Business Partners Newsletter
October 2016: Volume 16, No. 10
 
The E-newsletter of the Roanoke County Economic Development Department is designed to showcase the investments and achievements of our existing business partners. For additional information about doing business in Roanoke County, visit our website .
Regional Sites Initiative Launched!
The Western Virginia Regional Industrial Facilities Authority, a  regional partnership formed to fuel economic development, announced its first major project Monday with Roanoke, Roanoke County and Salem joining forces to buy a 106-acre tract of land that will be used to lure new business to the valley...   Read More.



Additional news coverage: Virginia Business, Roanoke Star, WSLS 


 
Blackwater Resources Buys Tanglewood Mall
Roanoke County jointly announ ced the  sale of Tanglewood Mall to a partnership of Blackwater Resources ("Blackwater") based in Birmingham, Alabama and Lubert Adler based in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania.


In the news:
Roanoke County Links
General Inquires
 
P: 540-772-2069
F: 540-772-2030

Address
 
Economic Development
5204 Bernard Drive, SW
Room 421
PO Box 29800
Roanoke, VA 24018

Contacts
 
Jill Loope
Director
 
Manager

Specialist
 
Specialist
  
Administrative Assistant

Mission  
To design and implement innovative economic development programs and services that leverage community assets, create wealth and prosperity, and embrace the region's  
future.
  
 
The Barrel Chest to Host 419 Planning Event
We still need your ideas about the stores, services and amenities that could make the Route 419 area near Tanglewood Mall a vibrant new Town Center!

Drop by Barrel Chest on Tuesday, October 11 for an informal open house event from 5 p.m. to 8 p.m.

If you missed the kick-off meeting but still want to share your thoughts in person, come out and support a local business while you provide much-needed feedback on the future development of the 419 Town Center study area!

There will be drawing and specials for participants, and consultants and staff will be available to answer questions and provide more information on the scope of the study.



Tuesday, October 11, 2016
5:00 p.m. - 8:00 p.m.
Barrel Chest
4035 Electric Rd
Roanoke, VA 24018

Recap: 419 Town Center Study Kick-Off Event

Record numbers of community participants joined Roanoke County staff and leadership  on September 15, 2016  for an energetic discussion about the future of the 419 Town Center study area.

Local business representatives, area residents and VDOT staff helped brainstorm lists of strengths/opportunities and weaknesses/challenges for transportation, development and economic growth.

The community feedback gathered at this meeting will help guide the development of the 419 Town Center plan over the next several months.

Didn't make it?
  • First: View the presentation online
  • Next: Fill out this short survey!
  • Then: Share your ideas with others and join the conversation on mySidewalk.
Next Meeting:
Read the  419 Kick-off Visioning Event recap  of the September 15 meeting.
Visit the website for more details:  www.roanokecountyva.gov/419   

In the News:   WDBJ News Story
 

Sign up for email updates
"Bah Humbug to BOOM" Holiday Sales Workshop - Oct. 12
Click here to register
Board Adopts Explore Park Master Plan
 
  The Roanoke County Board of Supervisors officially adopted the new adventure plan for Explore Park at a meeting on Tuesday, September 13. This plan presents the 20-year vision for the park as a destination outdoor recreation attraction with a significant tourism and economic development impact.
 

Virginia International Trade & Choice Translating Seminar - Oct. 13

Translating and Interpreting Services:
How to Unlock International Markets




Join VEDP - International Trade and Choice Translating to learn how translating and interpreting services will open doors for your business to international markets.

Language support is a critical part of successful international marketing and sales initiatives that is often forgotten or ignored by novices. Failing to leverage language and cultural expertise in support of international marketing strategy is always costly to a business and often is a career-killing move for marketing and sales professionals.

When: October 13, 2016, 8:30 - 11:30 a.m.

Where: Montgomery County Government Center
755 Roanoke Street,  Room MP02
Christiansburg, VA 24073


Virginia Registered Apprenticeship Program Workshop - Nov. 1st
Entrepreneur Express Workshop - November 14
Roanoke County Wins Governor's Technology Award
 
The Governor's Technology Awards program recognizes public sector information technology (IT) projects that have improved government service delivery and efficiency. The Mountain Valley Pipeline Viewer developed by Roanoke County won an award in the "IT as Efficiency Driver - Government to Citizen" category.

Upcoming Events
Sign up to Volunteer for TAP's Income Tax Assistance Program
Total Action for Progress (TAP) partners with the IRS and offers a VITA (Volunteer Income Tax Assistance) program January through April every year. TAP operates a tax clinic that provides free income tax preparation services for taxpayers with income less than $54,000.  Last year, TAP e-filed 961 tax returns and refunded collectively $1,056,970 to taxpayers! 

In October, TAP will offer volunteer training. Volunteering as little as 4 hours a week can make a huge impact in the community and help to build a great resume!
 
If you are interested in volunteering or receiving additional program details, contact Teffany Henderson by phone at 540.283.4916 or via email at teffany.henderson@tapintohope.org to attend a Volunteer Orientation held in October.
 
If your income is less than $54,000 and you would like to schedule a free tax preparation appointment, please call 540.283.4804 or email taxhelp@tapintohope.org after January 20th, 2017.  

Williamson Road Area Business Association Restaurant Week

Research and Technology Grants Available

The Commonwealth Research Commercialization Fund (CRCF) advances science- and technology-based research, development, and commercialization to drive economic growth in Virginia, create and foster high-potential technology companies in the Commonwealth, and to encourage and strengthen collaboration and partnerships between the public and private sector.
 
Information for the Commonwealth Research Commercialization Fund (CRCF) FY2017 solicitation is now available from the Center for Innovative Technology (CIT). CRCF will invite technology development projects in seven targeted industries: advanced manufacturing, cyber security, energy, environment, information technology, life sciences, and unmanned systems.

The RFP is planned for early October and will include program-specific guidelines and other application resources. The Letters of Intent (LOI) deadline is  November 10, 2016. Check the website for updated information.


Ribbon Cutting for Earthworks Pottery and New Moon Creative - Vinton
Photo Cred_ RVTV

Photo Cred_ RVTV
Photo Credit: Roanoke Valley Television, RVTV3

Roanoke County welcomed  New Moon Creative Media  and  Earthworks Pottery Studio  at their grand opening and open house on September 22nd alongside the Town of Vinton, The HIVE,  and the Vinton Area Chamber of Commerce.


Earthworks Pottery Studio
228 S. Pollard Street
Vinton, Virginia 24179
(540) 353-8925

New Moon Creative Media
228 S. Pollard Street
Vinton, Virginia 24179
(540) 797-2949

The Advancement Foundation adding Two New Programs

T he Advancement Foundation has added two new programs to the many resources it provides to local businesses. The Advancement Foundation has become an intermediary for the VIDA (Virginia Individual Development Accounts) program and, through a partnership with the McLeod Foundation hosted a nine-week Dave Ramsey Financial Peace University. The VIDA program has revolving admissions for the next Dave Ramsey Financial Peace University which is planned for January 2017. 

Entrepreneurs Visit TMEIC on Virginia Velocity Tour


The Virginia Velocity Tour bus arrived in Roanoke on September 19th with entrepreneurs from the 6 finalist companies in the
STEM/Energy sector as well as state representatives, partners, and sponsor.  Following a panel discussion at CoLab, the group toured Roanoke County-based  TMEIC  with President Dale Guidry. The evening ended with a pitch competition where the winner took home a $25,000 prize.




Virginia Trade Missions to India and UAE - Registration Open
 
  


Be part of the Virginia Economic Development Partnership's Trade Missions to India and the United Arab Emirates and enjoy private, one-on-one meetings with prospective customers and partners. These well-planned visits are business meetings set up on your behalf, with your input, to save you time and maximize your results.


India 2017

When:  February 6-10, 2017

Registration Cutoff Friday, December 9, 2016

Registration Fee:  $2,500* (per company)
*Does not include airfare, lodging, and meals.

Feedback Consulting, Mr. Kiran Shetty will be available for one-on-one meetings during the week of the Virginia Conference on World TradeOctober 3-7, 2016.
Top Opportunities: Agribusiness, Civil Aviation, Corrosion Control, Defense, Education Services, Environment and Water, Healthcare and Medical Equipment, Infrastructure/ Smart Cities, Mining and Mineral Processing Equipment, Supply Chain Management, Power and Renewable Energy
For more information, please contact:  Jordan Watkins, International Trade Manager, at  JAWatkins@YesVirginia.org  or  (757) 314-2129

Visit the Website                Event Flyer

United Arab Emirates 2017

When:  February 12-16, 2017

Registration Cutoff Friday, December 16, 2016

Registration Fee:  $2,500* (per company)
*Does not include airfare, lodging, and meals.

Top Opportunities:  Automotive, Consumer Electronics, Cosmetics, Education, Franchising, Healthcare Services,  Oil and Gas Field Machinery and Services, and Renewable Energy
For more information, please contact: Diane Thomas, International Trade Manager, at  Thomas@YesVirginia.org  or (276) 623-1536


Visit the Website                 Event Flyer

Roanoke Valley Broadband Authority wins Governor's Technology Award


The Roanoke Valley Broadband Authority was recognized for its connected fiber platform with the Governor's Technology Award for Cross-Boundary Collaboration on IT Initiatives



To learn more about the Roanoke Valley Broadband Authority visit  www.highspeedroanoke.net.
Brambleton Area Business Association Christmas Parade Marches Forward
BABA's First Parade Announced Promoting Local Businesses
  • When: December 10th, 2016, 10:00 AM
  • Start: Parade will start at Knights of Columbus, 3136 Harris Street SW
  • End: Garst Mill Road at Brambleton Avenue
  • Sponsorship opportunities are available - Sponsorship information
  • Parade applications are available - Download application
Email info@BrambletonBusiness.org with questions to turn in completed applications.

Roanoke-Blacksburg Tech Council Fall Gala

 

Join the Roanoke-Blacksburg Technology Council at the Fall Gala 2016 to learn what they've accomplished, how they've measured up against our goals, and how our region stacks up against other communities across the country that have similar initiatives in place.


Roanoke County Business On RVTV
 



Photo Credit: Roanoke Valley Television, RVTV3


The Roanoke County Business Partners October show highlights opportunities to participate in the 419 Town Center Study as well as interviews with Southern States and Southern Trust Home Services.

The show will air in October featuring a new format with shorter shows and a new show each month. Consult the RVTV website for the viewing schedule.
 
Did You Know?
 
Did you know since September of 2015 The HIVE has helped nearly 50 individuals launch new businesses? The Advancement Foundation, in partnership with the Town of Vinton and Roanoke County Economic Development established The HIVE, a Business Incubation Center in Vinton in September of 2015.

Your Business Property Search Starts Now!


Whether you are a manufacturer, call center, or IT firm, Roanoke County has the right property for your business. Check out some of the unique opportunities available in Roanoke County right now. 

Please contact us for more information on finding a property that meets your business needs!