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VDH COVID-19 Vaccine Phase 1b

Extended - Job Announcement for President and CEO position at Harrisonburg-Rockingham Chamber of Commerce

                                                           HARRISONBURG, Virginia – January 15, 2021 – Harrisonburg-Rockingham Chamber of Commerce has announced that they are extending the closing date to February 5, 2021 for resume for the President and Chief Executive Officer job position.    The Community – Harrisonburg-Rockingham County is located in the beautiful Shenandoah Valley of Virginia and is consistently one of the top communities in Virginia for population and job growth percentages. The

COVID-19 HR Community Response Fund RECOVERY PHASE – ROUND 3 FUNDING

For Immediate ReleaseContact: Ann Siciliano, 540-432-3863 or ann@tcfhr.orgWebsite: www.tcfhr.org     COVID-19 HR Community Response FundRECOVERY PHASE – ROUND 3 FUNDING   The United Way of Harrisonburg and Rockingham County and The Community Foundation of Harrisonburg & Rockingham County announce the opportunity for nonprofit organizations to submit applications for the RECOVERY PHASE – Round 3 funding from the COVID-19 HR Community Response Fund.   All organizations desiring funding must apply in

Pleasant View Says Goodbye To Hopkins-Garriss

By JESSICA WETZLERDaily News-Record  1/9/21  On a cold December afternoon, Nancy Hopkins-Garriss waited outside of Pleasant View’s Day Program entrance in Broadway.For 35 years, Hopkins-Garriss brought new life to Pleasant View and for the individuals who called it home.On Dec. 30, she waited — a concept she wasn’t used to. In a few moments, a line of cars arrived filled with community members and Pleasant View clients to wish her farewell.Her time to retire had approached.“She was well respected,” said

Lisa Hart Is New RCBL Commissioner

By DAVID DRIVERDaily News-Record  1/9/21  Lisa Hart remembers as a young girl sitting on the wooden bleachers in New Market at Rebel Park and watching baseball games in the Rockingham County League.“My grandmother was sitting there crocheting,” Hart said Friday. “That is the earliest memory and actually watching a ballgame.”Her grandfather, the late RCBL Hall of Famer Bobby Strickler, helped bring a New Market team to the league in 1964. Now Hart – who was born a year later and played basketball at

New Commissioner Has Love For The RCBL

By DAVID DRIVERDaily News-Record 1/12/21  After New Market won its semifinals series over Grottoes, team president Lisa Hart spoke to members of the Shockers and congratulated them on the victory.A few days later, when New Market was swept in four games by Broadway, Hart again addressed her team after the Rockingham County Baseball League (RCBL) finals series last summer.“She talked to us a good 10 minutes after the game,” Shockers’ manager Nolan Potts recalled Sunday. “She said she was proud of us.”Potts

American School and University magazine has just awarded SFCS architects the “Outstanding Design” in the postsecondary category for their work on the Blue Ridge Community College Bioscience Building

SVEC Alerts Members Paper Bills May Arrive Late

ROCKINGHAM – Shenandoah Valley Electric Cooperative is aware of the late delivery of electric bills for some members because of ongoing challenges facing the U.S. Postal Service.   SVEC members have several ways to view their account information or pay their balance:   Enroll in EZ Pay: This payment option allows the amount of the electric bill to be automatically deducted from a member’s bank account. This optional, secure, safe and free service means the member no longer needs to write a check, go to

Hartman Retiring From Truck Enterprises After 5 Decades

By IAN MUNRODaily News-Record  12/31/20  From a young age, James “Jim” Hartman of Harrisonburg was working on and around tractor-trailers as part of his father Dwight’s business.“I grew up around trucks before I ever graduated from high school, and it was a great experience and I learned a lot,” Jim Hartman said Wednesday.Over five decades later, today is Hartman’s last day at the business that became Truck Enterprises Inc. In 1961, Dwight Hartman started the company, which has grown to eight locations and

Governor Northam Announces Industrial Hemp Company to Locate in Rockingham County

Governor Northam Announces Industrial Hemp Company to Locate in Rockingham County  ~ Pure Shenandoah to create 24 new jobs, source all hemp from Virginia ~    RICHMOND—Governor Ralph Northam today announced that Shenandoah Valley Hemp, LLC dba Pure Shenandoah will invest nearly $3.3 million to establish an industrial hemp fiber processing and cannabidiol (CBD) oil extraction facility in the historic Casey Jones building in the Town of Elkton. The company will create 24 new jobs and has committed

Governor Northam Takes Action to Protect Businesses from Increasing Cost of Unemployment Insurance

Governor Northam Takes Action to Protect Businesses from Increasing Cost of Unemployment InsuranceActions will speed relief to Virginians, help weather pandemic during challenging winter months RICHMOND—Governor Ralph Northam today announced temporary changes to the Commonwealth’s Unemployment Insurance (UI) program that will support Virginia workers and businesses whose livelihoods have been affected by the ongoing COVID-19 crisis. Executive Order Seventy-Four requires the Virginia Employment Commission

Governor Northam Commits Additional $20 Million to Rebuild VA Economic Recovery Fund

Governor Northam Commits Additional $20 Million to Rebuild VA Economic Recovery Fund  ~ Funding will fulfill pending grant awards for over 300 eligible small businesses and nonprofit organizations ~    RICHMOND—Governor Ralph Northam today allocated an additional $20 million in federal Coronavirus Aid, Relief, and Economic Security (CARES) Act funding to the Rebuild VA economic recovery fund to meet demand for the program and fulfill pending grant applications. This new funding will bring the

For Outgoing Chamber Leader, ‘It’s All About The Community’

By IAN MUNRODaily News-Record  12/24/20  Frank Tamberrino, Harrisonburg-Rockingham Chamber of Commerce president and CEO of 11 years, is stepping down on Jan. 31 as he takes “a break” from a career that spans over four decades in economic development.“We’ll see what the future has, but I’m not in a hurry,” said Tamberrino, who got his first job at 15.He said the role of the chamber as connector has evolved over time with technology, but connections between people, community and business are always ready to

Electric Cooperative Finds Veterans Good Source Of Talent

Front Lines To Power LinesElectric Cooperative Finds Veterans Good Source Of TalentBy KATHLEEN SHAWDaily News-Record  12/22/20  For Josiah Sargent, joining the military was an instinctual decision, having come from a long line of veterans. At 17, he joined the Army National Guard, where he planned to rise in the ranks until he grew to retirement age. Those plans came to a head when new leadership took over the infantry post where Sargent was based, and he decided to leave.Sargent searched for a new career

Governor Northam Takes Action to Protect Businesses from Increasing Cost of Unemployment Insurance

Governor Northam Takes Action to Protect Businesses from Increasing Cost of Unemployment Insurance  ~ Actions will speed relief to Virginians, help weather pandemic during challenging winter months ~    RICHMOND—Governor Ralph Northam today announced temporary changes to the Commonwealth’s Unemployment Insurance (UI) program that will support Virginia workers and businesses whose livelihoods have been affected by the ongoing COVID-19 crisis. Executive Order Seventy-Four requires the Virginia

A Love For Lift: Dynamic Aviation’s Karl Stoltzfus

By IAN MUNRODaily News-Record  12/12/20  Around the age of 10, Karl Stoltzfus would go to the attic of his family’s Coatesville, Pa., home with a scale model tucked under his arm.Once in the attic, he would take the Beechcraft Model 18 twin-propeller airplane and do loops and swoops with the miniature.Little did he know at that time, even 70 years later, he would be slicing through the skies in a true Beechcraft Model 18.“He flew a Beech 18 on his 80th birthday, and he probably sold 30 Beech 18’s over 50

JMU Director Wins Faculty Award

By MEGAN WILLIAMSDaily News-Record  12/12/20  John Almarode, executive director of teaching and learning at James Madison University, is among 12 recipients of the 2021 Outstanding Faculty Award presented by the State Council of Higher Education for Virginia and Dominion Resources, according to a press release.The Outstanding Faculty Awards recognize superior accomplishments in teaching, research and public service at Virginia’s institutions of higher learning. Nominees are selected by the institutions,

Salvation Army Less Than Halfway To Red Kettle Goal

By KATHLEEN SHAWDaily News-Record  12/16/20  Each holiday season, Salvation Army chapters worldwide look to the red kettle campaign as a major fundraiser, but the pandemic is stirring concerns for a large projected donation shortfall.With nearly $65,000 raised of its $175,000 goal and the campaign’s end looming eight days away, the Harrisonburg Salvation Army’s Christmas effort is falling behind.Compared to this time last year, the local branch’s red kettle campaign is short $40,446.Director of Development

Electric Cooperative Lineworkers Recognized for Service

ROCKINGHAM – Three Shenandoah Valley Electric Cooperative lineworkers were among a group of 15 to receive official commendation from the Virginia General Assembly for traveling 4,000 miles to bring power to five small villages in Bolivia.   At a Dec. 8 ceremony in Warsaw, Va., Del. Margaret Ransone presented a resolution praising the work of United We Light: Project Bolivia to Craig Loving, a lineworker at Northern Neck Electric Cooperative.   Loving, one of the volunteers from eight cooperatives in

Annual Brent Berry Food Drive To Begin Next Week

By PETE DELEADaily News-Record  12/10/20  As COVID-19 lingers, Capt. Harold Gitau of the Harrisonburg Salvation Army said food insecurity continues to be a problem locally.He said more and more people are headed to food pantries for basic staples.“We’re seeing more people who have never been through our doors before now asking for food,” Gitau said.This year, more than ever, he said, the Salvation Army is relying on the annual Brent Berry Food Drive.Now in its 13th year, James “Bucky” Berry and his

Bridgewater’s Sipe Center Performances To Return In 2021

By JESSICA WETZLERDaily News-Record  12/10/20  After the closure of Harrisonburg’s Regal Cinemas and Court Square Theater, the only theater capable of showing movies between the areas of Staunton and Woodstock is Bridgewater’s Sipe Center.Now town staff are looking to see how that can play to their advantage.During Tuesday’s Town Council meeting, Public Works Director Megan Byler told council members and town staff that performances are being scheduled for 2021. While it is unlikely the multipurpose

Jennings House Nears Completion

By JESSICA WETZLERDaily News-Record 12/9/20  ELKTON — From the outside, the Jennings House’s charm is still intact with its white porch and brick exterior.It’s what’s on the inside that brings the house’s characteristics to life.After eight months of renovations and two years of planning, the Jennings House project is nearing completion. Town staff began moving from the Elkton Area Community Center to their new office space on Monday while the special projects crew made finishing touches.During a tour on

Virginia’s COVID-19 Vaccination Priorities Announced

Virginia’s COVID-19 Vaccination Priorities AnnouncedHealth Care Personnel and Long-Term Care Facilities Will Receive Initial Vaccine Doses (Richmond, Va.) — As COVID-19 cases continue to rise in Virginia, implementing a successful vaccination program is critical to flattening the curve and stopping the spread of this virus. Based on new information provided on December 3 by the federal government’s Operation Warp Speed, Virginia is now preparing to receive an estimated total of 480,000 doses of vaccine

Massanutten Regional Library Terminates Overdue Fines

By JESSICA WETZLERDaily News-Record  12/3/20  Overdue fines on borrowed materials can bring in $30,000 per year in revenue to Massanutten Regional Library, but a recent decision will change that.For the first time in its 92 years in operation, Massanutten Regional Library no longer charges overdue fines to patrons as of Tuesday, according to a press release.“We feel confident that the community will strongly support this decision — in the same way it supported fine forgiveness six months ago — and will

10 Under 40 - Shenandoah Valley Business Journal

Meet 10 Valley Business Leaders who have gone above and beyond  - all before the age of 40.  Congratulations to all 10 of these amazing people for their hard work and dedication.  Side note we are proud to mention that ALL 10 are Chamber Members.   Here is the link to the Daily News-Record:Shenandoah Valley Business Journal - November 2020 by Daily News-Record - issuu

Harrisonburg Ranked Among Safest Cities In Virginia

By PETE DELEADaily News-Record 11/30/20  Using statewide crime data from the FBI, Harrisonburg has been identified as the fourth largest safe city in Virginia, according to Advisor Smith, a small-business research website.Harrisonburg was behind Leesburg, Alexandria and Virginia Beach.Interim Police Chief Gabriel Camacho said he was pleased by the study.“That’s huge,” he said. “It’s a reflection of not only the police department, but the community. We’re working together and have that communication. The

Hotel Madison Hosting Holiday Cheer With Community Creativity

Fa La- La-LobbyHotel Madison Hosting Holiday Cheer With Community CreativityBy KATHLEEN SHAWDaily News-Record  11/21/20  Hotel Madison is sharing the magic of the holidays with Harrisonburg this year with its first-ever Christmas tree decorating contest.From Dec. 6 through Jan. 15, the lobby inside Hotel Madison will transform into a wintry wonderland as businesses and organizations within the community dedicate individually dressed trees for the contest.Each year, the hotel’s foyer puts up a delicate tree

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Dynamic Aviation’s $48M Expansion Includes 207 New Jobs

By IAN MUNRODaily News-Record  11/20/20  Dynamic Aviation in Bridgewater will add more than 200 jobs as part of a $47.9 million expansion, according to a Thursday press release from the office of Gov. Ralph Northam.“Dynamic Aviation chose its Virginia location for the facility expansion and the creation of 207 new jobs because of the region’s infrastructure, assets and strategic location,” Michael Stoltzfus, president and CEO of Dynamic Aviation, said in the release.The expansion includes the creation of a

Dominion Energy - Opportunities in offshore wind

Governor Northam Announces Dynamic Aviation to Create 207 New Jobs in Rockingham County

    Commonwealth of VirginiaOffice of Governor Ralph S. Northam     FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE · November 19, 2020    Office of the GovernorContact: Alena YarmoskyEmail: Alena.Yarmosky@governor.virginia.gov  Virginia Economic Development PartnershipContact: Suzanne ClarkEmail: sclark@vedp.org  Dynamic AviationContact: Joel ShankEmail:

Crocheting The Future: Harrisonburg Yarn Shop Casts Connections

By KATHLEEN SHAWDaily News-Record  11/19/20  When Amy Strunk had a cancer scare this summer, it chilled her to the bone. For anyone who’s had to sit in a starchy office and hear the dreaded words fall out of a doctor’s mouth, they know the feeling, but the news was an even harder pill for Strunk to swallow.At 25, she was diagnosed with cervical cancer, but the diagnosis came after eight months of symptoms and trips in and out of doctors’ offices. When the disease was identified, a minor procedure was out

Great Community Give 2021 to be Held on April 21st: Eligible Nonprofit Agencies Registering Now

Great Community Give 2021 to be Held on April 21stEligible Nonprofit Agencies Registering NowHarrisonburg, VA – Planning is underway now for the 4th Annual Great Community Give to be held on Wednesday April 21. 2021.  Organizers are encouraging early registration for participating nonprofit agencies at www.greatcomunitygive.org.  Eligibility requirements include having an IRS 501(c)(3) status and organizations must be located in and serving Harrisonburg and/or Rockingham County.  See website for full

FairField Center Receives Virginia Tourism Corporation Recovery Marketing Leverage Grant for Harrisonburg International Festival & Business Recovery Program

HARRISONBURG (November 19, 2020) —FairField Center has received $10,000 from the Virginia Tourism Corporation’s (VTC) Recovery Marketing Leverage Program (RMLP), designed to help local and regional tourism entities attract more visitors by leveraging limited local marketing dollars through a local match of the state grants funds.More than $1.9 million in matching grant funds were awarded to 161 local tourism initiatives through this program. This funding cycle, local partners will provide more than $5.6

Salvation Army In Need Of Ringers And Angel Adoptions

By KATHLEEN SHAWDaily News-Record  11/13/20  As winter peeks its jolly head around the corner, Salvation Army’s iconic red kettles begin to appear for donation collections.On Thursday morning, the local chapter hosted its annual kettle and angel tree kickoff in the Belk Court at Valley Mall.After leading the crowd in prayer, Capt. Harold Gitau, corps officer for the Harrisonburg Salvation Army, said this year looks to be the most challenging of all for local families in need.“We’ve all been dictated by

Brain Injury Connections of the Shenandoah Valley welcomes Stephanie Forbes and Erin Kalbach as new

Harrisonburg, VA – November 11, 2020:  For 15 years, Brain Injury Connections of the Shenandoah Valley (BICSV) has connected brain injured individuals, across a seven-county region in the Shenandoah Valley, to valuable resources. As an affiliate of James Madison University’s Institute for Innovation in Health and Human Services, Brain Injury Connections has partnered with local funders such as community foundations and United Ways, to provide much needed food, housing, medical and other supports for its

City Doles Out CARES Act Grants To Nonprofits

DN-R Staff Reports11/10/20  The City of Harrisonburg announced it has awarded 22 nonprofits $626,831 from its CARES Act funding due to the COVID-19 pandemic.According to the city, the nonprofit support grants were focused on service interruption and service expansion during the pandemic and the funds were recommended by the city’s CARES Act Advisory Task Force made up of residents, city staff and Harrisonburg City Council members.“We are very pleased to know that these funds will immediately go into our

OCP Celebrates Victories With Online Gala Fundraiser

By KATHLEEN SHAWDaily News-Record  10/22/20  When Tony Brown discovered Our Community Place in 2017, he was living in a tent. After deciding to leave his life in the woods behind, he walked into OCP, unsure of what he may find. Brown became a volunteer by the next week, moved to be a donor within months and found housing two years later through OCP, as well as the courage to live there, he said in a livestream.To celebrate the victories for people like Brown, OCP hosted a virtual fall gala on Saturday to

Boys & Girls Clubs of Harrisonburg and Rockingham County Receives Recyclable Desks

100 Corrugated desks donated by PCA provide the proper study environment for the Clubs  FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE  OCTOBER 19, 2020 (HARRISONBURG, VA) – Boys & Girls Clubs of Harrisonburg and Rockingham County (BGCHR) received close to 100 desks made of corrugated cardboard. These desks are being used by Club members while Boys & Girls Clubs serve as academic support centers for school-aged youth in the City and County.  The donated desks are an example of collaboration and creativity. Packaging Corporation

Exploring More Learning Outside Of Home

By KATHLEEN SHAWDaily News-Record  10/8/20  Learning outside of the home, what once seemed a common activity but now a precious rarity, is back in downtown.After six months of closure, downtown’s Explore More Discovery Museum reopened last week under limited hours and reduced capacity for pre- scheduled play sessions.Museum Director Lisa Shull said staff has worked for months tracking information on the virus, working to find ways to bring the multisensory museum to families in a safe, accessible manner.

Mercy House To Open Thrift Store, Apartments In Timberville

By JESSICA WETZLERDaily News-Record  10/5/20  The Mercy House Thrift Store is not only a place for those in need to find clothing for $1, but a major funding source for the organization’s shelter that provides a home for families without housing.As the nonprofit organization shifts its mission to bringing affordable housing for homeless families, Mercy House announced on Sept. 26 that Timberville’s bank building would be converted into a new thrift store location, as well as house six apartments. “It’s an

County Awards Full $500K In Small Business Grants

By JESSICA WETZLERDaily News-Record  10/2/20  When CrossKeys Vineyards was awarded a $10,000 grant through Rockingham County’s Small Business Grant Program, Director of Marketing Babak Bakhtiar said the money was put toward payroll and operation costs. The grant application was approved on July 30, nearly two months after the winery reopened in May.While Bakhtiar said business at CrossKeys Vineyards is getting close to the pre-COVID-19 pandemic days, it will have additional funding to rely on as the

Holtzman Companies Plan Verona Expansion

MT JACKSON, VA – Holtzman Oil Corp. and Holtzman Propane announced plans today to open a new office and showroom in Verona, VA to better serve customers in Augusta County and the surrounding communities. The companies already provide propane, heating oil, lubricants and fuels to residential and commercial customers throughout the region. “The new location will help us become more involved in the community, and strengthen our commitment to customers in the Shenandoah Valley and beyond,” said Holtzman Propane

Lawmakers Voice Concerns For Business, Public Safety At Business Summit

By IAN MUNRODaily News-Record  9/24/20  Nearly 100 people electronically joined the eighth annual Valley Business Summit on Wednesday to hear from elected officials and local economic development leaders about the future of business and industry regulations in the region and commonwealth.Dels. Tony Wilt, R- Broadway, Chris Runion, R-Bridgewater, Ronnie Campbell, R-Bath, and John Avoli, R-Staunton, said they were concerned for business and public safety because of the Democratic Party’s majority in the

Commonwealth Adds 68,000 New Jobs In August

By IAN MUNRODaily News-Record  9/19/20  Virginia employers created 68,000 jobs in August as the economy attempted to rebuild itself, said Joe Mengedoth, an economist with the Federal Reserve Bank of Richmond, citing Virginia Employment Commission data.The commonwealth lost a total of 440,000 jobs in March and April, but has now added back 188,000 jobs, or roughly 43% of the jobs lost, according to Mengedoth.“Just about every major industry sector in the state expanded in August,” he said.The largest growth

Secrets Of The Sea And Sky

Dynamic Aviation To Help With Effort To Find Amelia Earhart’s Final Resting PlaceBy IAN MUNRODaily News-Record  9/21/20  As a physical education teacher at Turner Ashby High School for more than 20 years, Cindy Ferek of Broadway watched and taught high schoolers to run laps.Now, as a certified flight instructor, Ferek teaches fl ying students to lap airports and everything else involved in the skill of controlling an aircraft.“Teaching was the only thing that was my passion, and now I’m teaching at 5,000

Broad Porch Coffee Co. Extending To Broader Area

By KATHLEEN SHAWDaily News-Record 9/16/20  During lazy summer days, Phil Duntemann would experimentally roast coffee beans on his porch. Within three years, those dog days of hobby roasting evolved into an operational cafe serving downtown Harrisonburg pedestrian traffic through Agora Market.Over the years, Broad Porch Coffee Co. has played an instrumental role in creating a homey feeling for patrons walking into Agora Market, greeting shoppers with a plethora of budding plants and the comforting aroma of

InterChange Takes Ownership Stake In Shenandoah Valley Railroad

By IAN MUNRODaily News-Record  9/17/20  Mount Crawford- based logistics, transportation and development firm InterChange Group became part owner of the Shenandoah Valley Railroad last week, according to Lance Arey, the general manager of the railway firm.Arey said InterChange Group’s addition to the railroad partnership will “definitely bring [opportunity] to the Valley and more movement of cars through here.”“It’s good to have them on board,” he said Wednesday.The 20.2 mile-long, privately owned

Pleasant View Executive Director Hopkins-Garriss To Retire In January

By JESSICA WETZLERDaily News-Record  9/18/20  Involved, caring and a person of integrity are all words Elroy Miller used to describe Nancy Hopkins-Garriss.“She has been a remarkable director,” said Miller, former Pleasant View board president.For the last 35 years, Hopkins-Garriss has brought new life to Pleasant View and for the individuals who call it home. And while she has shared numerous experiences during her time serving as executive director, she is ready to share two more — Pleasant View’s 50th

Pilgrim’s To Invest $350K In Broadway, Timberville

By JESSICA WETZLERDaily News-Record  9/18/20  As part of its Hometown Strong initiative, Pilgrim’s announced Tuesday it will invest $350,000 in Broadway and Timberville to support the communities.Projects that will be funded include upgrades to both of the towns’ parks, such as new playground equipment at Heritage Park in Broadway, and the construction of a basketball court, pickleball court and new complex building at the former pool area at Plains District Memorial Park in Timberville, according to a

Horizons Learning Helping With Child Care Needs

By MEGAN WILLIAMSDaily News-Record  9/15/20  The need for quality child care that also adds an element of instruction is at all- time premium for area parents, as many are working while their children are learning virtually.Horizons Outdoor Learning Center north of Harrisonburg is here to help. Thanks to additional funding from Harrisonburg City Public Schools, the organization is also able to offer scholarships for students who need it.“It’s a neat partnership, and I’m glad the schools saw the value in

Area Development: 2020 Top States for Business

Walk To End Alzheimer’s Goes Virtual In October

By JESSICA WETZLERDaily News-Record  9/3/20  It’s been more than a year since Michael Strawderman’s father, Ronnie, died from Alzheimer’s, and the memory of what the disease did to him is hard to forget.Ronnie’s driver’s license was taken away, and he forgot how to do the things he loved the most.“Alzheimer’s is the sixth-leading cause of death in the United States,” Michael Strawderman said.It is in Ronnie’s memory that Strawderman became involved with the Harrisonburg Walk to End Alzheimer’s

Feasibility Study for a shared-use Agricultural Enterprise Center in the Shenandoah Valley Begins

The Agricultural Enterprise Center Feasibility Study will determine if a certified, commercial, shared-use facility in the central Shenandoah Valley is possible, practical and viable. If brought to fruition, this multi-use facility is expected to support the region’s many small to mid-size agricultural businesses and entrepreneurs by expanding market reach and reducing some of the risk and burden of facility building by any one operation. The study region includes the seven counties of Augusta, Bath,

Brown Edwards CEO named as one of Virginia’s most powerful leaders

Virginia Business magazine released the inaugural edition of the Virginia 500 – the 2020 PowerList. This list consists of the Commonwealth’s most powerful and influential corporate and community leaders by sector.  Brown Edwards is pleased to announce its CEO Jason Hartman is included in the Professional Services sector. Brown Edwards is the largest non-national, independent accounting firm in Virginia with additional offices in West Virginia and Tennessee. The firm is recognized as one of the country’s Top

Membership Director Aims To Support Women’s Business Organizations

Armentrout Works To Grow Chamber RanksMembership Director Aims To Support Women’s Business OrganizationsBy IAN MUNRODaily News-Record  8/26/20  Growing up in the town of Shenandoah, Sheena Armentrout watched as her mother, Donna Cave, and her grandmother, Ruby Nicholson, ran a salon.“They started their own business. It was a successful business, and my mom stepped into the corporate world,” Armentrout said. “She did that as a single mom with a lot on her plate.”As Armentrout grew up and entered the

Rockingham County Fair Completes A Week Unlike Any Other

That’s A WrapRockingham County Fair Completes A Week Unlike Any OtherBy JESSICA WETZLERDaily News-Record  8/24/20  The barns are empty and food booths closed for business as the Rockingham County Fair wrapped up another successful year, despite challenges of operating during a pandemic.“The agriculture fair we had truly went back to our roots,” said Rebecca Holloway, fair general manager. Throughout the week, the heart of Rockingham County was on full display as more than 200 4-H and FFA exhibitors

Business, Labor Lawyer Teaches Area Employers About New COVID-19 Regulations

By IAN MUNRODaily News-Record  8/21/20  Dozens of city and county residents learned about the commonwealth’s new temporary work standards during a webinar call with Courtney Malveaux, a Richmond lawyer with experience in labor and business law.Malveaux previously worked as Virginia’s Labor Commissioner and now co- leads the workplace safety and health group for law firm Jackson Lewis P.C.The event was organized and hosted by the Harrisonburg-Rockingham Chamber of Commerce in response to questions from

Shenandoah Valley Airport Launches #SHDcares Initiative

https://flyshd.com/shdcares/Weyers Cave, Virginia, July 7, 2020 – The Shenandoah Valley Regional Airport (SHD) announces new procedures and terminal updates as an increased number of air travelers return to the skies. The #SHDcares program was developed with passenger safety and comfort in mind, following guidance from the CDC as well as experts in the aviation industry. “As passengers begin to resume travel we know that safety is at the forefront of their minds throughout the trip” says Greg Campbell,

City Rolls Out New Business Grant From CARES Act Funding

By IAN MUNRODaily News-Record  8/31/20  The city of Harrisonburg announced it would be giving out $750,000 worth of grants to businesses as part of a new program to support local employers and operations during the COVID-19 pandemic.“Our businesses have endured so much during this pandemic,” Brian Shull, the city’s economic development director,said in a press release. “I am thankful to City Council for allocating these funds to help Harrisonburg businesses cover some of their expenses during these

Anicira Receives ‘Gold Standard’ Accreditation

By JESSICA WETZLERDaily News-Record  7/30/20  An accreditation from the American Animal Hospital Association is one only 15% of small- animal hospitals in the United States and Canada have received, and Harrisonburg is home to two accredited veterinaries.Anicira Veterinary Center has recently received an accreditation from the association after going though an extensive review process and evaluated on more than 900 quality standards that go “above and beyond state regulations and determined our practices

InterChange Group To Expand Solar Panel Use

By JESSICA WETZLERDaily News-Record  7/28/20  InterChange Group announced Friday that its newest cold storage warehouse in Mount Crawford will expand its use of solar panels by the end of 2020 and become home to the industry’s largest solar power system in Virginia.Erik Curren, marketing adviser for Secure Futures Solar, said InterChange Group signed an agreement with the Staunton- based solar energy firm to install and operate the solar panel expansion at the facility.Curren said in an email that cold

Rockingham County Fair Trims Schedule, Highlights Ag Roots

BACK TO BASICSRockingham County Fair Trims Schedule, Highlights Ag RootsBy IAN MUNRODaily News-Record  7/24/20  Though there will be no carnival at this year’s Rockingham County Fair, that doesn’t mean the fair’s board had an easy ride in coming to a decision on the event during the COVID-19 pandemic.“It’s definitely been like a roller coaster,” said Rebecca Holloway, fair general manager. “We’re just happy that we can provide something the safest way we can do it.”The Rockingham County Fair Association

Shenandoah Hemp Supply Opens In Downtown Harrisonburg

By JESSICA WETZLERDaily News-Record  7/18/20  Harrisonburg is welcoming a new business as Shenandoah Hemp Supply held its grand opening Friday at the Agora Downtown Market, celebrating its second store location within one year.Shenandoah Hemp Supply, which started in Waynesboro, specializes in bringing locally grown hemp to consumers through a variety of products, including lotion, clothes and CBD oil items.Owners Lee and Amber Magalis were able to commemorate the grand opening with the Harrisonburg-

First Bank & Trust Company Commercial Division Continues to Grow

Johnathan B. ComerJuly 16, 2020 Harrisonburg, Virginia Jonathan B. Comer is the latest to join the commercial lending team at First Bank & Trust Company in Harrisonburg, Virginia.  Comer has thirteen years of experience, primarily from Blue Ridge Bank, formerly The Page Valley Bank, where he began his career in 2007. Prior to his time with Blue Ridge, Comer worked as an intern at Scott & Stringfellow in Harrisonburg. At First Bank & Trust Company, he works with business and commercial clients to

SVEC’s Operation Round Up Supports Area Organizations

ROCKINGHAM – In its latest round of giving, Shenandoah Valley Electric Cooperative’s Operation Round Up Committee awarded $18,500 in 11 grants to area organizations.   Operation Round Up is the cooperative’s charitable giving program. A committee of nine members and one cooperative employee review grant applications from nonprofits, schools and civic organizations, awarding those it feels are most deserving of financial support.   Funds for Operation Round Up come from all co-op members who voluntarily

Ben Cline Awarded 2020 U.S. Chamber of Commerce Spirit of Enterprise Award

The U.S. Chamber of Commerce announced this week that select legislators have received the 2020 Spirit of Enterprise Award. This award recognizes a legislator’s commitment to supporting pro-business legislation, bipartisan leadership, and constructive governing. “I am honored to be named a recipient of the 2020 Spirit of Enterprise Award for my legislative record. One of my top priorities in Congress is to foster a business environment where an entrepreneur with the right ideas and motivation can succeed

SVEC Names New President and Chief Executive Officer

ROCKINGHAM – Effective today, the Shenandoah Valley Electric Cooperative Board of Directors is pleased to announce Greg Rogers as the organization’s new President and Chief Executive Officer (CEO). He is the seventh leader in the Cooperative’s 84-year history.   Rogers has more than 30 years of experience in the electric utility industry. He has spent the last decade at SVEC, where he was most recently Vice President and Chief Operations Officer.   “We have every confidence that his steady hand,

Virginia Super Lawyers, Rising Stars Names Four Wharton Aldhizer & Weaver PLC Attorneys to their Annual Lists

July 1, 2020Four Wharton Aldhizer & Weaver PLC attorneys have been named VirginiaSuper Lawyer/Rising Stars for 2020.  Three attorneys were named Super Lawyers, which is an annual publication only selecting five percent of the attorneys in the state to be included in their select list.  WAW also had one attorney named to the Rising Stars list.  Rising Stars are attorneys under the age of 40 or in practice for 10 years or less.  2020 Super Lawyers:  DANIEL L. FITCH -  Civil Litigation  CHARLES F. HILTON -

Blueline - Amplify Workshop

City Will Forgive Loans To Local Businesses

DN-R News Desk     6/24/20  Almost two dozen Harrisonburg businesses that borrowed money from the city to help weather the COVID-19 storm won’t need to pay it back.City Council voted Tuesday to forgive $105,000 worth of loans distributed among 22 local businesses through the Disaster Impact Loan Program, which was establishedon March 19.Under the program, businesses could borrow up to $5,000 in an interest-free loan, to be paid back beginning July 1.But Chris Brown, city attorney, said Harrisonburg

Truist Gives $100K Grant To Food Bank

By JESSICA WETZLERDaily News-Record  6/10/20  For the last two months, the Blue Ridge Area Food Bank has been working to provide food boxes for individuals in need during the COVID- 19 pandemic, and a hefty grant from Truist Financial Corp. will allow it to serve more people.As part of its national philanthropic pledge to support basic needs, medical supplies and financial hardship relief, the Truist Financial Corp. announced Tuesday that it would commit to an additional $25 million in support to those in

Broadway, Bridgewater Named Safest Cities

By JESSICA WETZLERDaily News-Record  6/4/20  Rockingham County is home to the top two safest cities in Virginia, and it became official May 27.SafeWise, a safety- focused community organization, recently released its list of the state’s 20 safest cities and towns for 2020, with Broadway ranked No. 1 and Bridgewater following at No. 2.In 2019, Broadway was ranked at No. 10 due to an increase in violent crimes compared to previous years.“We’ve always hovered in the top five of the list fortunately, [ but] in