October 18, 2006
Volume 6, No. 4, 2006

Phase II construction is projected to be completed by the end of 2006

Novozymes announced it has acquired a natural insecticide which may deter Lyme disease by controlling the deer tick, one of the carriers of the disease. Acquiring the insecticide came as part of the recently completed acquisition of Earth Biosciences, Inc. (EBS), which closed September 30, 2006. Novozymes will incorporate EBS into its ROOTS ® Plant Care Group. This new insecticide product is currently approved for residential outdoor control of ticks and the control of important ornamental pests such as black vine weevils, a very serious nursery pest in the US, Holland, Italy, Germany, France, UK and Spain. According to Novozymes Biologicals president Ted Melnik, the company will make additional investments to bring these new technologies to market and begin production. “The investment of additional funds in the technology acquisition should signal our full-fledged commitment to the biological pesticide market and reaffirm our position as a biotechnology leader, and the right company to make this happen,” he said. Visit novozymes.com.

 

Synchrony Awarded USAF Contract

 

 

Synchrony, a Roanoke-based company specializing in the development and production of magnetic bearings, power, and control systems, announced today that it has received a $1.84 million contract from the Air Force Research Laboratory for research and development related to improving the performance and reliability of power and propulsion systems. This contract represents the first deliverable of a multi-phase program which has a maximum value of about $9.9 million.  Under this program, Synchrony will develop and demonstrate “more electric” power systems that incorporate high speed magnetic bearings, motors, and generators.  Synchrony President Dr. Victor Iannello said “this program positions us to become the leading supplier of electrical machines, magnetic bearings, and electronics for a broad range of power systems for the aerospace and defense industries.” Visit synchrony.com.

Visit roanokechamber.org.

JC Penney (NYSE:JCP), America’s largest direct merchant of general merchandise, held a Grand Re-Opening at the Tanglewood Mall store site in Roanoke County on Friday, October 6^th.  A Ribbon Cutting Ceremony was held at the store’s mall entrance at 10:00 a.m. with Store Manager Rick Bessette, Board of Supervisors Chairman Mike Wray, County Administrator Elmer Hodge, Local Colors’ Pearl Fu and two very special JC Penney retirees, Ruth Hodges and former store manager, Phil Boggs. The department store recently completed a major renovation which began this past spring and involved 79,000 square feet of retail space. Penney’s at Tanglewood currently employees 120 individuals, 47% full-time and 53% part-time.  County Administrator Elmer Hodge reflected on the company’s success and longevity, “We consider Tanglewood Mall to be the County’s downtown. I find it extremely rewarding to celebrate JC Penney’s Grand Re-Opening after almost thirty years as a business partner.” Visit jcpenney.com.

Participating in the Ribbon Cutting Ceremony were Ruth Hodges, Honored Retiree; Wendy Lawrence, Sales Promotion Manager; Elmer Hodge, County Administrator; Mike Wray, Board of Supervisors Chairman; Rick Bessette, Store Manager; Pearl Fu, Local Colors; and Phil Boggs, Retired Store Manager.

Board of Supervisors Chairman Mike Wray joins co-owners Matt Burkett, Mark Burkett, and Stan McCulloch in front of the Chocolate Bar for the certificate presentation.

On September 8^th, Chocolatepaper held its grand opening at 3260-505 Electric Road.  The boutique store which carries unique greeting cards, fine paper products and high end gourmet chocolates is the ultimate indulgence of nectar and pulp.  Paper gifts include distinctive greeting cards, frameable and fine wrapping papers, and an unusual assortment of gift items.  The Chocolate Bar features premier chocolate such as truffles or chocolate bars imported from Switzerland, Russia, German, Italy, France, Belgium, South America and Africa.  Chocolatepaper is a twist of its sister store, Mongrel, in Richmond which sells greeting cards and contemporary home accessories.  Chairman Mike Wray of the Roanoke County Board of Supervisors joined owners Mark Burkett, Stan McCulloch, and Matt Burkett for a Ribbon Cutting Ceremony and certificate presentation which was followed by a champagne truffle toast in miniature plastic glasses. Visit chocolatepaperroanoke.com.

A national event with international connections is coming to the Roanoke Valley this week from Thursday, October 19 to Saturday, October 21, 2006. Nearly 50 corporate teams have signed up so far for the US Challenge, a three-day competition that measures athletic and outdoor skills as well as strategic thinking and teamwork.

The contest is organized by the London-based Challenger World and presented by Fortune magazine.  The Roanoke Valley was selected based on its area accommodations, accessibility by air, the potential for local partnerships as well as aesthetic beauty and variety of challenging terrain and waterways. The course is a closely guarded secret, so teams are preparing for the many grueling challenges they will face. Visit uschallenge.com for more info.