News Release
Flora Pettit Attorneys Selected to Virginia Super Lawyers and Rising Star Lists
Flora Pettit is pleased to announce that four of its attorneys have been honored by selection for inclusion in the 2026 Virginia Super Lawyers lists. Three of Flora Pettit’s attorneys have been recognized for inclusion in the “Virginia Super Lawyers” list and one of its attorneys has been named to the “Virginia Rising Stars” list. Super Lawyers is a rating service of lawyers from more than 70 practice areas who have attained a high degree of peer recognition and professional achievement. The annual
Blue Ridge Safety Association Hosts Engaging Networking Event at Massanutten Technical Center
Blue Ridge Safety Association Hosts Engaging Networking Event at Massanutten Technical Center Harrisonburg, VA — The Blue Ridge Safety Association (BRSA) recently hosted a successful and well-attended networking event on the campus of Massanutten Technical Center (MTC), bringing together safety professionals and business leaders from across the Shenandoah Valley. Everyone was welcomed by Linda Gail Johnson, BRSA President, with additional support from Board Members including Casey Carwile of Design
Salon Finances in Harrisonburg: Seven Strategies to Protect Your Margins
Running a beauty salon in the Shenandoah Valley takes more than talent behind the chair. According to Booksy's analysis of salon and small business data, poor cash management is the cause of 82% of small business failures — and 20% of small businesses fail within their very first year. The good news is that with the right financial habits in place, salon owners in Harrisonburg and Rockingham County can build businesses that hold up through slow seasons and grow over time.Know What's Eating Your
F&M Bank Welcomes Dustin Bowman as Agriculture Market Executive
F&M Bank Welcomes Dustin Bowman as Agriculture Market Executive F&M Bank is proud to announce the addition of Dustin Bowman as SVP and Agriculture Market Executive, further strengthening the bank’s long-standing commitment to serving the agricultural community across the Shenandoah Valley and surrounding regions. Born and raised on a beef cattle and turkey farm in western Rockingham County, Bowman brings deep-rooted agricultural knowledge and a lifelong connection to the farming community. A graduate of
Before the Storm: How Harrisonburg Small Businesses Can Recession-Proof Their Operations
Recession-proofing your business means building resilience before conditions force it — not scrambling mid-contraction. The Federal Reserve found that 56% of small employer firms struggled to cover operating expenses in a stable economy; a downturn compounds that pressure fast. For Harrisonburg businesses navigating JMU's seasonal revenue cycles and Rockingham County's manufacturing base, the window to prepare is open now.Does Your Business Have More Than 27 Days of Cash? Picture two shops facing the
When Every Hire Counts: Smart Hiring Practices for New Harrisonburg Businesses
Hiring well is one of the most consequential decisions a new business owner makes — and the cost of getting it wrong is far higher than most people expect. A bad hire costs at least 30% of that employee's first-year earnings, with total replacement costs reaching one to two times their annual salary. In Harrisonburg's growing economy, where your early team members shape your culture, your customer experience, and your reputation, building a deliberate hiring process from day one is worth the
Creating a More Secure and Reliable IT Foundation
For the Harrisonburg-Rockingham Chamber of Commerce and its members, business resilience is no longer a “nice to have.” It’s a daily requirement. From cyber threats and severe weather to supply chain disruptions and remote work demands, local businesses in Rockingham County face the same digital risks as national firms—often with fewer resources. A strong IT infrastructure is not about having the newest gadgets. It’s about building systems that keep your business running, protect your data, and adapt
Virtue Solar: Is Solar Still Worth It Without the Federal Tax Credit?
Virtue Solar, a solar installation company in Virginia, publishes new analysis showing solar remains a strong investment despite the elimination of the 30% residential tax credit — and explains why demand is actually accelerating. VIRGINIA — With the 30% federal residential solar tax credit eliminated by the One Big Beautiful Bill Act as of December 31, 2025, homeowners across the country are asking the same question: Is Solar Still Worth It Without the Tax Credit? Virtue Solar, a Virginia-based
