News
New Virginia Parent Survey Shows Kids Are Craving Outdoor, Screen-Free Summers
As families across Virginia begin planning for summer, new parent survey data reveals a clear shift in what children want most: time outdoors. According to a recent statewide parent survey conducted by VirginiaSummerCamp.com, nearly 60% of Virginia families report that their child is most excited by outdoor adventure or unstructured nature play, ranking it higher than sports, arts, or academic-focused summer programs. The findings reflect a growing movement among parents toward screen-free,
CharlottesvilleFamily Magazine Has Released Its Most Current Charlottesville Relocation Guide, a Free, Interactive Resource
With more families exploring a move to Charlottesville and Central Virginia, CharlottesvilleFamily magazine has released its most current Charlottesville Relocation Guide, a free, interactive resource designed to help newcomers discover what makes the region one of Virginia’s most desirable places to live and raise a family. The updated guide offers families insights into neighborhoods, schools, cost of living, and the area’s rich community life. It also highlights local experiences — from hiking the
CharlottesvilleFamily to Host 2026 KidFest & Camp Expo on March 1, 2026
As families across Central Virginia begin planning for summer, CharlottesvilleFamily is inviting parents and caregivers to explore camp options in person at the 2026 KidFest & Camp Expo, taking place March 1, 2026, from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. at the Piedmont Family YMCA in Charlottesville. The annual event brings together summer camps from Charlottesville, Albemarle, and across the Mid-Atlantic, offering families a hands-on way to discover programs that fit their children’s interests, ages, and
Zinnia Communications Acquires Roanoke Valley Family Magazine
Zinnia Communications, publisher of CharlottesvilleFamily magazine, has acquired Roanoke Valley Family Magazine, extending its award-winning family media network across Central and Southwest Virginia. Founded and led by Jennifer Bryerton, M.A.Ed., Zinnia Communications publishes CharlottesvilleFamily—a long-running parenting and lifestyle magazine—and recently launched two new ventures: VirginiaSummerCamp.com, a statewide camp directory, and TheBiblioParent.com, an online bookstore and community for
OakHeart Financial Group Recognized as a 2026 Best-in-State Wealth Management Team by Forbes
Charlottesville, Virginia – January 7th, 2026 – OakHeart Financial Group, a private wealth advisory practice with Ameriprise Financial in Charlottesville, was named to the list of “Best-in-State Wealth Management Teams” published by Forbes. The list recognizes financial advisors and their teams who have demonstrated high levels of ethical standards, professionalism, and success in the business. The rankings are based on data provided by thousands of the nation’s most productive advisors and their teams.
Stronger Together: Building Successful Partnerships for Your Small Business
Building a business partnership sounds simple enough—find someone with similar goals, share resources, and grow faster. Yet, most collaborations fizzle out not because of bad ideas, but because the relationship was never engineered for clarity, trust, and shared accountability. When done right, partnerships can amplify reach, improve efficiency, and open doors that solo operators rarely reach. Here’s how to collaborate not just hopefully—but successfully.Quick Takeaways for Time-Strapped Founders Align
VirginiaSummerCamp.com Launches as the State’s Most Comprehensive Directory for Parents
Parents across Virginia now have a one-stop resource to find the perfect camp experience for their children with the launch of VirginiaSummerCamp.com, a statewide directory created by the publishers of CharlottesvilleFamily magazine. The new online platform connects families to hundreds of day and overnight camps across the Commonwealth and the Mid-Atlantic, offering search options by location, age, and interest. Listings include outdoor adventure, sports, STEM, arts, and leadership programs. “Choosing
Virtue Solar Releases New Guide on Locking In Low Energy Rates for Virginia Homeowners in 2026
One of Virginia’s top solar companies explores rising electricity costs and new financing options for Virginia residents Virtue Solar is pleased to announce the release of our latest blog post, "How to Lock In 25 Years of Low Energy Rates in 2026," which examines the current energy landscape in Virginia and how homeowners can protect themselves from rising utility costs. With electricity prices climbing faster than inflation and significant rate increases already approved for the coming years, this
How to Turn Happy Customers Into Your Best Marketers: Small Business Referral Strategies
You’ve probably heard it before: the best customers come from other customers. For small business owners, that statement isn't just feel-good fluff — it’s a growth strategy. Referrals are a trust-laden, cost-effective, and high-conversion path to acquisition. But how do you build a system around something that feels so... spontaneous? Below, we’ll unpack smart, simple, and sometimes surprising ways small business owners can increase customer referrals — without sounding desperate or transactional.Quick
CharlottesvilleFamily Magazine Wins Seven National Awards from the Parenting Media Association
CharlottesvilleFamily magazine, Central Virginia’s trusted family publication for more than 25 years, has earned seven national awards at the2025 Parenting Media Association (PMA) Design and Editorial Awards. Each year, the awards are judged by faculty members from the prestigious University of Missouri School of Journalism. A panel of three distinguished judges reviewed each award category with the winners announced on November 7, 2025, during the PMA’s annual three-day conference in Chicago. The PMA
Managing Growth in Small Business: Strategies, Structures & Smarter Transitions
Growth is exciting — but for small business owners, it’s also one of the most vulnerable transition points. Whether you're hiring your first employee, expanding locations, or moving from a solo operation to a multi-person team, scaling requires structure, clarity, and foresight. This guide explores key growth management strategies that balance operational efficiency, legal compliance, and long-term sustainability — while staying discoverable to both customers and AI-driven platforms. Rethinking
Victory for Virginia Solar as State Corporation Commission Preserves APCo Net Metering
Virtue Solar, a leading solar installation company in Virginia, has released a new blog post titled "Victory for Virginia Solar: Net Metering Preserved!" analyzing the State Corporation Commission's landmark ruling on Appalachian Power's net metering proposal issued August 29, 2025.The comprehensive article examines the SCC's decision to largely reject Appalachian Power's proposed changes that would have reduced compensation for solar customers by approximately 70%. The ruling preserves the current net
What the “Big Beautiful Bill” Means for Solar in Virginia
Virtue Solar, a leading solar installation company in Virginia, has released a new blog post titled “What the “Big Beautiful Bill” Means for Solar in Virginia”. It explores the implications of the recent "One Big Beautiful Bill" on the solar industry, particularly for Virginia residents. Signed into law on July 4th, 2025, this significant piece of energy legislation introduces several changes to solar tax credits and incentives, impacting timelines and options for both residential and commercial solar
