Institute for Advanced Learning and Research

Driving Economic Transformation

IALR Conference Center Welcomes New Chef

Categories

IALR Conference Center Welcomes New Chef

IALR Conference Center Welcomes New Chef

The Institute for Advanced Learning and Research (IALR) Conference Center has welcomed Elena Wasnak, an experienced restaurant and hotel chef, as its new head chef. In this role, Wasnak will oversee all food production for the Conference Center and Megabytes Café.

“Chef Wasnak brings an impressive background that aligns perfectly with our commitment to high-quality, memorable service. Her creativity, passion and depth of experience will elevate the dining experience for our guests and help us continue building the Conference Center’s reputation as a premier destination for meetings and events.” – Tracy Fink, Vice President, IALR Conference Center

Wasnak brings more than a decade of culinary experience to IALR. Most recently, she served as executive chef with Antonia’s in Hillsborough, N.C., and as sous chef with Il Palio in Chapel Hill, N.C., two well-known fine dining Italian restaurants. Her expertise spans Southern Italian, Mediterranean and Spanish cuisine, as well as baking and pastry arts. Known for her from-scratch pastas, she has a reputation for creating memorable dishes that highlight fresh, high-quality ingredients.

“My approach to cooking is food first,” said Wasnak. “I’m excited to help take the food and beverage service for the IALR Conference Center, as well as Megabytes Café, to the next level.”

The IALR Conference Center offers professional, on-site catering services ranging from buffet luncheons and boxed lunches to formal sit-down dinners. Megabytes Café provides a variety of sandwiches, daily breakfast and lunch selections, and a hot buffet.

Wasnak is employed through Up to Par Management, a Virginia-based hospitality management company that partners with IALR to provide food and beverage services.

Five IALR Employees Complete Regional Leadership Programs

Five IALR Employees Complete Regional Leadership Programs

Five employees from the Institute for Advanced Learning and Research (IALR) recently completed regional leadership development programs designed to cultivate personal growth, strengthen professional skills and enhance community engagement.

Four of these employees graduated from Leadership Southside, a long-standing leadership development program hosted by the Danville Pittsylvania Chamber of Commerce. One employee completed the Martinsville-Henry County Chamber of Commerce Leadership Program, a project-based experience focused on leadership effectiveness and community connection.

Leadership Southside Graduates

The following IALR employees recently graduated from Leadership Southside:

  • Caleb Ayers, Communications Content Manager
  • Tracy Fink, Vice President, Institute Conference Center
  • Sherri Dickens, Student Services Manager, Accelerated Training in Defense Manufacturing (ATDM)
  • Justin Scarce, Manager, ATDM Industry Engagement

Now in its 33rd year, Leadership Southside helps professionals across the business, education, nonprofit and public sectors build their capacity to lead with empathy and purpose. Through 10 months of interactive sessions, personal assessments and networking opportunities, including a visit to Richmond for Chamber Day at the Capitol, participants gain insight into their personal leadership style and how it affects their ability to influence and collaborate with others.

“Before Leadership Southside, I viewed leadership primarily as a position of authority—someone who sets direction and ensures tasks get done. But through the program, my perception has evolved. I now see leadership as more relational and service-oriented. It’s about influence, empathy and being able to bring people together around a shared vision.” – Sherri Dickens, Student Services Manager, Accelerated Training in Defense Manufacturing (ATDM)

“My favorite part of Leadership Southside was getting to connect with so many passionate, driven people from our region. Every session brought a fresh perspective—not just on leadership, but on how we can make a real impact in our community. I walked away with new friendships, valuable insights and a stronger sense of purpose in both my work and community involvement.” – Tracy Fink, Vice President of the IALR Conference Center

“Leadership Southside helped me assess and understand my own workplace tendencies and motivations and gave me the tools to see the motivations and desires of my colleagues.” – Caleb Ayers, Communications Content Manager, IALR

“Leadership Southside helped me understand the value of different leadership styles and how each brings unique strengths to a team. It taught me how to better collaborate by recognizing and adapting to those differences for more effective teamwork and impact.” – Justin Scarce, ATDM Industry Engagement Manager, IALR

The Chamber recognized the Class of 2025 during its Annual Awards Banquet at IALR. With this year’s cohort, more than 600 individuals have completed the program.

Martinsville-Henry County Leadership Program Graduate

In addition to the Leadership Southside participants, Brian Stanley, Advanced Learning Program Coordinator II with IALR, completed the leadership program offered by the Martinsville-Henry County Chamber of Commerce. This project-based leadership program is designed to help participants sharpen their leadership vision and effectiveness and discover their personal leadership styles.

Stanley and the other participants designed a mentorship program connecting high school students with industry professionals, which they presented to area leaders, including the Martinsville City Mayor, a Martinsville City Council representative and several of the Chamber’s board members.

“The Leadership program from the Martinsville and Henry County Chamber of Commerce has reshaped how I view myself as a leader by empowering the skills I already possess and introducing me to new methods that I can now share with my current and future teams. This program not only enabled me to connect with individuals whom I would most likely never have met but also created valuable connections that will continue to facilitate the development of programs that engage new partners in Martinsville and Henry County, showing the potential for growth and development.” – Brian Stanley, Advanced Learning Program Coordinator II, IALR

About IALR

The Institute for Advanced Learning and Research serves Virginia as a regional catalyst for economic transformation with applied research, advanced learning, manufacturing advancement, conference center services and economic development efforts. IALR’s major footprint focuses on Southern Virginia, including the counties of Patrick, Henry, Franklin, Pittsylvania, Halifax and Mecklenburg and the cities of Martinsville and Danville.

Banquets of Hope: How God’s Pit Crew and IALR Serve the Community Together

Banquets of Hope: How God’s Pit Crew and IALR Serve the Community Together

Could you serve 490 people in just eight minutes? Well, God’s Pit Crew and the IALR Conference Center can! 

On March 21 and 22, God’s Pit Crew hosted their 2025 Benefit Banquet at the Institute for Advanced Learning and Research (IALR) Conference Center. Not only did they serve 490 people in under nine minutes one night, but they did it two nights in a row. Nearly 1,000 volunteers and attendees participated between the two nights. 

“It’s almost a week’s worth of setup on our part,” Randy Johnson, Founder of God’s Pit Crew, said on a recent Inside IALR podcast. “We are so thankful that the IALR Conference Center is so gracious and helps in any way that they can to make this an incredible event for us. It just wouldn’t be possible for us if it weren’t for the conference center here.” 

The story of God’s Pit Crew 

When sitting at home in Danville watching the people of Oklahoma get torn apart by the Bridge Creek-Moore tornado, Terri and Randy Johnson knew they had to help.  

In 1999, with the help of some friends, they were able to fill three tractor-trailers with supplies to help the people of Oklahoma. This marked the beginning of God’s Pit Crew and their first relief.  

Since then, they have responded to more than 200 natural disasters by providing supplies, cleaning up damage and debris and even building new homes for those who lost theirs.  

“Having been through a natural disaster myself, I know how much it means just to have people show up and care,” IALR Conference Center Vice President Tracy Fink said on a recent episode of the Inside IALR Podcast. “When I walked out of that destroyed building, people immediately asked, ‘Can I help? Can I give you water?’ That kindness in a moment of shock is something you never forget. What God’s Pit Crew offers, whether it’s building homes or simply being present, is a powerful gift.”

A Memorable Yearly Event  

As a non-profit, God’s Pit Crew receives most of its income through donations. One of the ways they obtain funds is through their annual benefit banquets at the IALR Conference Center. These events raise thousands of dollars through ticket sales, with all proceeds going toward helping those in need. In addition to fundraising, the banquet also showcases the impact of their work, featuring powerful video testimonials and stories that highlight how their relief efforts have transformed lives. 

It takes God’s Pit Crew an entire week to transform the Conference Center’s Great Hall. Bringing their own lights, camera, screens and hand-designed backdrops, God’s Pit Crew converts the space to truly make it their own.  

“One of the great things about the IALR Conference Center is it is so versatile that if we wanted to have an event and not bring anything, we could. But if we want to bring additional products and stuff to make it bigger or make it the way we want it, you all have been very gracious to work with us.” – Randy Johnson, God’s Pit Crew Founder 

God’s Pit Crew used the atrium for merchandise tables including t-shirts, CD’s and stuffed animals, and some Blessing Buckets for donations, supporting God’s Pit Crew.  

With such a versatile and flexible space, the Conference Center offers a suitable venue for any trade shows or vendors. It has the space to accommodate business needs in a modern, functional environment with advanced technological capabilities.
Inside IALR Podcast: Restoring Hope, the Mission of God’s Pit Crew

Inside IALR Podcast: Restoring Hope, the Mission of God’s Pit Crew

Let’s hear from Randy Johnson, founder of God’s Pit Crew, a faith-based disaster relief organization headquartered in Danville, Virginia, and Tracy Fink, Vice President of the IALR Conference Center. God’s Pit Crew has transformed from a simple altar prayer 26 years ago into an extensive operation that has responded to over 200 disasters across more than 30 states and 15 countries.

Randy shares the remarkable growth of God’s Pit Crew and explains their strategic four-pronged disaster response: delivering essential supplies, providing immediate cleanup and tree removal, rebuilding homes—including an unprecedented commitment to constructing 25 new homes this year for Hurricane Helene victims—and redistributing over $5 million annually in donated goods to local nonprofits within 200 miles of Danville. Tracy highlights the longstanding partnership with IALR and details the annual benefit banquet hosted every year at the IALR Conference Center, which gathers nearly 1,000 supporters and showcases the organization’s profound impact.

Highlights include:

  • Origins and Growth of God’s Pit Crew (00:45)
  • Comprehensive Disaster Response Approach (02:15)
  • Building Homes and Restoring Lives (07:30)
  • Local Community Impact (12:20)
  • Annual Benefit Banquet at IALR Conference Center (16:50)
  • Volunteer Stories and Community Spirit (20:05)

LISTEN ON SPOTIFY

LISTEN ON APPLE PODCASTS

LISTEN ON IALR’S SITE

 

500 Attend One Dream 1 Team Event

500 Attend One Dream 1 Team Event

The Institute for Advanced Learning and Research (IALR) campus came alive in February as nearly 500 guests filled the Great Hall and Atrium for the annual One Dream 1 Team event. Organized by the foundation launched by brothers Tremaine, Terrell and Trey Edmunds, local students turned NFL players, the evening celebrated and honored outstanding students from across the Dan River region.

The Edmunds brothers, all graduates of Dan River High School, continued their athletic careers at Virginia Tech before entering the NFL. Terrell Edmunds was drafted by the Pittsburgh Steelers and currently plays safety for the Los Angeles Chargers. Tremaine Edmunds, drafted by the Buffalo Bills, plays linebacker for the Chicago Bears. Trey Edmunds, a former NFL running back, played for both the New Orleans Saints and the Pittsburgh Steelers.

Highlighting the night was the awarding of scholarships to six students, each representing one of the region’s local high schools. In addition to financial support, each recipient received special gifts, including a brand-new laptop and a pair of Jordans.

“IALR is a staple in our community,” noted event organizer Felecia “Cookie” Edmunds, mother of the Edmunds brothers. “It has all of the glam and glitz to enhance any event, and it is a place where folks can comfortably gather to socialize and converse. The staff is engaged and cooperative and are there to serve.”

The event featured excellent catering and showcased the flexibility of the IALR Conference Center’s event spaces, specifically the Great Hall and Atrium. Guests enjoyed entertainment, inspiring presentations, excellent catering and meaningful fellowship throughout the evening.

“We love hosting these community-focused events. It’s wonderful to see our facilities used to celebrate and support local students and families.” – Tracy Fink, Vice President of the IALR Conference Center

Interested in hosting your next event at the IALR Conference Center? Request a quote below.

Four IALR Employees Participating in Leadership Southside

Four IALR Employees Participating in Leadership Southside

Four employees of the Institute for Advanced Learning and Research (IALR) are participating in this year’s cohort of Leadership Southside – a professional development program offered through the Danville Pittsylvania County Chamber of Commerce. The IALR participants are shown below. 

Caleb Ayers, Communications Content Manager, IALR

Sherri Dickens, Senior Support Specialist, ATDM

Tracy Fink, Vice President, IALR Conference Center

Justin Scarce, Manager, ATDM Industry Engagement

“I am excited to network with other aspiring leaders and gain practical leadership tactics and strategies that will aid me throughout my career. I know this experience will equip me to lead and tell the IALR story.” – Caleb Ayers, Communications Content Manager

“This opportunity will strengthen my leadership skills, deepen my understanding of the region’s challenges and equip me with the tools to contribute more effectively to Southern Virginia’s growth and success.” –Sherri Dickens, ATDM Senior Support Specialist

“As a participant in Leadership Southside, I’m excited to join other emerging leaders in gaining new perspectives, enhancing my leadership skills and building relationships that will strengthen our ability to serve the region. This program is a fantastic opportunity to grow and contribute to the future of our community.” – Tracy Fink, Vice President, IALR Conference Center

“Leadership Southside will allow me to grow my leadership skills and knowledge, and I know this experience will position me to make an even greater impact in my role. I am proud to represent both IALR and ATDM while participating in this program.” – Justin Scarce, Manager, ATDM Industry Engagement

Now in its 32nd year, Leadership Southside is a leadership development program for the business, education, public and nonprofit sectors that aims to connect and build leaders. The cohort will meet once a month, focusing on topics like the role of a leader, self-management and the management of others and inspiring others to action. Several IALR employees have participated in past cohorts.

As Communications Content Manager, Ayers works with the PR and Communications team to plan and produce a wide range of content for IALR, including informative webpages, engaging stories, social media posts and a podcast. Ayers has more than five years of experience in communications, public relations and journalism. Ayers holds a bachelor’s degree in Media Arts and Design from James Madison University and is a Certified Digital Marketing Professional.

As ATDM Senior Support Specialist for Student Support, Dickens is responsible for working with students who attend the program, providing them with resources and information about available support services. Dickens has over 20 years of experience in business, finance and the medical field. Dickens holds an IT Systems Management certificate and two associate degrees from Danville Community College and is currently working to obtain her bachelor’s degree in business management from Bellevue University.

As Vice President of the IALR Conference Center, Fink oversees the operations and strategy of the Conference Center, ensuring memorable experiences for all event attendees. Fink has more than 25 years of experience in strategic event management across management, marketing and sales roles. She holds a Bachelor of Science in Public Relations and Mass Communications from Towson University and a Master of Business Administration from Columbus University.

As ATDM Manager of Industry Engagement, Scarce leads engagement efforts to help build existing and future relationships with the defense industrial base, including major shipyards and their supporting supply chain — all served by ATDM. Scarce has a manufacturing background with 15 years of industry experience. He holds a Bachelor of Science degree from Liberty University.

ICC Hosts 1,000+ Guests at God’s Pit Crew Benefit Banquet

ICC Hosts 1,000+ Guests at God’s Pit Crew Benefit Banquet

The Institute for Advanced Learning and Research (IALR) Conference Center recently welcomed over 1,000 guests for God’s Pit Crew’s annual benefit banquet. Spanning three nights, the event highlighted the impactful work of the organization and showcased the IALR Conference Center as Southern Virginia’s premier event venue.

God’s Pit Crew, a Danville-based nonprofit dedicated to providing relief to those affected by natural disasters and crises, chose the IALR Conference Center for its spacious and versatile facilities. This is the 13th year God’s Pit Crew has chosen the IALR Conference Center for its annual benefit banquet.

“It’s always a joy and a pleasure to work with the IALR Conference Center. There’s no other place where we would want to be to do our event. Everyone here works with us so well. It’s such a wonderful facility. The food is amazing. It is just a magnificent facility, and we are so thankful to have this in our community.” – Randy Johnson, God’s Pit Crew Founder

The main banquet took place in the Great Hall, a spacious 8,400 square-foot event venue capable of accommodating large gatherings. God’s Pit Crew brought in many of their own decorations, making the space their own.

The Conference Center staff filled the room with 42 60-inch round tables that could seat eight each, creating an inviting atmosphere for guests to enjoy their dinners and participate in the evening’s activities.

In addition to the Great Hall, God’s Pit Crew utilized the Atrium to welcome guests and sell merchandise. The Atrium provided a welcoming entrance for attendees and a convenient space for fundraising efforts, adding to the event’s overall success.

“Hosting events like the God’s Pit Crew banquet is truly an honor for us. With top-notch customer service, quality catering and flexible spaces, the IALR Conference Center is the ideal venue for memorable events of all types and sizes.” – Tracy Fink, Vice President, IALR Conference Center

Whether you’re planning a corporate conference, a community fundraiser or a special celebration, the ICC offers the ideal setting to bring your vision to life. Dynamic spaces like the Great Hall, Atrium, business conference rooms and Auditorium combine with exceptional service and amenities to ensure that every event hosted at the ICC is a success.

Contact us today to request a quote and discover how we can make your next event unforgettable.

Request a Quote

 

Inside IALR Podcast: A New Leader for Southern Virginia’s Premier Conference Center

Inside IALR Podcast: A New Leader for Southern Virginia’s Premier Conference Center

We welcome Tracy Fink, IALR’s new Vice President of the Institute Conference Center (ICC), to the team. Tracy explains how her background and experience have prepared her for this role, what grabbed her attention about this opportunity to work with the ICC and outlines her overarching vision for Southern Virginia’s premier event venue. She also highlights the ICC’s different spaces and capabilities, along with its full-service amenities.

LISTEN ON SPOTIFY

LISTEN ON APPLE PODCASTS

LISTEN ON IALR’S SITE

IALR Welcomes Tracy Fink as Vice President of Institute Conference Center and Operations

IALR Welcomes Tracy Fink as Vice President of Institute Conference Center and Operations

The Institute for Advanced Learning and Research (IALR) is pleased to announce the appointment of Tracy Fink as the Vice President of the Institute Conference Center (ICC) and Operations, effective March 1. With over 20 years of experience in strategic event management, Fink brings a wealth of expertise to her new role.

“We are thrilled to welcome Tracy Fink as the new Vice President of the Institute Conference Center and Operations. Her proven and diverse event management experience, strategic vision and commitment to delivering exceptional events and experiences will undoubtedly drive the continued success of the ICC and further our mission of economic transformation in our region.” – Telly Tucker, IALR President

Fink is an experienced marketing, sales and event leader known for her strategic leadership and dynamic approach to event management. Her track record includes planning corporate and social events with guest counts exceeding 1,000. Her time working in numerous event-oriented roles has left her with a deep knowledge of the planning and logistics that go into creating successful experiences and events.

“I am thrilled to have the opportunity to lead the Institute Conference Center – one of the premier venues in all of Virginia,” said Fink. “I look forward to leveraging my experience and passion for event management and commitment to excellence to deliver unparalleled service to our clients and guests.”

Fink most recently served as Director of Events and Marketing for Mayfair Hospitality, which oversees several hotels and venues in Winston Salem, N.C. Fink has also worked as a public affairs officer for the U.S. Air Force auxiliary and as an on-air morning show host and sales manager for a Baltimore radio station. Fink has experience in sales, events and marketing across several industries and in different roles. Fink holds a Bachelor of Science in Public Relations and Mass Communications from Towson University and a Master of Business Administration from Columbus University. Her commitment to the community includes board positions and membership with such groups as the Forsyth County Hospitality Alliance, the Downtown Winston-Salem Partnership and Junior League.

“Tracy Fink’s extensive experience, community engagement and proven leadership will be invaluable as we continue to elevate the ICC as a leading destination for conferences, meetings and events. We look forward to working together to continue providing exceptional experiences for our clients and guests.” – Dr. John Hughes, Executive Vice President, Operations, IALR

Fink is filling this role after the recent retirement of Leslie Dobbins, who worked with the ICC for more than 20 years.

Located in Southern Virginia, the Institute Conference Center (ICC) is a preeminent destination for conferences, meetings and events. Boasting state-of-the-art facilities and unrivaled services and amenities like catering, technology support and event planning, the ICC offers a versatile and customizable space to accommodate gatherings of all sizes. From intimate board meetings to large-scale conferences, the ICC provides a dynamic environment designed to inspire collaboration, innovation and success. The ICC also oversees IALR’s on-site cafe, Megabytes.

About IALR

The Institute for Advanced Learning and Research serves Virginia as a regional catalyst for economic transformation with applied research, advanced learning, advanced manufacturing, conference center services and economic development efforts. IALR’s major footprint focuses within Southern Virginia, including the counties of Patrick, Henry, Franklin, Pittsylvania, Halifax, and Mecklenburg, as well as the cities of Martinsville and Danville.