Roanoke County Business Partners Newsletter
May 2021: Volume 21, No. 5
 
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.
LewisGale Breaks Ground on New ER in Bonsack
LewisGale broke ground in the Bonsack area last month in preparation for their new Emergency Room campus. This is LewisGale's second freestanding ER in Roanoke County and will be a $12M investment, create 30 jobs, and provide full ER services for more Roanoke County residents along the Route 460 corridor. You can learn more about the ER ground-breaking in the May episode of Roanoke County Business Partners.

Congressional District Represenatives Engage with Roanoke
Congressmen Cline & Giffith Tour Mack RVO
Congressmen Ben Cline (R-VA, 6th District) and Morgan Griffith (R-VA, 9th District), along with County Supervisors Martha Hooker and Phil North, tour the Mack RVO facility.
Congressman Griffith Visits Wood Haven Technology Park
Congressman Ben Cline Meets with Roanoke County Leaders
Congressman Morgan Griffith (R-VA, 9th District) visited the Wood Haven Technology Park last month with Roanoke County leaders and representation from the Roanoke Regional Partnership. Wood Haven is the region's premier 100+ acre industrial property located at the gateway to the Roanoke Valley.

Congressman Ben Cline (R-VA, 6th District) visited the Roanoke County Administration Center last month to discuss economic development with Roanoke County Supervisor Phil North, as well as administration from Roanoke County and the Roanoke Regional Partnership.
419 Day Celebrates the Future of Roanoke County
419 Day has become a day of celebration for the activity and improvements going on along the Route 419 corridor. To help summarize the major achievements of the project, Roanoke County staff coordinated with a local private investor and Roanoke Valley Television to bring you the 419 Day video! In the video, you will find economic activity, infrastructure updates, and an overview of 419 Town Center and Tanglewood plans.
In Case Your Missed It
North Cross Celebrates 75 Years in Roanoke
North Cross School was honored by the Roanoke County Board of Supervisors last month for recently completing 75 years of service! The institution began humbly in 1944 when a mother was determined to provide her child with an enriching education even though her daughter did not meet the age cutoff to join the public school system. Through innovation and dedication to our community, North Cross School has since flourished into Roanoke County's premier private education institution. Roanoke County is also honoring Head of School Chris Proctor as he completes his finals semsters as North Cross' Head of School. Chris will remain involved with North Cross as he enters his next stage in life. Thank you Chris and North Cross School for your service to Roanoke County!
North Cross officials honored by Roanoke County Board of Supervisors
Chris Proctor, Head of School for North Cross
Reimagine 419 Wins Platnium
The Reimagine 419 Town Center Plan won the Platinum award for "The Best Idea for the Valley's Future" category in the Best of Roanoke 2021 awards from the Roanoker magazine! This innovative Plan is currently underway and will change the landscape of the 419 corridor to include infrastructure that will suit more density while also allowing for safe, multimodal transportation.

Economic Development Welcomes New Manager
Roanoke County Economic Development welcomes Wade Taylor to the team! Wade will depart from his role in Winston-Salem, NC and will be bringing 15 years of experience in Economic Development, Corporate Real Estate, and Site Selection. Wade graduated from the University of Arizona with a BS in Regional Development and also from the Economic Development Institute with the University of Oklahoma. In his spare time, Wade enjoys watching college football, playing golf, reading, and volunteering for the Special Olympics. Welcome to Roanoke County, Wade!
Elbit Systems On Display in Virginia Showcase
Roanoke County's Elbit Systems of America donated a helmet equipped with night vision capability to be displayed in the Virginia Economic Development Partnership's showcase in Richmond, VA. The showcase highlights impressive products from around the Commonwealth of Virginia, and Elbit is no stranger to producing impressive technologies.

Elbit has also recently been in the news for their contribution to the "SuperCam" aboard the NASA Perseverance rover which recently landed on Mars!

Old Virginia Outpost Opens in Roanoke County
Old Virginia Outpost held their grand opening ceremony last month in the Hollins area! Old Virginia Outpost specializes in upfitting Jeeps, trucks, and other overland vehicles to handle any outdoor adventure. You can find them at 7432 McConnell Road, and you can learn more about Old Virginia Outpost in the May episode of Roanoke County Business Partners.

TMEIC in the News
Following the announcement of TMEIC consolidating their North American operations, TMEIC also announced their new CEO, Manmeet Bhatia! We'd like to congratulate Manmeet for his new role with TMEIC and we'd like to thank Dale Guidry for his years of leadership as the Chief Executive Officer with the corporation.
It's Business Appreciation Month in Virginia!
Throughout the month of May, Roanoke County Economic Development will highlight extraordinary businesses that help shape Roanoke County’s dynamic business community. Though this past year has been challenging, we’ve seen businesses rise to the occasion, pivot to meet new demands, and even lend a helping hand in the community. Check out our Facebook page each week during May to see Roanoke County businesses shine in our “Business Spotlight.”

We’re proud to be able to work closely with our business community and provide assistance that keeps our local economy flourishing. Thank you to all our businesses, big and small, for being our business partners.
Town of Vinton Developments


Hotel Development Opportunity in Vinton


The Town of Vinton is accepting proposals for hotel development in the downtown Vinton area. The Town of Vinton is a dynamic area that has seen many new businesses open and properties begin redevelopment processes.

General questions regarding the RFP may be directed to Pete Peters, Town Manager, at 540-343-1508 or emailed to rpeters@vintonva.gov. Tours of the property may be provided upon appointment.
Vinton Announces New Assistant Town Manager
Rosie's Celebrates 2 Years and Keeps on Expanding!
The Town of Vinton recently announced their new Assistant Town manager, Cody Sexton, who will be joining Vinton Administration this month. Cody is no stranger to the area, previously serving as the Assistant to the County Administrator with Botetourt County. We welcome Cody in his new role and we're excited to work with him!
Rosie's Gaming Emporium recently celebrated two years in Vinton and has their eyes set on the future. Rosie's is currently working on their $28 million expansion which will include new gaming machines, a live stage, and a multi-level parking garage. This project is planned to be completed by the end of 2021.

Learn How to Sell to the Commonwealth
This hands-on session explores the public transparency tools available on the eVA website - an electronic governmental procurement platform. You’ll learn how to identify buyers who are buying what you sell, determine prices being paid for goods/services, identify who’s getting business.

This event is free, but preregistration is required. Register Here

Click Here to learn more about eVA
Student Talent Resources for Employers
Finding the right workers can be challenging. For some roles, student interns and apprentices are a great match — providing assistance now, while connecting with and recruiting potential permanent hires for the future. Several programs in Roanoke County can help businesses find and engage student workers.

Click Here to learn about employer resources for local student talent including internships, apprenticeships, and more.
Catawba Valley Farmers Market Gears up for 2021 Season




The CVFM will be open on Thursdays from 3 - 6:30 PM beginning May 6, at the Catawba Community Center, 4965 Catawba Creek Road (Rt. 779), just off of Rt. 311 in Catawba. 


Anyone interested in selling at CVFM should contact Pam Hall at pscatawba@gmail.com or (540)580-1533

Visit the CVFM website or CVFM Facebook page for updates on available items, special events, and more.
Roanoke County Businesses Celebrated at Chamber Awards
The Salem-Roanoke County Chamber of Commerce hosted the 2021 Annual Business Awards at the Salem Civic Center last month to celebrate nominees and winners of achievement awards for this past year. A few Roanoke county businesses were recognized including Famous Toastery, for winning the Small Business Of The Year, and Green Ridge Recreation Center, for winning the Large Business Of The Year. Thanks to the Salem-Roanoke County Chamber for hosting and recognizing our incredible business community and congratulations to the businesses nominated!
Outdoor Fun in Roanoke County
Explore More with Roanoke County Parks, Rec & Tourism!
Click Here to learn about upcoming Spring activities from Roanoke County Parks, Recreation & Tourism

Visit the Roanoke County Parks, Recreation & Tourism website to stay up-to-date on all recreation activities and events in the County!
IRONMAN 70.3 Back in the Blue Ridge


The 2021 Carilion Clinic IRONMAN 70.3 Virginia’s Blue Ridge triathlon is coming to the Roanoke Valley Jun 6th!

Learn more about the IRONMAN triathlon Here

IRONMAN needs volunteers! Register to volunteer for the race Here.
American Rescue Plan Act Helps Businesses Recover
The American Rescue Plan Act of 2021 provides $1.9 trillion in relief and economic stimulus for those affected by the coronavirus. The new law includes:




Partners and Programs
Innovation Mill, GAUNTLET, and VIDA program at TAF

Support your local entrepreneurs! Donate consulting services, in-kind prizes, and even cash for the 2021 GAUNTLET winners here

  • GAUNTLET graduation: May 27
  • Innovation Mill completes its second year
  • Virginia individual Development Accounts (VIDA) program assists families with their first home purchase


Lynda.com is now
LinkedIn Learning

Users' login will remain the same (library card number and pin number). All previous course information will transfer over to the new interface.

  • 16,000 online courses in leadership, project management, mental wellness, digital marketing, Python coding, sales, and more.
  • Expert instructors with real-world experience.
  • 60+ new courses added each week!

To access LinkedIn Learning, visit RCPL's virtual library
ADOPT-A-HIGHWAY – Good for Virginia’s Image, and Yours!

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.


blue_car_road.jpg
BR Parkway - Roanoke River Bridge Rehab Project

National Park Service officials announced the upcoming, full closure of Roanoke River Bridge, at Milepost 114.7, on the Blue Ridge Parkway for a major rehabilitation project. 


New Tool to Make Self-Guided Bike Tours Easier

RIDE Solutions announced the launch of a new tool, Ride With GPS, a free downloadable app for iOS and Android, designed to make bicycling safer and easier in the Roanoke Valley.


Events, Workshops, and Resources

Upcoming Roanoke Regional SBDC events include Revenue Diversification for the Ag Industry (April 6), Business Smart Start 2021 (April 14), and ongoing 1:1 advising.


Virginia Western Offers Training Opportunities
Late Summer 2021 courses for Manufacturing -
Newly added Heavy Equipment Operator training

Click here for more information on VWCC's manufacturing and Trade courses. Courses include Machining 4 course series; Electricity; Precision Measuring; Mechanical Systems (Note: Fluid Power, Programmable Logic Controllers & Sensors and Robotics will be offered fall semester); Heavy Equipment Operator; and Introductory Welding.

*Contact VWCC's Career Navigators to start the enrollment process: 540-857-6076 or careernavigators@virginiawestern.edu.
Become a competitive candidate with Virginia Western Community College's academic and certification programs. View the Project Management and SHRM prep courses below, and see all course offerings here.
Roanoke County Business Partners on RVTV
On this month’s show, we visit Old Virginia Outpost, a new business in the Hollins area that specializes in upfitting vehicles for any outdoor adventure. Then we head to the Bonsack area to break ground with LewisGale Regional Health System for their new freestanding Emergency Room coming to the Route 460 corridor. Finally, we speak with Chris Proctor, Head of School at North Cross School to celebrate the Institution’s 75th year of service, as well as congratulate Chris as he finishes his last few semesters with the School. 
(540) 772-2069
P.O. Box 29800, Roanoke, VA 24018-0798