Business group: Companies in China want 'clarity' after security rule changes, raids on consultants
A business group says foreign companies in China want โgreater clarityโ about changes in Chinaโs cybersecurity and other rules and how the ruling Communist Party will enforce them after they were rattled by raids on consulting firms.
Pulaski County Chamber of Commerce works to sustain small businesses after pandemic
The pandemic has impacted our lives and affected small businesses everywhere, and in Pulaski County, the Chamber of Commerce staff is working to help make sure they can continue to grow by helping business owners network in the innovation center.
CEO: Italy-made Sputnik V aimed for EU market, if approved
Russia signed a deal to produce 10 million doses of the Sputnik V coronavirus vaccine in Italy this year. โThat is not the goal, it is a wish,โโ Adienne founder and president Antonio Francesco Di Naro told The Associated Press on Wednesday. The first agreement to make the Sputnik V in any EU country was signed Tuesday by Swiss-based Adienne Pharma & Biotech and the Russian Direct Investment Fund. AdโThis procedure requires months, or even more, because this is a biological product,โ Di Naro said. But the company could sell the vaccine it produced to non-EU countries as long as it obtains Italian regulatory approval, Di Naro said.
Soon-to-come casino spurs business boom in Danville during the pandemic
DANVILLE, Va. โ Despite the pandemic, business is booming in Danville as some new restaurants and markets open up. But with a casino coming in a couple of years, some businesses are already trying to reel in a crowd. โA lot of people from Danville drive to Greensboro just for Red Crab,โ Red Crab General Manager Renea Zamora said. With a casino coming to Danville in 2023, the extra foot traffic is what the city is crossing its fingers for. AdItโs one of the main reasons why the Red Crab opened up their doors in the first place.
Whatโs News Today: General Assembly special session
The Virginia General Assembly will meet in Special Session starting today. Governor Northam is calling lawmakers back to lengthen this yearโs session to 46 days, after Republic lawmakers tried to cut it short. GOP leaders said 30 days should have been enough time after last yearโs lengthy special session. The project involved replacing some older equipment and installing additional equipment to increase electric reliability in the region. The Danville-Pittsylvania County Chamber of Commerce holds its annual membership meeting today.
Shining a light on Montgomery County minority and women-owned businesses
CHRISTIANSBURG, Va. โ The Montgomery County Chamber of Commerce has released a new directory to help minority and women entrepreneurs. Based on the chamberโs expenditure data last year, 40%of funding went to small businesses while only 8% of that small businesses funding went to Black-owned businesses. Now the chamber is calling on large businesses and customers to show more support this year with their dollars. โOur job is to promote support and grow businesses in this community,โ said Sharon Scott, the chamberโs executive director. Chamber membership is required but there are some scholarships available to help pay for the fees.
US Chamber says some legislators will lose campaign funding
FILE - U.S. Chamber of Commerce President and Chief Executive Officer Thomas Donohue speaks at the Chamber of Commerce in Washington, Jan. 10, 2018. Chamber CEO Thomas Donohue said he didn't think the invasion was a โfull coupโ attempt, but said the chamber didn't like the mob's conduct. The chamber said its political action committee will cut donations from some legislators who spouted unsubstantiated claims of voter fraud in trying to stop the vote from being certified. โThere are some members who by their actions will have forfeited the support of the U.S. Chamber of Commerce,โ he said. The chamber contributed $10,000 to Hawley's campaign, but Bradley said he didn't know if chamber had ever asked for money back.
Salem gets into holiday spirit with gingerbread festival
SALEM, Va. โ This week you can see the spectacular displays built with gingerbread, holiday cheer and a lot of creativity from artists hoping to win the Salem Gingerbread Festival. The main event, the Gingerbread Festival, is on Saturday, Dec. 5, from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. at Longwood Park. The gingerbread festival is one of many holiday events happening in Salem throughout the weekend. Festivities begin Friday with a virtual Christmas tree lighting followed by the Winter WonderLot Christmas Parade hosted by the Salem Kiwanis Club. The weekend also includes socially distanced photos with Santa with Salemโs Crafty Christmas and Salem Holiday Market happening the following weekend.
Virginia Tourism Corporation awards $80,000 in grants to SW Virginia municipalities
ROANOKE, Va. โ Tourism boards in Southwest Virginia received a financial boost to help attract visitors through the COVID-19 pandemic. The Virginia Tourism Corporation awarded a total of $80,000 to five tourism boards. The awards included:$20,000 for Visit Virginiaโs Blue Ridge$20,000 for Botetourt County$20,000 for the Smith Mountain Lake Chamber of Commerce$10,000 to the Town of Rocky Mount$10,000 to the City of SalemVisit Virginiaโs Blue Ridge President Landon Howard said his organizationโs $20,000 will be spent mostly on online marketing. He believes regional travelers will look to the Roanoke Valley for a getaway. โThose people may not be traveling to Europe for a two or three week vacation, but they will do weekend trips to places like Virginiaโs Blue Ridge.โ
Lynchburg recognizes โNational Support Your Local Chamber of Commerce Dayโ
LYNCHBURG, Va. โ Wednesday was โNational Support Your Local Chamber of Commerce Day.โIt gives communities an opportunity to recognize the vital role chambers have in supporting local business. In Lynchburg, the Regional Business Alliance represents more than 800 commercial members and over 50,000 employees. The Alliance started in 1883 as the Greater Lynchburg Chamber of Commerce and is a founding member of the U.S. Chamber of Commerce. Your local Chamber of Commerce, the Regional Business Alliance, is responsible for growing and sustaining the economic base that calls this region home,โ said Megan Lucas, CEO and Chief Economic Development Officer of the Lynchburg Regional Business Alliance. That includes deepening professional relationships by hosting networking events and workshops, promoting local services, and advocating for the business community.
Smith Mountain Lake receives nearly $10,000 to boost tourism
SMITH MOUNTAIN LAKE, Va. โ Smith Mountain Lakeโs chamber of commerce received financial assistance Thursday to help the region economically bounce back from the coronavirus. The chamber accepted a $9,995 grant from the Virginia Tourism Corporation to entice visitors to the area. The money will finance a tourism commercial specifically for Virginians, according Smith Mountain Lakeโs Regional Chamber of Commerce Executive Director Christopher Finley. โWhen the commonwealth pivoted back to Phase 2 and Phase 3, vacationers were willing to get out,โ Finley said. Those visitors included Terry McGhee, who said he watched Smith Mountain Lake fill up as a child.
What's News Today: November 6, 2019
Here's a look at some of the stories we'll be following today as they make headlines across the country and Southwest Virginia. The Chamber of Commerce of Lexington, Buena Vista and Rockbridge County will hold its annual meeting today. The reconfiguration would reduce the number of travel lanes from four to two, while adding two bike lanes. There's a ribbon cutting today for the Villa Heights Recreation Center. Part of Eighth Street in Lynchburg will close today from Taylor Street to Wise Street.
New executive director of SML Chamber of Commerce takes over after 17 years
Smith Mountain Lake - The Smith Mountain Lake Chamber of Commerce has a new leader at the helm for the first time in 17 years. In a one-on-one interview, Finley told 10 News he recently purchased an investment property at Smith Mountain Lake and plans to the make the position permanent. Finley worked there for four years before joining the chamber. From 2004 to 2015, he directed marketing programs for The Willard Companies, where he launched multiple award-winning campaigns to position Smith Mountain Lake as a premier vacation and relocation destination. I worked here at Smith Mountain Lake for 12 years and it's nice to come home."
Smith Mountain Lake Chamber of Commerce names new executive director
SMITH MOUNTAIN LAKE, Va. - The Smith Mountain Lake Chamber of Commerce has named its new executive director. "We are thrilled to have Chris join the Chamber team," said Lindsey Coley, Chair of the SMLRCC board of directors. "His marketing and public relations expertise, leadership experience and comprehensive knowledge of the Smith Mountain Lake region makes him a perfect fit." Finley is currently working as the communications manager for Radford-based BAE Systems -- an international defense and security company. "I'm very excited about returning to Smith Mountain Lake and for the opportunity to drive tourism and grow business for the chamber's members and the community," said Finley, who served on the SMLRCC boar from 2011 to 2013.
2016's Stop 16: Amherst County
AMHERST COUNTY (WSLS 10) - Stop 16 on the Virginia Proud Weather Tour had Jeff Haniewich at Sweet Briar College. This Thursday marks Amherst County Chamber of Commerce's Third Thursday Business After Hours event. This month, Sweet Briar is hosting the event. Claudia Tucker, a member of the Amherst County Board of Supervisors, said there's something for everyone in the county. "We're really hoping that this rebirth of Sweet Briar is also a rebirth of the relationship between the community and the college," said Kilgore.