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

The City of Salem and Main Street America are asking residents to complete a survey that will help shape the downtown area for years to come. Rebecca Marsh, economic development specialist with the city of Salem, tells WFIR, the survey looks to collect using consumer and business data in an effort bring something new to the city.

You can find the survey using the link below:

https://nationalmainstreet.qualtrics.com/jfe/form/SV_0SXKXH5hfE1tdwG?fbclid=IwY2xjawMcA-VleHRuA2FlbQIxMABicmlkETBvMlNYamxQUXpFMFBxalhQAR5HQM1i2Fa9EHZSMLYzVk0RCfuR6epL8U8hf9l1aRM1JzIZQNPQ8ZRSMZtkgg_aem_Q1RhCXAXvfHyZL0lE9J2Aw

As concerns about downtown Roanoke parking continue to circulate across the Valley, one Market Building Foundation executive says it’s not as big a problem as some claim. WFIR’s Conner Arthur has more:

Downtown Roanoke retailers will turn their shops “inside out” this Saturday with the annual Sidewalk Sale. Its designed to lure more shoppers and browsers to the city market area and nearby streets – where they might find a bargain as well. More from WFIR’s Gene Marrano:

Southwest Roanoke County has jumped on the Sheetz bandwagon, with a grand opening and ribbon cutting for the fuel and convenience store’s latest location in the valley – this one on Franklin Road/US 220 next door to Lowe’s.  Today’s ribbon cutting at Sheetz on Franklin Road included donations to several local non-profits. Fountain soft drinks are free all day at the new location to celebrate its grand opening. Dana Brewer is a community engagement specialist for Pennsylvania-based Sheetz, which will soon open its 800th location:

Virginia’s Blue Ridge – like the rest of the Commonwealth – saw visitation numbers climb higher in 2024 versus 2023, and in some cases back to pre-pandemic level. WFIR’s Gene Marrano crunches the numbers:

Downtown Roanoke Incorporated released its annual report. DRI staff say the numbers show the 122 blocks the organization serves have rebounded nicely since the pandemic. WFIR’s Denise Allen Membreno has more.

Downtown Roanoke Incorporated’s annual report shows some big investments happening in the 122 blocks under DRI’s perview. WFIR’s Denise Allen Membreno reports.

Downtown Roanoke Incorporated Annual Report

DRI Video

The Roanoke Arts Commission is connecting the city through art.  Doug Jackson, the City’s Arts and Culture Coordinator, laid out what the commission and its committees accomplished in fiscal year 2025 and its plans for 2026.  WFIR’s Denise Allen Membreno reports.

If you have been noticing more art in the City of Roanoke, then the Arts Commission is fulfilling its mission.  As WFIR’s Denise Allen Membreno reports the Commission outlined its work and goals for the future at a recent City Council meeting.

Last month’s USA Cycling Endurance Mountain Bike National Championships drew thousands of people to Roanoke for races happening

Taziki’s Mediterranean Café is officially open in Roanoke with a brand-new location inside the former home of CoreLife

Melrose Plaza celebrated its official grand opening this morning.  As we reported earlier this week, the community hub