EAC
Building a Healthier Future for Our Region
The Eco Ambassador Council (EAC) is a collaborative network of regional businesses working together to protect our natural resources, expand access to outdoor recreation, and support sustainable, resilient communities across Southern Virginia and North Carolina’s Northern Piedmont.
The EAC was established in 2020 through the leadership of Carter Bank to expand opportunities for environmental protection and preservation throughout the Dan River Basin region.
Since its founding, the EAC has invested more than $250,000 in projects that:
- Expand outdoor recreation opportunities
- Improve water safetyProtect wildlife habitat
- Reduce litter and improve community spaces
- Advance environmental education
- Create more equitable access to the region’s natural resources
2025 Community Impact Report
See the difference EAC members are making across our region.
[View or Download the 2025 Community Impact Report]
Join the Eco Ambassador Council
Regional businesses are invited to join the EAC and take collective action to help create a healthier, more resilient future for people and nature.
Membership provides businesses with opportunities to:
- Support meaningful environmental projects in the region
- Engage employees and their families in hands-on volunteer opportunities
- Connect with other businesses and community leaders
- Gain recognition for their commitment to environmental stewardship
- Help shape the future of environmental investment in our communities
- Two membership levels are available to accommodate businesses of different sizes and levels of engagement.
EAC Leadership Member
Annual Investment: $5,000
Leadership Members play an active role in guiding the EAC and selecting the environmental projects it supports.
Recognition
Full-page profile in the annual Community Impact Report
Premier recognition at EAC events
Company name included in EAC materials
Marketing & Visibility
Featured logo placement on the EAC webpage
Inclusion in EAC press releases and media outreach
Annual social media spotlight
Opportunities to be featured in major project announcements and updates
Leadership & Governance
One full vote in the annual project selection process
Eligibility to vote on EAC governance, processes, organizational structure, and membership recruitment strategies
Participation in the annual EAC Project Selection Meeting
Project Selection
Leadership Members receive an annual menu of potential projects and participate in the selection process that determines which projects receive EAC funding.
Eco Ambassador Partner
Annual Investment: $2,500
The Eco Ambassador Partner level is designed for small businesses, emerging companies, professional firms, restaurants, and other organizations that want to support environmental projects and become part of the EAC community.
Recognition
Quarter-page recognition in the annual Community Impact Report
Recognition in EAC event programs
Company recognition on appropriate event and project signage
Marketing & Visibility
Inclusion in EAC communications
Recognition in EAC press releases and media outreach
Dedicated Partner section on the EAC webpage, including company name, location, and website link
Social media recognition through project announcements and updates
Volunteer & Engagement Opportunities
Partners receive the same opportunities as Leadership Members to engage with EAC projects, including:
Volunteer participation
Employee engagement opportunities
Project updates
Photo and video resources
Ribbon-cutting and work-day invitations
Family Participation
EAC volunteer opportunities aren't limited to employees. Leadership Members and Partners may invite employees, spouses, children, and other family members to participate in designated volunteer events.
Project Input
Partners are invited to participate in an annual project review and provide feedback on proposed funding opportunities before Leadership Members make final project selections.
Partner feedback is shared with Leadership Members for consideration during the project selection process.
How Are EAC Projects Selected?
Each year, EAC members receive a list of potential environmental projects. Members determine their top three choices through an internal process that may include input from company leadership, employees, and customers.
Projects receiving the greatest overall support are considered for funding based on the EAC's available annual fund balance.
Selected projects are typically announced in June.
Get Your Employees Involved
EAC projects are designed to go beyond financial support. They provide opportunities for businesses and their employees to get involved directly through volunteer service, community outreach, and hands-on environmental projects.
For each selected project, EAC members receive:
A project summary
Project timeline
Volunteer opportunities
Project updates
Photos and videos to share with employees and stakeholders
Employees and their families can participate in designated volunteer opportunities, creating meaningful ways for businesses to connect with the communities and natural resources they help support.
Become an Eco Ambassador Member
Businesses throughout Southern Virginia and North Carolina’s Northern Piedmont are encouraged to join the Eco Ambassador Council.
Whether your organization is ready to take a leadership role or wants to begin supporting local environmental projects as an Eco Ambassador Partner, there is an opportunity to get involved.
For more information about EAC membership or the Dan River Basin Association, contact:
Tyler Carter, Community Reinvestment Administrator, Carter Bank
Tyler.Carter@CBTcares.com | (540) 493-0582
