Virginia’s Appalachian Power customers will see a slight decrease in their bills next month. Here is a press release from AEP:

Appalachian power customers in Virginia will see a slight drop in their electric rate starting August 1 when two rate changes take effect. The company will implement a $61.5 million annual increase in base rates and a $101 million annual decrease in the fuel factor. The result is a net decrease of just under 2 percent.

For a residential customer using about 1,000 kilowatt-hours a month, the rate will drop from $105. 18 to $103.48. Both rates include sales and consumption taxes totally $1.61. Read more »

The State Corporation Commission will hold a hearing about a proposal to decrease the premium levels for worker’s compensation insurance. Here is a press release from the SCC:

The State Corporation Commission (SCC) has scheduled an October hearing to consider a request filed by the National Council on Compensation Insurance, Inc. (NCCI) to adjust the premium levels charged for workers’ compensation insurance.

Workers’ compensation insurance provides medical care and wage replacement benefits to injured workers. Almost all Virginia employers are required to carry the coverage. Read more »

Six employment organizations in Virginia, including some located in Farmville, Martinsville and Lexington, have received funding for project that will increase employment. Here is a press release from the Governor’s Office:

Governor Bob McDonnell announced today that $400,000 in grant funding was awarded to six Employment Services Organizations (ESOs) with local projects designed to increase employment for Virginians with disabilities in areas with employment rates above 10 percent.  The grants, made possible by the Virginia Department of Rehabilitative Services (DRS), will create more than 70 new jobs and fund a variety of local businesses including an upscale consignment shop, a commercial cleaning business, and a landscaping mobile work crew. Read more »

The Danville Regional Foundation has issued a whitepaper to encourage support of entrepreneurship in the region. Here is a press release from the foundation:

The Danville Regional Foundation (DRF) releases a whitepaper today it supported to learn more about the region’s entrepreneurial potential and determine ways that local organizations can fuel economic development through entrepreneurship. Read more »

Lee Hartman Jr., President and CEO of Lee Hartman & Sons, passed away yesterday. Hartman led the family electronics business for 35 years.

Jenny Kincaid Boone of the Roanoke Times has the story here.

Drema Bolling has been recognized by Celebrating Home by her leadership in the company. Here is a press release from Celebrating Home:

Drema Bolling, Daleville resident and accomplished Designer with Celebrating Home, has been recognized for being an exceptional business leader in the community.

Bolling’s reputation for going above and beyond to promote the Celebrating Home brand and its products has led to this recent achievement. Read more »

Beans and Rice Inc. is bringing and entrepreneurial training program to our area. An informational session will be held at the New River Valley Competitiveness Center at 10 a.m. on Aug. 28. Here is more information from Beans and Rice:

Despite passion, drive and an abundance of good ideas, half of all new businesses fail within the first few years. Often that’s because, despite their zeal, entrepreneurs need the experience and tools required for starting and running a business. Beans and Rice, Inc, a Community Development Center dedicated to helping entrepreneurs get products to the marketplace, is remedying that with the First Step FastTrac class.

First Step FastTrac connects entrepreneurs to the best resources available to help them pursue and realize their entrepreneurial dreams. The program provides individuals who have an idea or a passion the opportunity to analyze the feasibility of their idea and develop a solid plan to move forward. They also receive exposure to professional networking connections and other resources, which prepares them to create a new business or enhance an existing enterprise. Read more »

U.S. House of Representatives has passed a bill that will provide funding for the Berry Hill Mega Park project in Pittsylvania County and the Washington-Coleman Community Center in South Boston. Here is a press release from the Office of Tom Perriello:

The U.S. House of Representatives last night passed the FY2011 Transportation, Housing and Urban Development appropriations bill which includes funding for several projects across Central and Southern Virginia. These infrastructure projects will create construction jobs immediately and give the area a competitive advantage in recruiting and retaining businesses. Funding for projects was requested by Rep. Perriello on behalf of the respective recipients.

“These two projects are going to add real value to their communities and give the area even more tools to attract new investment and new jobs. The Berry Hill Mega Park is going to be a game-changer for the region and this down payment will leverage future private investment in this important project,” said Rep. Perriello. “I’m committed to finding worthy projects in our community that put folks back to work immediately in our communities, while positioning the region for future economic success.” Read more »

We’re still taking nominations for this year’s “20 Under 40″ issue, but not for long.

You have until close of business Monday to submit your nomination at bizjournal.com. Click on the “20 Under 40″ button at the bottom of the page and tell us about a young business leader who deserves some recognition.

The nomination form is short and simple. In addition to basic biographical information about the nominee, you’ll just need to tell us a little bit about his or her business philosophy and community involvement. Provide contact information for the nominee and two coworkers or supervisors, and you’re done.

A panel of judges from last year’s class will choose the winners, and we’ll share the results in the Sept. 20 issue of the journal.

Questions? E-mail us at news@bizjournal.com with “20 Under 40″ in the subject line.

Celebrating Home has recognized Diana Wade of Roanoke for her work. Here is a press release from the company:

Diana Wade, Roanoke resident and accomplished Designer with Celebrating Home, has just been recognized among the company’s Top 25 Achievers for the month of May.

“It’s amazing what hard work and determination will do,” Wade said. “I am so appreciative to the Celebrating Home team for honoring me for my achievements in May.  I’m glad to know that my achievements are being recognized.” Read more »