Biz Talk - Business Blog Roanoke and Beyond

Did you feel the enthusiasm from the area's young professionals? Did you share in the willingness of the leaders to help and guide them to a brighter future?  If you experienced these emotions then you must have been one of the seven hundred plus participants at Valley Forward's Forum for the Future at the Roanoke Civic Center on Thursday night.

John Lugar, Chairman of Valley Forward, opened the event by thanking those participating and explaining the format for the forum.  He encouraged the leaders and participants to listen to our young professionals and find out what is important to them.  He suggested the younger generation become energized by getting involved in the community.

Lugar stressed that we must showcase our community assets.  For a successful change we must consider what is GOOD for the Roanoke Valley, think differently, be solution-oriented, debate, discuss, decide and move on.  If we don't dream and think big our young people will move elsewhere.

Valley Forward takes an integrated approach to progress by focusing on Economic Development, Cultural Enhancement, and Community Involvement.  Platforms they have adopted include:

• Rebuilding of the Rockledge Inn
• Funding and awareness of Greenways in the Valley
• Building an Outdoor Amphitheater
• Carvins Cove conservation easement

The interactive forum then set off with attendees choosing informal roundtable sessions and panel discussions.  Speakers included various political and government officials along with local business experts.  Topics covered included business building tools, health and fitness resources, employment and jobs, sports, arts, museums and young professional organizations.  Ira Kaufman, President of Roanoke Biz2Biz, hosted a round table where he discussed blogs and websites and the marketing benefits from both. 

The night concluded with Tiki Barber, former NFL running back and NBC broadcaster.  He reminded the young professionals they can make a difference and encouraged them to get more involved in local government and push forward their agenda's and ideas of what they want the valley to become.  As Barber returned to his roots, he recounted how the Roanoke Valley has impacted his life as an NFL football star, author and TV broadcaster. 

It is my opinion the night was a success for the Valley Forward Group.  There is certainly room for improvement but I feel with the continued effort the next event will be bigger and better. 

One thing for sure, Roanoke would like to retain its young professionals. Events such as this that broaden the awareness in our government officials and community will make a difference. 

Business Leaders, City Officials and Political Organizations - our young professionals challenge you to LISTEN, OFFER OPPORTUNITY and THINK BIG!

Young Professionals in Roanoke and New River Valley - you are challenged to CHARGE FORWARD, BECOME ACTIVE and MAKE A DIFFERENCE!

When I learn of a restaurant or business in Roanoke that has WiFi, I get really excited.    I look to meet clients at a central location in Roanoke that has free wireless internet or a WiFi hotspot for business meetings.  If I am on the south side of town there are several nice restaurants and coffee shops I can use.  When I am downtown there are a few places I can go.  Trying to access the City of Roanoke's WiFi Hotzone can be rather frustrating.  You never know if it will work and for how long.  I don't have a dependable connection to conduct a business meeting! 

Roanoke City (recognized as the "Top Digital City" last year) installed the WiFi in 2003/2004.  What has been done since then?  What are the future plans for upgrades?  Who really cares if it works or not? 

There are lots of people that care and would use the service.  Roanoke is struggling to keep and attract young professionals (see article on Stuart Mease recently published in the Roanoke Times.

In fact this article brought an email on this subject to Stuart from Greg Hudgins, a former Roanoker, now a professional living in Northern Va.  Greg shared with Stuart…

"I find Roanoke to be a pretty hip small city and would think it is doing a better job of retaining younger folks than when I left.  One suggestion I have for Stuart as a visitor from a larger metropolitan area, DC, and as a measurement I use to gauge a cities "hip-ness" is its WIFI availability. As an OD consultant who travels a lot for my business, it is a plus for me when I visit a city and can find easy web and internet access. It is far more appealing when I find a city that supports their community by making WIFI free and easily accessible.

Roanoke promotes its free WIFI downtown in the market area but it doesn’t work. I think Roanoke is missing out on an opportunity in this regard and could use it to attract a younger demographic. When I ask Roanoker’s on the market for advice about it, they say it hasn’t worked well for years."

Obviously, it is important and people do care. So what plans does the city have to revamp it's WiFi hotzone? 

Roanoke Biz2Biz has always had an interest in WiFi hotspots in the Roanoke and New River Valleys.  We have compiled a list of WIFI Hotspots across Roanoke, Salem, New River Valley and Lynchburg.  We update the list as new locations are added.  If you can add to our list please comment here or email wifi@roanokebiz2biz.com.    

As a Roanoke Businessperson, I am always looking for new venues to promote Downtown Roanoke business. RoanokeBiz2Biz.com will be establishing a new target area on our website that will focus on Downtown Businesses.

I recently attended three great meetings with the City of Roanoke Department of Economic Development.  Brian Brown, Economic Development Administrator, shared working outlines for implementing the districting of the downtown that was outlined in the “97 Outlook Plan. This looked very exciting but we learned it was never implemented. 

I was introduced to Jack Barber, Developer of 110 Campbell – Commonwealth Park, the old Leggett building. Here are some of Jack’s comments on development of the new proposed district encompassing his new office complex.

“As a property owner in Downtown I have a fiduciary duty to account for all the monies that my partnership spends which includes the amounts that we pay to the city for the special tax district which we are members.  DRI referred me to this districting plan that was never implemented which basically enables me to have a say in how my money is to be spent; first on a district level and then in conjunction with the needs of our neighbors in the other districts.  I have been successful in working with Brian Brown of the City EDA to basically define and outline as a pilot project what is known as the Rail District.  The Rail District is a Economic Development unit that is bounded by Jefferson on the east side, the railroad tracks on the north side, Fifth Street on the west side, and snakes down between the middle of Campbell and Kirk on the south side.“  

“Although this is a fairly large area, myself and others see the district informally breaking down into several neighborhoods that have their own concerns; but the overall direction of the district can be governed by initiatives that arise out of the desire of the citizens to take control of their future.  This organization can be replicated in all the other districts as they organize.  Further, the model also should be the governing principle for the City.  In this way, the stakeholders (the property owners, business owners, residents etc.) can communicate their needs in a concerted effort to City Hall.  In addition, City Hall, by having this model in place, has the ability to communicate in a methodical way back to its citizens. City Hall can now address their challenges and opportunities in a way that is more conducive to an orderly and representative society.  Bottom line, it’s good for the business of the citizens as well as the city.”

This plan seems to be a great venue for developing and promoting the identity of different districts. I want to lend my support. I welcome your comments. What are the next steps needed to make it operational? 

Ira Kaufman

President RoanokeBiz2Biz

For Immediate Release
August 7, 2007

GOVERNOR’S CABINET COMMUNITY DAY PUBLIC SHEDULE
Seventh Cabinet Community Day Session

Tuesday, August 14

Roanoke Cabinet Community Day

Governor Timothy M. Kaine and his Cabinet will be conducting their seventh Cabinet Community Day session. On Tuesday, top Administration officials will spend the day in the Roanoke Region. In 2006, Cabinet Community Days occurred in Hampton Roads (Wednesday, August 9), Abingdon (Monday, September 18), the Shenandoah Valley (Tuesday, October 17), and Northern Virginia (Monday, November 27). The most recent sessions took place in Southern Virginia (Thursday, June 7) and on the Eastern Shore (Monday, July 9). The Governor plans to hold four meetings a year, visiting eight regions of the state twice, over the course of the administration.  ** Suggested dress is business casual ** 

Nonprofit Presentations and Reception. Governor Kaine and members of his Cabinet will receive presentations from Total Action Against Poverty (TAP) and the Council of Community Services’ Nonprofit Resource Center of Western Virginia. A reception will follow. Open to the press and public.

When:         9:00 a.m. 

Where:       Dumas Center for Artistic & Cultural Development
                108 First Street NW
                Roanoke, Virginia

Virginia Veterans Care Center. Governor Kaine and members of his Cabinet will hear about the Veterans Care Center and receive a briefing on Executive Order 19 recommendations. Time to meet with the Governor and his Cabinet will follow. Open to the press and public.

When:         10:30 a.m. 

Where:       Virginia Veterans Care Center
                 4550 Shenandoah Avenue
                 Roanoke, Virginia 

Valhalla Vineyards. Governor Kaine and members of his Cabinet will tour The Cave and receive presentations from Valhalla and the Virginia Tourism Corporation. Time to meet with the Governor and his Cabinet will follow. Open to the press and public. 

When:         12:15 p.m.

Where:       Valhalla Vineyards
                 6500 Mount Chestnut Road
                 Roanoke, Virginia 

Franklin Center Opening. Governor Kaine and members of his Cabinet will hear presentations from The Franklin Center for Advanced Learning & Enterprise and the Council on Virginia’s Future. Time to meet with the Governor and his Cabinet will follow. Open to the press and public.  

When:           2:45 p.m.

Where:         The Franklin Center for Advanced Learning & Enterprise
                   50 Claiborne Avenue
                   Rocky Mount, Virginia

Tinker Mountain. Governor Kaine and his Cabinet will hear from a public-private partnership that placed a highly visible 250-acre area on Tinker Mountain under land conservation easement. A reception will follow. Open to the press and public.

When:         5:00 p.m.

Where:       Hollins University 
                7916 Williamson Road
                Roanoke, Virginia

Contact:               Jeff Tiller                
Phone:                  (804) 692-2599
Cell Phone:            (804) 432-6728
Internet:               www.governor.virginia.gov

Will work for food, gas, rent… I am a young college graduate from southwest Virginia looking for employment in Roanoke.  I am looking for a professional job to pay for food, gas and rent.  If you are hiring please call me for an interview.

Sound familiar?  This is a scenario familiar to our young professionals living and wanting to stay in Roanoke.  But, without years of experience how many Roanoke businesses will give them a chance?  This is a sad situation in our current local job market.  We are losing talented young adults to areas within a 3 hour drive of Roanoke.  They are relocating to NC and Northern Virginia.

Brandon Turner touched on the situation in his article in the Roanoke Times.  Turner wrote "Here is a question for businesses: How do you realistically expect my generation to gain experience if nobody will hire us?"  So what can we do to retain these young professionals in the Roanoke area?  Stuart Mease offered a perspective of the job seeker on his blog, Connecting People. 

Roanoke businesses need to rethink their employment strategy. Hiring and training college graduates allow the region and the workforce to grow and build a sustainable workforce. The solution is in your hands!!

A successful business owner is always looking for ways to improve marketing strategies and business development.  The Virginia Economic Bridge is a great resource for Virginia businesses.  It is a non-profit organization focused on creating an environment for economic growth in today's technologically advanced society.  The VEB promotes economic vitality and external competitiveness of the Commonwealth by fostering business, industry and educational relationships between Southwest Virginia, Northern Virginia, as well as other areas of the Commonwealth.

Carl Mitchell, President of Virginia Economic Bridge, shared many tools his organization has made available to the southwest Virginia business community at the Roanoke Biz2Biz Leaders Forum "Creating a Regional Presence". 

The VEB has recently partnered with Center/Council for Rural Virginia and the Virginia Association of Counties in organizing meetings in all southwest Virginia planning districts.  Accessing New Markets and Enabling Rural Business Growth, the meeting for Roanoke-Alleghany district is scheduled for July 26 at Virginia Western Community College.  To learn more about these meetings and to see a complete schedule with locations, check out OurValley.org. 

More on Creating a Regional Presence and Strategic Marketing Opportunties

July 1 always brings in new laws for Virginians.  This year the impact could be very substantial to businesses with executives and marketing and sales reps traveling across the state.  New "civil fees" will be imposed for Virginia drivers who get caught for certain felony traffic violations.

The Washington Post reports…

As part of the plan to fund the annual $1 billion transportation package approved this year, state legislators endorsed a new set of "civil remedial fees" for all misdemeanor and felony traffic violations, such as speeding 20 mph above the limit, reckless driving and, in some cases, driving with faulty brakes.

A memo of warning might be worthwhile to your employees driving for company business.  Actually, this information is crucial to all Virginia drivers.  See the entire bill here.

MARKETING OPPORTUNITIES GALORE in VIRGINIA AND NORTH CAROLINA!  That's what those attending the Biz2Biz Leaders "Forum Creating a Regional Presence" learned at the Wednesday event. 

Matt Martin, Economist, Federal Reserve Bank in Charlotte, NC and Carl Mitchell, CEO, Virginia Economic Bridge shared facts and figures supporting the opportunities that Roanoke area businesses can tap into. 

Matt Martin outlined the characteristics that made North Carolina an attractive area for Roanoke businesses to expand to.  He presented some impressive charts showing the growth of North Carolina cities compared to that of Roanoke.  Roanoke was behind in the population and employment growth, however, homeownership in Roanoke was among the highest in the metro cites he compared which shows the stability of Roanoke residents.  I found it interesting that the percentage of Roanoke adults 25+ with BA degrees was the lowest of the cities.  I have uploaded Matt's presentation for those who would like to review his facts and figures.

Carl Mitchell showed how the Virginia Economic Bridge has developed resources to help businesses in southwest Virginia create a regional presence.  He outlined many tools that are available to Virginia businesses.  One website, www.SWVAonline.org shows statistical data for each southwest Virginia region.  Carl noted how new businesses to southwest Virginia are using this site to attract and recruit employees.  Virginia Business Pipeline is also a great marketing tool for area businesses.  It is an online business directory for Virginia businesses to market products and services throughout The Commonwealth.  To see other tools and resources available through the Virginia Economic Bridge see Carl Mitchell's complete presentation.

I will continue this post later with some additional tools and presentations from other speakers at the event, including marketing and branding solutions when expanding to a new market area.

As I was reviewing some of my google alerts I found an interesting article posted on a Houston site.  They referred to the Kiplinger list of best cities and noted that Houston was not on the list.  But, they did take note that Roanoke, Virginia is at the top of the list for Vote for Your Best City.

"Houston is in third place with only 31 votes right now, trailing Roanoke, VA, with 725 and Madison, WI, with 510. Roanoke? Does anyone even live there? We figure that if a lot of our readers click on Houston once a day, we can move pretty far up the list, perhaps even - dare we be so bold - to first."

So, Houston take note…Roanoke, Virginia is alive and growing and setting a trend!  Let's keep Roanoke on the top of the list and Vote, Vote, Vote - EVERYDAY!

Just a reminder to everyone about the Clean Commute Day, May 18. 

Jeremy Holmes, Program Director for the RIDE Solutions regional alternative transportation program, announced today that the Board of Supervisors at their May 8 meeting declared Friday, May 18 as Clean Commute Day in Roanoke County, and May 14 – 18 as Bike to Work week.  Roanoke County has been an active participant in the regional Ozone Early Action Plan, an effort to reduce emissions and improve air quality in the Roanoke Valley.  In recognition of the efforts of RIDE Solutions and the Roanoke Valley-Alleghany Regional Commission, the County has encouraged its employees to take the Clean Commute Pledge to use alternative transportation such as carpooling, biking, walking, or public transit instead of driving alone.

Be sure top check out their video on YouTube.  http://www.youtube.com/ridesolutions