News

Anicira, Local Volunteers Help Save 25 Dogs From Lee County

By MEGAN WILLIAMSDaily News-Record       6/23/21  Cate Lemmond and Melissa Gilligan were not prepared for what they found when dropping off supplies at a Lee County animal shelter on Friday. While giving them paper towels, soap, bleach, food, crates and toys, they found the shelter at capacity with dogs.With no more space in the kennels, Lee County animal shelter workers were prepared to begin euthanizing dogs in preparation for the surrender of more animals that they knew were coming.“We told them, ‘We’ll

Shenandoah Valley Technology Council Announces TechNite21 Winners

Shenandoah Valley Technology Council Announces TechNite21 WinnersHarrisonburg, VA, June 16, 2021 – Once a year, the Shenandoah Valley Technology Council (SVTC) celebrates the achievements of technology firms, organizations, and programs in the region and the entrepreneurs and innovators behind those successes. This year’s twenty-first annual technology awards gala, TechNite21, took place virtually on June 16, 2021 with tech users and creators from all over the Shenandoah Valley. The tech council used a

Input wanted for Mt. Clinton Pike improvements project

HARRISONBURG, Va. – Harrisonburg Public Works and project consultants are seeking community input on the Mt. Clinton Pike improvements project. Project design is underway on the effort, which will include a paved shared-use path between Park Road and Virginia Avenue, a left turn lane on Mt. Clinton Pike at Chicago Avenue, a crosswalk with pedestrian refuge island, speed radar sign, and possible sidewalk along the south side of Mt. Clinton Pike. The project has been in the works for several years. However,

Food Brings People Together At OCP Friday Lunch Restaurant

By JILLIAN LYNCHDaily News-Record  6/9/21  A satisfying meal fills the stomach.It’s arguable that a Friday lunch at Our Community Place also nourishes the heart and mind.Every Friday, Our Community Place, a daytime shelter for the housing insecure, hosts the Friday Lunch Restaurant for both dine in and carryout.Clients at OCP, called “community members,” can volunteer as servers and bussers at the restaurant, while anyone from the community can dine at the lunch fundraiser.Diners choose from a menu of

Arts Council To Reopen Court Square Theater

Home is Where the Art IsArts Council To Reopen Court Square TheaterBy JILLIAN LYNCHDaily News-Record  Soon, the sights of flying bread at the “Rocky Horror Picture Show,” funky local bands at MACROCK, theatrical performances by Valley Playhouse and edgy documentaries at the Hispanic Film Festival will have a home once again.The Arts Council of the Valley board of directors voted unanimously to reopen Court Square Theater at its May meeting.The council, which runs the theater, was waiting for the results of

?Virtual forum to seek public input on Zoning & Subdivision Ordinances update

For Immediate Release – June 03, 2021 Contact: Thanh Dang, Department of Community Development Assistant Director Thanh.Dang@harrisonburgva.gov Virtual forum to seek public input on Zoning & Subdivision Ordinances update HARRISONBURG, Va. – Work on the City of Harrisonburg’s Zoning and Subdivision Ordinances update project continues to move forward, as an upcoming virtual public meeting and comment period will seek to gather community feedback. The City of Harrisonburg and consultants Kendig Keast

Dayton To Host 11th Annual Redbud Festival

By JILLIAN LYNCHDaily News-Record  6/4/21  Though the redbuds may have bloomed in mid-April, Dayton is opening up for the 11th annual Redbud Festival on Saturday from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m.The event, known for handing out free redbud saplings, is usually held in April and was canceled last year due to the COVID-19 pandemic.“We started planning for this year’s festival without knowing if we would be able to pull it off,” said Meggie Roche, Dayton’s economic development coordinator.The historic town in Rockingham

Free Clinic Gifts Assets To Community Foundation

By IAN MUNRODaily News-Record  6/2/21  The closed Harrisonburg- Rockingham Free Clinic is in the process of turning all its assets over to the Community Foundation of Harrisonburg and Rockingham, according to a May press release.“The board is committed to being good stewards of the community-invested assets entrusted to us, to ensure all who need health care in our community have access to it,” said Free Clinic Board President Josh Hale in the release. “The Community Foundation has the resources and the

Broadway Votes To Buy Building For Multiuse Theater

By JESSICA WETZLERDaily News-Record 6/3/21  For the last few years, Broadway has been looking to purchase a historic building that previously served as part of the first Broadway High School.On Tuesday, the wait came to an end.Broadway Town Council unanimously approved purchasing the property, located at 131 S. Main St., with the idea of transforming the space into a multiuse theater similar to Bridgewater’s Sipe Center.“It’s exciting,” Town Manager Kyle O’Brien said. “It’s really going to be a flagship

Coldwell Banker Returns to the Harrisonburg Area

Harrisonburg, VA – Coldwell Banker Premier, the #1 real estate company in a 9-county footprint, recently opened a new office in Harrisonburg. This office is located at 1950 Evelyn Byrd Ave, Suite A and will be managed by Sheila (Jenkins) Hall, a long-serving agent/manager in that market. The addition of this location brings the company’s regional office count to 8. Founder and CEO, Steve DuBrueler, is passionate about the growth and success of his company. “We are honored to have been asked by the iconic

First Bank and Trust Company Welcomes Karen Tupitza to the Trust & Wealth Management Division

STAUNTON, Va., June 2, 2021 /PRNewswire/ -- First Bank and Trust Company, a diversified financial services firm with assets of $2.5 billion, today announced that Karen Tupitza has been appointed as Vice President and Wealth Management Officer in Staunton, Virginia. Tupitza brings over 25 years of financial planning experience with her. Before joining First Bank and Trust Company, Tupitza served as Director of Financial Planning in the D.C. Metro area. In her new role at First Bank and Trust Company,

Arts Council of the Valley’s June First Fridays Downtown

Arts Council of the Valley Announces First Fridays Downtown Events for June HARRISONBURG, VA – Arts Council of the Valley’s June First Fridays Downtown features in-person options throughout the month at several locations, with other venues offering virtual arts experiences - or a combination of the two. A First Fridays Downtown interactive map provides information on each venue (valleyarts.org/first-fridays-map). Arts experiences during June include: ● Arts Incarnate (292 N Liberty St) will host a dance

Governor Northam Announces Plastic Manufacturer to Establish U.S. Corporate Headquarters in Harrisonburg

Governor Northam Announces Plastic Manufacturer to Establish U.S. Corporate Headquarters in HarrisonburgSIBO GROUP to invest $2.6 million in new operation, creating 24 new jobs RICHMOND—Governor Ralph Northam today announced that SIBO GROUP, a Slovenia-based manufacturer of closure solutions for tubes, containers, and other packaging systems, will invest $2.6 million to establish its U.S. corporate headquarters and a new manufacturing operation in the City of Harrisonburg. Operating as subsidiary SIBO USA,

Tiny House, Big Rewards For Massanutten Technical Center

  By MEGAN WILLIAMS Daily News-Record This school year has been all about adjusting expectations and meeting student needs when and how you can. For programs at Massanutten Technical Center, that has been no different. With the price of lumber so high and social distancing and other protocols in place, MTC knew its building management program wasn’t going to be able to build the type of house it does every year for auction, Director Kevin Hutton said. But when instructors Jerry Arbogast and David

BREAKING: Northam says June 15 lift on most restrictions

Northam: Many restrictions likely to be lifted June 15If COVID trends remain positive, state can relax attendance caps PUBLISHED MAY 6, 2021BY KATE ANDREWSGov. Ralph Northam speaks at his May 6, 2021, news conference. Virginia will relax most COVID-19 mitigation measures by June 15 if vaccination numbers continue to increase and spread of the virus continues to decrease, Gov. Ralph Northam said Thursday. “We will continue to evaluate our mask guidance,” the governor added, but social distancing

Governor Northam Updates Mask Guidance to Align with CDC Changes

Governor Northam Updates Mask Guidance to Align with CDC Changes RICHMOND—Governor Ralph Northam today amended Executive Order Seventy-Two to adopt new guidance from the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) on mask use in outdoor settings. The CDC guidelines state that fully vaccinated individuals do not have to wear masks outdoors when alone or in small gatherings. Mask use is still required indoors and outdoors at large crowded events like concerts, sporting events, and graduation ceremonies.

Brain Injury Connections of the Shenandoah Valley announces their new Clinical Director

Brain Injury Connections of the Shenandoah Valley announces their new Clinical Director  Harrisonburg, VA – May 3, 2021 – Approximately 6,000 people in the Central Shenandoah Valley Community are affected with brain injury. In 2020, Brain Injury Connections of the Shenandoah Valley (BICSV) met its mission to help provide options for your neighbors to return to work, school, and live productive and meaningful lives.   Brain Injury Connections of the Shenandoah Valley (BICSV) gladly welcomes Jen DuVon as

PET PROJECT

Rockingham-Harrisonburg SPCA Reaches 93% Live Release RateBy JESSICA WETZLERDaily News-Record 4/24/21  When Huck Nawaz was hired as the executive director of the Rockingham-Harrisonburg SPCA, he took over a shelter with one of the highest euthanasia rates for cats in the state.He started the position in 2018, one year after the Virginia Department of Agriculture and Consumer Services released data citing the RHSPCA had an euthanasia rate for cats in Virginia at 62% and 18% for dogs. It was one year prior

Old Dominion Electric Cooperative Issues Solar Power Request for Proposals

Old Dominion Electric Cooperative Issues Solar Power Request for Proposals Not-for-profit cooperative seeks up to 400 MW of solar energy Glen Allen, VA – Old Dominion Electric Cooperative (ODEC) has issued a request for proposals from solar energy project developers for up to 400 MW of solar energy and related attributes. The RFP also invites, but does not require, proposals that include battery storage as part of the solar energy project. ODEC is the wholesale power provider of 11 member electric

Legislators Reflect On Hybrid General Assembly Session

By JESSICA WETZLERDaily News-Record 4/23/21  It wasn’t the first time Valley lawmakers gathered virtually for the annual bruncheon hosted by Harrisonburg-Rockingham Chamber of Commerce, but it could be the last.During Thursday’s post-legislative session breakfast event, more than 40 people signed on to listen to legislators representing Harrisonburg and Rockingham County as they shared their thoughts on the past session and concerns over the legalization of marijuana.Panelists included state Sens. Mark

$1 Million? No Problem Great Community Give Shatters Records, Raises More Than All Previous Years Combined

By PETE DELEADaily News-Record  4/22/21  Heading into Wednesday’s Great Community Give, Amanda Bomfim had her eyes set at $1 million.Little did she know, the Harrisonburg and Rockingham County community would shatter that goal by lunchtime. By the end of the day, the fundraiser received more than the last three years combined.“It’s a testament to the community,” said Bomfim, program officer for The Community Foundation of Harrisonburg- Rockingham and leader of the fundraiser since its inception three years

GREAT COMMUNITY GIVE 2021 SURPASSES $1MILLION GOAL

Harrisonburg, VA – The 4TH annual GREAT COMMUNITY GIVE was held today, Wednesday, April 21, 6:30am-8pm. As Harrisonburg and Rockingham County’s community-wide day of “Giving”, GREAT COMMUNITY GIVE has had notable response as a one-day fundraising event in support of local nonprofit agencies. Past results are as follows: 2018, 53 nonprofits participated with $276,820 raised. 2019, 89 nonprofits participated with $536,300 raised. 2020, 102 nonprofits participated with $804,216.00

Sentara RMH Physicians Honored on Doctor’s Day with 2021 Golden Stethoscope Award

    Aklilu Degene, MD                                              Earl King, MDCONTACT  Neil MowbrayBrand Engagement Consultant540-564-7205; 540-689-1000nwmowbra@sentara.com     Sentara RMH Physicians Honored on Doctor’s Day with 2021 Golden Stethoscope Award     HARRISONBURG, VA – Sentara Pulmonary & Critical Care Specialists Aklilu Degene, MD, and Earl King, MD, have been named the recipients of the 13th annual Sentara RMH Golden Stethoscope Award. The award recognizes outstanding physicians

Arts Council of the Valley Announces First Fridays Downtown Events for April

Arts Council of the Valley Announces First Fridays Downtown Events for April HARRISONBURG, VA – Arts Council of the Valley’s April First Fridays Downtown features in-person events throughout the month at several locations, with other venues offering virtual arts experiences - or some combination of the two. A First Fridays Downtown interactive map provides information on each venue (valleyarts.org/first-fridays-map). Arts experiences during April include: ● Arts Incarnate (292 N Liberty St) is hosting

SENTARA HEALTHCARE ACHIEVES $15 STARTING WAGE, MERIT PAY RAISES

 SENTARA HEALTHCARE ACHIEVES $15 STARTING WAGE, MERIT PAY RAISES  $15 minimum wage delivered eight months sooner than promised     HARRISONBURG, VA –Norfolk, Va.-based Sentara Healthcare is taking a leadership position in the communities we serve by achieving a $15 per hour minimum starting wage eight months sooner than promised. Sentara announced in late 2019 that it would incrementally increase its starting wage to $15 by January 2022, but recently chose to accelerate the process. This

JMU Graduate Town’s New Economic Development Director

Daily News-Record  3/19/21  Dayton’s new economic development director, Meggie Roche, hit the ground running, according to Angela Lawrence, town manager.Roche’s first day was Jan. 19. The Fredericksburg native graduated from James Madison University in 2018 and majored in communication and minored in political science, Roche said.She first began to learn about economic development from her time interning with Spotsylvania County part time in the summers of 2015 and 2016. She then worked remotely during her

Shenandoah Valley Small Business Development Center Celebrates #SBDCDay, Adopts New ASBDC Brand

Harrisonburg, VA (March 16, 2021). Wednesday, March 17, 2021 marks the 5th Annual #SBDCDay, a national, collective day to "celebrate and promote the impact America’s Small Business Development Centers have on the success of our nation’s dreamers, innovators, and doers." Nearly 1,000 SBDC centers across the country and the hundreds of thousands of clients they serve will join in sharing success stories and positive results SBDCs have had on the nation’s small business communities.  The Shenandoah Valley

The Community Foundation of Harrisonburg and Rockingham County (TCFHR) announces the 2021 scholarship applications are now available

For Immediate Release Contact: Ann Siciliano, 540-432-3863 or ann@tcfhr.org Website: www.tcfhr.org 2021 Scholarship Applications Available NOW The Community Foundation of Harrisonburg and Rockingham County (TCFHR) announces the 2021 scholarship applications are now available online at www.tcfhr.org. Staff expertise at TCFHR links you directly to merit-based and financial need-based scholarships that are right for you. Scholarships include:  Samuel R. Bowman, II Endowed Scholarship  Dennis R. and

Brown Edwards ranks among top 10 accounting firms in Virginia

Brown Edwards ranks among top 10 accounting firms in Virginia According to Virginia Business’ 2021 Annual Big Book review, Brown Edwards ranks sixth among all accounting firms with operations in Virginia and is the highest ranked firm among those headquartered in the Commonwealth. This ranking is based on total number of CPAs based in our Virginia offices.    As quoted by Brown Edwards CEO Jason Hartman, “I believe this ranking once again validates our on-going commitment to be a premier professional

Brown Edwards ranks among top 10 accounting firms in Virginia

According to Virginia Business’ 2021 Annual Big Book review, Brown Edwards ranks sixth among all accounting firms with operations in Virginia and is the highest ranked firm among those headquartered in the Commonwealth. This ranking is based on total number of CPAs based in our Virginia offices.    As quoted by Brown Edwards CEO Jason Hartman, “I believe this ranking once again validates our on-going commitment to be a premier professional services firm in order to better serve our clients and communities

Small Business Resiliency Team (SBRT) Program Helps Jon Henry General Store Implement Changes Needed

Harrisonburg, VA (March 2, 2021). When the Jon Henry General Store opened in New Market in 2018, owner and proprietor Jon Henry could never have guessed that in less than two years he would have to drastically overhaul the way he did business due to a global pandemic. Henry’s vision was to revive the historic Abbie Henkel House (1802) to its past use as a general store and build on his family's longtime history of Shenandoah Valley farming (and recent pastime of produce peddling along Virginia’s Route 11). 

Rockingham Co- Op ‘Stronger Than It’s Ever Been’ In 100th Year

By JESSICA WETZLERDaily News-Record  2//24/21  When Norman Wenger was a child, going to the local Rockingham Cooperative with his father was something he anticipated for days.“It was kind of a highlight of the week,” he said.Growing up on the family farm, Wenger saw firsthand how the Rockingham Cooperative helped his father’s day-to-day tasks. Whether it was buying feed or other supplies, the Rockingham Cooperative was the place to be.As time went on, all roads on Wenger’s path led back to the cooperative.

The Virginia law firm GreeneHurlocker has announced the endowment of a $100,000 scholarship at the U

       FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE                                        GreeneHurlocker, PLC311 S. Main St.Harrisonburg,  VA  22801CONTACT: Jared Burden703-258-2678jburden@greenehurlocker.com RICHMOND, VA, February 22 , 2021 --- The Virginia law firm GreeneHurlocker has announced the endowment of a $100,000 scholarship at the University of Richmond School of Law, Harrisonburg partner Jared Burden reported. The goal of the scholarship is to encourage students with

Governor Northam Increases Capacity Limits for Outdoor Sports and Entertainment Venues as COVID-19 Hospitalizations and Infection Rates Continue to Fall, Vaccinations Rise

Governor Northam Increases Capacity Limits for Outdoor Sports and Entertainment Venues as COVID-19 Hospitalizations and Infection Rates Continue to Fall, Vaccinations RiseIndoor capacity limits to remain in place, overnight summer camps can open May 1 with mitigation measures RICHMOND—Governor Ralph Northam today announced that as COVID-19 hospitalizations and infection rates continue to decline and vaccinations rise in Virginia, certain outdoor sports and entertainment venues may begin to operate at

B-CUBED BEGINS New Program To Offer Grants To Minority-Owned Businesses

By IAN MUNRODaily News-Record 2/23/21  The Harrisonburg-Rockingham Chamber of Commerce is rolling out a new program to support minority-owned businesses.B- Cubed, which stands for the Black and Brown Owned Business Growth Program, is meant to support and “incubate” growth among such businesses in the city and county, according to Chris Jones, chair of the chamber’s Diversity Business Council and a member of City Council.Businesses eligible for the grants must be at least half owned by a person of color,

Rockingham Cooperative Celebrates 100th Anniversary

By JESSICA WETZLERDaily News-Record 2/20/21  On Feb. 23, 1921, more than 1,000 farmers from across Rockingham County met to discuss the price of fertilizer sold in the area.The day marked the first cooperative effort by area farmers, which led to the founding of the Rockingham Cooperative on Oct. 29, 1921.One hundred years later, the cooperative is ready to celebrate.On Tuesday, each Rockingham Cooperative store located in the county and surrounding areas will offer exclusive deals to its members to show

Virginia Law Firm GreeneHurlocker Endows Major Scholarship at University of Richmond Law School Says Harrisonburg Partner

RICHMOND, VA, February 22, 2021 --- The Virginia law firm GreeneHurlocker has announced the endowment of a $100,000 scholarship at the University of Richmond School of Law, Harrisonburg-based partner Jared Burden reported. The goal of the scholarship is to encourage students with diverse cultural and ethnic backgrounds to earn their law degrees at the University of Richmond and pursue careers in energy and environmental law. “This is a very exciting announcement for both our firm and our partner in this

Central Vaccine Pre-Registration Phone Line Now Up

By IAN MUNRODaily News-Record  2/18/21  Gov. Ralph Northam announced that the phone line for the state’s central COVID- 19 vaccine pre- registration system was up and ready as of Wednesday afternoon.The phone number is 877- 829- 4682, or 877- VAXIN- VA.Northam asked residents to only use the phone line if they do not have access to the internet, are having trouble with the online form, or are not comfortable using a computer.He said a dedicated call center has been established and 750 people hired — 69 of

Black and Brown Owned Business Growth Program Launched in City & County

 For Release – February 23, 2021  Contact:     Christopher Jones, Chair, Diversity Business Council                  Harrisonburg-Rockingham Chamber of Commerce                  540-437-7788                  Christopher.Jones@whsv.com                    Black and Brown Owned Business Growth Program Launched in City & County    HARRISONBURG, VA – B-Cubed, or B³, is an initiative of the Chamber’s Diversity Business Council that seeks to encourage increasing investment from existing Black and Brown

Food and Beverage Accelerator Program Opens Application Period for Inaugural Cohort

Harrisonburg, VA (February 15, 2021) The Virginia Small Business Development Center and Cureate Courses invite companies in the Charlottesville and Shenandoah Valley regions to apply for the inaugural cohort of the Food and Beverage Accelerator. This free, intensive 6-week program is designed to help the founders and CEOs of growth-oriented food and beverage producers acquire the competencies required to grow and scale existing operations and to consider the next steps in strategic growth opportunities

Governor Northam Announces $524 Million in New Funding for Virginia Rent Relief Program

Governor Northam Announces $524 Million in New Funding for Virginia Rent Relief Program  ~ Federal stimulus funds available to help landlords and tenants impacted by COVID-19 pandemic ~    ARLINGTON—Governor Ralph Northam today announced $524 million in new federal funding to help keep Virginia families in their homes amid the ongoing COVID-19 pandemic. The Virginia Rent Relief Program (RRP) is funded through the Emergency Rental Assistance (ERA) program included in the recent federal stimulus

Massanutten Resort Launches ‘Vacationing on the Clock’ Package for Remote Workers and Learners

 FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE  Massanutten Resort Launches ‘Vacationing on the Clock’ Package for Remote Workers and Learners  Premier All-Season Virginia Resort Invites Travelers to Change Up Their Workspace with a Weekday Vacation Combining Work and Play  Massanutten, Va. – February 10, 2021 – Noting a rise in the number of people working and learning from home, Virginia’s Massanutten Resort has launched a new “Vacationing on the Clock” lodging special, with great deals for remote workers looking to be

Governor Northam Announces Personal Protective Equipment Manufacturer to Locate in Harrisonburg

Governor Northam Announces Personal Protective Equipment Manufacturer to Locate in Harrisonburg  ~ Valley Guard Supply to invest $1 million in new facility, create 45 jobs ~    RICHMOND—Governor Ralph Northam today announced that Valley Guard Supply LLC will invest $1 million to establish a personal protective equipment manufacturing facility in the City of Harrisonburg. A service-disabled, veteran-owned company, Valley Guard produces three-ply disposable masks that are 100 percent made in the

American Pickers to Film in Virginia

SVWDB Releases Draft Local Workforce Development Area Plan for Public Comment

Harrisonburg, VA (February 5, 2021). The Shenandoah Valley Workforce Development Board (SVWDB) has released its draft Local Workforce Development Area IV Plan 2020-2024 for public review and comment, according to Sharon Johnson, SVWDB Chief Executive Officer.“The SVWDB Local Workforce Plan IV 2020-2024 is a comprehensive four-year action plan designed to develop and integrate regional workforce service delivery strategies and to support Virginia’s workforce ecosystem through the alignment of state and local

Smiley’s Ice Cream Shop Expanding To Bridgewater

LIVIN’ THE CREAMSmiley’s Ice Cream Shop Expanding To BridgewaterBy JESSICA WETZLERDaily News-Record  2/4/21  BRIDGEWATER — The churns are turning for Smiley’s Ice Cream’s new location in Bridgewater.When Derek Smiley opened Smiley’s Ice Cream’s first storefront location at Mt. Crawford Creamery in 2017, he had no idea there would be a need to expand within five years.“I didn’t expect to grow this quickly. No one did,” he said. “The community support has been awesome for us.”Before it marks its four-year

Trumbo Electric Leadership Changes, But Values Stay

By JESSICA WETZLERDaily News-Record 2/5/21  BROADWAY — From the outside looking in, Trumbo Electric looks the same as it did a few months ago. However, to the people who know the company inside and out, one aspect is missing — a Trumbo.In October, President and CEO Brent Trumbo retired from the business his father, Novell Trumbo, founded in 1948. Brent Trumbo had been with the company for 46 years and witnessed firsthand his father’s vision grow immensely.With Trumbo’s retirement, a change of leadership

Souper Bowl Kickoff Is On

By KATHLEEN SHAWDaily News-Record  2/3/21  February is often associated with extravagant appetizer trays, face paint and love notes. But for one Harrisonburg business, the shortest month of the year only means one thing.It’s time for the Souper Bowl February Food Drive.Brothers Craft Brewing on North Main Street is organizing its fifth annual food drive benefiting Blue Ridge Area Food Bank this month. The partnership with the Verona- based nonprofit began in 2017 and has become a hallmark of the season at

Governor Northam Announces Ice Cream Manufacturer to Expand in Rockingham County

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE · January 29, 2021    Office of the GovernorContact: Alena YarmoskyEmail: Alena.Yarmosky@governor.virginia.gov  Department of Agriculture and Consumer ServicesContact: Michael WallaceEmail: Michael.Wallace@vdacs.virginia.gov  Smiley’s Ice CreamContact: Derek SmileyEmail: dsmiley@smileysicecream.com    Governor Northam Announces Ice Cream Manufacturer to Expand in Rockingham County  ~ Smiley’s Ice Cream to invest more than $1.15 million in new

Virginia Enacts First-in-the-Nation Permanent COVID-19 Workplace Safety and Health Standards Amid Pandemic

    Commonwealth of VirginiaOffice of Governor Ralph S. Northam     FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE · January 27, 2021    Office of the GovernorAlena.Yarmosky@governor.virginia.gov    Virginia Enacts First-in-the-Nation Permanent COVID-19 Workplace Safety and Health Standards Amid Pandemic  ~ Governor Northam approves standard recently adopted by Safety and Health Codes Board, rules are effective beginning today ~    RICHMOND—Virginia’s permanent COVID-19 workplace safety

VDH COVID-19 Vaccine Phase 1b

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

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 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

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

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

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

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

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

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