Local Business and Economic Development
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A personality on DIY Network’s Salvage Dawgs has branched out and started his own show on YouTube. WFIR’s Ian Price has more:
Roanoke has joined a select group of cities where the goal is developing strategies to integrate immigrants into the local economy – also fostering economic growth. WFIR’s Gene Marrano has more:
A web-based You Tube series that extols the artistic value of skilled trades – and the challenges of modern craftsmen – is being produced right here in Roanoke. More on “The Machine Shop” from WFIR’s Gene Marrano:
Its bigger, perhaps better and its moved this year – some new twists for the “Roanoke Star Tank” competition later this month. WFIR’s Gene Marrano has an update:
he Roanoker who spearheaded a social media campaign that was part of the effort to woo Deschutes to town is still hopeful the Oregon-based craft beer brewer will build a plant here. More from WFIR’s Gene Marrano:
For the first time, one nearby college town has been included on a list of the best university towns and cities. WFIR’s Ian Price has details:
A notice posted on the door of the Subway in downtown Roanoke says that the location is closed. It says in part that the Subway at the corner of South Jefferson Street and Salem Avenue closed after 24 years “due to unavoidable circumstances.” The posting continues to say that the owner hopes to open another Subway location nearby in the future, but the right location has not presented itself.
Side view of renovations (Salem City photo)
Salem City officials expect a downtown hotel set to open next year to generate more tax revenue — money that can help the city complete projects to bring even more visitors and businesses. The former Salem Theater building is being transformed into a boutique hotel and upscale restaurant. WFIR’s Evan Jones has the story:
Work is quietly well under way in Salem to transform a former downtown theater building into a boutique hotel and upscale restaurant directly across the street from the former Roanoke County Courthouse. In more recent years, it became an office building. As WFIR’s Evan Jones reports, developers hope to begin its new use next spring.
Three years after Norfolk Southern moved 500 jobs from Roanoke to Norfolk and Atlanta, the railroad made it official today – it will move its entire corporate staff to Atlanta. Norfolk has served as the company’s corporate headquarters ever since the Norfolk and Western and Southern Railways merged more than three decades ago. Today’s announcement is no surprise; it comes after months of reports such a move was likely in the works. But it will mark the end of Norfolk Southern’s significant corporate presence in Virginia, one that goes back to the founding of the Norfolk and Western Railroad in the late 1800’s.
From the Associated Press: Records from Atlanta’s economic development authority indicate the company proposes construction of a new headquarters campus with 750,000 square feet (69,600 square meters) of office space in the city’s Midtown area. The project would involve about 850 full-time workers relocating to Atlanta. Deal announced the company’s plans Wednesday afternoon at the Georgia Capitol. Norfolk Southern’s railroad subsidiary operates in 22 states and the District of Columbia, transporting freight that includes automotive and industrial products and coal.
News release: Norfolk Southern Corporation (NYSE: NSC) today announced plans to relocate its headquarters to Atlanta. “Alignment, collaboration, and accountability are the hallmarks of Norfolk Southern’s plan to transform this company and its culture. Our new headquarters in Atlanta advances these key elements of success,” proclaimed Jim Squires, chairman, president and chief executive officer, addressing employees this morning. “Our potential has always been great and now is greater still, as we bring together all of our headquarters functions into a single, integrated team.”
“Norfolk Southern is grateful to the city of Norfolk and the commonwealth of Virginia for their support of our company over the last three plus decades,” Squires continued. “We look forward to the continued growth of our business in the commonwealth as the many operating employees who remain serve the customers and promote economic development in this integral part of our network.”
“As a major hub for both transportation and innovation, Georgia is a fitting home for Norfolk Southern’s new headquarters,” said Georgia Gov. Nathan Deal. “As the No. 1 state for business six years in a row, Georgia has become a preferred location for industry leaders such as Norfolk Southern who seek an expansive infrastructure network, a culture of collaboration, and ready-to-work communities. This announcement also reinforces Georgia’s distinction as the Southeast’s gateway to global commerce. We appreciate Norfolk Southern’s significant investment in Fulton County and look forward to celebrating the company’s future growth and continued success.”
Atlanta Mayor Keisha Lance Bottoms added, “With a shared history dating back to 1846, we are proud Norfolk Southern now calls Atlanta home. This relocation was made possible, in part, by the passing of the Gulch deal and is a reminder that great things happen when our public and private sectors work together. Norfolk Southern will be a great addition to our city, and I look forward to partnering with them as we work to build One Atlanta.”
To create its new headquarters, Norfolk Southern is in advanced discussions to purchase a site from Cousins Properties at 650 West Peachtree St. NW, in the heart of Midtown Atlanta’s growing intersection of corporate, technological, and academic power. In addition, Norfolk Southern intends to engage Cousins Properties to manage the development of its new headquarters. Details of this engagement are expected during the first quarter of 2019.
Progress on Norfolk Southern’s move to Atlanta has already commenced and will span the next several years as the new headquarters is constructed.
Squires concluded, “Norfolk Southern values Atlanta’s vitality and looks forward to contributing more of our own energy to its business, social, and community environments.”