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Canora Mayor thanks those involved with two recent events

Canora Mayor thanks those involved with two recent events

A big thank to several volunteers and individuals for putting on the Canora Ag Days and the Live and Play Street Festival.

Mayor Mike Kwas notes some of the organizations involved where the Cruiser Car Club, the Tourism Committee, the Canora Ag Society and Public Works department.

Chariot and chuckwagon races as well as a Gymkana highlighted the weekend.

There was also a cabaret which featured the Crawdaddies.

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The WDM Hold An Event In Yorkton

The WDM Hold An Event In Yorkton

An event will be held at the Western Development Museum in Yorkton. Back to the Farm is taking place at the WDM and will run today from 10:30am-4pm. Several events are taking place including the operation of various vintage tractors, binding of crop and plowing the back field, demonstrations of clay oven bread baking, rope making, blacksmithing and butter making. Regular Museum admission applies, while WDM members can get in for free.

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Lending of traditional garment for special events helps overcome cost barrier

Lending of traditional garment for special events helps overcome cost barrier



When Kyrra Kematch burned part of her ribbon skirt at a sweat ceremony, she needed a quick solution. The 17-year-old had registered for the Matriarch Summit, a gathering of Indigenous women, girls, two-spirit and gender-diverse individuals, but couldn’t afford to purchase a new skirt.

“I didn’t want to wear it to the Matriarch Summit because it’s a really professional event,” Kematch said. “I found this lady on Facebook who was renting out her ribbon skirts to anyone who needed them, as long as you gave them back.”


JESSICA LEE / WINNIPEG FREE PRESS</p><p>Gosselin started making the skirts in March and now has a dozen to lend out.</p>

JESSICA LEE / WINNIPEG FREE PRESS

Gosselin started making the skirts in March and now has a dozen to lend out.

That lady was Sasha Gosselin, who began lending her collection of handmade ribbon skirts to strangers in the last few months.

Kematch was pleasantly surprised by Gosselin’s kindness and generosity.

“She just hands them out and lets anyone wear them, anytime,” Kematch said. “That’s absolutely wonderful. I love what she’s doing.”


JESSICA LEE / WINNIPEG FREE PRESS</p><p>Retailing for prices between $100 and $400, the cost of ribbon skirts can be a significant barrier for some.</p>

JESSICA LEE / WINNIPEG FREE PRESS

Retailing for prices between $100 and $400, the cost of ribbon skirts can be a significant barrier for some.

Gosselin, who is originally from Treaty 4, only recently began creating ribbon skirts. Originally, she picked up the sewing machine to reconnect with her culture from her dad’s side of the family, but it soon became a catalyst to help others connect, too.

“After wearing my first ribbon skirt and feeling that sense of connection to my culture and the pride of wearing it, I wanted to be able to share that,” Gosselin said. “I started making my own skirts and I decided that I would take a chance and put them out there completely free of charge so that other people would get to experience what I got to.”

At first, Gosselin began informally lending the skirts by spreading the word on different Facebook groups. Recently, she launched a Facebook page called kisêwâtisiwin (“kindness” in Cree) to display her collection.

Retailing between $100-400, the cost of ribbon skirts can be a significant barrier for some, Gosselin said. Amid the grad and powwow season, the ribbon skirt demand has been high for artisans such as April Tawipisim, who owns Winnipeg-based Turtle Woman Indigenous Wear.

“On average, we sell about 10 skirts per week, and there’s been a real high demand for ribbon skirts with grad,” Tawipisim said.

Ribbon skirts are worn during ceremonies to evoke pride and a spiritual connection to the earth. One of Gosselin’s favourite aspects of the process is attaching ribbon drops to the sides of the skirts, which she sees as the “whispering of them going up to Creator, having them long so they’re close to the ground and they touch the earth.

“Our ancestral women wore dresses from cotton skirts and then added ribbons and made it nice and fancy,” Tawipisim said. “As time went by and things evolved, the shorter skirts became more fashionable.”

In just a few months, Gosselin’s ribbon skirts have been worn to a host of special events, from high school graduations to sundance ceremonies. One woman even travelled an eight-hour drive from Norway House Cree Nation to pick up a custom-designed skirt for her graduation.

“You might wear them to any kind of thing where you want that powerful feeling behind you, whether that’s going to a grad ceremony (or) going to something where you’re receiving some type of honour,” Gosselin said. “Just being present and showing that we’re still here.”

Kematch is just one of many Indigenous women who have borrowed Gosselin’s skirts, but she remains touched by her act of kindness.

“The ribbon skirt is really important to me because it’s something I hold near and dear to my heart, and it makes me feel more empowered,” Kematch said. “Out of the kindness of her heart, and for being such a trusting woman, she has let people borrow her skirts and bring them back for events. I just think that’s absolutely beautiful.”

As grad season comes to a close, Gosselin is eager to share her wardrobe with anyone heading to ceremonies. Emulating its Cree namesake for kindness, Gosselin hopes kisêwâtisiwin will help others feel the pride of wearing the threads of one’s culture, regardless of financial situation.

cierra.bettens@freepress.mb.ca

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First annual off-road motorcycle event coming to Fort McMurray Wood Buffalo

First annual off-road motorcycle event coming to Fort McMurray Wood Buffalo

Richardson Backcountry in Fort McMurray Wood Buffalo
“Photo provided by Ride North Moto”

Fort McMurray Wood Buffalo Economic Development & Tourism (FMWBEDT) has teamed up with Ride North Moto, to deliver their first-ever off-road motorcycle event to the area.

Together, they’re launching “Boreal Royale”, a dual-sport motorcycle adventure taking place June 24-26.

Tyler Cole, Sports & Events Economic Development Officer with FMWBEDT describes it as not being a race, but more of an opportunity to responsibly welcome the motorcycle community to the beautiful backcountry areas of Wood Buffalo.

The event includes four nights of camping at the motocross track and three days of competition that will see competitors use the WANDURO app to find waypoints and collect Quest Points.

The press release describes the event as being similar to geocaching, which is where individuals hunt for hidden objects by using GPS coordinates, but with motorcycles.

“We are working towards this event becoming a staple in the dual-sport and adventure sport motorcycling event calendar going forward,” explained Cole.

McMurray Dirt Riders Association and the WANDURO Adventure Moto Navigation events team from British Columbia will also be hosting Boreal Royale in partnership with the event.

Mike Haberoth, Founder of Ride North Moto says, “We are very excited to see the 1st Annual Boreal Royale come together and to share our passion for motorcycle sport with others in the community. Our local partners have been the key to helping us explore the region’s backcountry and inspiring us all to be proud of the place we call home.”

FMWBEDT stated in a press release that the Athabasca Chipewyan First Nation has given permission to the group to allow competitors on their traditional territory in the Richardson backcountry north of Fort McMurray.

An introductory video for the event can be viewed at Boreal Royale – Teaser Video – YouTube.

For more information, you can visit ridenorthmoto.com.

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UPCOMING BUSINESS EVENTS

Upcoming events for the week of March 6, 2022

Roanoke Higher Education Authority Board

The Board of Trustees of the Roanoke Higher Education Authority will hold a meeting in Room 212 at the Roanoke Higher Education Center. This meeting is open to the public.

Where: Roanoke Higher Education Center, 108 N. Jefferson St., Roanoke

Contact: Kay Dunkley at kay.dunkley@education.edu

Government Contracting Series: How to Become SWaM Certified

Are you a small, women-owned or minority-owned business? Small business owners who are looking to participate in Virginia’s specialized procurement and contracting opportunities are encouraged to become SWaM certified. This workshop will cover the certification process; required documents needed to apply; and how to use the certification to do business with the Commonwealth (intro to eVA, Virginia’s online procurement portal). Our speaker will be Ramain Gohar, Business Manager, Virginia Department of Small Business and Supplier Diversity. This event is in collaboration with the Roanoke Regional SBDC.

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Contact: Register at https:// www.roanokesmallbusiness.org/training/cert-swam

Roanoke Higher Education Center Open House

Come learn about the more than 200 degree, licensure and certificate programs currently being offered at the Roanoke Higher Education Center. Speak with representatives from our member institutions and discuss program details. Find out more about tuition, admission requirements, program length and more! Free and open to the public. Please register to attend.

Where: Roanoke Higher Education Center, 108 N. Jefferson St., Roanoke

NARFE (National Active and Retired Federal Employees)

Gathering at 11 a.m. Meeting at 11:15 a.m. The speaker will be Allison Szuba. Her topic will be “Giggles to Guffaws.” All are welcome. PLEASE NOTE: Location is assuming The Roanoker is still open. Backup plans are being made.

Where: Roanoker Restaurant Meeting Room, 2522 Colonial Ave. SW, Roanoke

Cost: Order lunch from special menu ($10-14)

Contact: Mark Fisher 772-0984

Botetourt Chamber of Commerce 2022 Annual Meeting of the Membership

Our theme is “Reflecting on the past and preparing for the future.” Join us as we reacquaint! We will welcome our new board members and say thank you to our outgoing board members. Networking, guest speakers, appetizers and more.

Where: Sunnybrook, 7342 Plantation Road, Roanoke

Cost: $30 members, $45 future members

Contact: Jennifer Vance, 540-566-8812, Jennifer@botetourtchamber.com

Free Research Assistance, Business Development, and Career Enhancement…

Look no further than your local public library (in person and online) for help with a wide range of business assistance. While each location is different, every library, through the Library of Virginia, has access to digital resources, learning assets and research tools to help you meet your career and business goals. Join us to learn more!

Contact: Register at https:// clients.virginiasbdc.org/workshop

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

Future-Proofing Your Business: Web 3.0, NFTs & Blockchain

Confused about blockchain for your business? We’ve got you covered. This illustrative program includes a Q&A session to answer your questions, including how blockchain and bitcoin differ; accepting cryptocurrency as a form of payment; use of non-fungible tokens (NFTs); safety and privacy concerns, and more. Our presenter is Cameron Nelson, Chief Digital Advisor, Virginia SBDC and Central Virginia SBDC.

Contact: Register at https:// clients.virginiasbdc.org/workshop

“Covid After-Action Report”

Reservations required no later than Tuesday, June 7, at noon! Our invited speakers include leadership from the NRV Health District, LewisGale, Carilion and the NRV Regional Commission. Space is limited. Register and pay online.

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

Cost: $25 chamber members — $35 nonmembers

Contact: programs@montgomerycc.org

Virginia’s Blue Ridge Series:

Limited tickets available! For the fourth and final event in the 2022 Virginia’s Blue Ridge Series, retailers from across the region will participate in a panel discussion on the challenges of our current economic environment. The conversation will include discussions on how retailers address supply chain bottlenecks, staffing shortages, rising costs of goods and more. The series is geared toward business owners, C-suite executives and junior to senior-level management professionals, but ALL are welcome! Purchase tickets in advance at the Roanoke Regional Chamber of Commerce website: https://roanokechamber.org.

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

When: 7:30 to 9 a.m. (program begins at 8 a.m.)

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

Contact: Eric Sichau, esichau@roanokechamber.org

LeadHERship: Neuroplasticity & The Cognitive Gifts of Women

Registration required! The Salem-Roanoke County Chamber of Commerce and the Virginia Western College of Career and Corporate Training have developed a 10-month Women’s LeadHERship Series for women across all industries. The series emphasizes the unique gifts and strengths of women and provides tools for empowerment and success. The series runs through December with a new topic each month. Lunch is provided. Register on the website: https://s-rcchamber.org.

Where: Virginia Western Community College Natural Science Center

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

Cost: $35 chamber members, $45 nonmembers

Come join your village of women in technology for a morning jolt of real talk. We’re hosting these on the third Wednesday of every month to help us make connections and have casual conversations covering various topics about jobs, mentor requests and everything in between. There is no judgment: come as you are, liquids in the cup are optional, jump in when you can. Morning Jolt is being held online until further notice. Register once to get the zoom link. Sponsored by Roanoke-Blacksburg Technology Council.

When: 8 to 9 a.m. (program begins at 8:15 a.m.)

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

Beer & Biotech: The Future

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.

Where: Big Lick Brewing Co., 409 Salem Ave. SW, Roanoke

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

Business Advocacy Breakfast Series: Legislative Wrap-Up

Join the Salem-Roanoke County Chamber of Commerce Business Advocacy Committee for the third in a series of business breakfasts. The objective of this event is to provide a legislative wrap-up for the Commonwealth of Virginia. Our guest panel will feature Sen. David Suetterlein and Del. Joseph McNamara. Space will be limited and current Richfield Living COVID safety guidelines will be followed. Registration is required.

Where: Richfield Living, Richfield Town Center Chapel, 3730 Richfield Lane, Salem

Cost: $25 members, $35 nonmembers

Contact: Lynne Kilburn, info@s-rcchamber.org, 540-387-0267

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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Reuters Events Webinar: Democratising Electrification: Improving EV Total Cost of Ownership

Reuters Events Webinar: Democratising Electrification: Improving EV Total Cost of Ownership

Article content

London, United Kingdom–(Newsfile Corp. – May 11, 2022) – Democratizing sustainability, specifically in the form of electric vehicles is an easy sell to those in Silicon Valley, but for many who are economically disenfranchised-whether in the Bronx or Bangalore-the promise of EV ownership remains beyond their means. For them, there are several challenging speed bumps along the way to EV adoption, including vehicle sticker price and total cost of ownership (TCO). Only when the balance between price and performance has been solved will EV adoption be truly available to all.

Article content

Join this free webinar to discuss how to improve EV total cost of ownership.

This discussion will delve into:

  • Development of high-performing, and cost effective, batteries and battery technology
  • EV manufacturing efficiencies
  • The growing role of automotive software
  • Powerful partnerships within the EV ecosystem

Hear from:

  • Richard Colley, VP of Public Policy & Regulatory Affairs, Arrival
  • Chirag Patel, Director of Electrification Software and Ecosystems, Analog Devices
  • Erik Severinson, Head of Industrial Strategy, Volvo Cars
  • Moderator: Asif Anwar, Director, Strategy Analytics

Don’t miss out this discussion and register now.

If you are not able to join on the day, register anyway to receive the recordings.

Thanks,
Brenda

Brenda Staines
Senior Project Director
Automotive
Reuters Events
brenda.staines@thomsonreuters.com

Corporate Logo

To view the source version of this press release, please visit https://www.newsfilecorp.com/release/123577

#distro

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Pair of events coming up in Preeceville and Canora

Pair of events coming up in Preeceville and Canora

A fun event is coming up in Preeceville.

Councillor Sheldon Luciw states that the Preeceville School is running a Spring Trade Fair.

Luciw says to book a table, call 306-547-7999, also noting a door prize and a 50/50 with a variety of venues.

The fair will be on April 30th from 10am-2pm.

Meanwhile in Canora, there is a fun event coming up as well.

Mayor Mike Kwas says the annual Ukrainian Dance will be taking place at the Canora Composite School.

The dance will take place tomorrow (Sun) at 2 p.m.

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Citing cost, Mosaic abandons plan for events space near Scott’s Addition – Richmond BizSense

Citing cost, Mosaic abandons plan for events space near Scott’s Addition - Richmond BizSense

The Art Deco-style building just off West Broad at 3013 Cutshaw Ave. in the Museum District is back on the market. (Mike Platania photo)

In late 2019, the owners of Mosaic Catering + Events began their due diligence on 3013 Cutshaw Ave. near West Broad Street.

Their plan was to convert the 9,500-square-foot Art Deco-style warehouse into an event space complete with a rooftop so that Mosaic could finally host its own events. The company, which also has a restaurant of the same name in the River Road Shopping Center, has only catered events at other venues since its founding in 1996.

In late 2020 Mosaic purchased the building for $2.1 million, giving it control of both that building and its headquarters across the street at 3001 Cutshaw Ave.

Steven Niketas, who co-owns Mosaic with Laurette Garlitz and Mike Holland, said the quotes they initially received on the building’s renovation were just shy of $1 million. After holding off on any construction, Niketas said these days they’re being quoted nearly three times that.

“And it’s the same set of plans, man. It’s the same (project),” he said.

Those increased construction costs have prompted the group to reconsider its plans. Earlier this month, Mosaic put the building back on the market for sale for an undisclosed amount. Thalhimer’s Connie Jordan Nielsen has the listing.

Niketas said the prospect of doing the same project for three times the cost that they initially forecasted made them feel like they needed to at least see what type of interest the building would get.

A rendering of Mosaic’s planned renovation of the building at 3013 Cutshaw Ave. The company abandoned that plan and put the building up for sale. (BizSense file images)

“I hate to say it, but at some point, (developing the event space) might be more than we want to do at our age. Two years ago I wasn’t so gun-shy, I was ready to do just about anything to grow the business. But I guess just like everybody else, I’m not sure I have the stamina I used to after the last two years,” Niketas said.

“What is the real expense of trying to expand? Do I really need another location?” he said. “I’m sure a lot of people are having the same conversations, not just the catering business.”

The building sits on a quarter of an acre and was most recently assessed by the city at $1.8 million. Prior to Mosaic acquiring it, the building was owned by Stony Point Design/Build, a Charlottesville development firm that intended to bring residential density to the site.

Niketas said his group is dead set on selling the building, and that Mosaic would be willing to go outside its comfort zone to see a project through on the site. Throughout its 26 years in business, Niketas said Mosaic never had any outside equity, management or business partners of any type, but now they’re open to the idea of working with an outside firm on the Cutshaw project.

“At this point, because of the way things have been the last couple years, I’m literally open to any conversations with anybody because it’s going to take a lot of creativity for people to grow their businesses effectively. It’s just gotten to such a crazy place, you have to be open to more things,” Niketas said.

“Just because I don’t want to build an apartment building, doesn’t mean that I can’t be a partner with an equity guy who wants a piece of prime real estate in a hot part of town,” he said.

Niketas is now based in Charleston, South Carolina, where he runs a location of the Giavos family restaurant group’s Stella’s concept. He said the heat of the Richmond real estate market was demonstrated to him with the recent sale of 5609 Patterson Ave., a 7,900-square-foot retail and office building he owned with Mary Kathryn Perkinson of MAK Financial Group.

Mosaic will continue operating its headquarters down the street, as well as its restaurant in the River Road Shopping Center near U of R.

The building in the Near West End sold last month for $2.8 million, nearly twice its most recent assessed value of $1.5 million.

“That was a big deal. It was a big light bulb,” Niketas said. “I’d never in a million years imagined that Patterson would trade at what it did.”

The Patterson building’s new owner is Stony Point Wealth Management, a local firm that’s unrelated to the Charlottesville development firm that previously owned the Cutshaw property.

This year, Niketas said, Mosaic has been swamped with catering requests and that the restaurant has been busier than ever. However, they’ve had issues filling out their staff.

That issue also contributed to their apprehension about taking on the Cutshaw project: Without a bigger staff, Niketas said hosting events at the new venue would require them to pull back on off-premise events and the revenue those bring.

“The replacement sales thing is the most dangerous part of developing the new venue. We don’t want to replace X number of sales off-site with X number on-site,” Niketas said.

“It has to be new money, it has to be new sales. Otherwise I’m $3 million down the road in development (costs) and in the same spot. This has been a really difficult box to figure my way out of,” he said.

As Mosaic mulls its options, many of the buildings adjacent to them are set to come down. Local developer Steve Leibovic is preparing to raze nearly all the buildings on the block bound by Cutshaw Avenue, Wayne, Sheppard and Grace streets to make way for a mixed-use project.

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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.