Economic Development
Alliance Unveils New Website
The Lynchburg Regional Business Alliance has released its new economic development website,
YesLynchburgRegion.org.
“A vibrant community needs a website that matches the Region’s personality and one that will showcase its regional assets to site selectors and prospects,” states Megan Lucas, CEO & Chief Economic Development Officer for the Alliance.
Visitors to the website will find comprehensive data regarding business recruitment and retention including available sites and buildings, labor force information, demographics, incentives, and rates such as taxes, water, power, and sewer. YesLynchburgRegion.org also highlights regional partners. According to the Alliance, site selectors and corporate executives gather 80 percent of their information off these types of websites.
“The Alliance’s new website will be a useful tool for businesses looking to locate or expand in the Lynchburg Region, detailing workforce strengths, listing available property and showcasing Lynchburg’s incredible sense of place,” said Marjette Upshur, Economic Development Director for the City of Lynchburg.
In creating the website, the Alliance and the Regional Economic Development Team selected Atlas Advertising, an international firm that specializes in the design and development of economic development websites.
Legal
Woods Rogers PLC Recognized in U.S. News
Woods Rogers offices in Roanoke and Charlottesville are ranked in the 2017 edition of U.S. News–Best Lawyers® “Best Law Firms.” The firm’s Roanoke office received rankings in Tier 1 and Tier 2 in more than 25 practice areas.
According to U.S. News, the 2017 rankings are based on the highest number of participating firms and highest number of client ballots on record. To be eligible for a ranking, a firm must have a lawyer listed in The Best Lawyers in America. Over 21,000 attorneys provided almost 700,000 law firm assessments, and over 8,000 clients provided more than 47,000 evaluations.
New Project
Banker Steel Awarded Contract for NYC Project
In less than a year, Banker Steel will begin construction on the structural steel framing for the One Vanderbilt project in New York City. The company announced it had been awarded the contract in November.
One Vanderbilt will be a new, 1464-foot high, 1.6 million square feet building located at 42nd Street and Vanderbilt Avenue, immediately adjacent to Grand Central Terminal. It’s slated for completion in 2020 with construction beginning in the summer of 2017. Banker Steel will be under contract to provide 26,500 tons of structural steel framing for the project as well as responsibility for the erection.
“One Vanderbilt is precisely the type of large-scale, complex, heavy steel fabrication project that fits the unique capabilities of Banker Steel,” said Don Banker, Chief Executive Officer and co-owner of Banker Steel. “This project will literally transform the New York City skyline, creating a more vibrant District around Grand Central Station.”
SL Green Realty Corporation is the project’s developer. Banker Steel will be under contract to Tishman Construction, the general contractor.
HEALTHCARE
Horizon and OrthoVirginia Form Partnership
According to statistics from the Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration, of prescriptions taken for non-medical reasons, over 24 percent came from a physician.
Horizon Behavioral Health (HBH) and OrthoVirginia want to change those numbers through a new partnership. They are taking a proactive approach by first assessing clients for risk factors associated with addiction then providing them with the tools they need to succeed and live healthy lives.
“Our mission is to improve the musculoskeletal health and well-being of those who live in our communities. This robust partnership with Horizon will ensure we are doing everything possible to maintain the health of our patients,” said OrthoVirginia Chief Administrative Officer Karen Simonton.
HBH will provide an educational group using the motivational enhancement therapy approach. These groups will strengthen motivation, educate on cessation strategies and build a plan for change for individuals referred to the group.
“We will be tracking the outcomes of our efforts. We do not just want to place a bandage on this issue; we need a comprehensive medication management approach,” said HBH CEO Damien Cabezas.
Arts and Entertainment
Local Leaders Celebrate Filming of Shoeless Wonders in Lynchburg
In the fall of 2017, filmmakers with Life Out Loud Films will be in Lynchburg working on Shoeless Wonders, a movie with local ties.
In the 1920’s, Lynchburg was one of the largest shoe manufacturers and distributors in the world; it was also home to the Shoeless Wonders, a team of orphans that played football without shoes for a winning streak of eight years.
From Lincoln to Big Stone Gap, Virginia has become a location for filmmakers from across the country and the world. Every dollar invested by the Commonwealth of Virginia in film incentives has returned $8 in direct spending in the state.
New Leadership at Endstation Theatre
Endstation Theatre Company, Central Virginia’s premier not-for-profit professional theatre, is kicking off its second decade with an infusion of fresh energy.
Endstation is welcoming a new Managing Director, Maryam Brown, to lead the organization alongside Artistic Director, Walter Kmiec. Born and raised in Central Virginia, Maryam holds a degree in sociology from Randolph-Macon Woman’s College (now Randolph College) and has over 10 years of experience in nonprofit management. “Endstation is known for introducing new artistic ideas to the region while giving voice to the stories of our peoples,” says Brown. “We are looking forward to building upon this tradition; there are some exciting partnerships coming up in 2017, and our shows offer to take our audiences from laughter, to celebration, to reflection.”
Founded in 2006 by Geoffrey Kershner and Krista Franco, Endstation has inspired the local arts scene with savvy, unique local collaborations, including Our Town at the Old City Cemetery and Two Gentlemen of Virginia at Poplar Forest.
Business Expansion
Independent Pharmacy Opens on Timberlake Road
Owners of Rustburg Family Pharmacy have expanded their business to the Timberlake area. Located at the corner of Timberlake Road and Greenview Drive, Timberlake Family Pharmacy opened to the public in October.
The independent pharmacy is an expansion of Rustburg Family Pharmacy, which has outgrown its current space. Owner Vince Ettare says the pharmacy aims to provide better service than corporate competitors.
“Instead of focusing on how fast we can answer phones, we are looking at how we can provide better clinical care,” said Ettare. “I understand we have to focus on the bottom line, but we want to give people good medical advice and cost-effective treatment methods.”
Nonprofit
Mentoring Organization Obtains 501(c)(3) Status
The Youth For Truth Developmental Center is looking forward to new opportunities to partner with other organizations now that it has recently obtained 501(c)(3) status.
Located at 1205 Rivermont Avenue, the Center is committed to teaching and mentoring youth in areas of self-discipline, respect for self and others, and giving back to the community. The Center was established in 2012, and membership is open to youth ages 6-18 who live in Lynchburg and surrounding counties.
More information can be found at www.yftsm.com. As there are no membership fees, the Center is supported financially through bi-monthly fundraisers and contributions from an all-volunteer adult staff.
