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

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.

Roanoke County Public Schools and the Partnership for Community Wellness are hosting the first in a series of public meetings about protecting our children from online dangers. WFIR’s Denise Allen Membreno has more.

Protecting our children from online dangers is the subject of a series of public meetings organized by Roanoke County Public Schools.  As WFIR’s Denise Allen Membreno reports this is not just a school concern, it’s a societal issue.

Online Safety Meeting Info

Live in studio this morning, Whitney Leeson from the Roanoke Valley Preservation Foundation, and Alexander Boone with ABoone Real Estate Inc. discussed preserving historical structures – even those in disrepair – versus redeveloping properties to help address the demand for housing. Leeson says the Preservation Foundation does not support the Roanoke City zoning change that allows for multi-family units to be built by-right instead of only single-family houses, noting four older houses torn down recently in South Roanoke.

Alexander Boone recently received a “bulldozer award,” from the Preservation Foundation for the demolishment of those four houses, to be replaced by a 22-unit apartment complex built by ABoone. Leeson says City Council needs to make a change:

Hear the complete and lively conversation from this morning on link below or watch it in Facebook.

Worries about hurricane Helene’s impact here and rumors that the entire blue ridge parkway was shut down due to roadway damage not withstanding, 2024 was a very good year for Virginia’s Blue Ridge when it comes to tourism. More from WFIR’s Gene Marrano:

A festival in Roanoke that has seen growing popularity within the last few years is kicking off again later this month, however a few changes will take place. WFIR’s Conner Arthur has that story:

State government leaders including Governor Youngkin like to talk about strong job growth in the Commonwealth, but in recent weeks the economy seems to be pumping the brakes a bit, as WFIR’s Gene Marrano reports:

The owner of a cigar lounge hopes to have it open in downtown Roanoke by the end of the month. More from WFIR’s Clark Palmer.

A local organization hopes you’ll come come out for 2nd Annual Glaze For Gold this evening, Saturday and Sunday at Glazed Bisque-It. As WFIR’s Denise Allen Membreno reports BeHold BeGold is a voice for childhood cancer survivors.

A local two time child cancer survivor has started an organization advocating for other childhood cancer survivors going through the late effects of cancer treatments. WFIR’s Denise Allen Membreno reports.

Beholdbegold Website

BeHold BeGold Facebook

Glazed Bisque-it

September is Suicide Prevention Month. The Suicide Prevention Council and Blue Ridge Behavioral Healthcare combat this issue year round. But As WFIR’s Denise Allen Membreno tells us they are joining forces this month for some planned activities.

The Suicide Prevention Council and Blue Ridge Behavioral Healthcare are teaming up to raise awareness about suicide. September is Suicide Prevention month. WFIR’s Denise Allen Membreno has more.

Blue Ridge Behavioral Healthcare

Consumer Sentiment across 3 indexes as measured by the Institute for Policy and Opinion Research at Roanoke College in its latest survey are higher in Virginia than the national average – and the stronger “economic fundamentals,” are also helping. More from WFIR’s Gene Marrano: