Local Business and Economic Development
(Volvo update 10am 6/7) RE: United Auto Workers Decision to Resume Strike at NRV Plant. Volvo Trucks North America today issued the following statement regarding the United Auto Workers (UAW) union’s decision to resume their strike at the New River Valley truck assembly operations in Dublin, VA, after the members of UAW Local #2069 rejected the tentative agreement the parties agreed to on May 20, 2021:
“It is difficult to understand this action,” said NRV Vice President and General Manager Franky Marchand. “UAW International, Regional, and Local leadership endorsed the tentative agreement, which provided significant economic improvements for all UAW-represented workers, and a package of benefits that is very competitive for our industry and region. We remain committed to the collective bargaining process, and we are confident that we will ultimately arrive at a mutually beneficial agreement.”
(previously from Volvo Trucks North America) Employees represented by the United Auto Workers (UAW) rejected a new six-year labor agreement covering approximately 2,900 members of UAW Local #2069 at the New River Valley truck assembly operations in Dublin, Virginia.
“We are committed to the collective bargaining process, and remain confident that we will ultimately be able to reach a mutually beneficial agreement,” said NRV Vice President and General Manager Franky Marchand.
Negotiations began on February 8, 2021, and the negotiating teams reached the latest tentative agreement on May 20, 2021. The NRV plant employs more than 3,300 people, about 2,900 of whom are UAW members. The plant is in the midst of a $400 million investment for advanced technology upgrades, site expansion and preparation for future products, including the innovative Volvo VNR Electric truck. The plant has added 1,100 jobs since the last union agreement was implemented in 2016 and is on track to have a net increase of approximately 600 positions in 2021.
Female top finisher Kate Buss (left) with Carilion’s Patrice Weiss. G Marrano photos
Marni Sumball-2nd female finisher by overall time
Delayed a year by the pandemic, the Carilion Clinic IRONMAN 70.3 Virginia’s Blue Ridge triathlon made its debut today – its economic impact up to ten million dollars. More from WFIR’s Gene Marrano:
A Roanoke-based pharmaceuticals manufacturer will partner with Carilion Clinic to develop, test and market non-opioid medications to treat chronic pain. First up for Chorda Pharma is a topical over-the-counter cream they hope to bring to market next year after clinical trials performed at Carilion Clinic. Victor Iannello is CEO for the startup company; he previously founded Synchrony before selling the power systems company for 50 million dollars and is a long time local entrepreneur.
Candace Monaghan-Beaver Dam Sunflowers. G Marrano photo
The 7th annual Gauntlet Business program and competition wrapped up with its award ceremony last night in Vinton, handing out in-kind and cash awards to the startups and small businesses that made it to the final round of judging. The overall Platinum Category winner with a prize package totaling almost $24,000 was Beaver Dam Sunflowers Farm in Buchanan. Candace Monaghan picked up the symbolic “big check.” Since 2016 Beaver Dam Sunflowers Farm has held a popular festival every September. Expansion plans include processing and selling more sunflower oil. The total prize package award this year was around $300,000 between cash and in-kind services; 104 small businesses began the program in February.
Photo: RBRA
Summer air travel is quickly rebounding across the country, and that includes traffic at Roanoke-Blacksburg Regional Airport – almost all of it coming from leisure fliers. Airport officials say passenger numbers here have reached about 80% of the levels seen two years ago. WFIR’s Evan Jones has more:
A groundbreaking this afternoon in Franklin County for a new centralized warehouse and offices for Virginia Furniture Market. President and owner Joel Shepard says the 10 million dollar investment should be completed early next year. Virginia Furniture Market operates 8 stores; Shepard says the new central warehouse should also speed up delivery times to customers.
Richmond_Vincent_Jr Goodwill
In 2020 and despite the pandemic, Goodwill Industries of the Valleys placed 2600 people in jobs and helped individuals attain 6300 industry-recognized credentials. New President and CEO Richmond Vincent Jr. says the stakes are higher now, with many seeking to learn skills in a brand-new field. Vincent succeeded the retiring Bruce Phipps at Goodwill last month. He was live in studio this morning; hear the complete conversation below, or watch it on Facebook.
(from Governor’s office) Governor Ralph Northam today announced that Virginia’s unemployment rate fell 0.4-percentage point to 4.7 percent in April. Virginia’s seasonally adjusted unemployment rate continues to be below the national rate, which rose to 6.1 percent.
Ian Price photo
Munters Group broke ground on their new home in Botetourt County this morning at Greenfield. It will replace the current home for the air treatment and climate solutions manufacturer in Buena Vista. About 200 current Munters employees are expected to work at the new 365,000 square foot building when it is completed. The project could generate another 160 jobs. The company is based in Sweden. Botetourt County supervisor Billy Martin: