Gene Marrano
Virginia Tech and Carilion Clinic leaders held a ceremonial groundbreaking this afternoon to expand their research institute. The $90 million expansion will go up alongside the other buildings in the Riverside medical complex. Area government and business leaders – and guest of honor Governor McAuliffe today – expect the research institute expansion to generate greater educational, medical and economic growth for the region. Virginia Tech President Timothy Sands says this will take the partnership with Carilion Clinic to a new level.
Altec Industries – which manufactures aerial lift trucks for electric utility and telecommunications companies – will expand its Botetourt County operations. Altec announced today that it will build a 65,000 square foot addition for its plant, at the Botetourt Center at Greenfield. That growth means a 30 million dollar investment and 180 new jobs. The state and county have chipped in with grants totaling more than a million dollars.
“We are able to grow in Virginia and in Botetourt County because this is a pro-business environment with the logistics and infrastructure to help Altec succeed,” said John Herrig, general manager. “Altec is excited to add outstanding people to our team as we strengthen our operation to better serve our customers and the community.” “The continued success of Altec in Botetourt speaks volumes about the County and the Roanoke Region as a business location,” said Botetourt County Administrator Gary Larrowe.
A month after its soft opening the Rock & Roll Diner has cut the ribbon on Franklin Road, across from the Carilion Orthopedics Center. Owner Charlie Hamill will still cook the award-winning fish tacos, cheesesteaks and other dishes on his food truck, but patrons can now eat inside where they can also have a craft beer or a glass of wine. Hammil says the remodeled Rock & Roll Diner location on Franklin Road will be adding some new dinner offerings and wine pairings in the near future.
The first session was deemed a success so “Can We Even Talk?” is back again on Thursday, where the future of health care is the subject. More from WFIR’s Gene Marrano:
Promoting business growth, workforce education in public schools and quality of life. The Botetourt County Chamber of Commerce is seeking partners for that mission. More from WFIR’s Gene Marrano:
For more than 20 years “RAYSAC” has been promoting Red Ribbon Week locally. The awareness campaign centered around drug and alcohol abuse is back as WFIR’s Gene Marrano reports.
Salem VA Center employees, veterans and others concerned about low staffing levels at that location and at other Veterans Administrations health care centers will hold a rally on the sidewalks outside the Salem facility tomorrow starting at 9:30am. That’s where Brad Looney works for the VA. He says Congress has been funding the “Choice” program that allows veterans to see private physicians, but that’s left the VA with budget gaps and almost 50,000 positions unfilled nationwide.
Come in your finest running gear – or as a favorite Halloween character. WFIR’s Gene Marrano reports on the 7th annual Spooky Sprint 5K.
The Roanoke Rail Yard Dawgs are back on the ice for a second season at the Berglund Civic Center. WFIR’s Gene Marrano spoke with team president Bob McGinn earlier this week:
WFIR/Gene Marrano
In Franklin County, crews are already at work grading sites at the 551-acre Summit View Business Park just off US 220 between Boones Mill and Rocky Mount. Today they held a groundbreaking ceremony at what was the sprawling “Sink Farm”. It could take several decades to build out entirely, officials said today. The county has already invested about 23 million dollars in the business park – which will also include a number of recreational amenities. Michael Burnette is the economic development director for Franklin County: