December 2022: Volume 22, No. 12

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.

Roanoke County Names

Assistant Economic Development Director

Roanoke County welcomes Danielle Poe as the Assistant Director of Economic Development. Poe is coming from the Roanoke Regional Airport Commission where she has been the business manager for nearly three years, managing the day-to-day operations within the organization and overseeing risk management strategies in various projects. She has gained over 15 years of experience in various additional roles including as the Economic Development specialist for Downtown Roanoke, Inc.

"I am excited for the opportunity to work with the Roanoke County Economic Development team,” said Poe. “Roanoke County has a vision, momentum, and support by leadership making it an exciting time to make this transition. I think the best is yet to come, and I can't wait to get to work!"

Read the full release

State of the County Address

2022 STATE OF THE COUNTY ADDRESS

Wednesday, December 7, from 7:30 a.m. until 9:00 a.m.

Green Ridge Recreation Center

7415 Wood Haven Road

Roanoke.VA 24019

Salem-Roanoke County Chamber of Commerce

The Salem-Roanoke County Chamber of Commerce welcomes Amanda Livingston as the new Executive Director. Amanda brings the competencies and values needed to support the organization and the needs of the members of the Chamber.

Amanda graduated from the University of Rhode Island, where she studied Communications. After graduation, she began her career with Jackson Hewitt Tax Service, Inc. Amanda worked for the national franchise for over 20 years, and finished her time there as a Divisional Vice President over franchise territory sales across the Southeast Division. She then began working in real estate sales for a development company in South Carolina before relocating to Virginia. Amanda lives in the Cave Spring area of Roanoke County with her husband, Ken Delp, and their blended family. She is eager to support the members of the Chamber, promote local businesses and economic growth, and serve the communities of Salem and Roanoke County.

The GAUNTLET 2023

Calling ALL Entrepreneurs - Now is YOUR time to take BOLD Action!

Registration is NOW OPEN for the 9^th Annual GAUNTLET

Entrepreneurs with bold ideas, who have a business idea that needs a jumpstart, or a business that is ready to scale, now is your time to take action and accelerate your entrepreneurial ideas into reality. The GAUNTLET 2023 is The Advancement Foundation’s 9th annual offering of Virginia’s Largest Business Program and Competition and offers a proven formula to assist you in the development of your business idea, an opportunity to collaborate with entrepreneurs across the region, individual pairing with a mentor, and connection to a myriad of other resources designed to support new and expanding businesses. The GAUNTLET has empowered more than 700 entrepreneurs, developed and connected a mentor network of 250 professionals, and awarded over $7 million in resources including grants, cash, and in-kind prizes.

The GAUNTLET ignites opportunities through business training, mentorship opportunities, scaling strategies, and entrepreneurial ecosystem building. Anyone can participate in this competition for over $300,000 in cash and prizes.



Don’t wait, this could be your opportunity to turn your idea into the next big thing.

Virtual classes start Tuesday, February 7, 2023.

For more information about The GAUNTLET and to apply online:

Please visit www.TheAdvancementFoundation.org/Gauntlet.

Burlington opens at Tanglewood

The Burlington store is now open at Tanglewood Mall. Occupying the former Stein Mart space, this is the latest addition to the ongoing transformation of the mall.

See the WDBJ7 coverage of the opening. Here

Career Quest Registration Now Open

It's time to plan for the quest! Career Quest Spring 2023 registration is open!

The Greater Roanoke Workforce Development Board plans to expose 10th grade students across the Roanoke Valley, New River Valley, and Alleghany Highlands to various career industries to spark their career interests. We are asking local businesses to educate students on Apprenticeship opportunities, Career and Technical Education, On the Job Training, tuition reimbursement, open positions or any other resources students have access to through your company. Please provide a relevant hands-on and age appropriate activity to showcase your industry to the students. Each business will receive a 10x10 booth with two tables, if additional space is needed, please consider becoming a sponsor. For the activity, we can certainly help with ideas! Please include details and sizes of the equipment or vehicles that will be in attendance. Balls, frisbees or other items that can be thrown may cause a distraction for students and vendors.

Salem Civic Center

February 14th - 15th

Upcoming International Trade Webinars and Training Opportunities

Managing Risk: Best Practices for International Contracts, Foreign Exchange, and Cybersecurity

Thursday, Dec. 15, 2022 | Virtual | Free

Learn about the best practices for international contracts and agreements, the Foreign Corrupt Practices Act (FCPA), managing foreign exchange risk, how small businesses can use foreign exchange to their advantage, and tips for businesses to protect themselves from cyber threats. Click here to learn more and reserve your spot in this free training. This is the final session in our Lifecycle of an Export virtual training series.

Catawba Valley Farmers Market hosts Holiday Market

RoCo Parks and Rec Updates

Illuminights 2022 Tickets On Sale

Illuminights tickets are on sale now! Brighten your nights and explore your holiday spirit through a dazzling world of over 650,000 lights at Illuminights Winter Walk of Lights! Roanoke County and Center in the Square will operate the signature event over the span of 33 nights from November 19 through December 30!

Visit https://www.roanokecountyparks.com/545/Illuminights to purchase your tickets and learn more about Illuminights! 

Holiday Events in Vinton

Roanoke County Business Partners Show

This month, we feature a year in review of economic development projects and announcements, which include more than $170 million of new business investment and the creation of more than 550 new jobs . Numerous businesses are highlighted, representing the strength and diversity of small and large businesses throughout the County. We extend our thanks and gratitude to the Roanoke County business community for their continued growth in the County.