Local Business and Economic Development
Kathryn Matherly Freedom First photo
Maybe you’ll hit the gym more often or bike extra miles on the greenway as part of a New Year’s resolution to lose a few pounds and improve your overall health. The City of Roanoke’s Financial Empowerment Center wants its clients to consider their financial wellness for 20-24 as well. WFIR’s Gene Marrano has that story:
A company specializing in in-home counseling services for juveniles is branching out and offering treatment for substance use disorder at their new location. WFIR’s Emma Thomas has details:
Now that an affiliate of Publix supermarkets has purchased land in southwest Virginia, the next question is whether site work will begin in the new year. The grocery chain isn’t saying anything publicly yet, but as WFIR’s Evan Jones reports, whenever Publix arrives, it could help boost local efforts to attract other national retailers:
Here is the property’s preliminary site plan:
Looking for a way to spread some holiday cheer this year? A local organization is still accepting donations. WFIR’s Emma Thomas has details:
Roanoke County is teaming up with Roanoke and Salem cities in efforts to bring more big-name retailers to the valley — familiar names to many, like Trader Joe’s. The three municipalities are jointly funding a study in efforts attract more restaurant and retail names, and the first step is selecting a consultant to gather the facts and figures big-name retailers need in making decisions — then guiding efforts to make it happen. More from WFIR’s Evan Jones:
Mike Stewart, Airport Executive Director
A longer runway, upgraded concessions, larger gates to accommodate bigger planes – ROA has a long wish list and yesterday the airport’s executive director provided his annual update to Roanoke City Council, as WFIR’s Gene Marrano reports:
G Marrano photos
In a ceremony that harkens back to ancient days, Carilion Clinic held a “topping out” event today as the last steel beam for the new 500,000 square foot addition that is scheduled to open in 2025 was lifted into place after being signed by employees from Carilion and the contractors building it. The 12 story building has room to expand on several empty floors; community assessments conducted by Carilion helped determine what the new Crystal Spring Tower should feature when it opens. Carilion Senior Vice President Mike Abbott is a point person on the new build: