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Business Partners Newsletter
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June 2017: Volume 17, No. 6
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
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Roanoke County Launches New Look
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In May, Roanoke County launched a new contemporary brand identity to represent the services and amenities available to its residents. The new mark features the silhouette of a hiker on McAfee Knob, the most prominent landmark in Roanoke County, a location that has been featured in thousands of publications and even in feature films.
The new Brand Mark
- reflects the vision statement developed by the Board of Supervisors, that "Roanoke County is a vibrant, innovative, and scenic community that values its citizens, heritage, and quality of life,"
- complements other regional marks that highlight our region's mountains and outdoor venues, and
- reinforces state tourism efforts to promote the Roanoke Valley as an outdoor destination.
Going forward residents will see the new Brand Mark used in a variety of places, from Roanoke County's website and social media channels, to facility signs, and used on the County's vehicle fleet.
The Official Seal of Roanoke County, which references the Native American heritage of the Roanoke Valley, will remain in prominent usage by the Roanoke County Board of Supervisors, Constitutional Offices, and the County's Public Safety agencies.
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General Inquires
P: 540-772-2069
Economic Development
5204 Bernard Drive, SW
Room 421
PO Box 29800
Roanoke, VA 24018
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.
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Business Appreciation Month 2017
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Roanoke County celebrated Business Appreciation Month in May. It was a time to thank our business community for their contributions to our region's prosperity. The Roanoke Times created a special section, Business Briefing, for Business Appreciation Month and Roanoke County businesses were featured. Learn more about some of these great businesses.
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Brian Sass, President & CEO of BSC Ventures, operating as Double Envelope, accepted the Business Appreciation Month Proclamation from the Roanoke County Board of Supervisors on behalf of the business community. Double Envelope is celebrating its 100th anniversary this year and is just one of the businesses that make Roanoke County a great place to live, work, and play.
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The Gauntlet Award Ceremony Wrap-Up....
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This year The Gauntlet attracted over 80 participants who attended business workshops for 12 weeks in order to develop a business plan and business pitch.
Over 30 of those participants entered the pitch competition,vying for upwards of $20
0,000 in
cash and in-kind prizes. Every contestant was a winner but, at the awards ceremony on May 11th, five local entrepreneurial businesses took the top four spots.
From canoe
outrigger systems, to tactical gloves, to a self-help system, to a winery and a high tech game tracking system for bow hunters, these innovative and creative entrepreneurs showed what our local business community is able to accomplish.
Wingman Outfitters' cooler outrigger system for canoes claimed first place and won over $20,000 in prizes and services.
Frost Gear's tactical gloves and
Corethentic's self help system
tied for second place, with each company earning over $16,000 in prizes.
Stoney Brook Vineyards, a family owned vineyard, won third place, with prize value over $12,000.
D.O.G. Ventures, founder of high tech game tracking system for bow hunters, received over $10,000 in prizes for their fourth place finish.
This year the Gauntlet was such a success that we committed the entire June Roanoke County Business Partners TV show so we could feature some of the top finishing entrepreneurs. Click on the link or image below to learn more.
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And the top finishers were...
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| Business Name |
Type of Business |
Prize Value
(Cash and In-Kind) |
| Wingman Outfitter |
Cooler riggers for canoes |
$ 21,885 |
| Frost Gear |
Cold weather Tactical gloves |
$ 16,295 |
| Corethentic Enterprises |
Self help product |
$ 16,635 |
| Stoney Book Vineyards |
Winery |
$ 12,635 |
| D.O.G. Ventures |
Archery tracking system |
$ 10,600 |
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Events: Business Tools for Success
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Development Center
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Hospitality Training Workshop
June 7 and June 22
Virginia Western
Community College
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Business Basics
June 13
Roanoke Small Business
Development Center
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Marketing and Social Media Basics
June 20
Roanoke Small Business
Development Center
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SEO and Google Analytics
June 27
Roanoke Small Business
Development Center
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Project Management Certification Course
August 22 - November 7
Virginia Tech Roanoke Center |
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Learn More |
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| Vendors have beef & pork products, eggs, vegetables, jellies, granola, baked goods including breads, cookies, cakes, muffins & scones. Fried pies are made on site. Many handmade arts & crafts, bath & beauty products, potted flowers, flower & vegetable bedding plants & hanging baskets. |
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Market welcomes SNAP/EBT clients!
SNAP customers may purchase tokens to use for fresh fruits, vegetables, meats, fish, poultry, breads, baked goods, dairy, honey, processed foods such as jams and pickles, and plants to grow consumable foods.
Each dollar spent through the program, up to $30, is doubled for purchase of fresh fruits and vegetables.
Stop by the Manager's table to purchase tokens and for more information on this great program.
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June Entertainment and Features at the Farmers Market
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June 1, 8, 15 & 22
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Cooking demos by SNAP/Virginia Extension personnel, simple inexpensive recipes using fresh foods from the Market
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June 1
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Jim Robinson of Salem - Dulcimer player
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June 8
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Bruce Ingram - author of "Living the Locavore Lifestyle" & numerous outdoor books
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June 15
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Special activities to honor fathers
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June 22
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Marya Katz - Dulcimer player
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Heritage Winds, Air Force Woodwind Quintet Concert
June 13
7:30 - 9:00 PM
Brambleton Center
3738 Brambleton Avenue
Roanoke, VA 24018
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Kegs and Barrels
Wine & Craft Beer Festival
August 5
Green Hill Park
2501 Parkside Drive
Salem, VA 24153 |
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Learn More |
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Is your business celebrating a major anniversary (ending in a 5 or 0) this year?
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Hollins Communications Research Institute - 45th Anniversary
Hollins Communications Research Institute celebrates its 45th anniversary. Researchers at Virginia-based HCRI, a 501(c)(3) nonprofit organization, invented the concept of behavioral stuttering therapy. HCRI has become an international leader in stuttering research and treatment innovation. HCRI clinicians have treated more than 6,500 individuals from across the U.S. and 50 countries.
HCRI's intensive stuttering therapy program lasts 12 days. Participants come from around the world to work with specially trained clinicians and learn how to retrain speech muscles to produce fluent speech. In addition, HCRI offers a comprehensive package of post-therapy support to help individuals who stutter maintain fluency for the long term.
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Celebrate: Ribbon Cuttings and Grand Openings
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American National Bank & Trust invests $3.5M
American National Bank & Trust Company celebrated the opening of its first Roanoke location with a ribbon cutting and open house event on May 19, 2017. The project represents a $3.5M capital investment for the company's first location in the Roanoke region. Jason Peters, Roanoke County Board of Supervisors, presented Jeff Haley, President & CEO, with a Certificate of Appreciation on behalf of Roanoke County and the Board of Supervisors.
American National Bank & Trust Company
3000 Ogden Road
Roanoke, VA 24018
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| Left to Right - Shannan Crosswhite, AMNB Roanoke Branch Manager; Jason Peters, Roanoke County Board of Supervisors; Kevin Meade, American National Bank & Trust (AMNB); Mae Moore; Jeff Haley, AMNB President & CEO; Jill Sluss, Salem-Roanoke County Chamber of Commerce Executive Director; Joyce Waugh, Roanoke Regional Chamber of Commerce President & CEO |
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Blue Ridge
Autism and Achievement Center expands capacity
Blue Ridge Autism and Achievement Center (BRAAC) held a ribbon cutting and open house on May 23, 2017 to celebrate their expanded facility which allows them to care for 58 additional children. Christina Giuliano, Executive Director, was presented with a Certificate of Appreciation on behalf of Roanoke County and the Board of Supervisors. Students from Burton Center for Arts and Technology created a sculpture for BRAAC featuring the Autism puzzle pieces (shown at right).
Blue Ridge Autism and Achievement Center
312 Whitwell Drive
Roanoke, VA 24019
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Left to Right- Kim Turner, SVH Services' Board; Del. Sam Rasoul; Husain Alam, Alam Design Group, LLC; Jessica Fintel, Roanoke County Economic Development; Lea Riddle, SVH Services' Board Chair; Angie Leonard, SVH Services' CEO; Christina Giuliano, BRAAC Executive Director; Nathan Hungate, SVH Services' Board Vice Chair; Jill Sluss, Salem-Roanoke County Chamber of Commerce Executive Director; Troy Henderson, G&H Contracting
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Authority Holds Final Neighborhood Meeting
The Western Virginia Regional Industrial Facility Authority held its final neighborhood workshop on the Wood Haven project on Thursday, May 25 at the Holiday Inn Roanoke Airport. The event was another chance for neighbors to provide input on concepts for the approximately 100 acres along Wood Haven Road near the intersection with I-581 which has been acquired by the WVRIFA. Approximately 50 people attended and went through a series of stations that addressed proposals for current and future land use, storm water, transportation, site development, and the planning and development process. Each station allowed for dialog and questions with staff members from Roanoke County, the City of Roanoke, and the WVRIFA as well as consultants on land use, engineering, and transportation. The property is jointly owned by Roanoke, Roanoke County, and Salem. The information presented at each station is posted on
www.wvrifa.org
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Roanoke County recognizes President Nancy Oliver Gray
The Board of Supervisors recognized Hollins University President Nancy Oliver Gray for her 12 years of service with a Resolution of Appreciation; President Gray retires in July. President Gray has been a true partner to Roanoke County and the region. We wish her success in her future endeavors.
Pictured (left to right): Chairman Joe McNamara, President Nancy Oliver Gray, County Administrator Thomas Gates
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Virginia Tech Catawba Sustainability Center Funds Cooperative Research Grants
The Virginia Tech Catawba Sustainability Center (CSC) recently provided funding to University faculty to implement new projects on the Center's 378 acre farm located in the Catawba Valley. These $5,000 grants were offered to strengthen cooperative research between Virginia Tech faculty and the CSC. From the proposals received, the CSC selected to fund five new projects.
The Virginia Tech Catawba Sustainability Center to be featured at the North American Agroforestry Conference
The North American Agroforestry Conference will be held at the Squires Student Center at Virginia Tech June 27
- June 29
, 2017. Participants will learn about the latest advances in agroforestry research, practice, outreach, and policy, as well as have a chance see innovative on-the-ground agroforestry systems.There
will be a field tour on June 28 with a stop at the Virginia Tech CSC.
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Be part of one of the Virginia Economic Development Partnership's Trade Missions 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.
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| Australia |
South Korea |
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October 2-6 2017
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October 16-20, 2017 |
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Registration Deadline:
August 4, 2017
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Registration Deadline: August 18, 2017
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Top Opportunities:
Defense & Security, Major Infrastructure & Construction, Transportation, Healthcare & Medical Technology, Biotechnology, Mining & Minerals, Energy & Environmental Technologies, Professional Services, Agribusiness, Food & Beverage Manufacturing
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Top Opportunities:
Defense Equipment, Medical Devices, Processed Food, Education, ICT, Display, Mobile Handset, Electrics & Electronics, Automotive, Semiconductor, Health Care, Bio-Pharma, Petrochemicals, General Machinery, Construction, Shipbuilding
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Southern Africa
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Southeast Asia
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| October 23-27, 2017 |
November 6-10, 2017 |
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Registration Deadline: August 25, 2017
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Registration Deadline: September 8, 2017
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Top Opportunities:
Aviation, Automotive Components, Electricity Power Generation Systems, Franchising, Information Technology, Mining Equipment, Medical Equipment and Healthcare Services, Renewable Energy, Pollution Control Equipment, Telecommunications, Transportation, Infrastructure and Civil Construction
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Top Opportunities: Medical Products & Services, Defense Equipment, Advanced Manufacturing, ICT, Hardwoods, Environmental Products & Services
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Learn More |
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| Roanoke County Business on RVTV |
On this month's show, we focus on The Gauntlet business plan competition.
We talk with Annette Patterson, President of The Advancement Foundation which hosts The Gauntlet to learn more about their 3rd annual compeition.
The Gauntlet boasted its biggest year yet with over $200,000 in prizes and 30 competitors. We talk to a few of the top finishers, Wingman Outfitters, Corethentic Enterprises, and Stoney Brook Vineyards as well as some of the youngest competitors from Eagle Ridge Canned Salmon and Frost Gear.
Consult the RVTV website for the viewing schedule or click the link above to watch the show on Youtube!
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Stay Connected
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