Here is a list of upcoming events from the Wytheville-Wythe-Bland Chamber of Commerce, including a Business Expo May 10. Here is a press release from the chamber:

Chamber BOB “Business Over Brunch” networking opportunity with other business that would like to do business with you will be held on May 5, at 11:30 am – 1 pm, at the Heritage Preservation Center on Spiller Street.   Learn more about the CREATES program.  To make a reservation to attend call 276.223.3365.  $5/pp.  Includes lunch.

Business Expo – Wytheville-Wythe-Bland Chamber of Commerce Community Business Expo “Connect with your local Businesses” will be held on Tuesday May 10, 4:30 – 6:30 pm at the Wytheville Meeting Center.  Displays of products and services.  To purchase a booth display space, contact the Chamber at 276.223.3365

Newsletter Deadline – Information for the Chamber of Commerce newsletter is due to the Chamber office on Tuesday, May 17. Read more »

The Lynchburg Regional Chamber of Commerce will announces the 2001 Small Business Award recipients at its annual awards ceremony May 3. Here is a press release from the Chamber:

The 23^rd Annual Small Business Awards

Tuesday, May 3, 2011
5:30 until 7:00 p.m.
Hilton Garden Inn

Barry DuVal, President & CEO of the Virginia Chamber of Commerce will speak on the “Five Key Components For Business Success”.  Mr. DuVal served as the Secretary of Commerce and Trade for the Commonwealth of Virginia from 1998-2001.  During his term as Secretary, Virginia set new records of economic development with over 1500 economic development projects representing 156,850 new jobs and $13.7 billion in private investment.

Admission includes hors d’oeuvres and beverages.  Chamber members – $18, general admission – $28.  Reservations are required and should be made by May 2 by calling (434) 845-5966 or email info@lynchburgchamber.org. Read more »

City of Salem Vice Mayor John Givens; Todd Morgan, president, MB Contractors, Inc.; Denise White, president, Coordinated Services Management, Inc.; Bob Yost, director of operations, MB Contractors, Inc.; LeeAnn Brochero, administrator, Salem Terrace; Dr. Preston Waldrop, owner; and Mrs. Jamie Waldrop.

Salem Terrace at Harrogate, a new senior living community located at 1851 Harrogate Drive in Salem, held a ribbon cutting ceremony last week. Here is a press release from Salem Terrace:

On Thursday, April 21, 2011, Salem Terrace at Harrogate celebrated its official Grand Opening with a ribbon cutting ceremony followed by a reception for all residents, families and guests.

Several dignitaries were on hand to participate in the festivities, including U.S. Congressman Bob Goodlatte and Salem Vice-Mayor John Givens.

Charter residents were recognized during a special presentation by Shannon Ross and Chris Eberhard of the Salem Terrace marketing team.  A time capsule was also unveiled and a special blessing on the community was given by L. Gerald Carter, pastor for congregational care at Second Presbyterian Church in Roanoke.

All attendees were then invited to stay and celebrate with a special reception held throughout the community.  The Stardusters band played lively favorites while guests enjoyed a variety of hors d’oeuvres and refreshments prepared by Chef Michele Carder and her team.

Salem Terrace at Harrogate features a spacious dining room, theater, living room with fireplace, outdoor decks and terraces, library, and social club.  The three-story community features 76 residential and assisted living apartments and 16 apartments in the Dogwood Memory Care Center.  Respite care is available for independent living, assisted living, and memory care.

For more information on the Salem Terrace senior living community, please call 540-444-0343 or visit their website, www.salemterrace.com.

Wu Feng

David Mittelman

Virginia Tech professors have received research backing from the NVIDIA Foundation in the Silicon Valley to develop an analysis program that will help researchers identify cancer mutations. Here is a press release from Tech:

Virginia Tech researchers Wu Feng and David Mittelman have won the first worldwide research award from the NVIDIA Foundation, as part of its “Compute the Cure” program.

The award will enable them to develop a faster genome analysis platform that will make it easier for genomics researchers to identify mutations that are relevant to cancer.

This program is a pilot effort started by the NVIDIA Foundation, the philanthropic arm of the Silicon Valley-based technology firm NVIDIA. The company specializes in programmable graphics processing units (GPUs), which are used in everything from super phones to supercomputers. The Compute the Cure program has a strategic mission to leverage GPUs to support cancer researchers in the search for a cure, as well as promote cancer awareness and prevention initiatives for the greater good.

“Compute the Cure seeks to revolutionize the way that cancer biologists conduct their science by delivering a framework and toolkit of personal desktop supercomputing solutions for the analysis of genome changes from next-generation sequencing data, as a first step toward seeking a cure for cancer,” said Feng, associate professor in the Department of Computer Science and Bradley Department of Electrical and Computer Engineering in the College of Engineering at Virginia Tech.  He is principal investigator on the project. Read more »

Virginia Tech’s Department of Fisheries and Wildlife Sciences will now be called the Department of Fish and Wildlife Conservation, a step taken to emphasize the department’s focus on sustainability. The College of Natural Resources was changed to the College of Natural Resources and Environment last year. Here is a press release from Tech:

College of Natural Resources and Environment department renamed Fish and Wildlife Conservation

To reflect the growing emphasis on sustainability, Virginia Tech’s Department of Fisheries and Wildlife Sciences has changed its name to the Department of Fish and Wildlife Conservation. The name change, which went through the university’s governance system, became effective March 15.

The new name is one of a number of steps the College of Natural Resources and Environment is taking to position itself as a leader in the area of sustainability.

“We are refocusing our efforts to address the most critical and pressing problems facing the global community,” said Dean Paul Winistorfer. “We must position the college to be relevant to the broader campus and a growing and diverse group of stakeholders. Read more »

Sen. Steve Newman at the Capitol

Virginia Senator Steve Newman, who represents the 23rd District, has been named the 2011 Central Virginia Community College Outstanding Alumnus and will speak at this year’s graduation. Here is a press release from CVCC:

Senator Stephen D. Newman has been named Central Virginia Community College’s 2011 Outstanding Alumnus. He will be the keynote speaker at the May 12 graduation ceremony, held at the Vines Center.

Sen. Newman (R) serves in the Virginia State Senate of the Virginia General Assembly representing the people of the 23^rd District. The District encompasses all of Bedford City and County, all of Lynchburg, and part of both Amherst and Campbell Counties. Sen. Newman has been a member of the Senate since 1996. Prior to this, he was a member of the House of Delegates (1991-1996) and of Lynchburg City Council (1988-1991). Read more »

Lynchburg-based N.B. Handy Company has received the 2011 Chancellor’s Award for Leadership in Philanthropy for its support of Central Virginia Community College. Here is a press release from CVCC:

N. B. Handy Company, of Lynchburg, Virginia, has earned the 2011 Chancellor’s Award for Leadership in Philanthropy.  They were nominated for the award by Central Virginia Community College.  The award was given at a luncheon ceremony at the Country Club of Virginia on Tuesday, April 19, 2011.

N. B. Handy has supported CVCC through funding of the NBHandy HVAC Laboratory in the AREVA Technology Center.  The Heating, Ventilation, and Air Conditioning Program Plan of study is one of many offered through CVCC’s Center for Workforce Development and Continuing Education offering professional and affordable workforce training to support the needs of local businesses.

The Chancellor’s Award for Leadership in Philanthropy is hosted by the Virginia Foundation for Community College Education (VFCCE) to honor the leading philanthropists from each of Virginia’s 23 community colleges as well as the statewide foundation.  This marks the sixth year the awards have been given. Read more »

She Chooses, a social network for women, has been nominated for the Rising Star Award from the NewVa Corridor Technology Council. Three of the four co-founders will meet for the first time at the TechNite Awards Banquet. Here is a press release about the new company from VT KnowledgeWorks:

What do women want?  The four co-founders of She Chooses (TM), the social network for women, think She Chooses is part of the answer.

She Chooses launched to the public on March 22, 2011.  She Chooses members will meet to celebrate the launch, both actually and virtually, on Tuesday, May 3, 2011.  The She Chooses Launch Party is scheduled for 5:30 PM – 7:30 PM Eastern at restaurant 622 North in Blacksburg, Virginia.  The first-ever She Chooses Chat – Live!—the online version of the party—will be held on the She Chooses site from 6:00 PM – 7:00 PM Eastern with guest host Janeson Keeley, an early supporter and friend of She Chooses. Read more »

Smart College has created a “Visit Virginia Tech” application for prospective students and other visitors to campus. Virginia Tech already has a Hokie Mobile application, that provides campus news and online services,  available here. Here is a press release from Tech:

Planning to visit Virginia Tech? There’s an app for that.

Prospective students, their families, friends, returning alumni, and anyone visiting Virginia Tech’s 2,600-acre Blacksburg campus can now have an electronic map, driving directions, a walking tour, admissions information, restaurant and hotel information, historical sights, and more available literally at their fingertips via the “Visit Virginia Tech” mobile app.

“The campus visit is very important in higher education marketing,” acknowledged Melissa Richards, director of marketing and publications at Virginia Tech. “Virginia Tech works very hard to make every visitor’s experience the best it can be. We seek innovative and interactive ways to forge personal connections with our audiences. A mobile app is a smart way to engage visitors before, during, and even after they come to campus.” Read more »

Central Virginia Community College will hold an open house for its Machine Industry Program April 28. Here is a press release from CVCC:

Central Virginia Community College will hold an Open House on Thursday, April 28, beginning at 6:30 p.m. for prospective students interested in the Region 2000 Machine Industry Program (R2MIP).  R2MIP is a partnership between the College,The Babcock and Wilcox Company (B&W), and the Job Corps.  The program was established to answer an ongoing need within Region 2000 for qualified individuals to fill machine tool and related quality assurance jobs.  Open house attendees will receive a program overview from representatives of CVCC and the Job Corps.  B&W will also share their employer perspective on future job potential.

CVCC Workforce Development promotes local talent for local jobs through a Grow Your Own Program.  Through R2MIP, the College offers a five-semester program leading to a certificate, then to one of twohigher credentials; Machine Tool Diploma or Machine Tool & Quality Diploma. Read more »