Gene Marrano
The Roanoke Regional Partnership has launched its newest 5-year plan to bring economic development to the next level – a $3.3 million public-private campaign called “Accelerate 2022.” Beth Doughty is the Partnership’s executive director. She says first and foremost is a focus on retaining and attracting talented people to the region. 8 localities and more than 200 businesses are supporting “Accelerate 2022” – which has also set goals for new jobs and investment levels:
A monthly publication that debuted in 2008 reached a milestone this month: Valley Business Front has released its 100th issue. “The Front” profiles businesses and the people behind them in the Roanoke and New River Valleys. Valley Business Front outlasted a challenge from Roanoke Business magazine; the Virginia Chamber of Commerce-backed monthly publication folded last month after three years. Tom Field is The Front publisher:
The small “pocket park” on Church Avenue known as Century Plaza is looking better these days. Downtown Roanoke Incorporated worked with Roanoke City Parks And Recreation to remove old wisteria vines, add overhead string lighting and do some painting. Clark hopes the changes draw more people to Century Plaza – noting that some Roanokers aren’t even aware of the small urban park across the street from the old Fire Station Number One. Jamie Clark is with D-R-I: