Business News - April 15

Happy Tuesday! I hope the festivities last weekend positively impacted your business! Now, we’re hopping right into Easter. Don’t forget to submit your holiday events and specials to our website.

Today’s Top Three:

• Have you RSVP’d to our Retail & Restaurant Meeting tomorrow? you don’t want to miss it!

• Calling all communications and placemaking specialists: We’re hiring! Join our team at DRI.

• An upgrade is scheduled for the Center in the Square garage elevator. Details below.

Keep reading to stay informed!  

- Joya Garris, Director of Marketing & Communications

Get Involved

Save the Date: Retail & Restaurant Meeting 📆 

Wednesday, April 16th | 8:30am or 3:30pm | Zoom

Don’t miss our Retail & Restaurant Meeting TOMORROW (Wednesday, April 16th)! We have two Zoom sessions to choose from. Early birds can jump on the 8:30am call and those working later have the 3:30pm option.

We have a few fun topic on the docket, like Bites & Bevs and a new gift card program we’re implementing.

DRI is hiring for a dedicated Communications & Program Manager to help us connect with our amazing downtown stakeholders! If you're passionate about planning activations, managing programs, and communication, then we want to see your resume. Interested parties can apply by emailing their resumes and cover letters to [email protected].

Resident Happy Hour 🍹 

Residents, get ready for an exciting night of trivia, drinks, and community! Meet other downtown residents while having fun at Martin’s Downtown. DRI is offering residents two free drink tickets when they complete a survey.

Property managers, please forward our email to your residents living within the Downtown Service District. Didn’t get an invite? Email [email protected] for the exclusive invitation.

Stay Informed

Elevator Upgrade 🛠️ 

PARK Roanoke contracted with an elevator service company to completely modernize the Center in the Square garage elevator with new equipment and and an upgraded cab. Work begins on Friday, April 18th and the elevator will be out of operation during the completion of the project. Work is expected to take 10-12 weeks. Additional handicap spaces will be available on the ground level.

GIVE Roanoke is April 23rd! 🫶

You can invest in your community through April 23, 2025, at 11:59pm.

Business Feature: Angels of Assisi 🐶 

Ambassador Update 💙

Anthony is celebrating his 1-year anniversary with Block by Block! If you see him downtown this week, please say congrats!

We also have this week’s pressure washing schedule. Just like before, this is subject to change due to weather conditions and external factors.

Gain Knowledge & Network

OnBoard|ROA Registration is Open! 📝

Get2KnowNoke’s Onboard|ROA is an eight-week program designed to integrate interns, new hires, and remote workers into the Roanoke community while building crucial career skills. With NACE career readiness courses, social events, and local excursions, participants will not only thrive professionally but also fall in love with the Noke life. Don’t miss out—register today and help your team succeed in Roanoke!

Virtual Retailer Workshop 🛍️ 

Shopping for Customer Insights | April 29th

Join Retail Brew to explore how brands and retailers can leverage analytics to drive personalization and power more engaging and effective shopping experiences that drive conversions.

Topics: The role of AI, First Party Data, & Real-Time Measurement

Networking & Career Development Opportunities

• DRI’s Retail & Restaurant Meetings on Wednesday, April 16th, 8:30am and 3:30pm via Zoom

• Blacks In Technology SWVA Anniversary Celebration on Saturday, April 26th in Charter Hall

Events, Street Closures, & Parking

Downtown Events and Street Closures 🚧

The following street closures and associated events may affect Downtown traffic and business for the week of April 14-20.

• None

Find Downtown Parking 🅿️

With more than 1,300 on-street spaces and 7,000+ off-street spaces, plenty of free or paid parking options exist.

Parking Information

DRI - Your Downtown Partner

Put DRI to work for you! 💼

Our mission is to make Downtown Roanoke the preferred place to Work, Live, and Play. As a Downtown business, you have a valuable FREE resource at your fingertips. Let us help share your story!

Website Listings on DowntownRoanoke.org - Our business listings often come up among the first in Google searches. Help us enhance your listing by providing us with vital information including website, phone number, description, hours, menus, and images.

Fill out the form.

Job Listings on DowntownRoanoke.org - Downtown Roanoke is the most vibrant workplace around and a destination for job seekers. Let us help get the word out when you’re hiring!

Submit a job listing here.

Event Listings on DowntownRoanoke.org - Our Event Calendar is THE place people go to find out what’s happening Downtown. Get your event in front of the audience you’re looking for.

Submit an event here.

Important Contacts 👤

Often businesses need phone numbers for government services, such as solid waste, permitting, etc., and other services, such as private parking and transportation.

Check out our list of frequently requested information!

Important Contacts