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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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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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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.