Local Business and Economic Development
John Phillips-RBTC
The RAMP regional accelerator that got off the ground in 2017 is ahead of the contracted agreement for the number of new jobs that members of three “co-horts” to date have created. The recently-hired President for the organization that oversees it spoke to WFIR’s Gene Marrano:
Annette Patterson (L) and Sheri Winesett – Advancement Foundation
The 6th annual Gauntlet Business Program and Competition returns starting next month – and the Advancement Foundation that sponsors it is seeking applications. More from WFIR’s Gene Marrano:
Hear the complete in studio conversation about The Advancement Foundation and the Innovation Mill:
Four months after 130 other employees in Roanoke were furloughed, Norfolk Southern announced another round of layoffs this morning. That includes 47 at the locomotive shops and another 20 at Shaffer’s Crossing. That information came from a union official according to WDBJ-7. A subsequent statement from Norfolk Southern called the furloughs “consistent with the railroad’s organizational realignment.”
Farmburguesa-Grandin/I Price photo
It took a bit longer than anticipated with issues concerning the building and permitting to be resolved, but Farmburguesa is finally ready to launch its second and much larger location on Memorial Avenue in Grandin Village. Soft openings begin tomorrow from 11am until 2, then again from 5 to 9. There’s a ribbon cutting on the 17th. Farmburguesa is best known for its gourmet burgers. Jimmy Delgado is a co-owner:
Liberty Trust building- Poe & Cronk photo
The Savara Development LLC company that is turning the former Liberty Trust building on Jefferson Street into a boutique hotel also allowed the Salvage Dawgs TV crew from Black Dog Salvage to explore the 1910 structure from roof to basement. What they found will be seen in a Salvage Dawgs episode next Monday. The boutique hotel will feature some of the building’s original architectural details and should open late next year.
(from Savara news release) Mike, Robert, Tay, Ted and Grayson explored the building from roof to basement to find and remove architectural elements from plumbing and lighting fixtures, to dangerously heavy safe doors that will be used in a custom build for the hotel lobby. Roanoke’s Balzer & Associates is working with the developers on the renovations of the building. Located at 101 S. Jefferson Street, on the corner between Alexander’s Restaurant and the Amtrak Station, the new hotel will be known as The Liberty Trust and will feature 54 guest rooms along with a lobby bar and restaurant.
Photo: RVTV3
The minimum starting wage at the Rosie’s Gaming Emporiums operated by the Colonial Downs Group – including the one in Vinton – will be raised to $15 an hour, starting next month. That’s more than twice the state law minimum of $7.25 per hour. Spokesperson Mark Hubbard says positions in question include customer service ambassadors who roam the floors.
Hubbard says Rosie’s employees more than 100 people in Vinton.
NEWS RELEASE: Richmond, VA – December 19, 2019 – Colonial Downs Group announced today that it will increase the minimum wage at all company facilities statewide to $15 per hour, an amount double the current state minimum wage, starting in January. This impacts employees at Rosie’s historical horse racing satellite wagering facilities in Richmond, Hampton, Vinton and New Kent County, and all future facilities the company may open in the years ahead. In addition, the company announced it will raise its minimum wage for tipped positions to $9 an hour, an amount 4x greater than the state minimum wage of $2.13.
Speaking about the decision, Aaron Gomes, Chief Operating Officer of the Colonial Downs Group, stated, “Over the past year we have hired more than 1,000 new employees at our Rosie’s facilities across the Commonwealth. These men and women are tremendous individuals who, through their hard work and hospitality, have made Rosie’s true entertainment destinations. Our employees are the reason for our success, and we know this. Now, we are dedicated to ensuring that their hard work and commitment to our customers is rewarded, and that starts with their financial compensation. We hope that today’s announcement will lead to an even happier holiday season for our employees and their families. Virginia is our home, and we have been incredibly heartened by the enthusiastic reception we have received since we opened the doors at our first facility in New Kent County this past April. We look forward to providing world class entertainment and fun in the years ahead at all of our Rosie’s facilities, and the job creation and tax revenue that comes with it, and to continuing to be a corporate partner Virginians can count on.”