Local Business and Economic Development
The list of independent drug stores in the Roanoke Valley has shrunk yet again. The latest to close its doors is the Cundiff Drug Store in Vinton. Two generations of the Cundiff family have owned and operated the store since December of 1959, and part-owner Sam Cundiff says the big problem facing all drug stores, from family-owned to major chains, is that insurance companies often fail to fully reimburse pharmacies for the price of prescription drugs. On top of that, retirement was looming, and they were unable to find a buyer. So Tuesday was the final day, as WFIR’s Evan Jones reports:
The local marketing and growth consultant group Eddy Alexander has just hired Catherine Fox as their new Senior Tourism and Destination Development Advisor. Fox is the former Vice President of Destination Development at Visit Virginia’s Blue Ridge. She says her new company has a varied client base. At VVBR Fox worked to increase tourism and media coverage of the valley, and helped organize the recent Ironman competition.
Amtrak will begin offering a second daily departure from Roanoke to Washington, D.C., and to cities in the Northeast on July 11th. Tickets are now available to purchase. Amtrak will offer morning and afternoon options in both directions between Roanoke, Washington, and the Northeast Corridor beginning July 11th.
WASHINGTON – Amtrak Northeast Regional service will soon offer a second daily departure from Roanoke, Va., giving customers more flexibility and convenience for travel to Washington, D.C., and to cities in the Northeast and Southwest Virginia. Service on the additional frequency of service to and from the city in the Blue Ridge Mountains begins on July 11. Tickets are now available to purchase.
Amtrak will now offer morning and afternoon options in both directions between Roanoke, Washington, and the Northeast Corridor.
The Virginia Passenger Rail Authority supports Amtrak Northeast Regional service that serve Norfolk, Richmond, Newport News, Lynchburg and Roanoke and provide a same-seat trip to other cities along the Northeast Corridor. Amtrak service returned to Roanoke in 2017.
Customers experience a comfortable and enjoyable way to travel on a national network serving more than 500 destinations, and benefits such as a free and generous baggage policy, free Wi-Fi, no middle seat and an easy, streamlined boarding process.
Amtrak Northeast Regional offers Coach and Business Class seating with power outlets for charging laptops and mobile devices. The Café Car offers sandwiches, salads, snacks and hot and cold beverages, including a variety of wine, beer and soda.
Ticketing and reservations can be done on Amtrak.com, Amtrak mobile apps, or by calling 800-USA-Rail. Boarding documents can be self-printed, or customers using a smartphone or mobile device can present the eTicket to the conductor by opening a document in their email.
After nearly 22 years with the Roanoke Regional Chamber of Commerce, President & CEO Joyce Waugh will retire at the end of the year. Waugh joined the Chamber in July 2000 became President & CEO in October 2008, succeeding Beth Doughty. Waugh says she remains bullish about the local business community. She also notes Chamber lobbying efforts that helped lead to funding for I-81 improvements now taking shape. The Regional Chamber has also announced that Eric Sichau currently the Vice President of Membership Services, will assume Waugh’s position upon her retirement
The Virginia Department of Transportation is seeking comments on a study that could lead to improvements along a section of Williamson Road. The executive director of the local “WRABA” business group says it is long overdue. More from WFIR’s Gene Marrano:
From Downtown Roanoke Inc : Downtown Putt Around is downtown Roanoke’s 9-hole mini-golf course. The course will pop up at different locations downtown and is a great opportunity for people of all ages to get out and have fun! Your next chance to play will be at Century Plaza starting June 23rd.
June 23rd – Jul 17th. 4-9 pm Thursday – Saturday, 1-5 pm Sunday. Admission is $5 per person. Children 6 and under get in free!
Putt-putt details:
Open June 23rd, 2022, to July 17th
Location: Century Plaza – 14 Church Ave SE, Roanoke, VA 24011
Hours: 4-9 pm Thursday – Saturday, 1-5 pm Sunday
Admission: $5 per person, children 6 and under are free
No cash, cards only
Purchase your tickets in advance at PuttAroundRoanoke.brownpapertickets.com
Limited walk-up spaces available