News

Security Alarm Corporation Announces New Partnership in Virginia

Security Alarm Corporation Announces New Partnership in Virginia HARRISONBURG, Virginia – November 29, 2021 Security Alarm Corporation (“SAC”) is proud to announce its partnership with Security Alarm Systems VA, LLC (“SAS”), a full-service systems integrator based in Harrisonburg, VA. “I am excited to begin our operations in Virginia and to partner with Justin [Allbright] and his team at SAC,” said Ron Noel, Operating Partner of SAS. Mr. Noel continues, “We are tapping into SAC’s more than 40-year

Funding Addresses Local Needs

Funding Addresses Local Needs The Community Foundation of Harrisonburg and Rockingham County’s annual competitive Fall grant cycle came to a close on November 17 with excited Board approval. This cycle’s grants total $78,934 to 14 local nonprofit organizations. The monies distributed will go to H-R nonprofits addressing needs in:  Animal welfare (Still Meadows Enrichment Center & Camp, Cat’s Cradle, Anicira, Wildlife Center of VA) made by Hildred Neff Memorial Fund Arts & culture (Northeast Neighborhood

Shoppers Hit The Streets, Markets On Small Business Saturday

LOCAL FOCALShoppers Hit The Streets, Markets On Small Business SaturdayDNR 11/29/21  Sometime around 10:15 Saturday morning, downtown Harrisonburg’s cold sidewalks slowly morphed into a dervish of leashed dogs, pushed strollers and shoppers armed with credit cards, cash and shopping lists.It was here, her breath visible in the morning air through her James Madison University mask, that Jennifer Riggle was in search of a hidden treasure, preparing to open the door to Agora Downtown Market.“But not until I

Community Provides 250 Turkeys To Those In Need

Community Provides 250 Turkeys To Those In NeedDNR 11/24/21Amy Smith, 43, was driving her mother’s car in the line outside the Salvation Army in Harrisonburg to pick up turkeys and other fixings for her family Tuesday morning.The engine in Smith’s van recently conked out, but that hasn’t been her hardest challenge this year.In March, Smith had her second surgery to deal with a third brain aneurysm — a ballooned artery wall.“This whole side of my face, from here to here, there’s no feeling,” she said,

10 under 40 | Stay-At-Home Mom to Chamber of Commerce

Brown Edwards’ Megan Argenbright Honored In 10 Under 40 Class

Megan Argenbright, the office managing partner for the Shenandoah Valley area, has been selected as an honoree in the Shenandoah Valley Business Journal’s 10 under 40 class.  This honor is awarded to up-and-coming business professionals in the Harrisonburg community. Community members are tasked to nominate talented and successful individuals that represent a diverse selection of industries in the Valley.  Megan provides audit services to a wide range of entities including

Shop Local 2021 Campaign

Harrisonburg-Rockingham Chamber of Commerce Shop Local 2021 Campaign - Participating Businesses   BeCardless Blue Ribbon Nursery & Landscaping, LLC Blue Ridge Dog  Bluestone Vineyard Bridgewater Coffee Co Bridgewater Garage Brix and Columns Vineyards CrossKeys Vineyard Crossroads Café & Catering Dinamic Cuts & Styles Dove Development & Consulting ENS Graphics Explore More Discovery Museum Fab Refurbs Firefly Yarn & Mercantile (Dayton Market) Four Seasons Harmony Friendly City

Bridgewater College Arts and Events Calendar December 2021

Arts and Events CalendarDecember 2021  Please note: In keeping with guidance from the CDC, Bridgewater College requires that all individuals, regardless of vaccination status, properly wear face masks when indoors in public areas of campus.    Now – Dec. 10            BC Special Collections: “Getting the Band Back Together” ExhibitionLower level, John Kenny Forrer Learning CommonsThe gallery is open from 7:30 a.m. to midnight Monday through Friday, 9 a.m. to 9 p.m. Saturday and noon to midnight on

Veterans Support Group Living Waters Finds New Purpose Beyond Farm

AXE OF KINDNESSVeterans Support Group Living Waters Finds New Purpose Beyond FarmDNR 11/15/21Steven Wheelbarger, on his final military deployment in Iraq, was on the verge of making a decision that can be made only once.“I was close to committing suicide,” the Harrisonburg native and Marine veteran said Sunday. “I was headed back to my room and saw a vision of my son instead, so I went to the chapel.”He sought help after the deployment because he never wanted to feel that low again. Wheelbarger was in the

United Way Raises Awareness Of Families Struggling To Make Ends Meet

United Way Raises Awareness Of Families Struggling To Make Ends MeetBy JILLIAN LYNCH Daily News-RecordNov 16, 2021Top of FormBottom of FormALICE, the acronym that stands for asset limited, income constrained, employed, designates people in the community who don’t qualify for federal poverty benefits, but still struggle to make ends meet.According to Laura Toni-Holsinger, executive director of United Way of Harrisonburg and Rockingham County, people who fall into this category, referred to as the ALICE

Giving Back on Giving Tuesday 2021

The Community Foundation of Harrisonburg and Rockingham County is encouraging our area residents to connect with and give directly to nonprofit agencies listed in Giving Back, TCFHR’s giving guide for the greater community, donor advisors, private foundations, civic groups, and giving circles. The community can learn more about nonprofit needs in TCFHR’s Giving Back, published and distributed through Daily News-Record this Saturday, November 20, and now online at www.tcfhr.org. Community members may also

National Community Foundation Week Celebrates Local Philanthropy

The Community Foundation of Harrisonburg and Rockingham County will join in a nationwide celebration, November 12-18, 2021, to recognize the increasingly important role that community foundations play in strengthening localities. For more than a century, philanthropic institutions have served as a trusted partner and resource whose effect can be seen in the lives of millions and in the vibrant neighborhoods that continue to thrive through their mission-driven work. Community foundations are

New Clean-Eating Franchise Opens In Former Food.Bar.Food Spot

White décor awash in sunlight seemed to glow with the excitement of new restaurant Village Juice and Kitchen's grand opening on West Bruce Street on Monday.Visitors working on laptops had already made themselves at home at high-top bar seats in the large windows of the space formerly home to Food.Bar.Food during the grand opening, along with groups of college students and community members including Sara and Connor Williams, a young married couple who said they were excited to try Harrisonburg’s newest

25 Years in the Making...and still going!

  Wow, the Lifelong Learning Institute (LLI) is 25! As a member-driven organization, the collective spirit of LLI is a beautiful representation of its members. When I think about the essence of LLI, here’s what first comes to mind: Your love for learning inspires us all to dig into new concepts and deepen our understanding of existing knowledge to further impact our world. Your enthusiasm is absolutely contagious and your endless curiosity shapes the kind of programming we bring to fruition.

Facts on the OSHA Emergency Temporary Standard for Covid-19 Vaccinations

On November 5, the Occupational Safety and Health Administration (OSHA) published in the Federal Register its emergency temporary standard (ETS) that will require private sector employers with 100 or more workers to ensure that employees are vaccinated against Covid-19. If employers do not want to dismiss employees who are not vaccinated, they have the option to allow those unvaccinated employees to submit a weekly negative COVID test and follow masking requirements when working indoors. Note that the ETS

The Harrisonburg-Rockingham Chamber of Commerce Adopts Diversity Statement

Commitment to diversity and inclusion Harrisonburg, VA – November 1, 2021 – The Harrisonburg-Rockingham Chamber of Commerce Board of Directors has adopted the following organizational statement on Diversity:The Harrisonburg-Rockingham Chamber of Commerce is committed to diversity and inclusion at all levels of our organization as well as the community at large. We believe that cultivating an environment that promotes, and lives by, inclusive values is a core component of a vibrant economy. These values

Finalists Named For Bridgewater’s Best Idea

Three businesses seeking to be the winner of the Bridgewater’s Best Idea competition and the $250,000 prize have been named after nearly a month of consideration by town staff. The finalists include Bridgewater Coffee Co., Rockingham Cooperative and Connections Early Learning Center, which is expected to open in August. “We were impressed by the applicants’ different methods of measuring benefit,” Town Manager Jay Litten said. “Connections ELC sees benefit in filling the basic human needs of child care

Economic development program B-Cubed once again honored with grant

HARRISONBURG, Va. – One week after learning the Black- and Brown-owned business growth program B-Cubed would receive $50,000 from a Virginia grant, the innovative local economic development program is being recognized with another $100,000 in support. Harrisonburg Economic Development and the Harrisonburg-Rockingham Chamber of Commerce recently partnered with the Staunton Community Capital Fund (SCCF) to seek funds under the Small Business Administration’s Community Navigator Pilot Program. SCCF was

Brown Edwards To Acquire Mitchell Wiggins

Brown Edwards, LLP, an Inside Public Accounting Top 100 Accounting, Tax and Advisory firm based in Roanoke, Virginia, announces its intent to acquire Mitchell Wiggins, a leading provider of tax, audit and business consulting services in the Metro Richmond and Tri-Cities area. This partnership will enhance the resources and capabilities that both firms can provide to their clients, rivaling those of large national firms, while still providing the personal attention needed to better support local and middle

Bridgewater College Arts and Events Calendar November 2021

Please note: In keeping with guidance from the CDC, Bridgewater College requires that all individuals, regardless of vaccination status, properly wear face masks when indoors in public areas of campus.    Now – Dec. 10            BC Special Collections: “Getting the Band Back Together” ExhibitionLower level, John Kenny Forrer Learning CommonsThe gallery is open from 7:30 a.m. to midnight Monday through Friday, 9 a.m. to 9 p.m. Saturday and noon to midnight on Sunday. Check                                

Brown Edwards Receives Associate of the Year Award

  Brown Edwards has been awarded Associate Member of the Year for the Associated Builders and Contractors of West Virginia (ABCWV). This is the first year this award has been given by the ABCWV. The announcement was made at the annual ABCWV Excellence in Construction Banquet, held at the Charleston Coliseum and Convention center last night.  The Associated Builders and Contractors (ABC) is a national association with 72 chapters representing 22,000 merit shop construction and

Operation Round Up Committee Awards $18,000 to Area Organizations

ROCKINGHAM – Eleven area organizations will benefit from the generosity of Shenandoah Valley Electric Cooperative members by receiving an Operation Round Up grant this fall.   The grant committee met on Oct. 13 to review 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 contribution.   Below is a list of the October 2021

Two local programs honored with Virginia economic development grants

HARRISONBURG, Va. – Two local initiatives will soon have more help in supporting local businesses thanks to $100,000 in funds awarded to the City of Harrisonburg from the 2022 Virginia Statewide Business District Resurgence Grant. The grant, which was announced Wednesday by Gov. Ralph Northam’s office, will provide $50,000 to the Bricks & Clicks program, and another $50,000 to the B-Cubed: Black- and Brown-Owned Business Growth Program. Bricks & Clicks, led by Harrisonburg Downtown Renaissance (HDR), is

Goodwill Industries® of the Valleys Welcomes New IT Leadership

Roanoke, Virginia – Goodwill Industries of the Valleys appointed Brenda Moore as Chief Information Officer on October 4, 2021, and Chris Conner as Vice President of Information Technology on October 18, 2021. Both Moore and Conner join Goodwill’s Executive Leadership Team and will lead the Information Technology department.  Moore had been with Medical Facilities of America since 1998 and served as their Chief Information Officer. She was formerly at Deloitte and Touche as a Consulting Group Manager. In

Governor Northam Announces More Than $4.4 Million to Revitalize Communities Across Virginia

Governor Northam Announces More Than $4.4 Millionto Revitalize Communities Across Virginia ~ Grants will support entrepreneurs and boost local economies ~    RICHMOND—Governor Ralph Northam today announced that local business owners and community organizations will benefit from more than $4.4 million in grants for 33 investment projects across the Commonwealth.  These projects will create and support business development, economic recovery, and the redevelopment of industrial and

Massanutten Resort Announces Plans to Upgrade Ski Area for 2021-22 Winter Season

All-Season Virginia Resort Expanding Ski Terrain, Adding New Owners Lounge, Enhancing Snowmaking Improvements and More, Just in Time for 50th Anniversary  Massanutten, Va.– October 13, 2021 - Massanutten Resort, the premier all-season resort located in the heart of Virginia’s Shenandoah Valley, today announced plans to expand and upgrade its ski area for the upcoming 2021-2022 winter season. As the resort prepares to celebrate its 50th Anniversary, these upgrades and additions will refresh the property

Alvin Baird Grant Opportunity for HR Nonprofits Serving Unmet Healthcare Needs

The Alvin V. Baird, Jr. Program Endowment Fund was established in 2005 to support the mission of The Free Clinic in Harrisonburg, Virginia. During its many years of serving this community, the clinic’s mission was to provide volunteer outpatient health services to the uninsured in a manner that promoted dignity, wholeness, and the coordination of services. With the closure of The Free Clinic in 2020, the board of The Community Foundation approved an annual competitive grant process for this endowed fund

Office Space Available at The Plecker Center

The Community Foundation has office space available for lease at the Plecker Center for Community Philanthropy, located at 317 S Main Street, Harrisonburg, VA 22801. Tenant must be a 501(c)3 nonprofit organization. Nonprofit tenants have access to conference rooms on both the main floor and second floor, and common area (kitchenette, bath etc.). Rent would include phone, internet services, electric, heating, landscaping, maintenance, and garbage collections. The building has a security system. Please

Goodwill Industries® of the Valleys Leverages a Second Solar Array to Advance its Mission

Roanoke, VA – Goodwill Industries of the Valleys is harnessing clean energy from the sun to save on their electricity bill, allowing them to put those savings directly into the work they do ensuring every individual can acquire the skills and support needed to earn a good job and advance into a sustainable career. The new rooftop solar array is located on the Goodwill Roanoke Jobs Campus building in Roanoke, Virginia. This is one of several solar projects that RER Energy Group has been honored to develop

Goodwill Industries® of the Valleys Celebrates 90 Years

Roanoke, VA – October 10 marks the 90th anniversary of Goodwill Industries of the Valleys. Founded in Roanoke on October 10, 1931, Goodwill consisted of a cabinet and shoe shop, store, mission hall, and 32 rooms for the homeless. The first superintendent was Mr. S.L. Thomas, and he oversaw the work of 20 - 30 people operating a paper plant that generated about $10,000 a year. Records, dating back to 1935, list the Roanoke program as one of 89 Goodwills nationwide and the 64th program organized.Today,

Job Starter: Advanced Manufacturing Training Program

Job Starter: Advanced Manufacturing TrainingParticipants paid to train for manufacturing jobs, guaranteed interviews with 7 companies Date: October 5, 2021 WEYERS CAVE VA – Offering paid training and a chance to interview with seven manufacturing companies, Job Starter: Advanced Manufacturing Training is a new program provided by Blue Ridge Community College aimed at bringing awareness to modern manufacturing in the Shenandoah Valley region. Participants have the opportunity to experience multiple company

Strategic Planning Workshop for Nonprofit Organizations

Excellence in Nonprofit Leadership, a program of The Community Foundation, is hosting a two-part Strategic Planning Workshop provided by Jennifer Testa. The workshops will be held on Wednesday, October 20th from 9am-12pm and Wednesday, November 3rd, from 9am-12pm. Both sessions will be held in Stewart Room at Massanetta Springs Camp and Conference Center. Organizations may attend Part 1 on October 20th and not Part 2 on November 3rd. Organizations can NOT attend Part 2 without attending Part 1. Attendance

The Harrisonburg-Rockingham Chamber of Commerce Announces Policy Priorities

The Harrisonburg-Rockingham Chamber of Commerce Announces Policy PrioritiesTransportation, Affordable Housing and Childcare are key to workforce issues Harrisonburg, VA – October 4, 2021 – The Harrisonburg-Rockingham Chamber of Commerce Board of Directors has officially adopted, as immediate policy priorities, the areas of Transportation, Affordable Housing and Childcare. These three issues, through the Chamber Public Policy Committee, have been identified as key workforce concerns and will allow the

‘Coworking’ business partners with Harrisonburg-Rockingham Chamber of Commerce

ROCKINGHAM COUNTY, Va. (WHSV) - Broadway Coworking had its official ribbon-cutting ceremony Wednesday afternoon. The coworking business is a shared professional workspace for professionals and small businesses to use. Broadway Coworking began in 2019 after co-founder Eugene Bare had the idea was born out of his own need to have a workspace outside of his home. “One of the biggest appeals of coworking is the community,” Bare said. “There is also the aspect of professionalism. Having a professional space

Governor Northam Announces Italian Cured Meats Producer to Establish First U.S. Operation in Virginia

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE · September 30, 2021    Office of the GovernorAlena.Yarmosky@governor.virginia.gov  Virginia Economic Development PartnershipSuzanne Clarksclark@vedp.org  Veronesi Holding S.p.A. Maria Chiara FaddaMaria.Chiara.Fadda@veronesi.it    Governor Northam Announces Italian Cured Meats Producer to Establish First U.S. Operation in Virginia ~ Veronesi Holding S.p.A. to invest in new production facility in Rockingham County, creating more than 150 new jobs

Brown Edwards Named Inc. 5000 Fastest-Growing Company

Brown Edwards Named Inc. 5000 Fastest-Growing CompanyThis year, 310 Virginia companies have been ranked on the Inc. 5000 list of the nation’s fastest-growing privately-held companies. Brown Edwards is honored to be included on this list for the first time in its 55-year history.  Inc. Magazine has been producing a list every year since 1982 and, in 2007, expanded the Inc. 500 to the Inc. 5000. The list recognizes the fast-growing privately-held businesses in the United States and ranks companies

Governor Northam Announces App That Makes Small, Women-Owned, and Minority-Owned Businesses More Acc

    Commonwealth of VirginiaOffice of Governor Ralph S. Northam     FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE · September 29, 2021    Office of the GovernorAlena.Yarmosky@governor.virginia.gov  Department of General ServicesDena.Potter@DGS.Virginia.gov  Virginia Department of TransportationShannon.Marshall@VDOT.Virginia.gov    Governor Northam Announces App That Makes Small,

Governor Northam Announces Plastic Company to Expand in Rockingham County, Creating 92 New Jobs

    Commonwealth of VirginiaOffice of Governor Ralph S. Northam     FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE · September 23, 2021    Office of the GovernorAlena.Yarmosky@governor.virginia.gov  Virginia Economic Development PartnershipSuzanne Clarksclark@vedp.org  Virginia Industrial Plastics, Inc.Steve LibermanSteveL@VAPlastic.com(434) 566-9270    Governor Northam Announces

Governor Northam Announces New Grant Program Supporting Local Food and Farming Infrastructure

ber    Commonwealth of VirginiaOffice of Governor Ralph S. Northam   FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE · September 22, 2021    Office of the GovernorAlena.Yarmosky@governor.virginia.gov  Virginia Department of Agriculture and Consumer Servicesmichael.wallace@vdacs.virginia.gov Governor Northam Announces New Grant Program Supporting Local Food and Farming

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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 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