Biz Talk - Business Blog Roanoke and Beyond

Has the current job market and slumping economy caused you to think about starting your own business?  Fortune Small Business on CNNMoney.com canvassed the country to find towns with the best mix of business advantages and lifestyle appeal. They put together a list of their 100 top picks for the perfect place to launch a new business and build your dream.

The list included 4 Virginia area's that are great locations to for a startup company.  Southwest Virginia was included on the list as Blacksburg was noted as the # 43 best city.  Blacksburg, home of Virginia Tech and the Corporate Research Center and was listed as one of the 6 Technology Launching Pads.   CRC is a 120-acre research park and incubator, with 130 private companies in occupancy, ranging from corporations to tiny startups and covers technologies from computer hardware to pharmaceuticals.

Southwest Virginia can now boast about adding to their list of BEST's. Not only are we among the best areas to launch your business but we are also one of the Best Places to Retire.

ROANOKE COUNTY & HOLLINS UNIVERSITY
RECEIVE PRESTIGIOUS VML PRESIDENT’S AWARD

Roanoke County and Hollins University took home the Virginia Municipal League (VML)  President’s Award this year for their work with an annual summer camp for youth offered in cooperation with area businesses. 

The program known as Technology Education for Kids or TEK Camp is focused on workforce development which is a significant concern for businesses in the Roanoke Valley and beyond.  Members of Roanoke County’s Economic Development Department, Director of Social Services and a representative from Hollins University traveled to Williamsburg last month to accept the award at VML’s Annual Conference.  And on Tuesday of this week, the program was highlighted during the Roanoke County Board of Supervisors meeting.

TEK Camp is a project that identifies students with technical potential at an early age for the purpose of enhancing their skills training in the secondary school system. The camp spans five days and is free of charge for the children, who are provided meals, transportation, and supplies.  Camp is held on the campus of Hollins University with fieldtrips to the business community throughout the week to meet local executives, human resource managers and employees.  The classes and interactive programs challenge young people to discover how technology impacts their lives and the many career and educational opportunities that are available to them.  Hollins University and Roanoke County could not make the camp the success it is without the help of the local business community and Roanoke County schools.  Some of the businesses that have opened their doors to the children include First Team Auto Mall, WDBJ Television, Q-99 and the Virginia Tech Corporate Research Center.

One judge described the program as, “…a successful, innovative and collaborative effort of local government, educators and business leaders, resulting in the continuous development of a well-trained technical workforce for the Roanoke Valley Region.”

TEK Camp began in 2004, with 12 students enrolled in a pilot program. In 2006, Roanoke County received 57 applications and enrolled 38 participants.  Corporate sponsors and partners fund the program.

The President’s Award is the most prestigious award granted by the VML Achievement Awards program.  The award was established in 1996 for Virginia governments to submit projects which exemplify the jurisdiction’s efforts to improve the delivery of services to its citizens in an innovative and entrepreneurial manner.

Roanoke and New River Valley business owners have a unique opportunity to increase the value of their businesses.  Rob Slee, national speaker and author of Midas Managers, will be in Blacksburg on October 10 for a seminar, In Search of the Midas Touch.  He will be joined by Blacksburg businessman, Joel Williams, contributing author, wealth manager and owner of Joel S Williams & Associates. 

The program will show owners and managers of privately held businesses how to dramatically increase the value of their businesses.

• Gain insights to double revenues and sharply raise profits in the next three years
• Implement new business models that will increase personal wealth
• Learn to become financially independent in the risky business environment

The event will be held at the VT Corporate Research Center on Wednesday, October 10 from 2:00pm - 5:30pm.  Click here for additional information and to register.  When registering be sure to look for the special Biz2Biz rate.

For Immediate Release

Dublin VA – On September 26, 2007, employers in the New River Valley will have a unique opportunity to meet potential employees including seasonal workers, technically trained entry level employees, recent college graduates, and experienced professionals.  Job seekers will have a chance to meet some of the region’s finest employers who have positions ready to be filled.  Job seekers do not have to register in advance, but should come dressed for success and bring copies of their resume.  Employers can register online and should register before September 12.  The $95 registration fee for employers includes an exhibit booth, shared interview room, and lunch for two company representatives.

September 26, 2007
10:00 a.m. - 7:00 p.m.
New River Valley Mall
782 New River Road
Christiansburg, Virginia

Visit New River Valley Job Fair Expo for more information, including a list of participating employers and the sponsoring organizations.  Media inquiries are welcome.

Contact: 
Marty Holliday
New River/Mount Rogers
Workforce Investment Board
540-633-6764
mholliday@nrvdc.org

David Moore
Institute for Policy and Governance
205 W. Roanoke Street
Blacksburg, VA 24061
540-231-8954 (office)
540-230-6914 (cell)
dmoore@vt.edu

This is a great opportunity for young professionals to meet potential employers.

New River Valley busness Webmail.us is listed as one of America's fastest growing private companies by Inc. magazine.  Located in Blacksburg, Webmail.us is an email hosting service for small and mid-sized companies. 

Christina Rogers reports in the Roanoke Times, Webmail.us CEO Pat Matthews, credits their success to staying focused on one product.

"Many companies provide email services, but it is the only thing we do.  We got really good at it.  We've become a recognized leader in the industry," says Matthews.

There were 35 Virginia companies listed in the top 500.  Webmail.us is the only company from Southwest Virginia.  Here is the list of all Virginia businesses on the Inc. 5000 list.