Chamber Events

In the News

The staff and board members of the Roanoke Regional Chamber write timely news articles, opinion/editorial columns, and informational columns. The following articles have recently been published written by and/or about the Roanoke Regional Chamber of Commerce and the Roanoke Regional Small Business Development Center.

The Roanoke Star-Sentinel - December 9, 2011
Chamber Meeting Includes Address From Ex-Governor
By Gene Marrano
During its annual membership meeting and banquet, the 122nd edition in fact, the Roanoke Regional Chamber of Commerce honored several people before former Governor Gerald Baliles addressed a packed house at Hotel Roanoke. [Read more ...]

The Roanoke Times - October 7, 2011
Roanoke Chamber names Interactive Achievement the Small Business of the Year
By Cody Lowe
"Interactive Achievement has experienced phenomenal growth in product sales, revenue and number of employees," the Chamber said in a news release. [Read more ...]

Roanoke Regional Chamber of Commerce
Press Release - October 6, 2011
"Interactive Achievement Named Region's Small Business of the Year"
The Roanoke Regional Chamber of Commerce and Small Business Development Center have named Interactive Achieveemnt the 2011 Small Business of the Year. [Read more...]

The Roanoke Times - August 25, 2011
Bowers trumpets "revival of Roanoke" during morning speech in renovated market building
By Mason Adams
Roanoke's mayor called for two community initiatives and predicted southeast Roanoke would soon become "one of the best real estate investments in the region" during today's State of the City speech. [Read more ...]

Roanoke Free Press - August 25, 2011
State of the City Address: The "Big MAC" is Back Though Revised
By Valerie Garner
City of Roanoke Mayor David Bowers gave the annual "State of the City Address" on August 25 in the newly-renovated Roanoke City Market Building.. [Read more ...]

Roanoke County Police Department
Press Release - June 20, 2011
School Resource Officer Mitch Spaulding Named Officer of the Month April 2011
The Roanoke Regional Chamber of Commerce has selected School Resource Officer for the Officer of the Month Award. [Read more ...]

The Roanoke Times - May 22, 2011
Driven to Keep Track of Gas Prices
By Michelle Skeen
Roanoke Valley companies that make deliveries have been especially affected by rising fuel costs. [Read more ...]

Small Business Administration Press Office
Press Release - May 13, 2011
"President Obama Proclaims National Small Business Week"
President Barack Obama hailed small business owners as the backbone of the nation's ecomy in his proclamation of the week of May 15-21 as National Small Business Week... [Read more...]

Roanoke Regional Chamber of Commerce
Press Release - May 11, 2011
"Roanoke Regional Chamber Requests Nominations for 25th Annual Small Business Awards"
The Roanoke Regional Chamber of Commerce is now accepting nominations for the 25th Annual Small Business Awards. The nomination deadline is June 24, 2011. [Read more and/or click here for a nomination form...]

The Roanoke Times - May 4, 2011
Knowing market, tolerating risk key for would-be business start-ups
By Brian Kelley
Having passion for your ideas, identifying a true need in the market for your product and being willing to tolerate financial risk are more important in starting a business than just wanting to be your own boss... [Read more...]

WSLS - Newschannel 10 - April 26, 2011
New businesses popping up in Downtown Roanoke
By Morgan Donnelly
New businesses are popping up in Downtown Roanoke. The Chamber of Commerce says it is a sign things are on the uptick... [Learn more...]

The Roanoke Times - April 3, 2011
Will redistricting mean Southwest, Southside Virginia lose political clout?
By Michael Sluss
The General Assembly's special session begins Monday (April 4), and the new boundaries will be in effect in November, when all 140 seats are up for election... [Read more...]

The Roanoke Times - March 22, 2011
Region's legislators praise delegate's work on school opening bill
By Brian Kelley
Members of the Roanoke and New River valleys' legislative delegation today praised the tenaciousness and teamwork of Botetourt County Del. Bill Cleaveland in winning approval last month of a bill to allow Roanoke City Public Schools to open before Labor Day... [Read more...]

The Roanoke Times - March 18, 2011
Chamber, Cool Cities Coalition call Salem business a 'Cool Green Biz'
By Brian Kelley
Novozymes Biologicals, a Danish company with research and manufacturing facilities that employ 140 people in Salem and Roanoke County, was honored today for its commitment to sustainable business practices with a "Cool Green Biz" award... [Read more...]

The Roanoke Times - March 15, 2011
Forum addresses education policies, shortfalls in Roanoke Valley
By Shelia Ellis
A panel discussion focused on issues that affect learning, teaching and preparation... [Read more...]

WDBJ7 - February 21, 2011
Starting a Restaurant Workshop Friday in Roanoke
By Bob Grebe
Deadline for registering for the free class is Monday, February 21... [Learn more...]

The Roanoke Times - February 13, 2011
Retail Roundup: Penn Station eatery eyes the Roanoke Valley
By Jenny Kincaid Boone
Another restaurant company is targeting the Roanoke Valley to expand its brand in the region... [Read more...]

The Roanoke Times - February 9, 2011
Upgrades to improve S.W. Va. highways
By Jeff Sturgeon
Gov. Bob McDonnell wants to focus on an interchange in Roanoke and a U.S. 460 intersection by Virginia Tech... [Read more...]

The Roanoke Times (roanoke.com) - February 8, 2011
Business group's transportation wish list includes I-81, I-73 projects
By Jeff Sturgeon
TRIP identified 50 projects Tuesday that its leaders say must happen for the state to return to prolonged growth... [Read more...]

WDBJ7 - February 8, 2011
Researchers: Transportation improvements will boost Virginia economy
By David Seidel
A transportation research organization called TRIP laid out 50 projects that it says are key... [Read more...]

The Roanoke Times - February 6, 2011
Why companies stay with chamber in tough times
By Michelle Skeen
Membership retention is a major accomplishment, says former chairman of the Roanoke-area chamber... [Read more...]

The Roanoke Times - January 20, 2011
A strong start for transportation
By Ken Lanford
Lanford is the chairman of the Roanoke Regional Chamber of Commerce and president of Lanford Brothers Co... [Read more...]

The Roanoke Times - January 19, 2011
Roanoke bus-rail link could come soon
By Mason Adams
City officials have a plan that couild be a precursor to restored passenger rail service... [Read more...]

The Roanoke Times - January 16, 2011
On Virginia's legislative agenda: Transportation and economic development
By Brian Kelley
Transportation and economic development are key legislative priorities for the region's business community... [Read more...]

Roanoke Regional Chamber of Commerce
Press Release - December 13, 2010
Lanford to Chair Roanoke Regional Chamber
The Roanoke Regional Chamber of Commerce, Western Virginia's largest business organization, has elected officers and directors for 2011. Ken Lanford, president of Lanford Brothers Company, has been elected chair. [Read more...]

The Roanoke Times - December 9, 2010
Wilhelm named Roanoke's Citizen of the Year
By Mason Adams
Lee Wilhelm is a third-generation Roanoke resident and was chosen to receive the city's honor because he has dedicated his time to serving on many boards for nonprofits in the area... [Read more...]

The Virginia Recreational Facilities Authority - December 2010
December 2010 Report to General Assembly
The Virginia Recreational Facilities Authority's report to the General Assembly includes their findings on the future of Explore Park... [Read more...]

WSLS 10 - November 17, 2010
Bus service from Roanoke area to Kmper Street station studies. Story by Ray Reed... [Watch video...]

The Roanoke Times - November 6, 2010
State of the County address stresses Roanoke County's success
By Cody Lowe
The Roanoke County supervisors chairman defended taxes and lauded the rec center... [Read more...]

WDBJ-7 - November 6, 2010
Roanoke County Board of Supervisors Chairman Joseph "Butch" Church discusses budgetary challenges in State of the County Address given at Green Ridge Recreation Center... [Watch video...]

Blue Ridge Business Journal - October 18, 2010
Honoroing small business
By Michael Hemphill/Special to BRBJ
Magnets USA: Small Business of the Year ... [Read more...]

The Roanoke Times - October 6, 2010
Magnet business wins chamber's top award
By Duncan Adams
Roanoke-based Magnets USA was named the region's small business of the year... [Read more...]

Blue Ridge Business Journal - October 7, 2010
Magnets USA named Small Business of the Year
The Roanoke Regional Chamber announced Tuesday night that Magnets USA is the Small Business of the Year... [Read more...]

The Roanoke Times - September 13, 2010
Baker fostered Miss Virginia program
By Sheila Ellis
Margaret Baker was known for tearing down gender barriers for women in the 1960s... [Read more...]

The Roanoke Times - August 18, 2010
Group supports tax cut for railroads
By Jeff Sturgeon
The BlueGreen Alliance says that rail traffic generates jobs, helps economies and saves fuel... [Read more...]

Newschannel 10 - WSLS - August 12, 2010
Mayor Bowers delivers state of the city speech
Mayor Bowers commends Dr. Rita Bishop... [Watch video...]

WDBJ-7 - August 12, 2010
Mayor David Bowers issues a challenge in State of the City Address
Mayor addresses changes he would like to see with Countryside and a downtown amphitheater ... [Watch video...]

The Roanoke Times - August 13, 2010
The state of the mayor: Bowers' latest speech pushes pet projects
By Mason Adams
Roanoke Mayor David Bowers has mellowed, city council members say but his State of the CIty address still pushed some pet projects... [Read more...]

WFIR - 960AM - August 12, 2010
Bowers wants Countryside decision within 18 months
By Evan Jones
Roanoke Mayor David Bowers says city leaders need to decide the future of Countryside Golf Course within the nest 18 months.... [Listen to story...]

The Roanoke Times - July 1, 2010
Roanoke forks out school funding
By Courtney Cutright
The Eat for Education campaign touts the benefits of the city's meals tax increase... [Read more...]

The Roanoke Times - June 24, 2010
"Green" coalition celebrates efforts to trim emissions
By Duncan Adams
Thirteen businesses have reduced emissions a total of 20 percent over two years... [Read more...]

The Roanoke Times - June 20, 2010
Report: Recession hit Roanoke area hard
By Duncan Adams
In 2009, Roanoke suffered the second-largest job loss among Virginia's 11 metros... [Read more...]

The Roanoke Times - June 9, 2010
Summit looks at business growth
By Duncan Adams
A meeting held in Roanoke examined the area's barriers to entrepreneurship... [Read more...]

Valley Business Front - More Front- June 8, 2010
Economic Conference Packs Them In
The Roanoke Regional Chamber of Commerce's Economic Summit VII played before a nearly full house... [Read more...]

Blue Ridge Business Journal - April 19, 2010
AG Ken Cuccinelli on health care, EPA
Virginia Attorney General Ken Cuccinelli visited the Roanoke Regional Chamber to discuss his first two and a half months in office with area business leaders. [Read more...]

Blue Ridge Business Journal - February 22, 2010
Is our region growing as it should?
Community leaders weigh in. [Read more...]

Blue Ridge Business Journal - February 8, 2010
Small business development groups shift focus from startup to survival
By Annie Johnson
Helping central and southwest Virginia business owners reorganize their plans. [Read more...]

Blue Ridge Business Journal - February 8, 2010
Q&A with Roanoke's SBDC director
By Annie Johnson
Wayne Flippen recently talked about the challenges of helping small businesses when financing is tight. [Read more...]

Coalition for Chemical Safety
Press Release - February 3, 2010
Coalition for Chemical Safety to Ensure Fair Reform in Virginia Chemical Industry
Federal reform needed to protect jobs, innovation in Commonwealth industry that employs more than 16,000. [Read more...]

Blue Ridge Business Journal - January 25, 2010
Lobbying still a focus in downturn
By Annie Johnson
Roanoke County spent four times as much money on Richmond lobbying efforts in 2009 than in 2008.. [Read more...]

The Roanoke Times - January 20, 2010
Business, other groups object to storm water utility proposal
By Mason Adams
Roanoke City Council voted to table to utility after complaints about hefty fees.. [Read more...]

Blue Ridge Business Journal - January 11, 2010
Localities set legislative priorities
By Annie Johnson
Groups across the state will be submitting sparse agendas for the upcoming General Assembly session. [Read more...]

Roanoke Regional Chamber of Commerce
Press Release - December 15, 2009
Robbins to Chair Roanoke Regional Chamber
The Roanoke Regional Chamber of Commerce, Western Virginia's largest business organization, has elected officers and directors for 2010. Charles Robbins, Southwest Virginia Regional President of BB&T, has been elected chair. [Read more...]

WSLS 10- November 17, 2009
Inside Roanoke County's new Green Ridge Recreation Center
By Greg Moore
Roanoke County's new Green Ridge Recreation Center opened up for local business leaders Tuesday. [Read more...]

The Roanoke Times - November 18, 2009
Roanoke County offers glimpse of recreation center
By Neil Harvey
A supervisor discussed signs of county prosperity while also pointing to "serious belt tightening. [Read more...]

The Roanoke Times - November 10, 2009
New small-business Web tool unveiled
By Katelyn Polantz
Virginia entrepreneurs have accepted the commonwealth's help this year, and soon they'll have a revamped tool making it easier to start businesses. {Read more ...}

WSLS 10 - November 9, 2009
Reported by Angela Hatcher
Gov. Kaine promotes small business website benefits in Roanoke
Governor Tim Kaine promoted the benefits that a state website offers to small businesses, Monday morning in Roanoke. {Read more ...}

The Gov Monitor - November 9, 2009
Virginia Highlights Success of One Stop Project
15,000 entrepreneurs helped by the online business formation process, reflecting 8,587 new businesses formed. Governor Timothy M. Kaine announced that Virginia's Business One Stop, an online tool for entrepreneurs, has been utilized by more than 15,000 entrepreneurs to aid their business operations and create jobs. {Read more ...}

The Roanoke Times - October 2, 2009
Chamber honors senior care franchise
Home Instead Senior Care, which provides companionship, housekeeping and personal care to elderly clients in the Roanoke Valley, was honored Thursday as the Roanoke Regional Chamber' of Commerce's Small Business of the Year. [Read more...]

Roanoke Regional Chamber of Commerce
Press Release - October 1, 2009
"Home Instead Senior Care Named Region's Small Business of the Year"
The Roanoke Regional Chamber and Small Business Development Center has named Home Instead Senior Care the 2009 Small Business of the Year. [Read more...]

WDBJ7 - August 13, 2009
Roanoke Mayor proposes law school in the city
Reported by Joe Dashiell
City of Roanoke Mayor David Bowers' State of the City Address [Read more...]

The Roanoke Times - August 14, 2009
Bowers touts local law school
By Mason Adams
The Roanoke mayor likened the idea to themedical school currently being developed. [Read more...]

The Roanoke Times - August 1, 2009
Groups urge Roanoke not to kill amphitheater project
By Duncan Adams
The civic organizations say the council should continue to study the facility's benefits . [Read more...]

The Roanoke Times - June 3, 2009
Region's business leaders express cautious optimism
By Duncan Adams
The clinical psychologist's talk wrapped up the regional economic summit held Tuesday in Roanoke and, considering the event' sobering content, it seemed fitting to close the four-hour event with an address from an upbeat expert on human emotion. [Read more...]

Roanoke Regional Chamber Press Release - June 2, 2009
Chamber and Cool Cities Partner on Green Initiative
The Roanoke Regional Chamber of Commerce announced at its "Economic Summit VI: It's ALL About the Economy" that the Chamber is partnering with Roanoke Valley Cool Cities Coalition to launch a green initiative for its members. This is an outgrowth from the focus of last year's Economic Summit on sustainability. [Read more...]

Virginia Department of Health - State Health Commissioner Karen Remley, MD, MBA, FAAP
Letter to Members of Virginia's Business Community
May 4, 2009
Get up-to-date information on the outbreak of A H1N1 influenza. Letter explains steps the state and U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention have taken to counteract the epidemic. Websites offer detailed information, guidance and recommendations on a wide range of topics related to the H1N1 outbreak.
[Read more...]

U.S. Small Business Administration - Richmond District Office
Press Release - March 17, 2009
"Owner of Roanoke Firm Names SBA's Small Business Person of the Year for Virginia"
J. Douglas Call, president of Virginia Prosthetics, Inc. has been selected by the U.S. Small Business Administration as Virginia's 2009 Small Business Person of the Year, Ronald E. Bew, district director of the SBA's Richmond District Office announced today. [Read more...]

Roanoke Regional Chamber of Commerce
Press Release - March 2, 2009
"Roanoke Regional Chamber of Commerce Announces Staff Changes"
Lisa Link has been promoted to vice president of research and logistics and Tori Williams has been promoted to assistant vice president of public policy and administration. [Read more...]

The Roanoke Times - February 6, 2009
"Starting a new business takes planning"
By Duncan Adams, The Roanoke Times
But there is free advice available locally for people who want to try their hands at entrepreneurship. [Read more...]

Blue RIdge Business Journal - January 12, 2009
"Chamber Notebook: Best Practices for Managing a Business in Bad Economic Times"
By Todd Neese, Vice President of Operations, Roanoke Regional Chamber of Commerce
[Read more...]

The Roanoke Times - December 2, 2008
"Challenges present a turning point"
By W. Lee Wilhelm III, 2008 Chair of the Roanoke Regional Chamber of Commerce
Future historians will look back at the year 2008 as a turning point in American history, but where this turn will take us is still to be determined. [Read here...]

Blue Ridge Business Journal - December 1, 2008
"Changing union legislation could hurt business"
By Joyce Waugh, President & CEO, Roanoke Regional Chamber
Why would we want to make tough times even tougher? The federal "Card Check" bill (HR 800), formerly called the "Employee Free Choice Act," is all about making it easier for unions to take hold and grow. [Read more...]