Investor Insider Header Image
BLUE RIDGE MARATHON IS ON THE ASCENT 

Third time was the charm for the National College Blue Ridge Marathon on April 21 with blue skies and pleasant temperatures for most of the race compared to rain and wind for the event's first two years. Race registrations were up 24 percent this year and race organizers expect next year's race to be even larger.  Marathon runners at Walnut Street.

 

The story of the 2012 race is best told by the runners themselves who have a unique perspective on their experience on the courses and in the community.


"Great to see the whole community get behind this race." 


"I will be back next year and am bringing a large group of friends to enjoy this wonderful marathon."


"This is the best organized, well run, and challenging course you will ever run."


"Love the course, love the spectators and volunteers." 


The course was incredibly challenging, but beautiful and fun.


"Thanks again for an amazing day!!"


"It's not just a uniquely beautiful and challenging race course, it's held in the charming town of Roanoke in conjunction with a music festival (Down by Downtown) and the Roanoke Twilight Criterium (bike) races."


"I simply cannot put into words how awesome this race is and what a GREAT experience it has been the past two years! "


". . . despite the 6 hour drive this is my 'can't miss' race."


"Bill Rodgers supporting the race was extra special! With the shake of his hand in the awards, I told him it was much tougher than Boston and I think he agreed."

 

While only Lauren Bosshardt from Atlanta (3:32:46) and Karsten Brown from Front Royal (3:01:36) can lay claim to first place, most runners agreed that Roanoke was the big winner.

  

 

 
 
NEW JOBS COMING TO ALLEGHANY COUNTY  

Balchem Corporation, a publicly traded company that manufactures encapsulated ingredients used in food, pharmaceuticals, and animal nutrition, recently announced plans to create 55 new jobs and invest approximately $10 million to open a new facility in Alleghany County. Balchem logo

 

Balchem Corp. plans to acquire a vacant, 68,000 square-foot building located in the Alleghany Regional Commerce Center. Balchem projects making $10 million in capital investments within the first three years to purchase machinery and equipment, acquire the building currently owned by Alleghany County, and make improvements.

 

"The state, regional, and local economic development organizations were excellent to work with, providing us with timely information about the benefits of Virginia and Alleghany County," said John Kuehner, Balchem's vice president of operations. "We evaluated raw material supply, customer locations, trade infrastructure support, and overall costs of doing business. These factors, combined with a significant incentive package, led us to this decision."  

 

"Alleghany County was successful in locating Balchem because the region has the right workforce, business climate, and infrastructure for this company's needs," said Beth Doughty, executive director of the Roanoke Regional Partnership.

 

 
"NEXT STEP" CRITICAL FOR REGION'S FUTURE  

Approximately 120 private and public sector leaders were at the Vinton War Memorial on April 23 as the Roanoke Regional Partnership launched a $3 million private sector campaign to further promote the region's economic development initiatives. Partners In Prosperity, The Next Step is a five-year initiative in which a private sector goal of $3 million will be matched by the public sector in Alleghany, Botetourt, Franklin and Roanoke counties; Roanoke and Salem cities; and the town of Vinton to fund a $6 million program of work.

 

At the kick-off event held at the Vinton War Memorial, campaign co-chairs Nancy Agee, CEO of Carilion Clinic and John Williamson, III, chairman of RGC Resources, reported that the private sector campaign already has raised $2,205,750, or 74 percent of the private sector goal, from 43 businesses. Through a program of work that includes business attraction, asset development and image building supported by these funds, the Partnership's goals include creating 3,245 higher wage jobs and bringing in $200 million in capital investment to the area.Campaign co-chair Nancy Agee speaks at the kickoff for 'Partners in Prosperity, The Next Step.'


"The next five years will be critical for the future of the Roanoke region," said Agee. "We have an opportunity to capitalize on the region's growth, promote new business alliances, and share the story of the exceptional quality of life that we enjoy here."


Williamson added that as the economy emerges from a major recession, the region must redouble its efforts to capitalize on upward momentum by attracting high paying jobs in target industries, including food and beverage, transportation equipment, mechatronics, outdoor recreation, and life sciences.


"Economic development is a process, not a project," Williamson said. "It takes patience, it takes perseverance, it takes funding, and most importantly it takes proactive and thoughtful leadership. But our region is fortunate to have academic research institutions, a productive workforce, central location, advantageous cost structure, and abundant natural amenities that will carry it forward in the coming decades."


Founded in 1983, the Partnership is launching only its second organized campaign to stimulate private investment for promoting the region. In 2007, a similar effort funded a strategy that resulted in 24 business locations and expansions in the region, resulting in $88 million in new investment and 1,508 new jobs and a total economic impact of $642,710,597 (IMPLAN).


In addition to business development, Partnership efforts began branding the region as an outdoor mecca by creating events such as the Blue Ridge Marathon and initiatives such as RoanokeOutside.com


Beth Doughty, executive director of the Roanoke Regional Partnership, noted that population growth was one of the goals of the 2007 campaign. Since 2007, the region has seen steady positive growth in the numbers of young adults ages 25-34, reversing earlier trends. The annual compounded population growth rate has improved from 2001 through 2010.


Click here to read more about the Partnership's five-year plan of work.   

 

 
 
BICYCLE FRIENDLY BUSINESSES RECOGNIZED 

Roanoke Regional Partnership, Carilion Clinic's Riverside campus, and Norfolk Southern join a group of more than 400 local businesses, government agencies, and Fortune 500 companies across the United States that were recently recognized as Bicycle Friendly Businesses.Pete Eshelman, director of outdoor branding, using his bike to travel to a business meeting.

 

The League of American Bicyclists recognizes businesses that are working to transform the American workforce and contribute to the community. "Businesses and organizations like the Roanoke Regional Partnership, Carilion Clinic, and Norfolk Southern are at the forefront of a movement to make American businesses more competitive, sustainable, and attractive to the best and brightest employees," said Andy Clarke, president of the League of American Bicyclists. "An investment in bicycling enhances employee health, increases sustainability and improves the bottom line."  

 

The Roanoke Regional Partnership, bronze award, was recognized for its efforts to attract and retain bicycle-centered businesses while promoting bicycling events and races. Carilion Clinic, also bronze, encourages commuting by providing convenient bike parking, showers, and locker rooms. Carilion also uses bicycles at work, including emergency medical technicians and security patrols, and supports community cycling events.  

 

"Being recognized as a Bicycle Friendly Business reinforces the Partnership's message that this region has a strong outdoor culture," said Beth Doughty, executive director of the Roanoke Regional Partnership. 

 

To apply or learn more about the free Bicycle Friendly Business program, visit

the league online.

  

 

                                                                                                                                                                                      
Aid Station Mile Breakdown Chart 
          Aid Station Mile Breakdown Chart 
Roanoke Regional Partnership � 111 Franklin Plaza, Suite 333 � Roanoke, VA 24011
540.343.1550 � www.roanoke.org www.roanokeoutside.com www.roanokeentrepreneur.com