Roanoke County Business Partners Newsletter

September 2021: Volume 21, No. 9   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.

Chili's and Popeyes Coming to Tanglewood

Blackwater Resources, owner of Tanglewood Mall, recently announced that Chili's Bar & Grill and Popeyes will join the slate of new businesses coming to Tanglewood. Chili's and Popeyes are joining Aspen Dental, Chipotle, Blaze Pizza, Panda Express, Jersey Mike's, and Chicken Salad Chick, who all have locations opening at Tanglewood. Read the Full Release

VACo Award Vinton Redevelopment Projects

The Virginia Association of Counties (VACo) awarded Roanoke County a 2021 Achievement Award for the Downtown Vinton Business District Revitalization Project. The Revitalization Project includes the Billy Byrd apartments, Roland E. Cooke Lofts, former Vinton Library, Vinyard Station, and Gish Mill redevelopment projects. The five projects include a total of $21.7 million in taxable new investment with $533,500 in annual tax base enhancement, and over 129 new jobs. These redevelopment projects have helped breathe new life into downtown Vinton's central business district and will inspire further development and revitalization into the area. Also awarded a VACO 2021 Achievement Award was Roanoke County Public Libraries for civic engagement and providing continual services to citizens amidst the COVID-19 pandemic. Of the 100 submissions from across the state of Virginia, only 30 were selected for recognition, with Roanoke County receiving two of the 30 recognitions. Read The Full Release

Bank of Botetourt Now Open in Vinton

The Bank of Botetourt celebrated the grand opening of their newest location in downtown Vinton last month. The Bank of Botetourt is located at 410 S Pollard Street and will be home to Virginia Mountain Mortgage and Botetourt Wealth Management, as well as offer their normal services. Downtown Vinton has seen a surge in business activity this past year to include the opening of Joe Goodpies in Vinyard Station, Our Daily Bread, KB Mercantile, and the expansion of the Dogwood Restaurant. RND Coffee announced they will open a new location inside Vinyard Station and the Town will welcome a new national-brand hotel. Learn more about the new Bank of Botetourt in the September episode of Roanoke County Business Partners. Read The Full Release

100th Anniversary for Roanoke Valley Assoc. of REALTORS

The Roanoke Valley Association of REALTORS (RVAR) was recognized by the Roanoke County Board of Supervisors for 100 years of business in Roanoke. What began with 25 firms is now comprised of more than 140 firms representing more than 1,480 REALTORs® members and more than 285 Affiliate company members. The Association is one of the 28 local associations that comprise the Virginia REALTORS®. Congratulations RVAR on your incredible milestone!

Luttrell Staffing Group Opens in Hollins

credit Roanoke Regional Chamber of Commerce

Luttrell Staffing Group recently opened operations in the Hollins area of Roanoke County. Luttrell Staffing Group is an industrial, labor, and administrative staffing agency that helps businesses with emergency hires, payrolling, assessments and training, and more workforce assistance. Luttrel provides services to help both job seekers in search of new careers and employers building their workforce. You can connect with Luttrell Staffing Group by visiting them at 6342 Peters Creek Road, Suite A, and visiting their website Here.

Local Business Leaders Shine in 'Partner Perspectives'

Roanoke County Economic Development offers an array of services that position local businesses for success. Economic Development works closely with our businesses to understand the needs of an industry and even the individual needs of the business. The Partner Perspectives series was designed to hear from local business leaders first-hand about local resources, services, and assistance available to Roanoke County businesses.

Listen to CEO of Richfield Living, Cherie Grisso, explain how Richfield was able to partner with Roanoke County to expand their Salem campus in the Glenvar area.

See more Partner Perspectives and learn about business development resources, promotional services, and more by visiting the Partner Perspectives Landing Page.

Roanoke County Businesses Make the Virginia 500 List

Virginia Business has published the second annual edition of the Virginia 500: The 2021 Power List. This list highlights influential business, government, political, and education leaders throughout the Commonwealth, and a few Roanoke Business Partners made the list:

Healthcare Nancy Howell Agee, President & Ceo, Carilion Clinic W. Heywood Fralin, Chairman, Medical Facilities Of America Inc.; Chairman, Retirement Unlimited Inc. Michael J. Friedlander, Executive Director, Fralin Biomedical Research Institute At Vtc,  Manufacturing Manmeet S. Bhatia, President & Ceo, Tmeic Corp. Americas Neil D. Wilkin Jr., Chairman, President And Ceo, Optical Cable Corp. Professional Services Jason A. Hartman, Ceo, Brown Edwards & Co. Llp Congratulations to the Roanoke companies and individuals that were recognized! Read More Here

Brown Edwards & Co. Among Top Fastest-Growing Companies

Inc. Magazine recently published the 2021 Inc. 5000, which is a list of the top fast-growing private companies across the United States. Among the top companies is Roanoke County's Brown Edwards & Company, ranked at #4,738! The Inc. 5000 measures the overall revenue growth over a three-year period to determine their list of fastest-growing companies. Congratulations to Brown Edwards & Company for their well-deserved recognition! Learn More Here

Revitalization in the Roanoke Region

The Roanoke Region has experienced robust revitalization in recent years through effective strategies, as well as local and regional cooperation. Virginia Business published an article diving into the recent economic development activity throughout the region that has energized the local economic landscape and positioned Roanoke for further economic success. Read More Here

Save Money on Tuition for In-demand Fields with G3

This year, Governor Ralph Northam launched the G3 Program to help make attaining a college education more accessible for Virginians via the Virginia Community College System. G3 is a "last dollar" program that pays the difference for tuition once other financial aid has already been applied, potentially bringing the out-of-pocket cost to $0. 

Requirements for qualification include: Qualifies for in-state tuition Has a total household income of less than or equal to 400% of the Federal Poverty Level (roughly an income of $100,000 for a family of four) Is enrolled for a minimum of six credit hours at a local community college Has earned a high school diploma or GED Is enrolled in a designated G3 program Has applied for federal and/or state financial aid G3 at Virginia Western Community College Learn more about the G3 Program and how to enroll Here.

NEW Fall Manufacturing Courses at VWCC **All available through G3 Electricity Precision Measuring Mechanical Systems (Note: Fluid Power, Programmable Logic Controllers & Sensors and Robotics – must take the prerequisite, Electricity, unless a company is willing to attest their employees have the electrical background to be successful in these topics). Machining 4 course series Machining Fundamentals Machining – Turning Introductory Welding Heavy Equipment Operator (Core Construction and HEO Level 1)

Roanoke County Showing Strong Population Growth

The Roanoke Valley-Alleghany Regional Commission recently published U.S. Census Beauru data for population growth in our region in the past decade. As of 2020, the data shows that Roanoke County's population has grown nearly 5% over the past ten years. Population growth in Roanoke County shows potential for new and expanding businesses, a greater talent pipeline, and tax revenue to expand community services and resources.

VEDP International Trade Resources for Businesses

Market Research & Reports Eight Virginia Companies Expand into Global Markets with the VALET Program Case Study: Seventh Sense Expands Global Market Reach New Industry Reports - VEDP has recently published four industry reports to help Virginia businesses take advantage of opportunities in Africa, Canada, Peru, and Chile. Visit VEDP's website to learn more about these markets and download the reports. Healthcare and Life Sciences in Africa Information and Communications Technology (ICT) in Canada Government Procurement in Peru Government Procurement in Chile VEDP's International Market Research Now Offered in 87 Countries - VEDP’s team of international research consultants provides customized market research for Virginia businesses. With the addition of several new markets, including Nigeria, Ghana, Egypt, Ethiopia, Uruguay, Ecuador, Paraguay, Macau, and Taiwan, this research is now available in 87 countries. For more information, contact your local International Trade representative. Upcoming Webinars and Events Going Global Webinar: Export Strategies for Aerospace, Defense, & Security (8/25, 10 AM - 12:30 PM) Trade Mission to Eastern Europe – 10/18 - 10/22 Trade Mission to Southern Africa – 11/1 - 11/5 Supply Chain Disruption in Virginia - 9/14, 2 - 3:30 PM What Businesses Should Know About Supply Chain Resilience, Strategy, and Optimization Resources. Join VEDP for a virtual panel discussion to hear how industry experts address these challenges and learn some creative solutions to global supply chain management.

Local Produce and Crafts at Catawba Valley Farmers Market

The Catawba Valley Farmers Market (CVFM) is still providing fresh summer market options, but vendors will soon transition to fall vegetables and fruits with some late summer produce available. In anticipation of the upcoming holiday shopping season, more artisans will display their handmade arts and crafts during September and October. CVFM will not hold their annual Holiday Market this fall, so consumers are encouraged to do their holiday shopping at the weekly markets. CVFM is located at 4965 Catawba Creek Road (Rt. 779), in Catawba, and is open Thursdays from 3 - 6:30 PM. Visit the CVFM website or CVFM Facebook page for updates on available items, special events, and more.

Virginia Career Works - Employment Resources

Return to Earn Program Aims to Help Small Businesses

Governor Ralph Northam recently launched the Return to Earn Program, an initiative designed to help small businesses in the Commonwealth of Virginia incentivize available positions. Small businesses with less than 100 employees in the Commonwealth of Virginia may be eligible to receive up to $500 per new hire with the requirement to match with $500 toward the $1,000 hiring support per employee. Small businesses that provide childcare may qualify for up to $500 per new hire without the requirement to match. New hires must: •Be a W-2 employee •Be offered a position that pays at least $15.00 per hour •Can be either part-time or full-time •Self-attest that they were unemployed prior to being offered employment. Funding for this program is on a first-come, first-served basis. Learn more about Return to Earn and apply Here Read Return to Earn FAQs Here

Find a Career with VCW Career Quest Volunteers Needed Career Quest, Virginia Career Works' annual secondary student and young adult career exploration campaign, needs volunteers! Career Quest takes place on September 28-29, 2021 and October 19-20, 2021 at the Salem Civic Center. Volunteers can register Here.

Fun with Roanoke County Parks, Rec & Tourism!

September 11, 10 AM - 3 PM Watch local artisans demonstrate their craft and enjoy FREE family activities at Explore Park! All featured craftspeople will have their works on display and for sale during the event from 10 AM to 3 PM at Explore Park! Live music from Tim Martin and Friends will take place from 3 PM to 6 PM at the Twin Creeks Brewpub Lawn. Call the Visitor Center at 540-427-1800 or visit www.ExplorePark.org for more information! Splash into summer at Splash Valley Water Park as the 2021 operating season is underway! In 2021, operation will take place Friday through Monday, 11 AM - 7 PM. Click Here for more information regarding the 2021 season!

Partners and Programs

Economic Development ELEVATE 2026 Strategic Plan ELEVATE 2026 is the strategic plan that will help guide economic development activity in Roanoke County over the next five years. Roanoke County Economic Development is welcoming feeback on other Strengths, Weaknesses, Opportunities, and Challenges that Roanoke County may face in growing the local economy. Email Marshall Stanley to voice your opinion! Friendship Appoints New Member to Board of Directors Dr. NL Bishop, the chief diversity, equity and inclusion officer for Carilion Clinic, has joined the Board of Directors for Friendship senior living. Dr. Bishop brings healthcare expertise and strong community connections into his new role on the Board. Congratualtions to Dr. Bishop and Friendship! Read More Here

Salem-Roanoke County Chamber Showcase September 16, 3 - 7 PM Join the Annual Salem-Roanoke County Chamber Showcase to showcase your business while networking with Chamber members, and meeting new customers and clients. The Showcase will take place at the Salem Memorial Ballpark during the last Thirsty Thursday Salem Red Sox ballgame and businesses have the opportunity to stay set up during the game - a $500 value! More Information and Registration Here Roanoke County Comprehensive 200 Plan The Roanoke County 200 Plan is a 15-year plan to mark the County's bicentennial in 2038. The Plan provides guidance for public policies about land development, public services, and resource protection.  Fall meetings will be held online and/or in-person dependent on Covid-19 public safety recommendations at that time. With community meetings planned for Fall 2021, we invite you to sign up for the email list to stay in the loop about upcoming public input opportunities! Learn More Here

Brainfuse JobNow Roanoke County Public Libraries offers Brainfuse JobNow, a platform that combines interactive, online help and online resources to guide you through the necessary tasks to get a job. Learn More Here Events, Workshops, and Resources Upcoming Roanoke Regional SBDC events include:  SBA National Small Business Week - Virtual Summit (September 13 - 15)  National Minority Enterprise Development Week (September 19 - 25)  Success through e-Commerce (Recording) ongoing 1:1 advising. Virginia's SBDC workshops/Events

Employee Retention Tax Credit Webinar September 15, 10 AM Crystal Rivenbark, Small Business Loan Officer at VCC, will host this virtual workshop discussing the Employee Retention Tax Credit. This tax credit can reimburse up to 50% of wages and leave your small business or nonprofit with more capital for other needs. Join Crystal and Eric Glymph from EDGe Business Planning for a live webinar and Q&A on the new Tax Credit. Register Here Family Vaccine Tax Credit  Earlier this year, the Biden administration signed the American Rescue Plan (ARP) into law. Through the ARP, small and medium-sized employers who offered employees time off for vaccinations could qualify for a tax credit. Recently, the Biden administration extended this vaccine tax credit to include family members of employees. Learn More Here

Get OSHA Certified The Roanoke Higher Education Center is offering the next round of OSHA certification courses. Learn More Here Virginia Tech Roanoke Center Courses Leadership Academy Managing 101 Business of Brewing Team Dynamics Women Impact Virginia STEAM Day 2021 Exhibitors Lean Conference Speakers & Sponsors

Roanoke County Business Partners on RVTV

On this month’s show, we visit Bank of Botetourt at their new location in downtown Vinton to celebrate the grand opening of their newest branch. Then we head down the street to hear from a few local leaders involved in the Vinyard Station redevelopment project. Finally, we speak with Whitney Pugh, CEO and Owner of Agenacare Housecalls in Cave Spring and a 2021 Gauntlet winner, to hear how her business is doing since graduating from the business development program.

yesroanoke.com econdev@roanokecountyva.gov (540) 772-2069 P.O. Box 29800, Roanoke, VA 24018-0798

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