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🌱 Patch AM: How are Richmond entrepreneurs actually using AI to win new business?

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Friday December 12th Patch AM
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Cheers Richmond! We’re back, helping you stay up to date with what’s happening. Let's take on the day together! ☀️

In today's newsletter:

  • How are Richmond entrepreneurs actually using AI to win new business?
  • See how 14,000 Richmond-donated coats will warm neighbors this winter
  • Were your downtown Richmond parking garages hit in this 59-car vandalism?

Also on today's calendar: Money Mentor: Credit Scores & Reports and 9 more events.

Find out what's happening in Richmondfor free with the latest updates from Patch.

Today's riddle: I once read a book about anti-gravity. 🤔 (Answer below!)

Weather forecast:

Find out what's happening in Richmondfor free with the latest updates from Patch.

  • Friday: A little snow in the morning, with a high of 38 and low of 29 degrees.
  • Saturday: Partly sunny, temps: high: 46, low: 31.
  • Sunday: A little snow in the morning, with a high of 36 and low of 16 degrees. ⛄️ Brr!

📰 News we're reading

1. How Richmond small businesses are pivoting with AI to stay competitive (wtvr.com) — Richmond small business owners are leaning on AI tools, new marketing tactics, and networking to stay competitive in a tougher economy. At the Pivot Symposium, local CEOs and Richmond’s Director of Minority Business Development shared practical ways to streamline planning, find new markets beyond government contracts, and use technology to work smarter. Organizers say the goal is keeping Richmond’s smaller firms relevant and profitable.
   

2. More than 14,000 coats sorted for Central Virginia families in need (wtvr.com) — Right here in Richmond, volunteers just sorted more than 14,000 donated coats at the Salvation Army Christmas Center in Stony Point Fashion Park to help neighbors stay warm this winter. With help from Puritan Cleaners, CBS 6, and the Richmond Flying Squirrels, those coats will soon reach children and adults in need across Central Virginia, powered by local generosity.
   

3. ‘It is a shocking number,' Richmond police looking for suspects who vandalized 59 cars in two days (nbc12.com) — Richmond police are investigating a spree of vandalism that left 59 cars with smashed windows and stolen items across two downtown parking garages on Dec. 10 and 11. Officers believe the same suspects are responsible and are reviewing surveillance footage, while urging residents not to leave valuables or firearms in vehicles and to share any tips with detectives or Crime Stoppers.
   

4. Fritz Sassine named director of Division of Legislative Automated Systems (richmondfreepress.com) — Richmond residents now have a new tech leader supporting the Virginia General Assembly at Capitol Square, as longtime IT and cybersecurity expert Fritz Sassine takes over the Division of Legislative Automated Systems. His team keeps the Legislative Information System and other tools running that residents rely on to track bills, access public records, and follow state government activity from right here in Richmond.
   

5. ‘Like a monsoon': How a kitten flooded a cat cafe in Richmond (nbc12.com) — Richmond’s only cat cafe, The Purrfect Bean, is temporarily closed after a mischievous kitten named Roller turned a bathroom sink into a flood that damaged both floors. The cafe is ripping out walls and floors, relocating cats to foster homes, and leaning on community donations and fundraisers to pay staff and rebuild, hoping to reopen before the new year.
   

📸 Around Richmond

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💬 Chatter

What your neighbors are talking about on social media

  • Generous Contributions Fuel 2025 Staff Appreciation Fund at Avery Point —Petra Shaw Read on Patch
  • Anybody seen a black lab in Oxford?
    She’s high as a kite from her trip to the vet today and did a runner. (Nextdoor Stratford Hills)
  • I took a side job today at a gym .
    Mounting this rubber flooring. It wore me out. They had to be glued down. And weight about 210 lbs per roll. Getting old sucks. lol. (Nextdoor Swansboro)
  • Save the date | Bring One for the Chipper – Richmond E-Cycle Event January 10, 2026 from 10. to 2. at 1710 Robin Hood Road. Details:... (X: DPW_RichmondVA)
  • On Dec. 9, 2025, the Wythe County Board of Supervisors recognized Trooper R. Mullins and two Wythe County Deputies for their efforts during a crash... (X: VSPPIO)
  • TJX Companies, Inc. posted a job opening for Backroom Associate in Richmond. Apply here.
  • Sodexo, Inc. posted a job opening for Stock Worker and Receiver in Richmond. Apply here. You can search for other jobs near Richmond here.

Ok Richmond! So now you're in the loop about what's happening today. Thanks for reading, and see you in your inbox next time! Oh -- and if you like what you're reading, invite a friend to Patch AM!

-- The Patch AM Team

P.S. The answer to today's riddle: I couldn’t put it down.
Got a good riddle for PatchAM? Send it to us!

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