Vermilion Advantage is not only looking to get back in full swing with in person activities, but they’re also having a personnel change. It was back in 2002 that the Danville Area Economic Development Corporation merged with the Chamber of Commerce, and became Vermilion Advantage.
Current Chamber Director Machelle Dykes is retiring at the end of March, and Vermilion Advantage Community Development Coordinator Nicole Van Hyfte will move into the Chamber Director’s position. Van Hyfte and Vermilion Advantage CEO Tim Dudley recently joined Tommy B on D102’s Big Show, and Dudley recalled learning about Van Hyfte when he arrived about a year ago.
AUDIO: (Nicole) I’m honored to have this role and to step into the footsteps of Machelle Dykes. I just want to say, she’s been incredible. She’s been a mentor to me, even before I started working at Vermilion Advantage. (Tim) Well Machelle’s the reason you’re there, almost. When I needed to fill the spot I said, “Machelle we got anybody from Leadership Tomorrow that really, you know, stuck out with you?” She goes, “Yes, I’ve got a couple, here’s one!” And Nicole was one of the names she gave me and I’ve got to tell you she impressed me from the start. I had a good feeling about her and it’s the best thing I’ve ever done.
Now, it’s on to the future. And Van Hyfte says it’s about working with businesses of all sizes.
AUDIO: What we’re really excited about is supporting the people that do decide to stay here or open a business here. Like Tim said earlier, we really like our big manufacturers and our big businesses. But really the heart of it all is in our small businesses. I mean right now, I’m sure people are realizing, Downtown Danville is booming.
And bringing along the next generation’s leaders is the mission of Vermilion Advantage’s Leadership Tomorrow classes, as Dudley explains.
605 – VA THREE :17…here in Danville.”
AUDIO: Since I came to this community, I recognized that really quickly; that there are some amazing young leaders in this community. And I think we really need to help them grow. That’s why we put Youth Leadership back together, or YPN, to have these young professionals work together, and realize they can do great things right here in Danville.
For more information about Leadership Tomorrow or other Vermilion Advantage programs, contact Nicole Van Hyfte at 217-442-6201, or NVanHyfte@vermilionadvantage.com.
