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Region Visited by Federal and State Officials
Virginia’s Blue Ridge region hosted U.S. Senator Mark Warner and Virginia Secretary of Commerce and Trade Carren Merrick during separate visits this past month. 

Senator Warner visited Botetourt and Craig Counties to discuss ongoing efforts to expand broadband infrastructure, followed by a visit to the Roanoke-Blacksburg Regional Airport to tout the recently passed Infrastructure Investment and Jobs Act. $15 million of the $1.2 trillon dollar package will go toward improvements at ROA.

Secretary Merrick toured several locations in our region, to include sites for future development as well as participating in discussions with public and private entities on how to grow our regional workforce. Accompanying Secretary Merrick was Jason El Koubi, newly appointed CEO of the Virginia Economic Development Partnership (VEDP). 

While acknowledging the strain that the shortage of qualified employees has placed on employers and the economy, government officials continue to stress the positives for our region. High quality of life, relatively low cost of living, and boundless outdoor amenities position our region well for future growth.
State of the City Address
Roanoke Mayor Sherman Lea Sr. will present the annual State of the City Address to business community members at The Hotel Roanoke & Conference Center on Thursday, August 25. Plan to join us as Mayor Lea reviews the city's accomplishments over the past year and provides a look ahead at upcoming city initiatives.

When: Thursday, August 25, 7:30 - 9 a.m.
Where: The Hotel Roanoke & Conference Center
Cost: $27/member, $37/future member
New License Plate to Benefit Blue Ridge Parkway
The Blue Ridge Parkway needs your help! You and your friends, family, and neighbors in Virginia can protect the Parkway with a fresh and attractive new license plate that features the scenic beauty of the national park unit. It's the only specialty license plate in the commonwealth dedicated to supporting projects and programs on the Blue Ridge Parkway.

Help support the Blue Ridge Parkway Foundation and order your license plate today!
Become a V3 Employer!
We are often asked by employers on how to seek veterans for employment. One of the best ways to do so is by becoming a V3 employer!

There are over 700,000 veterans residing in Virginia, and many are highly trained with desired skills spanning a multitude of disciplines. Learn more about the program by clicking here, and submit your application for free here!
High-Quality Internship Workshops
The Roanoke Regional Chamber has participated in the Regional Internship Collaborative alongside numerous public and private partners as a way to help address the workforce-talent gap and to keep young talent in our region. As part of that work, the Collaborative is hosting a series of in-person workshops to teach businesses how to recruit local students for internships. For more information and to register for a workshop, please see below:

DATE: Wednesday, August 3rd
TIME: 11am - 2pm
LOCATION: Virginia Career Works - Roanoke

In the News

STAY CONNECTED:

Terry Durkin
Vice President of Public Policy
 Roanoke Regional Chamber 
540.682.2111