Juggling RVA
In the last issue of Greater Richmond Grid, we asked Happy the Artist to give us his tips on ways to be happy in RVA. Next up we have Jonathan Austin, one of Richmond’s most recognizable figures and favorite entertainers. From tossing flaming objects in the air to magic tricks delivered with a hefty dose of humor, Jonathan the Juggler has offered his 24-hour Emergency Juggling Services to RVA for decades.
Finding Inspiration in Others
With the start of 2013 comes an onslaught of resolutions. At the top of most people’s list is improved health and wellbeing, in some shape or fashion. Richmonders do not have to look far, however, to find good role models when it comes to the success stories found at the various YMCA locations scattered around Greater Richmond. Here’s to some of our favorites-Makita Byrd, Amanda Clarke, Jesse Evans, and Aurora Johnston. Read their inspiring stories, think about them, and then get active.
State of the App in 2013
CapTech Ventures wrote the book on iPhone and iPad development, and that’s literal: iOS Network Programming, authored by three of the Richmond information technology company’s developers, is available on Amazon for $30.
Lowering the Wall Between the Paper and the Community
It’s hard to turn around in Richmond without bumping into a collaborative workspace or three. There’s Gangplank Henrico for the technology-minded, or 804RVA for individual entrepreneurs tired of staring at their bedroom walls. Hanover offers the Dominion Resources GreenTech Incubator, while the city offers Advantech with its below-market office space rental. A trio of local business standouts launched New Richmond Ventures, which advises startups and offers opportunities for space. And there’s always the basement of the Tuckahoe Library, or any number of coffee shops.
RVA Agents: Mission Possible
There’s a new crew of agents in town and more are joining every day. Their name? RVA Agents. Their mission? Help attract new businesses and jobs to the region.
Growing Upward By Going Southward
From his office in Shockoe Bottom, Edwin Huertas is building a growing base of clients that operate throughout Latin America. About one in five people south of the U.S. border own a smartphone (compared to one in two here), and as is the case in the U.S., iPhones and Androids have become the dominant handsets and continue to gain market share. That’s a nice place to play if you’re Huertas, an Ecuador native whose three-year-old company, Shockoe.com, happens to build applications for iPhones and Android devices.
Never Wait On Hold Again: The LucyPhone Story
Early one evening in the summer of 2009, I called Comcast customer service only to hear the dreaded words, “I’m sorry, we are currently experiencing higher than normal call volumes, please hold as your call is very important to us.”
Just Ask Peter: When Is It Time For a StartUp to Step Up?
People around RVA are always asking me: “We’re a new startup company. How can we save money and time?”
Leadership Lab
Leadership Lab, a program created and cultivated by the Greater Richmond Chamber of Commerce, is designed to create individual development and relationship building for emerging leaders. Leaders who choose to apply to Leadership Lab are interested in increasing their lead and influence within their organizations or businesses.
Business First Opens Doors to Economic Growth in Greater Richmond
Local economic development offices and a cadre of volunteers are turning up the heat on regional economic development through a unified outreach tool. Business First Greater Richmond, a collaboration between the Greater Richmond Partnership and economic development offices in Richmond, Henrico, Hanover, and Chesterfield, sends volunteers into the business community with a standardized survey. Responses are funneled back to local economic development staff so they can help businesses navigate permitting processes, collect market information, and address workforce needs.