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

An historic motor lodge is celebrating it’s grand opening this morning. WFIR’s Denise Allen Membreno tells us the Colony House Motor Lodge had a soft opening in August today is the official ribbon cutting.

Today marks an exciting new chapter for the Colony House Motor Lodge. As Denise Allen Membreno reports while the retro vibe remains the amenities are up-to-date.

Roanoke City leaders are looking into the possibility of bringing a casino to the Berglund Special Events Center. More from WFIR’s Clark Palmer.

Roanoke is exploring the possibility of joining Virginia cities like Bristol, Danville, Petersburg, and Portsmouth by evaluating the potential for a casino that could be located in the Berglund SpecialEvents Center.

“As the new City Manager, it was essential to begin assessing the City’s financial stability and overall assets, particularly the Berglund Center,” says Valmarie Turner. “This initiative presents an opportunity to create an entertainment district that would significantly enhance tourism, stimulate economic growth, and generate increased revenue for both the City and the region—funds that can be reinvested in our neighborhoods, schools, public safety, and infrastructure.”

“The goal for this project is to inspire economic growth through increased entertainment, dining, andlodging options, with a refurbished civic center,” adds Roanoke Mayor Joe Cobb. “As Roanoke

Roanoke Economic Development Director Marc Nelson highlights the potential workforce benefits. “The creation of an entertainment district can serve as a catalyst for job creation across the region. From hospitality to gaming to professional services, this is a unique opportunity to build upon our already potent workforce development efforts and to provide good paying jobs that would benefit the region for years to come.”While this initiative is still in the early stages, the City is committed to a thoughtful and transparent

A full-service construction firm based in Roanoke is preparing to host a hands-on event aimed at busting the myth that construction is “just for boys” as WFIR’s Conner Arthur reports:

The process of managing money wisely can sometimes be a challenge, however one investment advising company in Roanoke is helping women take charge of their finances through its “Wise Women Lunch Series.” WFIR’s Conner Arthur has that story:

With mixed signals surrounding the U.S. economy, one Virginia Tech economist is rethinking how we spot a recession – by focusing not outside the box, but on the box itself. WFIR’s Conner Arthur has that story:

Since 2017 the Regional Accelerator and Mentoring Program based in downtown Roanoke – RAMP – has seen 61 companies go through its 12-week mentoring cycle, on their way to creating almost a thousand jobs. The latest cohort for the Fall of 2025 is now in place, as WFIR’s Gene Marrano reports:

The Bank on Financial Wellness Series kicks off at the end of the month.  The six-monthly classes help participants move from financially surviving to thriving.  WFIR’s Denise Allen Membreno has more.

Volunteers from the Bank on Roanoke Valley Education Network will lead monthly workshops, in an effort to help residents of the Roanoke Valley fine-tune their finances and set goals that make their money work for them.  WFIR’s Denise Allen Membreno has more.

To apply contact Brandon Meginley

[email protected] or (540) 853-1120.

“Everything I needed to Know About Business I Learned as a Server” proclaims 5 Points Creative founder Bruce C. Bryan on the cover of his new book, officially released today. Its all about how being a waiter or bartender may be the best training you ever had. More from WFIR’S Gene Marrano:

Hear an extended interview about Turning Tables on link below:

A year’s worth of planning, partnerships and trail building paid off this past summer with another event that helped solidify the Roanoke Valley’s designation as an “East Coast Mountain Biking Capital.” Visit Virginia’s Blue Ridge celebrated what it calls a “success story,” yesterday. WFIR’s Gene Marrano has that story:

A soon to be open children’s bookstore is hosting a story-telling benefit event tomorrow that will benefit workers with intellectual disabilities. WFIR’s Clark Palmer has that story.