News

Madeleine Albright, first female U.S. Secretary of State, to present endowed lecture at Bridgewater

Media Contact: Logan Bogert Communications Coordinatorlbogert@bridgewater.edu (540) 828-5486BRIDGEWATER, Va. — Dr. Madeleine Albright, a professor, author, diplomat and businesswoman who served as Secretary of State of the United States (1997-2001), will present an endowed lecture on Wednesday, Oct. 6, at 7:30 p.m. in Cole Hall at Bridgewater College.The event, In Conversation with Madeleine Albright, is free and open to the public. Doors open at 7 p.m. The format for the event is a moderated

Massanutten Regional Library to Host Local History Lectures in October

Massanutten Regional Library to Host Local History Lectures in October2021 Four-Part Series Focuses on Topics in Preservation & Conservation in a Virtual Format  The annual Deyerle Program Series on Local History returns to Massanutten Regional Library with four virtual events during the month of October. This popular lecture series features local historians, scholars and area experts who explore a broad range of subjects surrounding the history of the Shenandoah Valley. MRL Head of Reference Susan Versen

Brown Edwards CEO Recognized On The Virginia 500 2021 Power List

For the 2nd year in a row, Brown Edwards CEO, Jason Hartman, has been named to the Virginia 500 2021 Power List.   The Virginia 500, assembled by Virginia Business magazine, lists the state’s top business leaders across twenty categories taking into consideration annual revenue, newsworthiness, community involvement, diversity, number of employees (in Virginia and worldwide) and how large a presence the organization has in the commonwealth.  "I am humbled to be recognized as one of the

Brown Edwards Recognized as a Top 50 Construction Accounting Firm

For the 3rd year in a row, Brown Edwards has been recognized as a Top 50 Construction Accounting Firm by Construction Executive magazine. Construction Executive is considered a leading source for news, market developments and business issues impacting the construction industry. In the July/August 2021 edition, the magazine released its annual list recognizing the Top 50 Construction Accounting Firms nationally, ranking Brown Edwards #37. In addition to the overall ranking, Brown Edwards tied for #5 for

Hildred Neff Memorial Fund – Grant Application Available

Hildred Neff Memorial Fund – Grant Application Available The 2021 Hildred Neff Memorial Fund grant application is now available! Hildred Neff was born in and lived in Rockingham County her whole life. She loved animals and was especially fond of cats. She left her estate to create an endowed fund to benefit agencies that provide for the needs of both domestic and wild animals. Grant awards can range from $1,000 to over $20,000. Grants are awarded through a competitive process, and funding decisions are

Operation Round Up Committee Awards $13,200 to Area Organizations

ROCKINGHAM – Ten area organizations have benefitted from the generosity of Shenandoah Valley Electric Cooperative members by receiving an Operation Round Up grant.   A 10-person committee, comprising nine members and a co-op employee, met in late July and reviewed applications for the cooperative’s charitable giving program. It selected which ones to fund from a pool of money that grows as co-op members voluntarily round up their bills to the nearest even dollar. SVEC assists with a corporate

Hildred Neff Memorial Fund – Grant Application Available

Hildred Neff Memorial Fund – Grant Application Available The 2021 Hildred Neff Memorial Fund grant application is now available! Hildred Neff was born in and lived in Rockingham County her whole life. She loved animals and was especially fond of cats. She left her estate to create an endowed fund to benefit agencies that provide for the needs of both domestic and wild animals. Grant awards can range from $1,000 to over $20,000. Grants are awarded through a competitive process, and funding decisions are

A New Public Transportation Option, Afton Express, Launches September 1!

Today Central Shenandoah Planning District Commission (CSPDC) Chair, Frank Friedman, cut the ribbon to launch the eagerly-anticipated Afton Express commuter bus scheduled to begin service on September 1. He was joined by CSPDC Commissioners and staff, local government representatives, and transportation partners. Rebecca White, Director, UVA Department of Parking & Transportation, Waynesboro Mayor Bobby Henderson and Jen DeBruhl, Chief of Public Transportation with the Virginia Department of Rail and

SVEC Holds 85th Annual Meeting

ROCKINGHAM – Shenandoah Valley Electric Cooperative members re-elected longtime board director Larry C. Howdyshell to highlight the organization’s 85th annual membership meeting on Thursday, Aug. 12.   SVEC’s board and select staff gathered at the headquarters in Rockingham County for the telephone town hall-style event. More than 100 members registered to receive a call to participate. The cooperative met its quorum requirements for the business meeting through members who returned proxy cards or voted

Harrisonburg-Rockingham Chamber of Commerce & Broadway Coworking Announce Partnership Agreement

Small Business Game Changer

Small Business Game Changerpresented by Appeal ProductionSeptember 4- November 21, 2021   What is it: Owning a small business can be tough, but it is extremely rewarding. And sometimes, you just need the right kind of marketing to make your business a step above the rest. As Andy Vanhook, owner of Appeal Production states, “It’s the most satisfying and difficult thing I’ve ever done. The opportunity to choose your own adventure.” JMU Athletics & Appeal Production have teamed up to create a marketing

City Eyes Master Plan For Downtown With Community Input

DOWNTOWN 2040City Eyes Master Plan For Downtown With Community InputDNR 8/3/21For some, the thought of urban development might conjure images of slick-talking businesspeople bulldozing beloved community sites in favor of a high-rise apartment or parking lot.There was a different picture at the #DreamDowntown pop-up events from July 23 to 25, which are part of Harrisonburg’s urban development plan, Downtown 2040. The city of Harrisonburg and Harrisonburg Downtown Renaissance are partnering in a

94% Of Rail Trail Survey Respondents Say They'll Use It If Built

ON THE RAILS94% Of Rail Trail Survey Respondents Say They'll Use It If BuiltDNR 7/23/21  If completed, Brad Shelton, with Michael Baker International, said the rail trail will be divided into six segments to allow user flexibility if built individually. Shelton said the first segment will be 11.5 miles long and stretch from Broadway to Caverns Road in Shenandoah County.Brad Reed, a planner with the Virginia Department of Transportation’s Staunton District, said the point of any feasibility study is to

JMU, BRCC Announce New Partnership For Fall 2022

WEYERS CAVE — Blue Ridge Community College and James Madison University have forged another partnership intertwining their students.Presidents of the institutions announced Monday that 50 students from JMU’s fall 2022 waitlist will be able to go their first year at BRCC while living on JMU’s campus and eventually be able to transfer into the four-year university. The transfer program, named Bridge to Madison, is slated to begin in fall 2022 but could be expanded in future years to more students if the

Bridgewater to award $250,000 to winning business

Brown Edwards Ranks 78th on Inside Public Accounting’s Top 100 List

For the 5th year in a row, Brown Edwards has been recognized as a top accounting firm on the INSIDE Public Accounting (IPA) Top 100 List, moving up another three spots on the list this year.  The IPA 400 recognizes the top U.S.-based accounting firms and is the most comprehensive list of North American public accounting firms available. Each year, IPA ranks the largest public accounting firms in the U.S. based on participating firm’s net revenues.  “The continual improvement in our ranking over the past

Valley Localities Leading State Job Recovery

DNR 7/19/21  In June, Harrisonburg and Rockingham County reached a milestone of recovering over two-thirds of the jobs lost in March and April 2020, according to Joe Mengedoth, a Richmond Federal Reserve Bank economist.Statewide, 60% of jobs have been recovered since the mass job loss during the first two months of the pandemic, he said.Shenandoah Valley localities have led the way in the state for local job recovery, Mengedoth said.The Winchester metro area recovered 101% of the jobs lost in March and

Thousands Respond To Survey About Proposed Rail Trail

DNR 7/22/21  The Shenandoah Valley Rail Trail feasibility study gained the attention of thousands of Virginians, and on Wednesday, the popularity in the project will be revealed.In collaboration with the Virginia Department of Transportation and Department of Rail and Public Transportation, the Virginia Department of Conservation and Recreation will host a webinar at 7 p.m. Wednesday to share the results of a public survey about the proposed recreational trail spanning from Broadway to Front Royal.VDOT

Local Real Estate Company Listed Among Top in Nation

Winchester, VA – Coldwell Banker Premier, founded by Steve DuBrueler in 1994, was recently honored as one of the top companies within the Coldwell Banker global network for 2020. The firm has received the prestigious President’s Award of Honor distinction, placing them within the top 16% of all Coldwell Banker franchisees in the nation. DuBrueler’s passion for helping the company’s agents, clients, and communities they serve, has allowed Coldwell Banker Premier to thrive. Stephen Meadows, the VP of

Shenandoah Valley Return to Earn Program Open to Eligible Businesses

Shenandoah Valley Return to Earn Program Open to Eligible BusinessesBonuses offered as incentive to unemployed workers to return to work and to help employers fill job vacancies.  Harrisonburg, VA (July 19, 2021). The Shenandoah Valley Workforce Development Board is currently taking applications for the Shenandoah Valley Return to Earn Program. Eligible small businesses can apply to be reimbursed a portion of incentives (up to $500) paid directly to new hires in support of their transition back into the

Warner Should Oppose PRO Act

DNR 7/24/21There is congressional legislation that could have a serious, negative impact on a number of major industries that support Virginia’s vibrant economy, including farming and agriculture, particularly important to us in the Valley. The Protecting the Right to Organize Act (PRO Act), prioritizes growing union power and influence rather than the rights of workers to choose or not chose to organize. Fundamentally, this act threatens the viability of Virginia businesses, including local agricultural

Valley Farmer, Leader Receives Top Cooperative Award

Fred C. Garber of Mount Jackson, a farmer, businessman and longtime electric cooperative director, is the recipient of the 2021 Electric Cooperative Leadership Award from the Virginia, Maryland & Delaware Association of Electric Cooperatives.   Garber received the association’s highest award July 22 at a reception at the Rockingham office of Shenandoah Valley Electric Cooperative, where he served as a member of the board of directors from 1984 until 2019.   He was cited for his record of visionary

Dayton Muddler Funds To Benefit Police Departments

After last year’s event was postponed due to COVID-19, the Dayton Muddler returns to the Rockingham County town next month.However, the money raised by the roughly 4-mile obstacle course race will be distributed differently this year.Instead of going to a veterans group, the money will go to the Dayton Police Department and Harrisonburg Police Foundation.Dayton Police Chief Jason Trout said his portion of the proceeds will go to the Dayton Crime Prevention Fund, to be used for community events and other

Northam proposes $353M for small businesses and tourism

$4.3B in stimulus funds to be allocated at August special session PUBLISHED JULY 12, 2021BY KATHERINE SCHULTEGov. Ralph Northam Ahead of the General Assembly’s August special session, Gov. Ralph Northam said Monday he wants to spend $353 million of Virginia’s federal relief funding on small business recovery and assisting the tourism industry. Virginia received $4.3 billion in federal funds through the $1.9 trillion American Rescue Plan passed in March. The Democratic-controlled General Assembly will

Virginia wins CNBC Top State for Business in 2021

Virginia wins CNBC Top State for Business in 2021State repeats victory of 2019 PUBLISHED JULY 13, 2021BY KATE ANDREWS / KATHERINE SCHULTERalph Northam appears on CNBC on July 13, 2021. Virginia was named CNBC’s top state for business for the second time in a row, beating out North Carolina and Texas, as well as being the first state to win the honor five times, the network said Tuesday morning. The state won the news network’s competitiveness rankings for a second time as well. In 2020, CNBC did not rank

The Community Foundation - Congratulations to 2021 Scholarship Recipients!

The Community Foundation of Harrisonburg and Rockingham County celebrates another successful year working with donors in providing scholarships to students in our local area. Over $245,000 in scholarship were given to students of Harrisonburg and Rockingham County. Congratulations to all 2021 scholarship recipients! For the list of students, please see below. TCFHR believes education is the key to a bright future. TCFHR administers a variety of merit based and aid scholarship programs that grant more than

County Awarded Funding For Two Transportation Projects

Making improvements to Smithland Road and the Mount Crawford park and ride came with a combined price tag of nearly $5 million. After the state approved the distribution of $1.3 billion for various transportation projects in June, Rockingham County is looking at completing those projects at no cost. During Tuesday’s Rockingham County Planning Commission meeting, news was released that the county was approved for two SMART Scale projects following a Commonwealth Transportation Board meeting. The board

RCPS Expecting $10.8M In 3rd Round Of Relief Funds

DNR 7/10/21  Rockingham County Public Schools has received two rounds of federal stimulus money to help with the effects of the COVID-19 pandemic through the CARES Act and the American Recovery Plan. The system is expecting to receive a third round of funding for the largest amount yet — $10.8 million.The first round of funding, $1.4 million, was used on some elementary early start programs for the county’s youngest students with behavioral issues, said Superintendent Oskar Scheikl. It was also used for

Professional & Continuing Education Becomes a School Effective July 1, 2021

Professional & Continuing Education Becomes a School Effective July 1, 2021As Dean, I am absolutely thrilled to share that on July 1, 2021, the State Council for Higher Education in Virginia (SCHEV) officially approved our proposal to become the School of Professional & Continuing Education (SPCE) at James Madison University.SPCE is an academic unit with collaborative, innovative and curious colleagues who come together with a common purpose, shared values and inspirational goals. My entire team’s stellar

JMU entrepreneurship center hires new director

Suzanne Bergmeister comes from the University of Louisville PUBLISHED JULY 1, 2021BY KATE ANDREWSGilliam Center for Entrepreneurship Executive Director Suzanne Bergmeister. Photo courtesy James Madison University James Madison University announced Thursday that Suzanne Bergmeister has been named the next executive director of its Gilliam Center for Entrepreneurship. She comes from the University of Louisville’s Forcht Center for Entrepreneurship in Kentucky, where she has been the full-time entrepreneur

In Depth with Chris Quinn - Kline May Realty Word on the Street Harrisonblog

We had the chance to sit down and chat with the new president and CEO for the Harrisonburg-Rockingham Chamber of Commerce, Chris Quinn. We asked how his work history and career led him to this type of work. He comes to the Chamber with experience in government, trade associations, and non-profits. His work in legislature and working with constituents from varying backgrounds that have different wants and needs is similar to working at a Chamber, with different industries, businesses, and priorities. He

Shenandoah Growers taps ex-Starbucks exec as new CEO

Indoor agriculture company also hires new CFO PUBLISHED JUNE 30, 2021BY RICHARD FOSTERMatt Ryan. Photo courtesy Shenandoah Growers Rockingham County-based indoor agriculture company Shenandoah Growers Inc. has appointed former Starbucks Inc. Chief Marketing Officer Matthew Ryan as the company’s new CEO. And Mike Buckley, former senior vice president of business for Postmates, has been hired as Shenandoah Growers’ chief financial officer, the company announced Wednesday. Former Shenandoah Growers CEO

Lawmakers Commemorate Co-Op's 100th Anniversary

DNR 7/1/2021    DAYTON — Rockingham Cooperative has been celebrating its 100th anniversary since February and to keep the festivities rolling, board members were presented with a resolution Wednesday commemorating the occasion.Approved by the Virginia General Assembly during the 2021 session, the resolution recognizes Rockingham Cooperative for servicing its community for 100 years. The resolution was presented by Dels. Chris Runion, R-Bridgewater, Tony Wilt, R-Broadway, and John Avoli, R-Staunton.“You

PCB Announces Regional Retail Management Promotions

Franklin, West Virginia – Pendleton Community Bank (PCB) is excited to announce the promotions of Katie Sinnett, Christina Branham, and Lauren Dunbrack to AVP Regional Retail Managers.Virginia Market Katie Sinnett oversees retail operations in the Virginia market to include Staunton, Bridgewater, and three financial centers in Harrisonburg. Katie has been with PCB for twelve years beginning her banking career as a teller where she was promoted to various retail roles. She most recently served as Financial

New Chamber Of Commerce Head Talks Engagement, Future

DNR 6/28/21Chris Quinn, the new president and CEO of the Harrisonburg-Rockingham Chamber of Commerce, is on a listening tour as he begins his leadership of the local business advocacy organization. He is pictured here inside the chamber’s Harrisonburg office Sunday.  The new president and CEO of the Harrisonburg-Rockingham Chamber of Commerce wants you to think of one word when the local business advocacy group comes to mind: engagement.Chris Quinn, 44, took the helm of the local chamber from longtime

Blue Ridge Area Food Bank Celebrates 40 Years

DNR 6/29/21  For four decades, the Blue Ridge Area Food Bank has been serving the Blue Ridge and Shenandoah Valley region, and it worked to provide meals to those in need during the COVID-19 pandemic.Founded in 1981, BRAFB has grown to serve roughly 122,406 individuals each month across 25 counties and eight cities through distribution centers in Charlottesville, Lynchburg, Winchester and Verona.To commemorate its 40-year anniversary, BRAFB announced Monday it will host its first Unity in Community Food

State Brain Injury Association Names Wilt Legislator Of The Year

DNR 6/30/21  Del. Tony Wilt, R-Broadway, left, poses for a photo with Cindy Noftsinger, executive director of Brain Injury Connections of the Shenandoah Valley.  In the last two years, Del. Tony Wilt, R-Broadway, has introduced legislation to benefit individuals impacted by a brain injury and pushed for approval. After sponsoring two bills that passed with no opposition, Wilt was recognized for his efforts and named the Brain Injury Association of Virginia Legislator of the Year.“It was a surprise, and I

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

American Pickers to Film in Virginia

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

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

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