May 15, 2006 Volume 6, No. 2, 2006
This is the E-newsletter of the Roanoke County Economic Development Department
designed to showcase the investments and achievements of our existing business
partners. For additional information about doing business in Roanoke County,
visit our website www.yesroanoke.com.
Business Appreciation Week 2006
RR Donnelley Announces $38 Million Plant Expansion in Roanoke County
On April 26th, RR Donnelley, the world's premier full-service provider of print and related services, announced that it will invest more than $38 million in its Roanoke County manufacturing facility. Building improvements will total nearly $8 million and $30.5 million will be invested in equipment. The plant expansion will create 83 new jobs over the next two years with an average salary of nearly $33,000.
Governor Tim Kaine presents a $1,000,000 Governors Opportunity Fund check to Chairman Mike Wray of the Roanoke County Board of Supervisors and Vice Mayor Joan Foster of the City of Lynchburg.
Expansion of the Roanoke County facility to increase the book printing operations will result in a total investment of over $100 million by R.R. Donnelley since 1996. This represents the largest capital investment by an industrial partner in the last ten years. The plant is a revolutionary digital facility that offers publishers the fastest, most profitable way to bring four-color books to market. The Roanoke County facility currently employs approximately 220 people at its Glenvar plant
Calvin Butler, Vice President of External Affairs in RR Donnelley's corporate office, accepts a replica of a original share of stock in the Virginia Company from Governor Tim Kaine.
This expansion in Roanoke County is part of a multi-jurisdictional project in Virginia announced by Governor Tim Kaine. The total project will involve expansion at three RR Donnelley plants in Virginia. The other two plants are in the City of Lynchburg and Rockingham County. “RR Donnelley has had a presence here since opening its first Virginia plant in Rockingham County more than a decade ago,” said Governor Kaine. “The company is a valued employer in the state and this significant expansion will not only benefit the three communities, but the Commonwealth as a whole.”’
Governor Tim Kaine addressing the RR Donnelley Vice Presidents of the three plants involved in the multi-jurisdictional expansion project. Roanoke Division's VP Bob Jones is second from the left.
The total state-wide capital investment is expected to top $85 million with 139 new jobs created by 2008. “During our 10 year relationship with R. R. Donnelly, the company has invested millions to create one of the most technologically advanced book printing facilities in the world. Their current plan to further invest and hire employees in Roanoke County will continue to raise the skill sets of our labor force and build upon the dynamic partnership that Roanoke County is immensely proud to be a part of,” County Administrator Elmer Hodge stated.
(L to R) County Administrator Elmer Hodge, Governor Tim Kaine and Board of Supervisors Chairman Mike Wray
Roanoke County in partnership with the City of Lynchburg, received a $1 million dollar grant from the Governor's Opportunity Fund to assist Donnelley with this project. The Governor’s Grant will be matched by Roanoke County in the amount of $700,000, which will be used to offset costs associated with the project. The Virginia Department of Business Assistance has offered a Workforce Services Training Grant of $83,400 for new job training and $375,000 in retraining funds to be allocated by the number of jobs created at each location. Visit www.rrdonnelley.com.
Integrity® Windows to expand Valley Gateway Facility
Integrity Windows and Doors has begun the construction of a 190,000 square foot expansion to its Challenger Avenue facility.
In addition to adding 190,000 square feet to its manufacturing facility, Integrity plans to increase employment by 150 employees over the next three years. "Integrity Windows and Doors remains committed to the County of Roanoke and is pleased to expand its business in a community that has provided a positive business environment along with highly skilled and motivated employees, which contribute to the company's continued success," said Brian Johnson, director of operations at Integrity.
Integrity has selected Avis Construction of Roanoke to build the addition and anticipates the 190,000 square foot expansion to be completed by January 2007. Expansion of the facility will not only increase Integrity's production capacity, but it will also allow the company to respond to the needs of its growing customer base. Doug Chittum, Director of Economic Development for Roanoke County stated “Integrity’s project is occurring earlier than we anticipated, and is one of multiple manufacturing expansions in Roanoke County this year. This illustrates that Roanoke County is a competitor in the global market place and a prime location for quality manufacturers.”
Integrity Windows and Doors is the world’s largest and most experienced manufacturer of windows and doors made with Ultrex – a state-of-the-art pultruded fiberglass material. Headquartered in Fargo, N.D., Integrity offers a comprehensive line of window and door products that are Built to perform and backed by first-class customer service. Visit www.integritywindows.com.
Three Roanoke County Businesses win TechNite 7.0 Awards
On May 3rd, 360 business leaders gathered for the NewVa Corridor Technology Council (NCTC) announcement of the 2006 companies and individual honorees at the annual TechNite banquet held at the Hotel Roanoke.
(L to R) ITT Night Vision President Mike Hayman with Larry Curfiss, VP and Director of Development, holding the 2006 High Tech Manufacturing Award.
ITT Night Vision is the 2006 winner for Excellence in High Tech Manufacturing. ITTNV currently employs more than 1,200 people and is in the process of a $51.8 million facility expansion project. With its market dominance in the national security and night vision market, the company has experienced growth upwards of 30% for the last two years. One of the keys to ITT Night Vision’s future is the ability to secure large contracts, and Omni VII was a critical win in this quest. That contract carries an estimated $1.39 billion value during the five-year contract period 2005-2009.
Novozymes President Ted Melnik and senior staff pose with Dr. John Gartner, author of The Hypomanic Edge, after receiving the Excellence in Life Sciences Award.
Novozymes Biologicals, Inc, was honored for its achievement with the Excellence in Life Sciences category. Through internal growth and acquisitions, Novozymes Biologicals has grown from sales of $17 million in 2001 to over $50 million for its most recent fiscal year. Today this company, with core competency in developing, manufacturing, and applying live microbial products, is the market leader in several areas of environmental microbiology. These areas include bioaugmentation for wastewater treatment and use of pro-microbials for cleaning, odor control, and maintenance in homes and institutions. Novozymes Biologicals also competes in the plant care and horticultural markets. More recently Novozymes Biologicals Inc developed technology to increase water quality and health in aquaculture, a new market area for the firm.
Roger Baiers, Director of Cox Business Services, and colleagues displaying the IT Deployment Award.
Cox Communications Roanoke was selected as the winner in the Excellence in IT Deployment category. Cox Communications is an emerging full service telecommunications provider in the Roanoke Valley. In 2000, Cox Roanoke only provided video and advertising services. Today Cox’s revenues have grown 65% since then generally through the expansion of innovative telecommunications services like Cox Digital Telephone, Cox High Speed Internet and Cox Business Services. In 1986, Cox Roanoke had 55 employees with an estimated payroll off $1.5 million. Today, Cox employs 203 employees with an annual payroll of more than $10 million. In 2006, Cox announced it would be adding approximately 20,000 square feet to its location in anticipation of future growth. When completed, Cox Roanoke’s facility will be approximately 50,000 square feet. Additionally, Cox built a 6,600 sq. foot state-of-the-art telecommunications hub in Roanoke City. Visit www.thetechnologycouncil.com.
Novozymes Biologicals Commits $250,000 to Greener Paths
Greener Paths Campaign supporters gather to celebrate with the first check for $50,000.
Novozymes Biologicals, Inc. has announced a commitment of $250,000 in cash contributions, company product and volunteerism to the Roanoke Valley Greenway Commission. The company has pledged support over the next five years beginning with a $50,000 cash donation and volunteerism for Roanoke County’s section of Roanoke River Greenway in Green Hill Park. This “Greener Paths” campaign is to develop a bicycle/pedestrian path along the Roanoke River stretching more than 25 miles from western Roanoke County through Salem to Roanoke City, Vinton, the Blue Ridge Parkway and Explore Park.
Ted Melnik of Novozymes Biologicals announced a $250,000 contribution to Greener Paths at the April 5th press conference. Pictured in the background are Don Witt, Chairman of the Greenway Commission, greenway initiator Bob Fetzer, and Greenway Commission member Lee Osborne.
Novozymes initial donation is for $50,000 and volunteer time to help build a bridge that is planned for the Green Hill Park part of the bicycle/pedestrian path which will be the major west-east greenbelt. Construction of the path will take place this year with the bridge expected to be completed in the fall. “We are proud to make this long term commitment to the Greenway Commission and to the grand vision of the Roanoke Valley,” said Ted Melnik, president of Novozymes Biologicals. “This project truly represents how public/private partnerships can be used to maintain and enhance the quality of life for the residents in the Roanoke Valley while simultaneously promoting a sustainable future. This lines up well with the mission of Novozymes Biologicals.” Greenway Coordinator Liz Belcher responded with “we are excited to have them partnering with us and encouraging others in the business community to join in this effort .”
Roanoke Valley Greenway Coordinator, Liz Belcher, keeps a close check on the money!
Novozymes will also donate “Transplant One Step” for each new tree that is planted along the Roanoke River Greenway. “Transplant One Step combines ROOTS biostimulant with Mycorrhizal fungi and a water holding gel into a product that has proven to significantly improve the survivability and early growth of newly planted trees” says Jeff Howard, Novozymes Marketing Manager. “Novozymes recognizes the importance of Greenways to economic development in the Roanoke Valley. Novozymes A/S is the biotech-based world leader in enzymes and microorganisms. Visit www.novozymes.com.
2006 Existing Business Survey
In 2001, the Existing Business Program developed a survey which we distributed to all existing businesses. We had an incredible rate of return of 11% and a strong indication of what our business partners expected from its Economic Development staff.
Existing businesses are the anchor of our regional economy and we need your feedback. In fact, the 2001 survey results were so successful in helping us identify businesses that needed assistance, we made the decision to refine and repeat this process every five years.
Please take a moment to complete the survey when it arrives within the next week. If you know of a business that did not receive a survey, would you share our telephone number (540-772-2069) with the owner of this business so that we may request their participation? Communication is the key to a healthy partnership.
In the past fiscal year, existing businesses have invested over $100 million in the County and created approximately 300 new jobs. Thank you for your countless contributions to making Roanoke County a progressive, thriving community!
Carlos Creates the Olinda Room
Carlos Brazilian International Restaurant has partnered with another Roanoke County business, Structures Design Build, to create a unique expansion called the Olinda Room. The dining room expansion is approximately 1,500 square feet, has incredible views of the Roanoke Valley, a rock water feature, and a seating capacity of 45 persons.
External view of the new Olinda Room with the signature roof line and the new patio for outside dining.
When the Portugese arrived in Brazil and discovered a mountain top with an extraordinary view, they made the decision to build a city on the mountain top named Olinda. The Amaral family decided to follow suit with their beautiful view of the Roanoke Valley and name their expansion the Olinda Room.
Pastry Chef Bobby Amaral with Business Manager Maggie Amaral inside the new pastry shop entitled Bobby's Sweet Tooth.
In fact, there are many intricacies to the restaurant from the expansion and renovation. The eye-catching shape of the Olinda Room’s roof was designed specifically for Carlos by Adam Cohen of Structures. The small private dining room was redesigned to become Bobby’s Sweet Tooth which is a pastry shop with mouth watering, decadent deserts by Pastry Chef, Bobby Amaral. The former pastry shop is now the Wine Cellar with red and white cellars. And, a patio was built off of the Olinda Room and furnished with custom made furniture from Twist and Turns and topped in six different types of granite. The new foyer features black and white tile in a swirl design which Maggie Amaral says resembles the sidewalks in Brazil especially in the city of Copa Cabana Beach. Visit www.carlosbrazilian.com.
Ribbon Cutting Ceremonies
THE HEALTH SHELF, INC. Elaine Neimann, ND, and son, Evan, are surrounded by business colleagues and friends for a Ribbon Cutting Ceremony and Grand Opening of her new store location at 6423 Williamson Road in Brookside Shopping Center. Visit www.mynsp.com/waxhippo.
CARILION BONE & JOINT CENTER The Grand Opening for the new orthopedic office building at 204 South Maple Street was held on April 14, 2006. A delegation of town, county and chamber representatives led by Mayor Brad Grose participated in Ribbon Cutting Ceremony with Dr. Cay Mierisch and his colleagues to celebrate the location of a musculo-skeletal center in Vinton. Visit www.carilion.com.
RVTV's Roanoke County Business Partners
The current Roanoke County Business Partners is the third "Best Of" program featuring abbreviated segments that highlight business partners from the original 2003 to 2005 television shows.
The television program airs every Tuesday at 9:30 a.m. and 8:00 p.m. on
RVTV Channel 3.
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