May 2023 BizNews

Virginia Western Welcomed K-8 Students

to STEM Day

Virginia Western faculty in Science, Technology, Engineering and Mathematics teamed up with community partners to introduce their fields to the college students of tomorrow in fun ways. The outreach was open to any K-8 student in the college’s service region, encompassing Roanoke, Salem, Roanoke County, Craig County, Franklin County and southern Botetourt County.

An estimated crowd of more than 2,000 people filled halls and courtyards, as kids excitedly progressed from station to station.

The Roanoke-Blacksburg Regional Airport Master Plan Underway

Roanoke-Blacksburg Regional Airport is nearing completion of its Master Plan, a guiding document for how to meet the needs of our region over the next 20 years and beyond. The Master Plan is necessary to be eligible for future FAA funding and to prepare the airport to meet the anticipated increase in demand for aviation services as well as support future economic and development uses. Roanoke-Blacksburg Regional Airport recently conducted a community meeting to engage citizens, businesses, and community stakeholders.

May is Small Business Month! To all City of Roanoke small businesses - thank you for your commitment to and investment in our City! You are the backbone of our community. In celebration of Small Business Month, The U.S. Chamber of Commerce is offering a variety of resources for small businesses nationwide. From events happening this month to tools your business can use year round, we encourage you to take advantage of all they have to offer.

Sustainable Travel Offered through Amtrak Airo, A Modern Passenger Experience

Offering a more sustainable way to travel and featuring a modern design with world-class amenities, Amtrak Airo will transform the travel experience. These new trains will provide improved passengers amenities, including modern comfortable seating, spacious restrooms and a contemporary food service experience, among other improvements to better serve all Amtrak customers.

Site Selection Study Underway in Roanoke Region

The Roanoke Regional Partnership is launching a new site identification and evaluation effort to update an earlier, revolutionary endeavor launched in 2014. That initial site study effort led to the identification of the Wood Haven Technology Park and Summit View Business Park. The Roanoke Regional Partnership is partnering with Timmons Group who will utilize GIS technology to identify site-investment options.

Downtown Roanoke, Inc. (DRI) is excited to announce a new way to explore the downtown district from anywhere. The new Downtown Roanoke Virtual Tour provides visitors and potential visitors with an easy way to explore and familiarize themselves with Downtown Roanoke. The virtual tour also has many interesting and helpful features for those already familiar with the area.