Local Business and Economic Development | News/Talk 960-AM & FM-107.3 WFIR

The Delta Dental Dickens of a Christmas starts tonight.  For the next three Fridays downtown Roanoke will be flush with the spirit of the holidays.  WFIR’s Denise Allen Membreno has more.

Dickens of a Christmas will return to Downtown Roanoke tonight for the first of three event filled Friday nights.  WFIR’s Denise Allen Membreno has more.

Dickens of a Christmas calendar

More than a dozen Roanoke County businesses got a boost from the county.  As WFIR’s Denise Allen Membreno reports the Economic Development Authority Business Equipment Acquisition Program or BEAP Grant handed out 108-thousand dollars.

Roanoke County Development Authority has awarded more than 100-thousand dollars in grants to businesses in the county and the town of Vinton.  As WFIR’s Denise Allen Membreno reports the matching funds are meant to help the businesses hire new workers or enter new markets.

BEAP grant recipients for 2025 include:

Those that are not big box store fans while they shop for Christmas and holiday presents may want to check out another craft show at the Berglund Center this weekend. WFIR’s Gene Marrano on the 10th Annual Holiday Craft & Vendor Show:

Small businesses are what make a community unique.  While shoppers are out looking for Black Friday deals, business owners in the region are hoping you will spend some of those dollars at local small business retailers.  WFIR’s Denise Allen Membreno has more.

American Express started Small Business Saturday in 2010.  The next year the Small Business Administration officially became a cosponsor.  Small businesses always need the support of their local communities. WFIR’s Denise Allen Membreno tells us why it’s important to all of us.

PARK Roanoke is offering FREE parking in the following garages Thursday, November 28rd – Saturday, November 30th to encourage holiday shopping: Campbell, Church, Elmwood, Gainsboro, and Tower. Click here to learn more about parking.  

Downtown Roanoke Inc-DRI

Retailers may breath a sigh of relief as the latest Roanoke College survey focused on holiday spending by Virginia consumer slows a slight overall dip – but trending towards more gift buying. Details from WFIR’s Gene Marrano:

Smithfield Foods this morning dropped off close to 38 thousand pounds of meat to Feeding Southwest Virginia in Salem ahead of this Saturday’s Commonwealth Clash football game between UVA and Virginia Tech. David Dantzler, Director of Corporate Relations for Feeding Southwest Virginia, says this type of donation means a lot to the organization and residents who will put this food on the table for the holidays.

Dantzler says the proteins will be distributed as soon as possible. Virginia Tech is putting together hundreds of Thanksgiving meals kits.

His first “canary in a coal mine,” was looking at cardboard shipping boxes – were major players like Amazon or Walmart ordering less than usual – now a Virginia Tech economist says “Hamburger Helper” sales may be another indication of consumer confidence. More from WFIR’s Gene Marrano:

After being without a true home office while opening branches in Salem and at Smith Mountain Lake, a year ago this month Ridge View Bank cut the ribbon on its headquarters. Last week they celebrated that anniversary – while looking ahead to future growth. More from WFIR’s Gene Marrano:

At the Third Street Station on Salem Avenue in downtown Roanoke a celebration marking the 50th anniversary of public transit under the Valley Metro banner. Valley Metro unveiled a 50th anniversary logo this morning and says more events are planned soon – after what it labels “Half a century of connecting people, places, and progress.” Mayor Joe Cobb says there are plenty of moving parts when it comes to operating bus routes that reach all quadrants of the city and beyond:

The Salem-Roanoke County Chamber of Commerce is working with Feeding Southwest Virginia and the Governor’s Virginia Cares Initiative to help feed people in our region. WFIR’s Denise Allen Membreno has more.

Even before the shutdown Feeding Southwest Virginia was having a difficult time keeping shelves stocked.  Cost increases and the shutdown have only increased the need.  So, once again the Salem-Roanoke County Chamber is hosting a drive-through donation day.  WFIR’s Denise Allen Membreno reports.

Salem-Roanoke County Chamber of Commerce

611 E Main St, Salem, VA 24153

https://s-rcchamber.org/