first Wednesday of every month belongs to Ashland’s entrepreneurs.

Free Entrepreneurial Boot Camps

In celebration of National Entrepreneurship Month, Downtown Ashland Association (DAA) and Pamunkey Regional Library’s Ashland Branch Library are teaming up to launch Entrepreneurial Boot Camps—a new, free monthly series designed to help small business owners and aspiring entrepreneurs connect, learn, and grow.

Starting Wednesday, November 5, Entrepreneurial Bootcamps will take place from 6:00 to 7:30 PM on the first Wednesday of every month through September 2, 2026, in the Ashland Branch Library’s conference room. Each session will offer opportunities to collaborate, network, and discover resources to help local businesses thrive.

“Downtown Ashland is one of the top main streets in America because of the dreamers and innovators who set up shop on our historic streets,” said Antonio “Coach” Miller, Executive Director of Downtown Ashland Association. “It’s not only part of our mission to give these entrepreneurs the resources they deserve to thrive, but to pull everyone into our orbit, share what we know, and grow together.”

The view of historic downtown Ashland, Virginia, from the Ashland Branch Library.

Downtown Ashland’s business district is a true showcase of small-town entrepreneurship—made up almost entirely of local owners, makers, and risk-takers whose creativity and commitment keep the Center of the Universe vibrant. Entrepreneurial Bootcamps are an extension of DAA’s ongoing mission to strengthen this ecosystem through education, connection, and collaboration—while inviting entrepreneurs from across the region to join in.

And getting here couldn’t be easier. Participants can hop on Amtrak Virginia and arrive just steps from the Ashland Branch Library, making a quick and convenient trip for business owners and innovators from Richmond, Fredericksburg, and beyond. After the workshop, guests are encouraged to enjoy dinner at one of Downtown Ashland’s farm-to-fork restaurants located right along the tracks—an experience that pairs perfectly with the town’s entrepreneurial spirit and small-town charm.

Pamunkey Regional Library continues to be a trusted community partner, offering an array of free tools and resources for local businesses. With a Pamunkey library card, entrepreneurs can access business databases, market research, and professional development materials across all library branches.

For more information about these monthly events, visitAshlandVirginia.com/bootcamp.
If you have special physical or communication needs, please contact ask@pamunkeylibrary.org or call the Ashland Branch Library at (804) 798-4072.

Happy Hour Vibes Serves Up Laughter, Mocktails, and Local Flavor Across Central Virginia

The latest episode of Happy Hour Vibes on K101.2 POP Richmond poured out laughter, networking, and a healthy dose of community pride during its October Recording and Networking Party—featuring some of Central Virginia’s most creative entrepreneurs and small business leaders.

Over Shaken Not Spurred’s mocktail of the month—the Minted Mare—guests were challenged to dive into six red solo cups, each filled with a classic party game and a twist of local flair. Whether tossing pong balls, crafting elevator pitch rhymes, or confessing marketing mix-ups, attendees couldn’t help but laugh, sip, and connect.

Listeners are invited to sip along and laugh along every Thirsty Thursday at 6 PM on K101.2 POP Richmond, learning how to make the featured mocktail of the month and a meal to match from Gianna Does It All’s very own Chef Gianna Stanley.

“Happy Hour Vibes is where business, creativity, and laughter meet,” said Barry Farmer, co-host and representative of the Farmer Media Company, a proud in-kind gold sponsor of the show. “It’s a place for neighbors to network, celebrate local events, and cheer on what makes Central Virginia so vibrant.”

🍹 Local Flavor Takes the Mic

This month’s guests brought the flavor, creativity, and community spirit in a way only Central Virginia can. Homemades by Suzanne set the tone as both guest and food sponsor, serving up their signature pimento cheese spread and dessert selections that had everyone swooning—especially producer Barry Farmer, who happily claimed a lemon tart or two off-mic. The team gave listeners a mouthwatering preview of their upcoming Thanksgiving menu, a full holiday feast made with love and the comfort of a home-cooked meal—just like the downtown Ashland favorite has always been known for. Their holiday tea parties in the John Marshall Ballroom and right in the Center of the Universe promise to be a highlight of the season, and their “Very Important Pup” seating—with pup plates, toys, and proceeds benefiting the Hanover Humane Society—makes it clear that Homemades by Suzanne knows how to serve up heart with every bite.

Things got spicy when RVA Wing Wars joined the table to talk about their annual showdown on October 18 at Triple Crossing Beer in Fulton, where twenty restaurants will compete to prove who truly has the best wings in the region. Of course, the Downtown Ashland Association is cheering for hometown heroes Ashland Sports Page, whose wings have a loyal following of their own. In true Happy Hour Vibes fashion, the Wing Wars crew found themselves caught up in the fun when they landed in the “Never Have YOU Ever” cup—forced to admit they’ve also accidentally posted a “See y’all tomorrow!” when the event was actually the following week. The room erupted in laughter and raised their glasses, because, really, who hasn’t been there?

Jason McClenny of McClenny Insurance Agency got his moment in the spotlight when his pong ball landed in the “Serve” cup, challenging him to come up with a two-line rhyming elevator pitch. A poet without realizing it, Jason delivered a clever couplet that stuck in everyone’s head for the rest of the night—proving that even insurance can be lyrical with a little creative spark.

Then came Sarah Glasco of ADHD Peri Punks, who brought a mix of humor and honesty as she discussed how ADHD uniquely affects women in perimenopause and menopause. With her signature sarcastic self-care style and a podcast voice made for the mic, Sarah drew the room in while keeping everyone laughing. Listeners can tune into her show, ADHD Peri Punks, on Spotify or find her and her co-creators sharing relatable content on Instagram at @adhdperipunks.

To top it all off, Minuteman Press of Ashland reminded everyone that “mail marketing is not dead.” They’re currently running their Mailathon ahead of the holiday season—offering $20 off any size mailing and free design services—helping small businesses share their message far and wide. Learn more at minuteman.com/us/locations/va/ashland.

Each guest brought something special to the table—flavor, fun, creativity, or connection—and together, they reminded listeners why Happy Hour Vibes isn’t just a show. It’s a celebration of the people, businesses, and stories that make Central Virginia such a vibrant place to live, work, and play.

Downtown Ashland Association on Happy Hour Vibes

Lou Keeton and Coach Antonio Miller of Downtown Ashland Association joined the episode to highlight the town’s 31 Days of Ashland Halloween celebration and the upcoming Off the Rails Craft Beer & Wine Festival: Boos, Brews, and BBQ, sponsored by Amtrak Virginia, on Saturday, October 25 at the Hanover Arts and Activities Center.

Festival-goers can sip craft beer from Center of the Universe Brewing aboard Amtrak Virginia, then crawl toward craft beer, wine, food, arts, and business vendors all while enjoying live music from Buckville Hootenanny. Thy can even snag free candy for Ashland’s trick-or-treat heavy neighborhoods. Afterward, the party continues with a downtown “After Crawl” featuring Ashland’s favorite spots—Caboose Market & Café, Origin Beer Company, Ash & Olive, Cask and Stave, Iron Horse Restaurant, and The Henry Clay Inn.

Listeners are also encouraged to submit recipes to the Ashland Community Cookbook or name the Ashland Candy Bar by November 1. The Ashland Community Cookbook will be available for purchase in time for Light Up the Tracks: The Grand Illumination on November 22. The winning Ashland Chocolate Bar name will be wrapped up with golden ticket prizes redeemable at the Center of the Universe by New Year’s Eve.

🌟 Foster the Mic: Broadcasting Change

Foster the Mic will reach 1.3 million listeners across Central Virginia through The Barry Farmer Morning Show with Sharon Lizzy, blending storytelling with sponsorship opportunities that make an impact. Sponsorship levels range from $150 to $2,550, each offering on-air exposure, social media promotion, and magazine placement—all while supporting nonprofits that serve foster youth.

“Foster care is more than a system—it’s a community,” said Farmer. “By sponsoring Foster the Mic, your business amplifies real stories while aligning with a powerful cause.”

Sponsorship inquiries: connect@farmercompanyllc.com | 804-243-0731

🎧 Don’t Miss the Final Recording Party of 2025!

The final Happy Hour Vibes Networking and Recording Party of 2025 takes place Monday, October 27 at 6 PM at Farmer Company Media Studios in Richmond.

Join the fun in person—or tune in from home every Thirsty Thursday at 6 PM on K101.2 POP Richmond to sip along, laugh along, and connect with the region’s most entertaining network of entrepreneurs, event planners, and creatives.

Happy Hour Vibes is co-produced by Farmer Media Company, K101.2 POP Richmond, and Downtown Ashland Association, with in-kind Downtown Ashland Association Gold Sponsors Barry Farmer Media, Shaken Not Spurred Mobile Bar, Gianna Does It All, and POWER UP Productions.

Happy Hour Vibes Sip-Up Mocktails, Laughter, and Community Connections

The latest Happy Hour Vibes networking and recording party brought the airwaves to life with laughter, fresh ideas, and Shaken Not Spurred’s signature mocktails. Guests arrived at Farmer Company Media Studios ready to mix business with fun, and left with new friends, creative collaborations, and content destined for over 1.3 million listeners on K101.2 POP Richmond.

Shaken Not Spurred on Happy Hour Vibes

As the evening kicked off, guests grabbed a Shaken Not Spurred Lemon Palomino—a bright blend of lemonade, honey syrup, ginger beer, and rosemary—and settled in with subs donated by Jersey Mike’s of Ashland. Before long, the games began. “If you’re not carrying duct tape and you work events, you need to go back to event school,” one guest laughed during a round of Never Have I Ever. Another raised their glass during Sip or Serve and offered a retirement toast so convincing the room roared with applause.

Ederis Martinez-Cunion of Your Path Counseling Center

That mix of sincerity and silliness is exactly what keeps people coming back. Ederis Martinez-Cunion of Your Path Counseling Center shared her excitement about cooler weather: “We love offering walk-and-talk therapy, and fall makes those sessions even better. We’re also launching Creating Calm with Montpelier Art Center, an art therapy group for teens to reduce stress and anxiety.” Her words struck a chord, showing how wellness and creativity overlap in both counseling and community.

Caroline Sweeney of Minuteman Press of Ashland

Caroline Sweeney of Minuteman Press of Ashland kept the energy going with a reminder that old-school outreach still works. “Mailing is not dead—you still see an incredible return on investment. That’s why we’re launching our first-ever Mail-a-thon, offering 20% off all printing for mailing campaigns in September, plus free design.” The crowd buzzed with ideas about how to connect their messages to more neighbors.

Then came music. 2025 Ashland Song Contest winner Tammy Hart Mosby described her triumph as “living my dream job right now. I’m honored to represent Ashland and the community.” She shared the story behind her song 1800Amtrak to Ashland, inspired by her mom’s journey from Florida: “She could hardly wait to get here.” Her voice, like her story, reminded everyone why Ashland’s creative heartbeat is so strong.

The Glass Guys spoke about their own goals, smiling as they looked ahead: “We’re connecting with more Richmond contractors while continuing projects across Ashland, Fredericksburg, and beyond. Our goal is 300 five-star Google reviews.” Their ambition resonated with the entrepreneurial crowd, many of whom nodded in agreement—everyone there was building something, and celebrating together made it all the sweeter.

On the Fly Events previewed their fall lineup, inviting guests to come bounce, play, and celebrate at SpookyFun Fest on October 10 and Grand IlluminAshland on November 22. “We love bringing the party to you,” they said, highlighting their inflatables, game truck, and event services that make community gatherings seamless.

Even Amtrak Virginia got in on the fun, teasing their September Train Safety Awareness Month giveaways. “We’ll have conductor hats for kids, Virginia is for Rail Lovers pins, and even a chance to win two round-trip Amtrak tickets starting and ending in Virginia,” said Courtney Standerfer of Siddall. The promise of prizes had guests circling the Hanover Arts and Activities Center date on their calendars.

Throughout the evening, POWER UP Productions captured every toast, giggle, and game, turning the night into a visual reminder of what happens when networking feels less like work and more like play.

By the time the mics were turned off, everyone agreed—this wasn’t just another networking event. Happy Hour Vibes is a place where business owners share their passions, laughter fills the room, and duct tape wisdom somehow makes perfect sense.

🎧 Listen in on the fun! Catch the full episode of Happy Hour Vibes every Thirsty Thursday on K101.2 POP Richmond, streaming live at 👉 farmercompanymedia.com/k1012pop or anytime at 👉 AshlandVirginia.com/HappyHourVibes.

💼 Be part of the next party! The Happy Hour Vibes Networking and Recording Party happens the final Monday of every month at Farmer Company Media Studios. Record content, build connections, and sip signature mocktails—all while potentially reaching over a million listeners.

🎟️ Upcoming parties: Monday, September 29 & Monday, October 27. Secure your ticket or book a 30-second ad read today by the Happy Hour crew at:
👉AshlandVirginia.com/HappyHourVibes.