Amazon Last-Mile Delivery Facility Coming to the City of Roanoke

Amazon is opening a new last-mile delivery facility in the City of Roanoke which will allow the company to better serve customers in the City and across Southwest Virginia. Launch plans for this facility are in the early stages, with construction scheduled to start in the coming weeks. “The City is the ideal location for an Amazon last-mile facility due to its proximity to the interstate, infrastructure, and available workforce,” said Marc Nelson, Director of Economic Development for the City of Roanoke. “We are grateful for Amazon’s investment in Roanoke because it strengthens our ongoing economic development efforts.”

Record-High Demand Drives Production Expansions in Facilities Across the Commonwealth

Transformers are an essential component for maintaining the national electric grid and ensuring continuous power in regions affected by aging components and sensitivity to storms and natural disasters. From the increase in data center construction to the factories producing and charging stations powering electric vehicles, and from the robust renewables market to the increased installation of high-voltage DC networks, U.S. demand for transformers is at a record high. Roanoke-based Virginia Transformer Corp. was recently highlighted for their ability to increase supply and build up capacity. Last year, they added 200 jobs with plans to add 100 more by the end of the year.

Economic Development Takes a Road Trip to Richmond, Virginia

Representatives from Economic Development Departments from the City of Roanoke, County of Roanoke, Botetourt County and City of Salem advocated for the Roanoke Region at the Virginia Economic Developers Association (VEDA) Day at the General Assembly.

Wasena Bridge Replacement Project to Begin in Spring 2024

After 85 years of service, the Wasena Bridge will soon be replaced! Built in 1938, the Wasena Bridge is a fracture critical structure that is at the end of its intended lifespan and needs to be reconstructed to ensure public safety and usability. The project is slated to begin in early April. Demolition to the bridge will start along the south end in Wasena and will take about six months to fully remove. The new bridge should be completed—along with nearby landscaping and tree plantings—by Spring 2026.

The Roanoke Financial Empowerment Center Opens New Office

The Roanoke Financial Empowerment Center (FEC) recently opened a new FEC office location at the Roanoke EnVision Center!

Are you ready to take control of your financial journey? The FEC’s dedicated team of financial counselors is now available at the EnVision Center to provide professional, one-on-one guidance at no cost to Roanoke area residents. They can assist with money management, budgeting, reducing debt, establishing and improving credit, connecting to safe and affordable banking services, and building savings.

The FEC also offers referrals to other valuable services and organizations to ensure you have access to comprehensive support. Roanoke residents can visit the EnVision Center or go to www.roanokefec.org to access these valuable resources and empower themselves financially by scheduling an appointment with a counselor!

That's a Wrap on the JP Morgan Healthcare Conference 2024

The City of Roanoke's Innovation Administrator, Bradley Boettcher, along with regional partners from Verge and the Virginia Tech Corporate Research Center, attended the

JP Morgan Healthcare Conference in San Francisco on January 8-11, 2024. With over 8,000 attendees representing financial institutions, investors, startups, researchers and accomplished companies, this conference is one of the largest healthcare and life sciences events in the world. Our representatives had the opportunity to promote the region as a life science destination - attracting startups, established companies and investors to the new Biotech Lab project.

Unique Landmark Opportunity in Downtown Roanoke

The former Roanoke Times press building located at 120 Salem Ave. is prime for redevelopment with options for medical, printing, packaging, food and beverage and education/research. Enjoy the full video tour which can be seen here.

Roanoke CoLab Launches Partnership Opportunities to Propel Entrepreneurial Excellence into the Next Decade

As the Roanoke CoLab gears up for its landmark tenth anniversary celebration in March, it is excited to unveil an unparalleled opportunity for local businesses to shape the future of entrepreneurship in the Roanoke Valley.