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About CVABC

A long-standing local business organization helping members grow across Central Virginia.

CVABC connects Central Virginia businesses through visibility, relationships, events, sponsorships, and practical promotion rooted in the local economy.

CVABC staff at a holiday parade

Local first

Real businesses, real rooms, real follow-through.

What we do

Help local businesses get seen, connected, and supported.

Members get a public directory, a calendar of networking programs, and a local staff team that helps businesses show up at events, sponsor conversations, and everyday member follow-up across Central Virginia.

Business visibility

CVABC helps members show up through directory listings, events, ribbon cuttings, sponsor surfaces, podcast stories, and local business promotion.

Useful relationships

The coalition creates repeatable ways for business owners, nonprofits, employers, sponsors, and civic partners to meet and refer one another.

Hands-on local support

A small Forest office team helps members with events, directory visibility, sponsorships, and the follow-up that keeps relationships moving.

CVABC staff

A small local team keeping programs, members, and office follow-up connected.

Members work with a hands-on office team that knows the local business community, keeps event details moving, and helps sponsor and member relationships turn into practical follow-through.

CVABC staff: Heather, Magen and Autumn
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

Proof points

Built around a business community with deep local roots.

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

History and direction

The mission stays local. The support stays practical.

1906

Chartered locally

The organization began as the Lynchburg Retail Merchants Association and grew with the region's business community.

Today

Regional coalition

CVABC now supports local businesses through membership, events, promotion, sponsor relationships, and community partnerships.

Here to help

Practical member support

Members get a public directory, events they can attend, and a local staff team that helps businesses stay visible across Central Virginia.

Get involved

Join, attend, sponsor, or start by finding a local business.