Six projects in Virginia will receive Industrial Revitalization Fund grants, which will go toward construction projects in distressed areas. Among these projects are the George Wythe Hotel in Wytheville and the 1908 Schoolhouse in Marion.

Here is the press release from the Office of Gov. Bob McDonnell.

RICHMOND – Governor Bob McDonnell today announced $2.8 million in Industrial Revitalization Fund (IRF) grants for six projects in Virginia. IRF provides grants for construction projects aligned with local and regional economic development strategies, primarily in distressed communities.
“These grants will leverage local and private resources to achieve redevelopment of these derelict structures,” said Governor McDonnell.  “The funds will create a catalyst for long-term employment opportunities and on-going physical and economic revitalization to attract private sector investment to these distressed communities.”
Projects were reviewed and evaluated competitively, with an emphasis on those with a high level of blight, identification of impediments to economic development effort, alignment with regional or local strategies, availability of matching resources, level of community distress where the property is located and an identified and feasible end use.

The maximum award was $600,000, and applications were accepted on a rolling basis beginning on Sept. 9-Dec. 31, 2011, or until the entire $3 million in funding is obligated. Funding for this program was made possible by the “Opportunity at Work” budget initiative as a recommendation of the Distressed Communities Sub-committee of the Governor’s Commission on Economic Development and Job Creation.
“Financial barriers often block the timely redevelopment of these structures,” said DHCD Director Bill Shelton.  “With the grants and local investments, we believe these projects will spur economic revitalization and provide new life for the deteriorated structures.”

IRF Grant Awards:
(Applicant,Proposal Name,Award Offer)

City of Danville, 321 Craighead Warehouse, $600,000

City of Galax, Sawyers Furniture Site, $382,200

Industrial Development Authority of Halifax County, Burlington Plant, $50,000

Town of Marion, 1908 Schoolhouse, $600,000

City of Richmond, Leigh Street Armory, $600,000

Town of Wytheville, George Wythe Hotel, $600,000

Salem will be getting another chance at a convenient way to conduct business with the Department of Motor Vehicles. The mobile service center, DMV 2 Go will visit the Salem Civic Center Jan. 10 from 9 a.m. to 4 p.m.

Here’s the press release from Virginia Department of Motor Vehicles. Read more »

According to an Associated Press dispatch, a Roanoke company has won another seven-year contract to operate service stations at the West Virginia Turnpike’s travel plazas. The Charleston Gazette reported the West Virginia Parkways Authority OK’d a new contract with PM Terminals on Thursday.

General manager Greg Barr says the authority will receive an estimated $891,000 a year, about $75,000 more than under the old contract.

Freedom First Federal Credit Union has won several state and national awards for helping lower income members finance automobiles and involvement in community projects.

Here is the press release from Virginia Credit Union League. Read more »

In honor of company employees, hospital partners and physician partners, LHC Group Inc. made a donation to the Meals on Wheels Association of America. LHC Group operates Advance Health Services in Wytheville, Christiansburg, Pulaski and Roanoke.

Here is the press release from LHC Group Inc. Read more »

Customers of the Roanoke Natural Foods Co-op who use their own grocery bags are helping to donate funds to local charities. Money that would be spent by the co-0p on buying paper or plastic bags instead goes to charity. Almost $5,000 has been contributed to charities since the program started last year.

Here is the press release from Roanoke Natural Foods Co-op. Read more »

Alex Wood

Salem’s Alex Wood and The Cutting Edge team were given the George Bennett Superior Service Award for demonstrating excellent customer service, timely repairs and and excellent repair know-how. Power Tool Company presented the award.

Here is the press release from Power Tool Company. Read more »

Allstate employee Ralph Stiles was recognized as Allstate’s Capital Region Outstanding Employee Volunteer for 2011. Stiles was awarded for his work to support Rebuilding Together in Roanoke.

Here is the press release from Allstate Insurance Company. Read more »

US Marines SSGT Flores (l) and SSGT Gentry with van load of donated items.

Members of the Roanoke Regional Home Builders Association donated toys and money to the U.S. Marine Corps’ Toys for Tots and the Salvation Army’s Angel Tree campaigns. More than 900 items were donated to Toys for Tots and 30 angels in the Roanoke area.

Here is the press release from Roanoke Regional Home Builders Association, Inc. Read more »

A free Commercial Grants and Tax Credits Workshop will be held Jan. 26 from 2 to 4 p.m. The workshop will cover local incentive programs and grants offered that reduce costs and increase the value of businesses.

Please see the press release below from the City of Roanoke. Read more »