JLV Fall 2025 Newsletter
- Jill Vaughan
- Oct 16
- 4 min read
Updated: Oct 28
The colors of fall and a season of learning
As the leaves begin to turn their vibrant shades of red, orange and gold, my focus also turns to two of my favorite colors: Chicago maroon and burnt orange. Fall weekends often find me cheering on Virginia Tech football, where our older son proudly plays trumpet with The Marching Virginians—a particularly special connection since I once took the field as the feature twirler during my college days.
After a summer filled with time at the beach, river, lake, and our favorite getaway spots, we’ve settled back into the rhythm of the school year. Our younger son has started his second year of high school, and with that, this season always feels like the true reset, marking the start of what tends to be the busiest and most energizing time of the year.
Unsurprisingly, this has also been a season of personal learning. Last month, I spent a couple days in Harrisonburg for the fall Virginia Economic Developers Association conference, where I networked with peers and explored new initiatives in the region—including a visit to Virginia's first Buc-ee’s.
And, I just returned from Camp Clockwork, an intensive retreat for established business owners and entrepreneurs.
Above left: Camp Dining Hall; above right: Mike Michalowicz and Jill
During my time in Tennessee, I focused solely on getting away from the day-to-day to “play” with an amazing group of 35 peers. The camp helps founders come back to their true selves and crystallize their vision. I even got to meet one of my business heroes, Mike Michalowicz, the author of Profit First and Clockwork. And he is also a Hokie making an impact for small businesses across the globe!
In this issue, we introduce a new feature that spotlights partners who make our JLV team shine and share a commitment to our Vision: We are driven by integrity to elevate clients, empower our team, and build strong, job-creating communities, fulfilling a purpose greater than ourselves.
No matter the season, that remains at the heart of everything we do.
Jill
Top: VEDA Agri-business Tour Stop- Overlook Produce in Rockingham County
Left: Jill and her oldest son, Will
People of JLV
For many years, Sarah Dawes Murphy has stepped in to support JLV clients with her deep understanding of the user experience in developing web architectures and bringing stories to life.
Sarah (right) with her mom Sande.
Now Trending: Our Clients
In our role as the marketing arm for Virginia’s Gateway Region, JLV promoted the region’s expansion as three new communities joined the economic development organization. Last month, VGR also hosted its annual Meet & Greet with state legislators, who shared their perspectives on critical regional topics.
Having partnered for more than five years, JLV has helped VGR exceed their goals by boosting newsletter viewership, LinkedIn engagement and media placements.
The JLV Team has developed a thematic approach to quarterly newsletters, with our latest focusing on manufacturing careers. Our strategy connects this important career and technical education to pressing state needs, including closing a gap in skilled talent.
Our strategy with the Virginia Council on Problem Gambling continues to raise awareness of the risks and consequences of problem gambling, as the fall brought the return of football and the expectation of iGaming bills coming before the General Assembly in its next session.
We’re embracing The Bank of Southside Virginia’s commitment to its community, particularly as we helped it celebrate its 120th anniversary with a feature in Virginia Business. The impact of that local presence was the focus of a commentary authored by the CEO in the Cardinal News. We also promoted renewal of the bank’s hosting of the Smithfield Farmers Market and how to support our youngest generations with financial literacy.
“JLV takes the time to get to know our business and our unique audience and community. They take a consultative approach with solutions designed just for us instead of cookie-cutter deliverables.”
-Amanda Lupold, Brand Director, The Bank of Southside Virginia
While the Maggie L. Walker Governor’s School students were away for summer break, the business of running a school continued and we sat down with its newly appointed executive director to learn more about her vision and goals. We also just unveiled the latest annual report for the Maggie L. Walker Governor’s School Foundation, which generates critical funding to support efforts that elevate the learning experience.
JLV promoted the 2025 Alleghany Highlands Housing Summit through traditional media, social media and a newsletter, as well as providing event planning in advance. A post-summit survey revealed stellar marks for content, panelist expertise and overall satisfaction.
Purpose in Practice
Jill attended an educational breakfast with the Leukemia & Lymphoma Society (LLS) in September. She was a 2022 Woman of the Year Candidate and remains involved with the organization.
The 76-year-old nonprofit announced a new brand and identity—Blood Cancer United. Courtney Addison (pictured here) is a proud Dare to Dream Ambassador and mom to Cayden, a spirited 9-year-old who was diagnosed in 2020 with a high-risk form of acute lymphoblastic leukemia (ALL).
Cayden’s treatment has included surgeries, chemotherapy and countless overnight hospital stays. After completing initial treatments in spring 2022, he relapsed in February 2023. In March, Cayden started CAR-T Cell therapy and received his infusion in May. He has experienced little to no side effects since and is doing great!
Mark your calendars for Light the Night on November 1!
Click here for more information.
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