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Stittsville author Julee Pauling debuts first novel – Stittsville Central – Local News, Events and Business

Stittsville author Julee Pauling debuts first novel - Stittsville Central - Local News, Events and Business

Last month, new author Julee Pauling self-published her very first novel, View from the Lamplighter Inn. 

This suspense/thriller follows Elspeth James on her journey to self-discovery as she attempts to solve a series of mysterious deaths — something she can’t do until she has worked through her past trauma.

According to author Julee Pauling, View from the Lamplighter Inn explores “human psychology and its effects on society…From the perspective of someone who has survived trauma and must learn how to re-engage with the world.”

Elspeth’s journey in View from the Lamplighter Inn is far from simple. After suffering from this trauma, Elspeth loses her position as a philosophy professor. Despite this, Elspeth pushes on, “investigating social violence as it exists on many levels, from the ways other people try to solve our problems for us, to micro aggressions, to full-on bullying, all the way up to human trafficking and assault.”

While Elspeth’s journey may be a work of fiction, her story was actually inspired by real events in Julee Pauling’s life. After being diagnosed with a life-threatening brain tumour, Julee had felt as if her life began to crumble.

“Prior to my brain tumour, I had a career in the public service developing ethics programs and advising on public ethics and conflicts of interest.” Julee said. “The use of the imagination in moral education has always interested me, and I had once thought I would study it at a doctoral level.”

But things took a turn for the worst.

“I was suddenly caught and I then was trapped for a time. There could be no quick escape. I just needed to work it through.” Julee confessed. “It was like one day I had an identity and a role in society and then it was gone.”

Thankfully, it didn’t take long before Julee was able to find herself once again through her writing. She set aside time to write nearly every single day, determined to finish Elspeth James’ story.

“Writing a book was always in my life plan,” Julee confessed. “But, I didn’t expect to write a book until I was over 40.”

She admits that writing her book was definitely the right path for her and urges aspiring writers to explore self-publishing as well.

“If anyone has that burning desire to publish a book,” Julee said, “give it a try.”

But her journey doesn’t stop here. When asked about what readers can expect in the future, Julee assured that View from the Lamplighter Inn would not be the end of this story. In fact, readers can expect the next novel in the series, Polished Stone sometime in the future.

To secure your very own copy of Julee Pauling’s View from the Lamplighter Inn, click here.

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Killeen area business news and events

Killeen area business news and events

Creative Cakes and Snacks to reopen March 14 in Copperas Cove

Creative Cakes and Snacks will host its grand re-opening at 10 a.m. and a ribbon cutting at noon March 14 at 1301 E. Business Highway 190, Copperas Cove.

The bakery’s re-opening comes after being closed for almost three months after a car crashed into its storefront in December last year.

Killeen Chamber schedules monthly Thursday mixer for March 17

The Greater Killeen Chamber of Commerce will host its Third Thursday Mixer from 5 to 7 p.m. March 17 at SignatureCare Emergency Center, 800 W. Central Texas Expressway, Killeen.

This free event will allow chamber members to meet the SignatureCare team and learn more about its operations.

Vendors needed for Pop-Up Shop and Day Party in Killeen on March 19

Club Enclave Killeen, 220 East Avenue D, is hosting a Pop-Up Shop and Day Party from 1 to 7 p.m. March 19. This pop-up will feature vendors for small business owners to network and promote their services.

Vendors are encouraged to bring their own table, chairs, displays, and products. Vendor registration is $40 and applications and more information can be found at https://bit.ly/3t3eqUX. Space is limited.

Copperas Cove EDC to host business workshop March 22 from 5:45 to 7 p.m.

The Copperas Cove Economic Development Corporation will host its “Starting a Business: Step-by-Step” workshop from 5:45 to 7 p.m. March 22 at 408 S. Main Street, Copperas Cove.

This event will focus on preparation, future planning for businesses, and guidance to get started. The workshop is free to attend but requires registration in advance. Go to https://bit.ly/368ICF2 to register.

Boss Woman Empowerment Event slated for March 20 in Killeen

The Boss Woman Empowerment Event will be from noon to 3 p.m. March 20 at The Social Instance, 2201 S. WS Young Drive, Killeen. There will be a panel discussion, woman-owned businesses present for networking and vendor opportunities, brunch, raffles, and more.

Tickets range from $30 to $50 per person. Go to https://bit.ly/3tOaxSL for more information and to purchase tickets in advance.

Tickets available for annual Heights Chamber Community Celebration

The Harker Heights Chamber of Commerce and the City of Harker Heights will host the annual Community Celebration: Achieving New Heights from 6 to 9 p.m. April 4 at the Killeen Civic and Conference Center, 3601 S. WS Young Drive.

This event will recognize outstanding individuals and business leaders and celebrate the community’s achievements.

The theme and dress code for this year’s event is “Texas Casual.”

The Killeen Daily Herald wants to print your business news on our expanded business pages.

Send information to news@kdhnews.com, with the words BUSINESS NEWS in the subject line. Please provide a name and contact phone number for the reporter.

Here are some things to include that could be used for publication:

Business name, address, phone number (for publication), and website.

What’s the news: (It could be a new manager, promotions, events, or other items listed above).

What does your business do?

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Upcoming business events for the week of March 13, 2022

Upcoming events for the week of March 6, 2022

Virginia’s Blue Ridge Series: The State of Innovation

You don’t want to miss this distinguished panel discussion about the technology and medical advancements helping drive our region forward! Presenters will be Amy White, dean of the School of STEM at Virginia Western Community College; Troy Keyser, director of innovation for Carilion Clinic; and Dr. Hal Irvin, Ph.D., associate vice president for health sciences and technology outreach at Fralin Biomedical Research Institute at VTC. Erin Burcham, president of Verge and executive director of Roanoke-Blacksburg Technology Council, will moderate. The Virginia’s Blue Ridge Series is geared toward business owners, C-suite executives and junior to senior-level management professionals. Purchase tickets in advance at the Roanoke Regional Chamber of Commerce website: https://roanokechamber.org.

Where: Vinton War Memorial, 814 E. Wahsington St., Vinton

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Cost: $50 members, $100 future members (includes breakfast)

Contact: Valerie Brannan, vbrannan@roanokechamber.org

Salem-Roanoke County Chamber Check-in

Start your week with networking, finding solutions to challenges, and connecting to additional resources. If you have expertise to share in support of other members or would like 10-15 minutes to share your current programs and offerings, we’d love to have you speak during a check-in; please reach out to Beth Bell, director@s-rcchamber.org. After hearing from our local expert/member speaker, stick around for networking and chamber updates. Members and future members may attend; however, only members can present to the group. Takes place every other Tuesday.

Contact: Beth Bell, director@ s-rcchamber.org

American Business Women’s Association Luncheon Meeting

RSVP by March 14! Join us for our monthly luncheon featuring guest speaker Janay Reece, reporter on WDBJ7’s Mornin’ Show. Come learn ways to promote your business so you get noticed.

Where: Holiday Inn Christiansburg-Blacksburg, 99 Bradley Drive, Christiansburg

When: 11:30 a.m. to 1 p.m.

Contact: Terri Welch at christiansburg@wineanddesign.com

Beer & Biotech: The Future of Biotech in the Region

Beer & Biotech is an ecosystem-building series that will bring together investors, physicians, academics, inventors, startups and state and regional leaders who are influential in the biotechnology industry. Each event in the yearlong series will feature a local, regional or national speaker and include plenty of time for networking and beverages at the host brewery. For this installment, John Newby, chief executive officer of Virginia Bio, will share his vision for the future of biotechnology and biotech commercialization in the region.

Where: Big Lick Brewing Co., 409 Salem Ave. SW, Roanoke (back room)

Contact: Register at https://rbtc.tech/rbtc-events

Annual Business Awards Breakfast

The Salem-Roanoke County Chamber’s most celebrated event, where we honor our local heroes, community members and winners of our small and large business, regional business, nonprofit organization and citizen of the year. A full breakfast will be served. Attendees are encouraged to arrive early, grab a coffee and connect with other chamber members. Register on the website: http://s-rcchamber.org.

Where: Salem Civic Center, 1001 Roanoke Blvd., Salem

Cost: $35 members, $45 nonmembers

Contact: Beth Bell, director@s-rcchamber.org

SBDC Ag Day 2022: Expected Market Trends for Farmers’ Markets, Farm Stores and Local Food

Pre-registration required! Our speaker will be Rose Jeter, Agricultural Technology Program, Virginia Tech. Topics include: what is a market analysis and why do I need one; how to find market size, potential and trends; and an overview of current trends in local and regional food systems. This session is geared toward owners of small business who are producers, growers, farmers market managers and vendors, manufacturers and retailers in the agriculture industry. A confirmation email with the Zoom login information will be sent after registration.

Contact: https://www.roanokesmallbusiness.org/training/agday-markettrends

SBDC Ag Day 2022 : Are you Market Ready? Tips and Best Practices for Producers to Sell to Consumers at Farmers’ Markets

Pre-registration required!

Our speaker will be Dr. Theresa Nartea, associate professor and Extension specialist, Marketing & Agribusiness. This session is geared toward helping participants: increase their knowledge of effective, attractive and safe product display at a farmers market; increase awareness of consumer preferences in purchasing direct to consumer; increase confidence in creating a farmers market display that enhances product value to the end consumer. A confirmation email with the Zoom login information will be sent after registration.

Contact: https://www.roanokesmall business.org/training/agday-market trends

Preparing for IRONMAN 2022: Tips and Tools for Small Businesses to Capitalize for Increased Sales

Pre-registration required! The Carilion Clinic IRONMAN 70.3 Virginia’s Blue Ridge is coming to the region June 3-5. Is your business ready? Join the SBDC for a virtual workshop that will provide tips and tools for your business to capitalize on increased activity before and during race weekend. We will be joined by special guests from The IRONMAN Group, and Visit Virginia’s Blue Ridge. A confirmation email with the Zoom login information will be sent after registration.

Contact: Register by going to https://www.roanokesmallbusiness.org/

CyberSecurity Forum: Roundtable Discussion

Join us as we learn more about log4j and what you can do to secure your organization’s systems and networks. This will be a one-hour, in-person roundtable discussion (with food and drinks), followed by a hands-on workshop breakout on the Cyber Range (BYOLaptop). This workshop will give you a step-by-step lab to scan for, detect and exploit this serious vulnerability, just as a black hat would on your network. Then we’ll discuss patching, prevention and mitigation strategies to keep your organization safe going forward.

Where: Virginia Tech Corporate Research Center, (Building/Room TBA), Blacksburg

Cost: $10 members, $15 nonmembers

Contact: Register at https://www.rbtc.tech/event/

Understanding Intellectual Property and the Patent Process

Pre-registration required! Protecting your product and maintaining a competitive advantage is the basis for patent law. The goals of this workshop are to help current small business owners in all industries understand the different types of intellectual property (IP); identify the IP assets of their business; and determine the next steps to protect their IP. Our speaker will be Timothy J. Bechen, Of Counsel, Intellectual Property Practice, Woods Rogers. A confirmation email with the Zoom login information will be sent after registration.

Contact: Register by going to https://www.roanokesmallbusiness.org/

Clean Valley Council’s Star City Sustainability Society Series: Driving Down Emissions

This month’s speaker will be Andrea Garland, director of RIDE Solutions, who will talk about a report by Transportation For America and Smart Growth America that explores how our land-use and transportation decisions are inextricably connected, and proposes strategies to reduce emissions while building a more equitable society. These free lectures are being held on the fourth Thursday of each month, and will feature different sustainability professionals who will speak on topics related to their expertise. More information on the series and future presenters may be found at https://cleanvalley.org/scss.

Where: Humble Hustle (community room), 601 11th St. NW, Suite 102

Contact: info@cleanvalley.org

The Botetourt Young Professionals Group is for anyone who works, lives or wants to connect in Botetourt County. We strive to bring together young professionals, so we may learn, grow and reach our full potentials as future leaders in our area, as well as give back to our community through acts of service. Individuals of all professions and ages are welcome to attend our events and activities. More info at https://botetourtchamber.com/.

Where: 1772 Rooftop on Main, Fincastle

Cost: No fee; Dutch treat

Contact: Kaleigh Duffy, kmd.pga@gmail.com

Join us for coffee and refreshments, courtesy of our host, Smith Mountain Lake Association. This event provides a structured and supportive networking environment for chamber members.

Where: SMLA, 400 Scruggs Road, Suite 2100, Moneta

Contact: info@visitsmithmountainlake.com

Roanoke-Blacksburg Technology Council’s Tech & Toast events are held throughout the year and typically alternate between Blacksburg and Roanoke locations to encourage regional participation. Each event includes a speaker or panel and valuable networking with business and technology leaders from across the region.

Where: Blacksburg (location TBA)

Contact: Learn more at https://www.rbtc.tch/event/

QuickBooks Series: How to Process Payroll in QuickBooks Online

Pre-registration required! Join the SBDC for this virtual workshop presented by Tom Tanner, regional lead advisor and QuickBooks pro. Learn how to create your company settings, how to set up electronic payments to the state and the IRS, how to run regular and special payroll, and more. Any current small business owner in any industry who is currently using QuickBooks online is encouraged to attend. A confirmation email with the Zoom login information will be sent after registration.

Contact: Register at https://www.roanokesmallbusiness.org/training/qbpayroll

Webinar: Success Through e-Commerce

Please pre-register! Join the SBDC if you’re interested in pivoting more of your efforts to online sales. Our speaker will be Cameron Nelson, chief digital advisor, Virginia SBDC. This session will cover the variety of websites available, how to upgrade your website to accommodate online sales, e-commerce platforms and how to select the best one, how to set up your online storefront, and more. A confirmation email with the Zoom login information will be sent after registration.

Contact: Register at https://clients.virginiasbdc.org/events.aspx

Blocksburg Summit 2022 will bring blockchain thought leaders from around the world to the Virginia Tech community to engage in conversations at the intersection of technology, research, regulation, policy and economics in commercial enterprises, government and education. Register to secure your spot.

Contact: Learn more at https://www.rbtc.tch/event/

Information on public events of interest to businesspeople can be emailed to upcoming@roanoke.com. Deadline for submissions is two weeks before the event.

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Coca-Cola and PepsiCo suspend Russia business, point to

Coca-Cola and PepsiCo suspend Russia business, point to

Coca-Cola and PepsiCo — two of the biggest beverage producers on the globe — are joining the largest fast-food chain in suspending business in Russia in the wake of that nation’s invasion of Ukraine.

Echoing concern for the people of Ukraine voiced earlier in the afternoon by McDonald’s, Atlanta-based Coca-Cola on Tuesday announced it was curtailing operations in Russia. “Our hearts are with the people who are enduring unconscionable effects from these tragic events in Ukraine,” the multinational stated.

“We will continue to monitor and assess the situation as circumstances evolve,” the statement added.

PepsiCo cited “the horrific events occurring in Ukraine” in suspending sales of Pepsi-Cola, 7 Up and other brands in Russia, along with capital investments and advertising in that country, where it’s operated for more than 60 years. The company will continue to sell dairy products including milk, as well as baby food and formula, it said.

Starbucks followed suit, saying it was suspending all business activity in Russia, including shipment of its products. “Our license partner has agreed to immediately pause store operations and will provide support to the nearly 2,000 partners in Russia who depend on Starbucks for their livelihood.”

“We condemn the horrific attacks on Ukraine by Russia,” stated the coffee chain’s CEO, Kevin Johnson. 

The companies made their announcements shortly after McDonald’s said it would temporarily close its 850 restaurants in Russia. Like Coca-Cola’s briefer statement, McDonald’s CEO Chris Kempczinski’s open letter to employees stopped short of condemning Russia for its attack. 

More than 2 million people have fled Ukraine since Russia’s invasion of the country, according to the United Nations. 

While a broad range of companies have shut down in Russia as the Ukraine crisis escalates, McDonald’s and Coca-Cola were among those continuing to do business there. 

Both companies faced boycott campaigns on social media, while McDonald’s was among those getting called out by the New York state pension fund, one of the largest investors in the U.S.

On Tuesday, New York State Comptroller Thomas DiNapoli applauded the move by McDonald’s and other companies to withdraw from Ukraine. 

“Companies doing business in Russia need to seriously consider whether it’s worth the risk. As investors, we want assurances that our holdings are not in harm’s way. I commend the companies that are taking the right steps and suspending their operations in Russia,” DiNapoli said in a statement.

More than 200 U.S. and foreign companies have curtailed operations in Russia so far, according to a running tally by Jeffrey Sonnenfeld, a management professor at Yale University. He previously had listed McDonald’s and Coca-Cola as among the companies remaining in Russia with significant exposure. 

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Upcoming events for the week of March 6, 2022

Upcoming events for the week of March 6, 2022

(Virtual) Franklin County Connects

This event provides a structured and supportive networking environment for chamber members. Each month a guest speaker presents vital info regarding the Franklin County business community. Attendees receive chamber updates, meet and network with other members and have an opportunity to share information about their business. Meeting ID and password available at business.visitsmithmountainlake.com/events.

Contact: info@visitsmithmountainlake.com, 540-721-1203

Eventacular: Businesses, Towns and Events Partnering for Profit

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Local events are a mainstay of towns across the country, especially now as we coax our customers through the path of the pandemic and try to re-accustom them to enjoying their downtowns as community gathering places and shopping destinations. Business owners, aspiring entrepreneurs, event planners, town and county personnel, tourism office and chamber of commerce staff are all encouraged to attend this virtual workshop! Join our presenter, Marc Willson, Virginia SBDC, Small Town & Merchant Program, to learn how everyone can benefit from the extra exposure to new and current customers before, during and after events. Pre-registration is required.

Contact: Link to register — https://www.roanokesmallbusiness.org/

Eggs & Issues: How Broadband is Expanding to Serve Our Community

Register by noon March 8! Montgomery County Chamber of Commerce invites you to this month’s breakfast and networking program, featuring a panel discussion with local experts. Program starts promptly at 8 a.m. Space is limited, so advance registration is required. Go to https://www.montgomerycc.org.

Where: Warm Hearth Village, 2387 Warm Hearth Drive, Blacksburg

Cost: $25 chamber members, $35 nonmembers

Contact: marketing@montgomerycc.org

Gentry Locke Labor & Employment Symposium: Don’t Leave HR to Luck!

Topics include: The New Virginia Employment Law Landscape; Gaslighting in the Workplace; Implicit Bias and its Effect on Company Culture, Recruitment and Retention; Workplace Investigations and Reducing Liability Risk; FMLA & ADA, DOL, EEOC and NLRB; Cybersecurity; and more! Continuing education credits available. Register at www.gentrylocke.com/hr2022.

Where: Hotel Roanoke & Conference Center

When: 7:45 a.m. to 4:30 p.m.

Contact: Kathleen Lordan, glrm@gentrylocke.com

Virginia’s Blue Ridge Series: The State of Innovation

You don’t want to miss this distinguished panel discussion about the technology and medical advancements helping drive our region forward! Presenters will be Amy White, dean of the School of STEM at Virginia Western Community College; Troy Keyser, director of innovation for Carilion Clinic; and Dr. Hal Irvin, Ph.D., associate vice president for health sciences and technology outreach at Fralin Biomedical Research Institute at VTC. Erin Burcham, president of Verge and executive director of Roanoke-Blacksburg Technology Council, will moderate. The Virginia’s Blue Ridge Series is geared toward business owners, C-suite executives and junior to senior-level management professionals. Purchase tickets in advance at the Roanoke Regional Chamber of Commerce website: https://roanokechamber.org.

Where: Vinton War Memorial, 814 E. Washington St., Vinton

Cost: $50 members, $100 future members (includes breakfast)

Contact: Valerie Brannan, vbrannan@roanokechamber.org

Salem-Roanoke County Chamber Check-in

Start your week with networking, finding solutions to challenges, and connecting to additional resources. If you have expertise to share in support of other members or would like 10-15 minutes to share your current programs and offerings, we’d love to have you speak during a check-in; please reach out to Beth Bell, director@s-rcchamber.org. After hearing from our local expert/member speaker, stick around for networking and chamber updates. Members and future members may attend, however only members can present. Takes place every other Tuesday.

Contact: Beth Bell, director@s-rcchamber.org

American Business Women’s Association Luncheon Meeting

RSVP by March 14! Join us for our monthly luncheon featuring guest speaker Janay Reece, reporter on WDBJ7’s Mornin’ Show. Come learn ways to promote your business so you get noticed.

Where: Holiday Inn Christiansburg-Blacksburg, 99 Bradley Drive, Christiansburg

When: 11:30 a.m. to 1 p.m.

Contact: Terri Welch at christiansburg@wineanddesign.com

Beer & Biotech: The Future of Biotech in the Region

Beer & Biotech is an ecosystem-building series that will bring together investors, physicians, academics, inventors, startups and state and regional leaders who are influential in the biotechnology industry. Each event in the yearlong series will feature a local, regional or national speaker and include plenty of time for networking and beverages at the host brewery. For this installment, John Newby, chief executive officer of Virginia Bio, will share his vision for the future of biotechnology.

Where: Big Lick Brewing Co., 409 Salem Ave. SW, Roanoke (back room)

Contact: Register at https://rbtc.tech/rbtc-events

SBDC Ag Day 2022: Expected Market Trends for Farmers’ Markets, Farm Stores, and Local Food

Our speaker will be Rose Jeter, Agricultural Technology Program, Virginia Tech. Topics include: what is a market analysis and why do I need one; how to find market size, potential and trends; and an overview of current trends in local and regional food systems. This session is geared toward owners of small business who are producers, growers, farmers market managers and vendors, manufacturers and retailers in the agriculture industry. Pre-registration is required. A confirmation email with the Zoom login information will be sent after registration.

Contact: https://www.roanokesmall business.org/training/agday-markettrends

SBDC Ag Day 2022 : Are you Market Ready? Tips and Best Practices for Producers to Sell to Consumers at Farmers’ Markets

Our speaker will be Dr. Theresa Nartea, associate professor and Extension specialist, Marketing & Agribusiness. This session is geared toward helping participants: increase their knowledge of effective, attractive and safe product display at a farmers market; increase awareness of consumer preferences in purchasing direct to consumer; increase confidence in creating a farmers market display that enhances product value to the end consumer. Pre-registration is required. A confirmation email with the Zoom login information will be sent after registration.

Contact: https://www.roanokesmallbusiness.org/training/agday-markettrends

Preparing for IRONMAN 2022: Tips and Tools for Small Businesses to Capitalize for Increased Sales

The Carilion Clinic IRONMAN 70.3 Virginia’s Blue Ridge is coming to the region June 3-5. Is your business ready? Join the SBDC for a virtual workshop that will provide tips and tools for your business to capitalize on increased activity before and during race weekend. We will be joined by special guests from The IRONMAN Group and Visit Virginia’s Blue Ridge. Pre-registration is required. A confirmation email with the Zoom login will be sent.

Contact: Register by going to https://www.roanokesmallbusiness.org/

Understanding Intellectual Property and the Patent Process

Protecting your product and maintaining a competitive advantage is the basis for patent law. The goals of this workshop are to help current small business owners in all industries understand the different types of intellectual property (IP); identify the IP assets of their business; and determine the next steps to protect their IP. Our speaker will be Timothy J. Bechen, Of Counsel, Intellectual Property Practice, Woods Rogers. Pre-registration is required. A confirmation email with the Zoom login will be sent.

Contact: Register by going to https://www.roanokesmallbusiness.org/

Clean Valley Council’s Star City Sustainability Society Series: Driving Down Emissions

This month’s speaker will be Andrea Garland, director of RIDE Solutions, who will talk about a report by Transportation For America and Smart Growth America that explores how our land-use and transportation decisions are inextricably connected, and proposes strategies to reduce emissions while building a more equitable society. These free lectures are being held on the fourth Thursday of each month, and will feature different sustainability professionals who will speak on topics related to their expertise. More information available at https://cleanvalley.org/scss.

Where: Humble Hustle (community room), 601 11th St. NW, Suite 102

Contact: info@cleanvalley.org

The Botetourt Young Professionals Group is for anyone who works, lives or wants to connect in Botetourt County. We strive to bring together young professionals so we may learn, grow and reach our full potentials as future leaders in our area, as well as give back to our community through acts of service. Individuals of all professions and ages are welcome to attend our events and activities. More info at https://botetourtchamber.com/.

Where: 1772 Rooftop on Main, Fincastle

Cost: No fee; Dutch treat

Contact: Kaleigh Duffy, kmd.pga@gmail.com

Join us for coffee and refreshments, courtesy of our host, Smith Mountain Lake Association. This event provides a structured and supportive networking environment for Chamber members.

Where: SMLA, 400 Scruggs Road, Suite 2100, Moneta

Contact: info@visitsmithmountainlake.com

Information on public events of interest to businesspeople can be emailed to upcoming@roanoke.com. Deadline for submissions is two weeks before the event.

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Singapore to resume large-scale business, leisure events in tourism sector

Singapore to resume large-scale business, leisure events in tourism sector

SINGAPORE – The Singapore Tourism Board (STB) is gearing up for a strong comeback by the tourism sector and will pave the way for large-scale, high-quality business and leisure events to recommence this year, Minister of State for Trade and Industry Low Yen Ling said in Parliament on Friday (March 4).

Speaking during the debate on the Ministry of Trade and Industry’s (MTI) budget, Ms Low said many more events, such as the Global Health Security Conference 2022 and Find Design Fair Asia 2022, as well as the Formula 1 Singapore Grand Prix and the Standard Chartered Singapore Marathon, will be held later in the year.

“We will defend our position as a leading destination for high-quality business and leisure events. We hit a ‘pause’ button on these because of Covid-19,” said Ms Low.

The Singapore Air Show 2022, which took place from Feb 15 to 18, welcomed an estimated 13,000 trade attendees and almost 600 exhibitors from more than 39 countries.

STB has also just launched the Tourism Careers Hub pilot to provide training and skills upgrading for workers and firms in the tourism sector.

The initiative will focus on job matching within the sector and encouraging technology transformation, among other workforce improvement efforts.

The STB will accelerate its SingapoReimagine campaign as international travel resumes, and help tourism companies develop attractive products and experiences.

In addition, the SingapoRediscovers voucher (SRV) scheme was launched in 2020 to drive local spending at hotels, attractions and tours here.

The scheme has since generated nearly $300 million in SRV-related bookings and transactions, and up to $100 million in ancillary spending.

The MTI will also work with the tourism sector to co-create innovative tech and digital solutions.

Over the past three years, STB’s Singapore Tourism Accelerator Programme has supported 34 promising tech start-ups in developing solutions to ready the sector for the future.

“Covid-19 has hit the tourism sector very hard, but despite the challenges, we have continued to quickly adapt and pivot to new propositions to come back stronger,” said Ms Low.

“We will continue to support the tourism sector’s efforts to recover, innovate and come back stronger than before.”

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Promoting NI as a world class business events destination to the UK market

Promoting NI as a world class business events destination to the UK market
Pictured at the Larchfield Estate are Diane Thompson, Delegate Wranglers, Michael Dalton, MICDROP founder, Neil Thompson, founder and director of Delegate Wranglers, Lisa Stewart, Visit Belfast and Hannah Watson, Larchfield Estate

The highlight of the week included the filming of eight local industry partners as part of the destination showcase, including Galgorm Spa and Golf Resort, Hillsborough Castle and Gardens, Larchfield Estate, Crowne Plaza Belfast, ICC Belfast, Titanic Belfast, The Merchant Hotel Belfast, and The Culloden Estate and Spa.

The final video will be showcased to their audience of over 21,000 global event professionals to help generate more awareness for Northern Ireland as a business events location for the UK Market.

On the final day (25 February), over 20 local industry joined together for an information session at the Grand Central Hotel Belfast to find out how they can grow a presence through Delegate Wranglers and generate successful business from it. A live broadcast also took place from the event, to the Delegate Wranglers audience, through their social channels.

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Pictured at the Grand Central Hotel in Belfast are Bridgene Keeley, McKeever Hotel Group, Naomi Wilson, Clayton Hotel Belfast, Eimear Callaghan, Tourism NI’s business solutions manager, Caroline Wilson, Taste and Tour NI, Neil Thompson, founder and director of Delegate Wranglers, Judy Hutton, Game of Thrones Studio Tour, Rachael McGuickin, director of business development at Visit Belfast and Alan Greer, Historic Royal Palaces Hillsborough Castle

A message from the Editor:

Thank you for reading this story on our website. While I have your attention, I also have an important request to make of you.

In order for us to continue to provide high quality and trusted local news on this free-to-read site, I am asking you to also please purchase a copy of our newspaper whenever you are able to do so.

Our journalists are highly trained and our content is independently regulated by IPSO to some of the most rigorous standards in the world. But being your eyes and ears comes at a price. So we need your support more than ever to buy our newspapers during this crisis.

Pictured at the Grand Central Hotel in Belfast are Eimear Callaghan, Tourism NI’s business solutions manager, Neil Thompson, founder and director of Delegate Wranglers and Rachael McGuickin, director of business development at Visit Belfast

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Abu Dhabi’s IHC acquires 70% stake in Arena Events for Dhs239.8m – Gulf Business

International Holding Company
International Holding Company

Abu Dhabi-headquartered multi-sector conglomerate, International Holding Company (IHC), has acquired a 70 per cent stake in Arena Events Group for Dhs239.8m.

IHC acquired the majority stake in Arena, an event structures and entertainment services business, previously listed on the AIM market of the London Stock Exchange.

The transaction will see TasHeel Holding Group, Arena’s existing largest shareholder, partner with IHC to further Arena’s operations

Paul Berger, the current Arena EMEA CEO, will transition to become Arena’s global CEO.

Arena is one of the world’s largest event and hospitality structure companies. It provides turnkey event solutions, such as temporary physical structures, modular construction, seating and grandstands, ice rinks, and interior fit out for an extensive portfolio of major sporting, outdoor and leisure events in the UK, North America, Middle East and Asia.

Its latest projects include the Commonwealth Games in Birmingham, the two newest Formula 1 Grand Prix races in Miami and Jeddah, and the CJ Cup golf event in Korea.

Newly appointed chairman of the Arena Events Group, Peter Abraam, added: “Arena’s established expertise, 15 global offices, 260-year heritage and 1,000-plus employees across multiple regions remain at the core of enhancing and growing our international footprint and offering. With the largest stock of clear span structure in America, and the second largest inventory of grandstand seating globally, Arena’s ambitions are limitless. IHC aims to provide Arena the backing to strengthen the foothold and capabilities of each of its territory headquarters in the UK, Asia, the Americas, Europe and the Middle East.”

In 2021, IHC reported an all-time-high annual revenue of Dhs28.3bn, an increase of 303 per cent year-on-year. It also reported unaudited net profits of Dhs11.3bn for the period ending December 2021, and increase of an increase of 275 per cent from the Dhs3bn it reported the previous year. IHC’s total assets increased to Dhs87bn by the end oflast year, up 520 per cent from Dhs14bn in 2020.