Roanoke County Business Partners Newsletter |
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September 2020: Volume 20, 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.
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Mack Trucks’ new Roanoke County factory is the culmination of a once-secret expansion project that will mark the region as a truck manufacturing center and create hundreds of jobs.
Volvo Group of Sweden chose to set down roots a second time in Southwest Virginia by locating its medium-duty truck plant in Glenvar, 40 miles from the group’s heavy-duty Volvo truck plant in Dublin.
It became the 13th truck manufacturing plant in the United States when it opened July 27 at a cost of $13 million, according to data from the Virginia Economic Development Partnership Authority. Virginia is ranked the fourth-largest state in the country for truck manufacturing employment, the partnership said. The new factory will only add to those numbers.
Employment is expected to reach 250 in February, said Mack spokesman Chris Heffner. Read more
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General Inquiries
P: 540-772-2069
F: 540-772-2030
Address
5204 Bernard Drive, SW
Room 421
PO Box 29800
Roanoke, VA 24018
Contacts
Director
Manager
Specialist
Mission Statement
To attract and facilitate the growth of innovative businesses, jobs and population that increase taxable investment and ensure sustainable world class community resources.
QUICK LINKS
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Small Business Recovery Grant funds still available |
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Roanoke County businesses are encouraged to apply
before funds are depleted.
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Read the August 30, 2020 Roanoke Times article about the Small Business Recovery Grant and one grant recipient Michael Ruth, who owns and operates the Shoe Doctor.
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New Firestone shop under construction in Bonsack |
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A new Firestone Complete Auto Care is under construction near the Bonsack Kroger.
A spokesperson for Bridgestone Retail Operations, the Firestone parent company, confirmed that a new location is being built at the intersection of Challenger Avenue Northeast and Valley Gateway Boulevard.
Construction is expected to be complete in the first quarter of next year. Read more
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Here & Now Bridal shop opens at Promenade Park |
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A new shop for brides on a budget has opened in Roanoke County’s Promenade Park. Here & Now Bridal is an off-the-rack store offering designer gowns at 40% to 80% off retail prices. Read more
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RIDE Solutions to Host Telework Webinar With Telework!VA |
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On September 16th and 22nd, RIDE Solutions is partnering with Telework!VA to host Teleworking Strategy for the Future. This webinar will cover telework best practices for employers, managers, and staff. For more information, contact Jeremy Holmes at jholmes@rvarc.org.
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ADOPT-A-HIGHWAY - Good for Virginia’s image, and Yours! |
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The Virginia Department of Transportation partners with Keep Virginia Beautiful to promote the Adopt-a-Highway program throughout Virginia. The program is free and easy to participate in!
The Adopt-a-Highway program provides an opportunity for businesses, civic groups and even families to clean up litter and be recognized for their efforts with a sign featuring their name after two pickups have been documented. Groups are required to clean up a minimum of 2x per year for a 3 year commitment. More Info
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Visit Virginia’s Blue Ridge knows safety should be part of the experience for visitors, businesses, and local residents in the surrounding VBR region. As we continue to work together to get through the COVID-19 pandemic, we encourage tourism businesses to take the Virginia's Blue Ridge Stay Safe Pledge as a commitment to keep each other safe and healthy. Click here and take 1 minute to officially adopt the VBR Stay Safe Pledge! We have FREE posters and FREE masks. The pledge follows recommended guidelines from the CDC and public health officials, and helps us create an environment of safety while the visitor/guest enjoys the many activities that make Virginia's Blue Ridge a special place.
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Interstate 81 Interchange Lighting Critical in Virginia’s Blue Ridge |
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The Roanoke Valley Transportation Planning Organization needs your input to request lighting be added to Interstate 81 Exits 137, 140, 141, 143, 146 and 150.
Your opinion counts! Please complete the I-81 Interchange Lighting survey. Survey Link
It is critical to add this lighting at these Interstate 81 interchanges to promote the reduction of nighttime crashes and increase tourism in Virginia’s Blue Ridge! Interchange lighting creates a safer environment through greater visibility for travelers passing through the interchanges and greater appeal to motorists to patronize businesses and attractions. Funding for this is expected to come from the new I-81 Corridor Improvement Fund.
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The Catawba Valley Farmers Market (CVFM) is enjoying another successful season in spite of the COVID-19 pandemic and the associated restrictions. The extremes in weather conditions, a cold and wet spring, and then a very hot and dry period, have created additional stress for the growers/farmers. The vendors continue to bring an amazing variety of fresh fruits and vegetables to the Market, along with meats, eggs, honey, cut flowers, baked goods and crafts. CVFM's customer base continues to grow, as folks travel from the Catawba area, Salem, Roanoke, Botetourt County, Craig County and Montgomery County. Customers often express their appreciation for CVFM, for the opportunity to buy fresh, local food items, in the picturesque rural location.
The vendors will soon transition to fall vegetables and fruits, while still providing some late summer produce, meats and baked goods. Mums, pansies, pumpkins, gourds and other fall decorating items will appear in a few weeks. In anticipation of the upcoming holiday shopping season, more artisans will display their handmade arts and crafts during September and early October.
The Catawba Valley Farmers Market is held each Thursday from 3:00 to 6:30 pm under the picnic shelter at the Catawba Community Center, 4965 Catawba Creek Road (Rt. 779), in Catawba. The Market area is handicap accessible, with convenient, free parking.
The Market's website, catawbafarmersmarket.com, is updated frequently, with a weekly listing of items expected on that Thursday, a weekly newsletter, numerous photos from the Market, and information on the vendors. The Facebook page is also updated frequently, with announcements of special sales.
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News from The Advancement Foundation |
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Innovation Mill powered by The Advancement Foundation announces that they will now be able to offer 3-D Printing for our Igniter Entrepreneurs
Recognizing that our Igniters need to put their concepts into action, the 3-D printer will allow them to print parts, update designs, and print product designs to verify proof of concept.
Innovation Mill will have the ability to utilize a variety of filament materials and colors. Additionally, participants will have access to open source software to enable Igniters to submit their design.
Our first entrepreneur printed a part which was used to update their design for alternative uses. The printer cost for the part was $6.00, while having a mold made to produce the spec part would have been $200-300 dollars. We have several Igniters who have the potential to develop proof of concept designs without the traditionally high costs and lead time. The savings to our Innovation Mill Igniters will allow them to reduce time to market and more rapidly pivot to fit market demands.
As we move forward, Innovation Mill will continue to offer our entrepreneurs the resources they need to develop the template for success.
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“CONNECT NOW” if you are an entrepreneur, community leader, potential mentors, community minded business, or supporter of local small businesses.
The Advancement Foundation would like to invite you to check out Biz NATION on Startup Space. This is a growing virtual hub designed to connect entrepreneurs, resources, investors, and supporters across our region. Click Here to "CONNECT NOW".
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Virginia Community Capital Events |
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Refocus and Rebuild Second Webinar Series
Continuing Business Post-Pandemic
Virginia Community Capital has partnered with the Virginia Small Business Development Center Network, GENEDGE, UVA Wise Office of Economic Development and Southwest Virginia Alliance of Manufacturing to present a series of webinars focused around helping businesses recover and become more resilient if faced with another pandemic/disaster. This series will be presented by professionals within their industry providing the most up-to-date information and resources.
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County Events and Updates |
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Roanoke Outside Foundation Announces
$100,000 Fundraising Campaign
Project Outside will support outdoor capital improvement projects, maintain key outdoor assets, and help launch and support businesses in the outdoor sector. Read More
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Blue Ridge Parkway Detour
A section of the Blue Ridge Parkway is currently closed around the Roanoke area in Virginia's Blue Ridge. As a result of heavy rains and landslides, the Blue Ridge Parkway is currently closed from Milepost 115.5 to Milepost 135.9. Road hazards at Milepost 119.7 and Milepost 127.9 have led to the closure. Learn More
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The Roanoke County Department of Elections
has moved
They are now located at 900 Chestnut St in Vinton, 24179. For details regarding voting in the November election, please visit their website
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June 2020 traffic up 112% over May 2020 at the Roanoke-Blacksburg Regional Airport
The Roanoke-Blacksburg Regional Airport saw an increase in June 2020 traffic of 112% over May 2020. June 2020 saw 13,566 passengers fly via ROA compared to 6,387 in May of 2020, an increase of 7,179 passengers. Read more
View video from Executive Director Tim Bradshaw, encouraging our community to fly local and support our local economy.
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Virginia SBSD Offers One-on-One
Business Counseling
The Virginia SBSD is offering free 1-hour one-on-one virtual counseling as the region approaches recovery and reopening. By appointment only. Request Appointment
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Do your employees need to improve their IT or computer skills?
Virginia Western can help! With fast-paced concentrated short programs offered online or in a classroom setting, the coursework can be completed in just a few months. Read More
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OSHA Programming has Resumed at the
Roanoke Higher Education Center
September 18
OSHA 7115 Lockout/Tagout
October 5-9
Safety Management Techniques
November 16-18
OSHA 2264 Permit-Required Confined Space Entry
November 19
Confined Space Train the trainer
December 7-10
OSHA 510 Occupational Safety and Health Standards for Construction Industry
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Virginia International Trade Events |
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Registration is now open for VEDP - International Trade's new calendar of events!
Face-to-face meetings are critical to international business. We help Virginia companies meet potential customers and partners through trade missions and trade shows.
Trade Missions
Trade Missions are customized visits of business meetings arranged on your behalf. These meetings are pre-qualified based on your export market objective. Our schedule of upcoming Trade Missions includes:
Trade Shows
At select international Trade Shows, Virginia's booth provides the ideal base for co-exhibiting companies, allowing you to exhibit products and services and network with prospective customers. Our schedule of upcoming Trade Shows includes:
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Roanoke Regional Small Business Development Center Events |
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Virginia Small Business Development Center launches website: Recovery Resources for Small Businesses |
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As businesses begin to look at reopening and/or planning to transition to the 'new normal,' there are a number of factors to consider and decisions to be made. Virginia Small Business Development Center launches website:
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1:1 Advising
T he Roanoke Regional Small Business Development Center works with entrepreneurs in all phases of their business from idea to exiting. We are small business champions and believe the heart of our communities and economy comes from your entrepreneurial spirit. Our confidential advising sessions are free with the support of our sponsors, the Small Business Administration, Virginia SBDC, and our host, Roanoke Regional Chamber of Commerce. We are currently working remotely and offering appointments through Zoom. Along with our full-time advising team, we have curated the best subject matter experts in our region to assist you with specific industry concerns. Sign up for an advising session
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Business Smart Start
October 13 | 4 – 7 PM
Are you considering starting a new business? Not sure what you need to do and what steps to take? Then Start Your Business Smart! Business Smart Start is an introduction to owning your own business. Topics covered include deciding on a legal entity structure, basic accounting and tax issues, steps you need to take for permits and licensing, steps to writing a business plan and basics of marketing and market research. We cover the nine steps to market research to determine if your business idea makes sense. Class is for individuals in business, thinking of starting a business even if it might be years in the future. The class is 3.0 hours long so these topics will only be briefly covered. Upon completing the class you will have the opportunity to schedule a one-on-one appointment with one of our professional business advisors.
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Upcoming Events from Virginia Tech Roanoke Center |
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Leadership Academy
Virginia Tech Roanoke Center is hosting the Leadership Academy in Roanoke from August 2020 through March 2021. This is a training series focused on developing skills necessary for navigating leadership challenges and opportunities. More info
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Effective Communication
In this engaging and fun workshop series, participants will rediscover and strengthen skills of observation and responsiveness; increase their willingness to risk, fail, and risk again; increase their tools of personal communication including imagination, relaxation, observation, and concentration; and increase appreciation for the importance of connecting through sharing emotion. In addition, they will develop their appreciation of the communicative importance of voice and body.
This is a full-day workshop from 9 am-4 pm on Thursday, September 24th. More info
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Roanoke County Business Partners on RVTV |
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Due to the spread of COVID-19, we recorded this month’s show remotely using Zoom to practice social distancing.
This month’s show features interviews with Roanoke Outside Foundation Director Pete Eshelman sharing about the Foundation’s new project to protect the region’s natural and recreational assets; Sandy Workman from Virginia Western Community College’s School of Career and Corporate Training discussing new training options; and Karmen George, Owner of Giardino Pizza Restaurant in downtown Vinton.
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P.O. Box 29800, Roanoke, VA 24018-0798
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