Beginning January 1, Appalachian Power customers in Virginia will see a drop in electric rates for the second time in six months. Here is a press release from Appalachian Power:

Appalachian Power customers in Virginia will experience another drop in their electric rates starting Jan. 1 when a temporary surcharge expires. This time rates will drop about 7 percent or $90 million annually. It is the second rate decrease in six months for Appalachian.  In August, the company implemented a $40 million rate reduction.

For a residential customer using about 1,000 kilowatt-hours a month, the rate will drop from $103.48 to $96.21. Both rates include sales and consumption taxes. Read more »

Citizens for Clean and Green are creating the first Green Academy in Roanoke to teach citizens about environmental issues. Classes begin Jan. 20. Here is more information from the city:

Citizens for Clean and Green are pleased to present the first City of Roanoke Green Academy. Sessions begin Thursday, Jan. 20, 2011, at Fishburn Park Elementary School. The Green Academy is a four-week environmental awareness program for city residents that gives participants a chance to learn from regional experts on important environmental issues of the day. Information on topics such as energy conservation, weatherization, renewable energy, water conservation, green building and more will be shared. Classes will start at 5:30 p.m. with a light dinner. Each evening’s program will run from 6 to 8 p.m. A graduation event will be held Feb. 10. Participation is free, but registration is required. An application form is available on the city’s website at www.roanokeva.gov/green. For more information about the program, contact City of Roanoke Director of General Services and Sustainability Ken Cronin at 540-853-1805.

Virginia Highlands Community College has received $30,000 from the Dominion Foundation to create a student-run, solar-powered coffee shop. The eco-friendly project will help teach students about running a business. Here is a press release from Dominion Resources :

Virginia Highlands Community College students soon will be able to start their day with a cup of coffee from a solar-powered, eco-friendly coffee shop.

The Dominion Foundation, the philanthropic arm of Dominion Resources Inc., has awarded a $30,000 grant to the 4,000-student community college for the development of “Wolf Grounds,” an on-campus, student-run coffee shop. The non-profit business will involve 100 percent organically grown and recyclable products, local suppliers, Energy Star appliances, and both solar hot-water heating and solar photovoltaic technologies. Read more »

The Peaks of Otter Lodge in Bedford needs a new concessionaire to save the facility from possibly closing until spring. The lodge will remain open next month while the National Park Service and the company that operates the facility continue negotiations.

The Associated Press has more on the story here.

The Holiday Career and Lifestyle fair will be held Tuesday from 9 a.m. until noon. The Sunday Business section of The Roanoke Times incorrectly listed the day for this event to take place. Please see below for additional information regarding the career and lifestyle fair.

The Holiday Career and Lifestyle fair is sponsored by The Renick Group, National College, WDBJ, Wells Fargo and the Roanoke Department of Economic Development. Exhibitors include companies offering jobs, entrepreneurial organizations showcasing resources to assist with business startups and lifestyle organizations offering social and cultural amenities. The fair will offer face-to-face meetings between job seekers and employers to learn what opportunities are available and the best way to proceed with the application process.

When: 9 a.m. to noon

Where: Roanoke Civic Center Exhibit Hall, 710 Williamson Road, Roanoke

Cost: Free

Contact: Lisa Soltis, 853-1694 or lisa.soltis@roanokeva.gov

Lake Team Realty has received a Distinguished Service Award from the Roanoke Valley Association of REALTORS. Here is a press release from the company:

LAKE TEAM REALTY, one of the area’s full service real estate firms, has been awarded the Distinguished Service
Award by the Roanoke Valley Association of REALTORS for the fourth time in five years. The award was presented to Leigh Howard, owner and principal broker, at the December 9th RVAR Installation Ceremony. The Firm met a set of standards in the fields of higher real estate education, attendance at industry seminars, association involvement in committee work, the Virginia Association of REALTORS policy and advocacy boards, longevity, and community service. The REALTORS associated with Lake Team Realty, extend their expertise to all counties surrounding Smith Mountain Lake, Roanoke, and Botetourt.

The handbag and accessory shop Claire V. is extending hours for its warehouse sale in downtown Roanoke. The store is located at 121 Campbell Ave. next to Mill Mountain Coffee.

Extended Hours:
Tuesday, December 21st ~ 11am-6pm
Wednesday, December 22nd ~ 11am-6pm
Thursday, December 23rd ~ 11m-5pm

Bluefield College Winter Commencement speaker John Rocovich, director of the Virginia College of Osteopathic Medicine

John Rocovich, director of the Virginia College of Osteopathic Medicine, spoke to 90 graduates at Bluefield College’s winter commencement last weekend. Here is a press release from the college:

Ninety Bluefield College seniors accepted diplomas during the school’s 19th Annual Winter Commencement, Saturday, December 18.

More than 500 friends and family filled BC’s Harman Chapel to celebrate with the graduates in a ceremony that featured not only the presentation of diplomas, but also the presentation of a Distinguished Faculty Award and remarks from John G. Rocovich, Jr., director and chairman of the Board of the Edward Via Virginia College of Osteopathic Medicine (VCOM).

Bluefield College President David Olive welcomed the capacity crowd to the traditional winter ceremony. Dr. Olive spoke about the school’s mission to integrate faith and learning. He challenged the seniors to live out their faith. His hope, he said, is that as they leave Bluefield College, they do so with a sense of calling. Read more »

Roanoke College has polled over 600 residents in Virginia on political issues, particularly fiscal issues, in light of the upcoming General Assembly session. Here is a press release and survey results from the college:

In anticipation of the 2011 General Assembly session in Virginia, the Institute for Policy and Opinion Research at Roanoke College conducted a statewide survey of 601 residents.  The questionnaire covered a variety of issues, but focused primarily on fiscal issues—the budget, taxes, and spending.  Because of the timing of the poll not every possibility was covered, such as Governor McDonnell’s budget proposal which was released after the survey was completed. Read more »

LeClairRyan’s Blacksburg law office is moving to a new, larger location on Pratt Drive. Here is a press release from the firm:

The law firm of LeClairRyan is pleased to announce the expansion and relocation of our Blacksburg office to 1715 Pratt Drive, Suite 2700 as of December 20, 2010.  The office was previously located at 2000 Kraft Drive.  By moving into the new building in the Virginia Tech Corporate Research Center, the firm was able to complete a custom build-out, significantly upgrading both the technology and work space provided.  LeClairRyan utilized local contractors and suppliers for the project.

“With technology upgrades designed to improve client service and efficiency, we are excited that this new office space will provide us with room to grow, while offering our clients state of the art meeting space and videoconferencing.” said Blacksburg office leader James K. Cowan, Jr.