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Reidsville Chamber marks 100th episode with local leaders, program reflection
Summary
The Reidsville Chamber of Commerce celebrated the 100th episode of its News & Views program with interviews reflecting on the show's origins, civic partnerships that anchored a visitor center, and plans to expand the program's reach. City and education leaders highlighted local infrastructure, workforce and community initiatives.
Diane Sawyer, president and CEO of the Reidsville Chamber of Commerce, marked the program’s 100th News & Views episode by tracing the show’s origins and crediting producer Roy Sawyers and early guests such as Heather Adams for helping the program grow into a local information platform. "Roy came to me and he was like, I think you need to do this," Sawyer said, describing how the show began as a way to tell chamber and community stories.
Why it matters: Sawyer and host Steve Scott framed the episode as more than an anniversary — they argued the show fills an information gap in Rockingham County by connecting residents to local leaders and businesses. Sawyer said the program’s regularity and partnerships have expanded its reach across social and broadcast channels.
Details and context: Sawyer described how the chamber used partnerships with civic and nonprofit actors to create a permanent Reidsville Chamber and Visitor Center at 140 South Veil Street and to anchor downtown revitalization efforts. She highlighted recurring guests and local entrepreneurs — including the Boardwalk Baker and community advocate Cecil — as examples of the program’s role in amplifying small-business success and civic engagement.
On editorial approach and criticism: Sawyer acknowledged critics who have questioned faith references on the show, noting that faith-based nonprofits are members of the chamber and that she invites their perspectives to reflect membership diversity.
Next steps: Sawyer said the chamber is exploring a more permanent TV presence and plans greater outreach in the next 100 episodes, while continuing to use the program to highlight local projects and partnerships.
