U.S. Secretary of Commerce, Wilbur Ross, recently announced the appointment of 39 members to the Departmen   t 's Renewable Energy and Energy Efficiency Advisory Committee (REEEAC), including TMEIC General Manager of    Renewable Energy Business in North America, Donn Samsa. 

"It is essential for the United States to remain a global leader in the innovation, commercialization, and production of diverse technologies," said Secretary of Commerce Wilbur Ross. "The foreign competitive challenges confronting American companies are immense, and the recommendations of the REEEAC will be critical in our continued efforts to ensure global markets are free, fair, and reciprocal."

Initially established in 2010, and most recently renewed in June 2018, the REEEAC is composed of senior private sector representatives that provide advice to the Secretary of Commerce on the development and administration of programs and policies to expand the export competitiveness of U.S. renewable energy and energy efficiency products and services. Since 2010, the REEEAC has provided 56 recommendations to address a wide range of issues, from the creation of market conditions necessary for developing a strong manufacturing base to the closure of critical gaps in export financing.

"Enhancing the nation's renewable energy technology is essential for America to be a world leader in energy production," said Samsa. "I'm eager to have a part in advising the commerce department on policies that bring innovation to the U.S. renewable energy industry."

Since 2011, Samsa has led the growth of TMEIC's PV inverter business from its infancy to almost 3GW installed across the USA. An electrical engineer by training, his career has spanned several industrial applications for more than 37 years in power electronics, control and automation engineering. Samsa holds a B.S. in Electrical Engineering from Cleveland State University and a Master's in Computer Science from Virginia Tech. 

For more information on the REEEAC, please visit:  http://export.gov/reee/reeeac .

 

Officer J.L Monson was recipient of the Roanoke County Officer of the Year Award from the Salem-Roanoke County Chamber of Commerce.  

 

In 2018, Officer Monson was involved in more than 1,500 incidents, responding to 925 calls for service, 491 traffic stops, 264 traffic summonses and 142 warning citations. He also made 37 drug related arrests, 9 DUI arrests as well as 115 other arrests. As you might imagine, Officer Monson has one of the highest activity levels in the Uniform Division.

Officer Monson is looked up to by his peers for his narcotic enforcement work and knowledge of criminal activity in his area of responsibility. He is continually challenging himself to become more knowledgeable in all aspects of law enforcement and he accepts work assignments with a level of enthusiasm second to none. Officer Monson's enthusiasm and work ethic is a credit to himself, the Roanoke County Police Department and the citizens in our community. Congratulations to Officer Monson - our Roanoke County Officer of the Year.

 

 

Officer Wes Chesser is a silent, passionate, unofficial leader and mentor among Roanoke County officers. He is a team leader on the Roanoke County SWAT team, a K9 handler and senior officer on the busiest shift in our department.

 

On 10/16/18 multiple officers responded to the 5200 block of Eden Ave in response to a disturbance and shots fired. Officers arriving on scene found one victim on the ground from an apparent gunshot wound and a second victim who was shot as well.

 

When Officer Chesser arrived on scene he took control of the scene ensuring the safety of the officers and victims. He organized the officers on scene moving them into positions of cover. He took up a position himself where he could maintain security on the suspect's believed location, yet continued to provided the on duty SGT continuous information all while maintaining a calm demeanor. POIII Chesser, quickly assessed the injuries to the victim on the ground, and had two officers move the victim closer to vehicles in the driveway in order to protect the victim.

 

Officer Chesser continued to organize an inner perimeter of the location as well as coordinated with rescue to have the victim still on scene checked by a medic.

 

Officer Chesser's tactical experience and quick thinking was vital to the smooth operation as well as the timely information that was provided to command personal. His extremely calm demeanor resulted in clear communication which allowed for a smooth transition to a SWAT operation and ultimately a criminal investigation.

Passenger Traffic Continues to Grow at ROA

December traffic increased 4.5% year over year at the Roanoke-Blacksburg

Regional Airport as 2018 continues the trend of strong traffic growth.

The Roanoke-Blacksburg Regional Airport continued to see traffic increase with December traffic up 4.5% on a year over year basis. December 2018 saw 52,498 passengers fly via ROA compared to 50,197 in December of 2017 an increase of 2,301 passengers. Year ending 2018 traffic was up 7.2% versus 2017, which equates to 44,471 more passengers. This past year marks the best year in terms of passenger traffic since 2007.

Strong community support, an improved regional economy and airline operational reliability have all played roles in the continuation of sustained passenger growth, which began in September of 2016. December 2018 saw 4.5% passenger growth over December 2017.

 

"We are very pleased to see this positive trend continue through 2018, especially given our strong traffic numbers in 2016 and 2017," stated Timothy T. Bradshaw, A.A.E., executive director of the Roanoke Regional Airport Commission.  "Passenger demand is a critical factor when speaking with airlines regarding improving and increasing air service to our region.  Our customers are using our existing air service and the carriers have taken note. We appreciate the support of our community choosing to fly ROA. Between our traffic growth and Small Community Air Service grant we are hopeful of obtaining additional air service".

The Commission continually works with the airlines to improve reliability, reduce airfare and upgrade equipment serving the region.  This has played a significant role in the increase of passengers using the airport.

ABOUT THE ROANOKE-BLACKSBURG REGIONAL AIRPORT

The Roanoke-Blacksburg Regional Airport is the primary airport for Virginia's Blue Ridge and the New River Valley.  ROA serves over 660,000 passengers per year via 4 airlines (American Airlines, Delta Airlines, United Airlines, and Allegiant Air) with nonstop service to 6 (Atlanta, Charlotte, Chicago, New York LaGuardia, Philadelphia, and Washington Dulles) hub cities as well as weekly flights to Orlando Sanford International Airport and St. Pete-Clearwater International Airport. To learn more, please visit www.flyroa.com.