Roanoke County Business Partners Newsletter |
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December 2020: Volume 20, 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.
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Luigi's: 50 Years in Roanoke County |
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Roanoke's first and longest operating Italian Restaurant, Luigi's, was recognized by the Roanoke County Board of Supervisors on November 17 for their 50th anniversary of being in operation in Roanoke County.
The inspiration for what is now one of Roanoke County's most historic restaurants, began in 1945 after a young marine returning from deployment was inspired by the Italian cuisine in New York City. Since the beginning, ownership has been passed down through generations of the Marques family and is still co-owned by mother and son, Maristane and Aiden Marques, today. You can visit Luigi's at 3301 Brambleton Avenue and you can see their incredible menu offerings on their website. We had the pleasure of interviewing co-owner Maristane Marques for the December edition of Roanoke County Business Partners, which can be viewed here.
Congratulations to Luigi's for a wonderful 50 years of serving delicious Italian cuisine in Roanoke County!
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2020 State of the County Address |
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Chairman of the Roanoke County Board of Supervisors, David Radford, delivered the State of the County Address on Thursday, November 12 of this year. Due to COVID-19 precautions and in adherence of the guidelines, the Address was filmed in the Roanoke Valley Television studio and distributed afterward, serving as a small example of the various changes that have been made in 2020. Chairman Radford highlights changes that have been made in Roanoke County this year due to the COVID-19 pandemic and updates us on past, current, and future happenings in Roanoke County. Click here to view the 2020 State of the County Address.
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Illuminights 2020 - Explore Park's Winter Walk of Lights |
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The Holidays look a little different this year, but that just means that we've had to make a few adjustments to our favorite traditions. Illuminights will still bring a vibrant show to Explore Park this year, with a few changes to adhere to Governor Northam's current guidelines for public gatherings.
More information on Illuminights tickets can be found here. Due to COVID-19 precautions, walk-up tickets will not be available at the event this year.
Please be safe and courteous while celebrating this holiday season!
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USMCA (NAFTA 2.0) Seminar |
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The Virginia Economic Development Partnership (VEDP) has partnered with Allocca Enterprises to provide an online training seminar covering the United States-Mexico-Canada Agreement (USMCA). This virtual training is ideal for companies that are interested in or currently engaged in international business with Mexico and/or Canada.
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This seminar will cover the following topics:
- 11 areas of new upgrades
- Rules of origin examples
- Preference Criteria update
- New proof of eligibility
- De minimus Customs Levels
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Date: December 8: 10-12 AM
Cost: $25 per attendee.
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Virginia's Blue Ridge - Stay Safe Pledge |
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Virginia's Blue Ridge (VBR) believes in keeping our community safe for residents and visitors, alike. While we continue practicing safety precautions during COVID-19, VBR has created the Stay Safe Pledge to encourage businesses, visitors, and residents in the Blue Ridge to join in on keeping our community safe. You can find more information about the Stay Safe Pledge Business Toolkit, Virginia COVID-19 information, and guidelines from the CDC on VBR's website. Take the pledge today to create a safer community for tomorrow!
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Great news! The Blue Ridge Parkway from Explore Park (MP 115.5) to U.S. 220 (MP 121.4) has completely reopened to the public. Even though the Parkway from U.S. 220 (MP 121.4) to Adney Gap (MP 135.9) is still closed, the detour includes some of Roanoke's finest shops along the way. Click here for more information.
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Lila Drive Intersection Updates |
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The concept behind the Lila Drive Intersection Safety Improvements was initiated in 2009 as a means to enable employees at the three largest businesses on Plantation Road - ITT (now Elbit Systems of America), Wells Fargo and Double Envelope - to safely cross Plantation Road on foot. The project includes:
- Traffic signal installation at the intersection of Lila Drive and Plantation Road;
- Pedestrian signals and crosswalks at the intersection;
- Double Envelope entrance realignment;
- Wells Fargo entrance consolidation on Lila Drive; and
- Sidewalk on the Wells Fargo side of Lila Drive.
The crosswalks connect to the Plantation Road shared use path, which runs between Williamson Road and Walrond Drive. Many thanks to the Virginia Department of Transportation for administering and completing this important County project.
The next phase of the Plantation Road project will begin in Spring 2021 with construction of a sidewalk between Walrond Drive and Gander Way, realignment of the Walrond Drive intersection and pedestrian signals at the Plantation Road/Gander Way traffic signal. View the Plantation Road Project webpage at www.roanokecountyva.gov/Plantation for additional information.
Please contact Megan Cronise, Transportation Planning Administrator, with questions.
Images courtesy of the Virginia Department of Transportation
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Support your Community - Shop Small
If you still have some holiday shopping to do, consider shopping small and supporting our local businesses. Small businesses have been hit hard by the COVID-19 pandemic, especially restaurants and retail stores. When you buy from a local business, you aren't just supporting the local economy, you're also supporting a member of our community. For some great local gift ideas, visit the Salem-Roanoke County Chambers of Commerce's holiday shopping guide webpage. Thank you for supporting our small businesses this season!
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The Great Gingerbread Hunt
The Salem-Roanoke County Chamber of Commerce's favorite gingerbread gal, Fiona, is helping us get into the holiday spirit this year! Fiona will be visiting local merchants over the next month sharing their great gift ideas and all of the ways we can support local businesses.
Follow Fiona’s adventures on Facebook and shop local for your chance to win some great prizes. Click here to learn how to win!
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Keeping Cash Local with Community Currency |
The Salem-Roanoke Coutny Chamber of Commerce has rolled out their Community Currency program to help keep cash local this holiday season. Available in increments of $5 - order online, print at home or email to your recipient.
Merchants - if you'd like to participate in this program, there is no cost to you and you do not have to be a chamber member.
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Consumer Reports
2020 has given us a lot to think about already, so brainstorming for those perfect holiday gifts can seem like a chore. Luckily for us, Roanoke County Libraries hosts Consumer Reports on their website here.
Find top-rated products, read reviews from other shoppers, and conquer your holiday shopping with Consumer Reports.
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Gish Mill Redevelopment Project Receives Industrial Revitalization Grant |
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The Town of Vinton has been awarded a $468,750 grant from the Virginia Department of Housing and Community Development Industrial Revitalization Fund Program to redevelop Gish Mill. This 200+ year old former grist mill will be rehabilitated and re-purposed as a mixed-use project, preserving the founding structure of the Town of Vinton for generations to come, while generating new revenue and creating jobs for our community. This grant and the entire project has been the result of a great effort by the entire Vinton team and a partnership with David Hill and David Trinkle of Gish Mill Davii LLC, the development firm that will oversee the renovations and own and operate the property. The full release from Governor Northam can be read here.
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Farmburguesa in Vinton is Expanding! |
The Town of Vinton approved Farmburguesa's request to purchase the lot behind their Vinton location, resulting in an expansion that will add 45 seats, televisions, and a bar which will serve beer and wine to the new addition of the restaurant. In the meantime, you can still order some of the best burgers in town and pick up a gift card for loved ones this holiday season. Visit Farmburguesa at 303 S Pollard Street in Vinton and visit their website here.
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Cardinal Comeback: Precision Fabrics in Vinton Recognized |
The Virginia Economic Developers Association recognized Precision Fabrics for their hard work adn dedication to pivot in response to COVID-19. Their continued hard work in manufacturing medical-grade PPE has helped our community and others stay safe during COVID-19. Their work was (and remains) crucial to medical professionals working on the front lines of the COVID crisis. Thank you to everyone at Precision Fabrics and congratulations on your well-deserved recognition!
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Vinton Welcomes KB Mercantile to Business Community |
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Last month we saw the opening of KB Mercantile in Vinton, offering baked goods, Amish furniture, and crafts to customers. Owner Kristie Wirt describes her new business as a "real quaint little shop" that started when she developed relationships with Amish families in Pennsylvania on a road trip. In addition o the Amish furniture and various crafts, KB Mercantile also offers ceramics, face masks, and baked good made by Kristie Wirt, herself. Just in time for the holiday season, you can find some great gift ideas when you visit KB mercantile at 302 E Washington Avenue in Vinton and you can check out their Facebook page here.
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Our Partners and Programs |
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Project Outside Exceeds Fundraising Goal for Grant Program |
The Roanoke Outside Foundation, an initiative of the Roanoke Regional Partnership, has exceeded its $100,000 goal for Project Outside raising $107,000. The campaign, launched in August, is the first of its kind and will fund the maintenance and development of outdoor assets and support outdoor-related businesses in the greater Roanoke Region.
More information about the grant program and applications can be found here. Grant applications are available now and are due January 30, 2021
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Experience Leadership Institute: Digital Deep Dive
Now more than ever, being able to traverse digital technology in the workplace is crucial. Enroll in the Roanoke Regional Partnership's Experience Leadership Institute - January Session and earn a Digital Technology in the Workplace Certificate. This six-session program begins Jan. 4 and ends Jan. 15. Applications must be completed by Jan. 1 - admission is $50.
Click here for more information.
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Regional MEP Centers Announce $1M in Federal Funding for Cybersecurity Program |
GENEDGE, the Manufacturing Extension Partnership (MEP) Center in Virginia, will lead a new regional program to ensure small and medium-sized manufacturers have access to consistent, trustworthy cybersecurity expertise and resources. “With this opportunity, we will develop a regionally deployed model, replicated across our country assuring that the MEP National Network will continue to grow as the leader in cybersecurity implementation services for America’s manufacturers,” said Bill Donohue, GENEDGE President and Executive Director GENEDGE. Read the full release here.
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VA Ready Trains Displaced Workers in Response to COVID-19
VA Ready has partnered with businesses across the State to help Virginians get trained in high-demand fields like technology, healthcare, manufacturing, or skilled trades. Program participants can receive tuition grants from FastForward and earn a $1,000 award from VA Ready when they achieve a training credential.
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2020 Vinton Christmas Parade & Tree Lighting
Join the Vinton Area Chamber of Commerce in Downtown Vinton on December 3rd for the Tree Lighting at 6 PM and the Christmas Parade from 7 - 9 PM
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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 at Roanoke Higher Education Center |
The RHEC offers courses that keep businesses and their employees up-to-date on guidelines from the Occupational Safety & Health Administration.
Click the flyer for more information.
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The Advancement Foundation Announcements |
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The 7th Annual GAUNTLET will begin on February 9, 2021
Learn more about the GAUNTLET and the Advancement Foundation here.
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Innovation Mill Now Taking Applications
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Roanoke Regional Small Business Development Center Events |
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December 2: 9 AM EST
Intellectual Property 101
December 4: 9 AM EST
Patent Basics
December 9: 9 AM EST
Patenting Apps & Software: U.S. Patent Practice
December 11: 9 AM EST
Trademark Basics
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Learn how to leverage digital marketing, audience engagement and brand identity to build an audience.
Guest speaker: Zack Jackson, The JPG Agency
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Join this workshop for a virtual conversation with two agri-tourism experts, Kate Lawrence and
Livvy Preisser, to learn about agri-tourism and retail agriculture basics, safety tips, tricks and additional resources needed for the venture ahead.
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Events, Workshops, and Resources
Stay up-to-date on upcoming Roanoke SBDC news and events by visiting their website here.
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1:1 Advising
The Roanoke Regional Small Business Development Center works with entrepreneurs in all phases of their business from idea to exiting.
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Roanoke County Business Partners on RVTV |
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On this month’s show, we visited Roanoke’s first and longest operating Italian restaurant, Luigi’s on Brambleton Avenue . We spoke with co-owner Maristane Marques to congratulate her and her family on their 50 year anniversary of doing business in Roanoke County. And in the spirit of the holidays, we caught up with three local retailers – Oliveto, Windsor Gifts, and Pacaberry Farm – to hear from each owner about the creative gift ideas they have for us this season.
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(540) 772-2069
P.O. Box 29800, Roanoke, VA 24018-0798
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