ANNOUNCEMENTS
Chamber luncheon to feature speed networking

A dance ensemble from the county's Center for the Arts mugs for the camera after performing recently in a professional concert at the Julia Richmond Theatre in New York City.

The Chesterfield County Chamber of Commerce will hold a speed networking event at its luncheon at the Brandermill Country Club, 3700 Brandermill Pkwy., at 11:15 a.m. on Feb 14. Members and guests will rotate to different tables after lunch to "pitch" their businesses and make more business contacts. For reservations, call 748-6364 ext. 4.

A "Chamber Night Out" will be held on Feb. 21 at Chesterfield Towne Center to hear about the changes to the mall. Reservations by Feb. 18 are required.

In other announcements:

American Water has given $3,000 to the Friends of the Lower Appomattox River (FOLAR) to develop trails along the waterway. FOLAR works to conserve and protect the Appomattox River. American Water is the largest and most geographically diverse provider of water services in North America and the parent company of Virginia American Water.

Swann/Eyerly

James and Debra Eyerly of Midlothian announce the engagement of their son, Cody James Eyerly, to Kendall Lindsey Swann, daughter of Wilson and Mary Swann of Richmond. An Apr. 26 wedding is planned at St. Marks United Methodist Church on Lucks Lane.

First Lieutenant David K. Bhatta is assigned to A Troop, 1-33 CAV, part of the 3d Brigade Combat Team, 101st Airborne Division, currently deployed in Iraq. He is a 2006 graduate of Virginia Military Institute and a 2002 graduate of Midlothian High School.

Harrison Gebs, a senior at Maggie Walker Governor's School, and Alexander Smith, a junior at Manchester High School, have attained the rank of Eagle Scout. Both are in Troop 806.

Nydia Pulley, 11, of Bailey Bridge Middle School, participated in the halftime entertainment last weekend during the NFLPro Bowl game in Honolulu. She was selected from the All American Cheer and Dance Company.

The McDonald's location in Chester at 10300 Iron Bridge Rd. recently raised $5,704 by selling "hands" on World Children's Day, setting a new record for the most sold at any location in metro Richmond. The Iron Bridge location is owned by Jack Pollard.

Knight Transportation has opened an office for its long-distance trucking operations at the Sustainability Park in Chesterfield County.

Evergreen Elementary School has been certified by the National PTA as a Parent Involvement School of Excellence and has received the State PTA Award of Excellence. Evergreen PTA officers for 2007-2008 are President Angie Steele, First Vice President Angie Vardell, Recording Secretary Erin Tucker, Corresponding Secretary Susan Pollard and Treasurer Karen Wells. Joyce Lanier is the school's principal.

James River High School has been selected as a Model School for 2007 by the International Center for Leadership Education. James River, one of 25 schools designated nationally, was recognized for excellence in working with students in the transition from middle school to high school and for efforts in seeing students reach graduation within four years after entry into school while holding to high levels of participation and rigor.

Chipotle Mexican Grill has announced it will serve more than 52 million pounds of naturally raised meat in 2008, a 12 million pound or 40 percent increase over last year. That solidifies Chipotle's position as the world's leading restaurant provider of naturally raised meat - beef, pork and chicken from naturally, humanely-raised animals fed a vegetarian diet and not given antibiotics, added hormones or growth-stimulants. Chipotle has locations on Hull Street Road and Midlothian Turnpike.

HCA has added 120 new jobs in billing, collections and other financial functions at its patient-account service center in the county. HCA operates four hospitals in the Richmond metro including CJW Medical Center.

Women's clothing and accessories retailer Coldwater Creek has opened its first Chesterfield County location and its second store in the Richmond market at Chesterfield Towne Center. The 6,000-square-foot store is located near Macy's.

Announcements can be e-mailed to news@chesterfieldobserver.com, faxed to 744-3269 or mailed to Chesterfield Observer, Attn: Announcements, P.O. Box 1616, Midlothian, VA 23113.