What We Do
Venture Richmond focuses on various aspects of the services offered in downtown Richmond, Va.
Committee Structure
Board of Directors: The board members for Venture Richmond were recruited largely from the boards of the four predecessor organizations; Richmond Renaissance, CityCelebrations, River District Alliance and Richmond Riverfront Corporation. The board includes over 70 business and community leaders that support our mission. The board meets twice per year.
The Executive Committee has roughly 30 members, meets monthly and is charged with governing the affairs of the organization.
The Finance Committee oversees and monitors all financial aspects of the organization, including financial management, budgets, fund raising and audits. Committee members work with staff to develop annual fund raising strategies including the annual corporate contributions. They also provide financial and accounting advice and participate in financial planning for the organization.
The Board Development Committee is responsible for ensuring that board members are fully engaged. This committee organizes strategic planning sessions, periodically reviews and recommends changes to the by-laws and annually recommends candidates for membership on the Board of Directors and Executive Committee.
The Operating Committee coordinates three downtown-related committees and consists of the chairs of the Marketing, Events, and Service District committees, plus several of the officers.
The Marketing/Advocacy Committee oversees the development and implementation of a marketing and communications strategy for Venture Richmond. Members work with staff on branding Downtown as well as the organization. They market the overall image of downtown, and promote the new developments, including apartments and condos. They are also responsible for consumer marketing and promoting restaurants, retailers, attractions, neighborhoods, canal boats and riverfront attractions. They are the advocates for Downtown, addressing issues as well as organizing and hosting events, forums and tours that showcase Downtown’s rebirth. A subcommittee, the Downtown Management Committee, focuses on enhancing the coordination of Downtown event planners and promoters with parking and other Downtown management services.
The Events Committee oversees the planning, production, marketing and sponsorship of the festivals and special events produced by Venture Richmond. Members work with staff to determine an appropriate mix of events and develop a management plan for producing more events in the future, as well as recruiting more third party events to Downtown. Venture Richmond’s events include Friday Cheers, the Second Street Festival, the Monument Avenue Easter Parade, and the Beer and Seafood Festival. The National Folk Festival has a committee structure that falls under the auspices of the Events Committee.
The Service District Committee coordinates the provision of enhanced services downtown, which are funded primarily through special tax assessments. This group is in charge of the Clean & Safe program, as well as Canal boat operations, canal landscaping and maintenance, and a proposed beautification initiative. A subcommittee will focus on Canal Walk planning and development and on Riverfront property owner issues, such as the architectural review process and the tax overlay districts.
The Education Committee works with Richmond Public Schools to recruit and recognize teachers. The committee, working in partnership with the City schools, helps build successful school-business partnerships.
The Minority Economic Participation Committee focuses on encouraging area corporations to embrace supplier diversity as part of their normal business practices.