Local Business and Economic Development
RAM House’s cooling program is struggling to meet demand as rising temperatures and costs drive more people to the organization. WFIR’s Emma Thomas with more:
Click here to learn more about RAM House
A few slots are still open for Monday’s “Foodiepreneur” event being held at the Vinton War Memorial. WFIR’s Emma Thomas has details about the event:
A Buena Vista think-tank for agricultural business development has been awarded a grant that will help expand its resources for local entrepreneurs. WFIR’s Emma Thomas with more.
Click here for more information on The Advancement Foundation
photos courtesy Sen. Mark warner’s office.
Senator Mark Warner has finished his 3-day trip across Virginia by giving a 15 million dollar check to airport officials. This money is just a small part of what’s been set aside to improve the state’s infrastructure. Details from WFIR’s Emma Thomas:
Ian Price photos
Five years after passenger rail service rolled back into Roanoke for the first time in decades a second Amtrak daily train was welcomed back around 1pm today by dignitaries, after originating in Washington DC. Roanoke Mayor Sherman Lea was there to note the occasion – and the city’s long history as a railroad hub. More than 210,000 passengers have traveled to and from the Star City on Amtrak since April 2017. State transportation officials, the Amtrak CEO and local elected officials were on hand to greet passengers as they stepped off the train. The second Roanoke-to-DC train will depart at 4:30pm daily.
That sand between your toes at the beach, in sandbags used for flood control and found in mixed-media art projects starts with finely-crushed glass. One of the finalists at this spring’s Gauntlet business competition in Vinton is turning discarded glass containers into an eco-friendly business. WFIR’s Gene Marrano has the details:
Anne Marie Green has stepped up to run for Salem City Council after more than thirty years serving Roanoke County. She is in the running for one of two available council seats and is running against three others – two of which are incumbents. She cites her late husband, Mac Green’s, two decade career as Vice Mayor as influential to her decision to run. Green has served as the Public Information Officer, Director of General Services, and Director of Human Resources in her time with Roanoke County. Green is familiar with the process of local government and hopes to make that process more transparent and efficient for Salem Residents.