Smartphones now have an app that gives customers access to services from the Virginia Department of Motor Vehicles. Customers can access several transactions including decal renewal and renewing driver’s licenses. The app also lets customers know where the closest DMV office is located, operation hours and more. Visit www.dmvNOW.com to download the free app.

Here is the press release from the Virginia Department of Motor Vehicles.

RICHMOND – The Virginia Department of Motor Vehicles recently launched an Android mobile operating system application that allows customers to access DMV services through their Android-based smartphones.

The new VADMV app has a wide range of features including access to more than two dozen DMV transactions. VADMV app users can set up a myDMV account, create a personal identification number and conduct a variety of transactions including renewing decals and driver’s licenses. Read more »

A Spring Career and Lifestyle Fair will take place on April 18 at the Roanoke Civic Center Special Events Center. The event is sponsored by National College, The Renick Group, Roanoke Valley SHRM, WDBJ7 and the Economic Development Offices of the City of Roanoke, Roanoke County and City of Salem. For more information, call 853-1694.

Here is the press release from the City of Roanoke.

March 29, 2012 – ROANOKE, VA – As a result of the success of recent job fairs, and the continued economic environment, the Spring Career and Lifestyle Fair will be held on Wednesday, April 18, from 8:30 a.m. to 12:30 p.m. at the Roanoke Civic Center Special Events Center.

The event will be sponsored by National College, The Renick Group, Roanoke Valley SHRM, WDBJ7 and the Economic Development Offices of the City of Roanoke, Roanoke County and City of Salem. Exhibitors include companies offering jobs, entrepreneurial organizations showcasing resources to assist with business startups, and lifestyle organizations offering a diverse mix of social and cultural amenities. Read more »

The time to make nominations for TechNite 2012 is now. Nominations are due at the end of the day Friday. For more information, visit thetechnologycouncil.com/nominate.

Here is the press release from The Roanoke-Blacksburg Technology Council.
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Cushman & Wakefield | Thalhimer announced several  transactions in Roanoke and Rocky Mount.

- A & M Enterprises, L.P. purchased the 9,485 sq.ft. retail center located at 4757 Valley View Blvd. in Roanoke.

- Roanoke Valley Swimming Inc. has leased 10,000 square feet at 5301-A Williamson Rd. NW in Roanoke.

- Greenhorne and O’Mara has leased 1,800 square feet in North Roanoke Plaza at 3100 Peters Creek Rd. in Roanoke.

- Entrepreneur Investment Corp. has leased 1,400 square feet for use as a Verizon Wireless store in Rocky Mount Marketplace at 400 Old Franklin Tpke. in Rocky Mount.

-Stephenson & Kemmerer LLP purchased the approximately 55,000 sq. ft. warehouse building,  Hutting Building at 1809 Campbell Ave. in Roanoke.

Cushman & Wakefield | Thalhimer has sold the property at 4050 Brambleton Ave. in Roanoke. WCI, LC purchased the property that houses O’Reilly Auto Parts. The automotive chain will continue to operate at this location.

Here is the press release from Cushman & Wakefield | Thalhimer.

ROANOKE, VIRGINIA – March, 2012:  Cushman & Wakefield | Thalhimer is pleased to announce the sale of 4050 Brambleton Avenue in Roanoke, Virginia. Read more »

John Register was recognized by the Investment Centers of America, Inc. He was named most promising new representative at the company’s national conference earlier this month. Register is employed by Valley Bank.

Here is the press release from Valley Bank.

Roanoke, Virginia (March 27, 2012) – Valley Bank’s wealth management subsidiary, Valley Wealth Management Services Inc., announced today that Investment Centers of America, Inc. (“ICA”) recognized John Register as ICA’s most promising new representative at the company’s national conference in Ponte Vedra Beach, Florida earlier this month.

In a press release issued last week, ICA President Greg Gunderson commented, “Our representatives’ success comes from their dedication to doing what is best for their clients’ individual needs. John has demonstrated a firm dedication to putting the needs of his clients first and has committed a generous amount of time and effort to each relationship. He exemplifies the philosophy and values that are the foundation of ICA.” Read more »

Donna Travis is pictured with Rogema, a 4 year old girl who climbed up in her lap during a church service in a remote village.

Real estate agent Donna Travis traveled to Port-au-Prince, Haiti and was part of a church construction team. Travis works for Long & Foster Realtors in Blacksburg.

Here is the press release from Long & Foster Realtors.

Donna Travis, real estate agent with Long & Foster REALTORS® Blacksburg office recently traveled with 25 others to Port-au-Prince, Haiti.  Donna was part of a construction team consisting of 13 who were building a church in a remote village in the hills northwest of Port-au-Prince.  The other 13 missionaries were on the medical team.  The medical team traveled each day to remote villages attending to all types of medical needs of the villagers–often they had to hike the last 40 minutes of the trip because there were no roads into some of the villages. Read more »

Dean Richard E. Sorensen

The dean at the Virginia Tech Pamplin College of Business will retire in July 2013.  Richard E. Sorensen has worked at the college for 31 years.

Here is the press release from Virginia Tech.

BLACKSBURG, Va., March 27, 2012 – Pamplin College of Business Dean Richard E. Sorensen will retire in July 2013 after serving the college for 31 years.
Before being appointed dean and professor of management science (now business information technology) at Virginia Tech in July 1982, Sorensen led Appalachian State University’s business school for nine years; thus, he will have been a dean for 40 years.

Under his leadership, the Pamplin College expanded student enrollments and academic programs; developed new international, leadership, ethics, and diversity programs; created new advising and career services for students and outreach services for businesses; and completed two major fundraising campaigns that exceeded their goals. Read more »

Cushman & Wakefield | Thalhimer recognized employees at their recent annual symposium. Local award winners include  John K. Nielsen, top production leader and  Brian Broughman, top producer. Both work in the Western Virginia office.

Here is the press release from Cushman & Wakefield | Thalhimer

HENRICO COUNTY, VIRGINIA – March, 2012:  Cushman & Wakefield | Thalhimer recently held their annual symposium and recognized top production leaders in the company as well as other top awards for 2011.  Over 200 associates attended this annual event at Kingsmill Resort in Williamsburg, Virginia; attended by associates from all ten markets throughout Virginia, North Carolina and South Carolina.  The all day event featured department highlights, an industry speaker, networking opportunities and associate recognition.

Michael S. Logan of Thalhimer’s subsidiary, MGT Construction, Inc., was awarded the Hall of Fame Award in recognition for his leadership and continuous contributions to the company.  He has been with the company since 1991.

Alex Jensen, Residential Property Management, was recognized as Regional Manager of the Year.  Joann Gaskins, Commercial Property Management, recognized as Portfolio Manager of the Year.  Justin Canose, Information Technology, recognized as Administrative Associate of the Year.

Top Production leaders for each office:
Paul F. Silver / Richmond
Robert M. Thornton / Virginia Beach
Christopher E. Rouzie / Newport News
Neil S. Sullivan / Fredericksburg
John K. Nielsen / Western VA (Roanoke-Lynchburg)
Warren M. Snowdon / Charlotte
Kent Honeycutt / Raleigh

Top 10 Producers company-wide:
#1  Paul F. Silver / Richmond
#2  Christopher E. Rouzie / Newport News
#3  Austin H. Newman / Richmond
#4  Neil S. Sullivan / Fredericksburg
#5  Eric B. Robison / Richmond
#6  Connie Jordan Nielsen / Richmond
#7  Mark E. Douglas / Richmond
#8  Virgil G. Nelson / Fredericksburg
#9  N. Dean Meyer / Richmond
#10  Mac Wilson / Richmond

Top Listing Leaders:
Virgil G. Nelson / Fredericksburg
Jeffrey A. Cooke / Richmond
Janet Whitbeck / Virginia Beach
Teresa Nettles / Newport News
Brian Broughman / Western VA (Roanoke-Lynchburg)
Warren M. Snowdon / Charlotte
Todd Harrelson / Raleigh

Most Prolific Dealmaker:  Virgil G. Nelson, Fredericksburg office; completed over 80 transactions in 2011.  Virgil Nelson has won this award three consecutive years, since inception of the award.

Rising Star Awards.  Recognized for continuous increase in production and have been in the real estate business less than five years; Brian K. Berkey (Richmond), Bruce Bigger (Richmond), Shawn M. Carrington (Fredericksburg), Jason Guillot (Richmond), Eric Stanley (Virginia Beach).

Area leaders will come together tomorrow to discuss grants and actions taken by Roanoke City to  identify factors of alcohol-related crashes among youth and young adults. The event will take place at 2:30 on the Virginia Western Community College campus. For more information, contact Josh Meyer at 857-6311.

Here is the press release from Virginia Western Community College.

WHO: Speakers include Nancy H. Agee, Carilion Clinic president; Chris C. Perkins, Roanoke City Chief of Police; and Ray Bemis, Coordinator of the Roanoke Prevention Alliance, a constituent coalition of the Roanoke Area Youth Substance Abuse Coalition (RAYSAC).
Attendees include grant partners from Roanoke City government, Roanoke City Police, Virginia Western Community College, Virginia Western Campus Police, U.S. Attorney’s Office, Mothers Against Drunk Driving, Virginia Department of Juvenile Justice, Youth of Virginia Speak Out and more. Read more »