Business News - February 11

According to the National Weather Service (and every local news station), a snowstorm is expected to arrive today, possibly impacting Valentine’s Day events. Stay safe and communicate clearly regarding potential closures.

Today’s Top Three:

• Prepare for snow by reviewing our recommendations, the City of Roanoke’s important phone numbers, and a press release from the governor’s office.

• Celebrate Black History Month by visiting one of the many must-see sites dedicated to black heritage in Roanoke.

• Several courses and workshops are on the calendar so check them out!

Keep reading to stay informed!  

- Joya Garris, Community Engagement and Communications Manager

Stay Informed

Predicted Snowstorm ❄️ 

Governor Glenn Youngkin issued a state of emergency in anticipation of today’s winter weather. The National Weather Service forecasts predict “areas of accumulating snow, freezing rain, ice, and excessive rainfall that could cause flooding, power outages, and hazardous travel conditions” in the Roanoke Valley. Please follow local weather forecasts and the National Weather Service to stay informed on conditions.

Reminders:

• The safety of staff, customers, and business managers is paramount.

• Plan! Make arrangements for various situations including closing early, delayed opening, and multi-day closures.

• Heed warnings to avoid travel.

• Communicate plans and decisions with employees.

• Post updates on your social media accounts to keep customers informed.

• Follow the City of Roanoke for important information.

Important Numbers During Storms:

• Calls or texts to 911 should be reserved for medical, fire, or police emergencies only. Please do not call 911 or 211 for specific information related to snow removal.

• For general information on the status of road conditions or to report a street that needs to be plowed use the Resident Call Center during winter weather events. Call 853-2000.

• To report power outages, call AEP at 800-956-4237.

• To report problems with water mains in the city, contact the Western Virginia Water Authority at 540-853-5700.

• Monitor VDOT for weather-related traffic conditions at 511.vdot.virginia.gov.

Each February, we celebrate Black History Month by honoring Black voices, history, and excellence. To commemorate this important month, VBR has curated a list of must-visit sites in our region that highlight Black heritage and contributions. This year, we're excited to showcase the following downtown locations:

1. Harrison Museum of African American Culture - 1 Market Sq

2. Henrietta Lacks Plaza - 410 3rd St SW

3. Dumas Center for Artistic & Cultural Development - 108 Henry St NW

4. Martin Luther King Jr. Memorial Bridge & Statue - 1st St NW

5. A Walk Down Henry Street (Mural) at the Gainsboro Garage Lot - 60 Centre Ave NW

6. Cotton to Silk Display at the Virginia Museum of Transportation - 303 Norfolk Ave SW

The Harrison Museum is honoring various local narratives of Black history on Facebook throughout the month, so follow their page to learn more about the people and places that helped shape Roanoke.

Ambassador Updates 📝

Our team continually ensures every corner of downtown is clean for residents, visitors, and employees alike. Send the Ambassadors some love 💌 this Valentine’s Day by posting kind words on the official Downtown Ambassadors Facebook Page.

New Member Spotlight: Hampton Inn & Suites

Amenities include rooms with a 42-inch HDTV, free WiFi, refrigerator, microwave, and coffee maker. The hotel offers 1,200 sq. ft. of conference space, ideal for small- to mid-sized meetings and business events.

Learn more about DRI Membership here.

Get Involved

Enter Our Contest ☘️ 

Valentine’s Day will soon be over and you’ll need a new window display. Luckily, we have an opportunity for you to win CASH prizes during our annual St. Patrick’s Day window decorating contest! We’re switching it up this year by allowing the public vote on the 1st, 2nd, and 3rd place winners. We will post submissions on our social media accounts instructing users to comment with their favorite design(s). The businesses with the most mentions win. The deadline to enter is Monday, March 10th.

Artists Wanted for Tattoo Fashion Show🎨💉

La De Da, Inc is thrilled to organize the alternative fashion event of the year: The Tattoo Experience. Fashion Show. This year’s event is May 17th at the Virginia Museum of Transportation.

Artists of all kinds are wanted to help pull off this funky event: licensed tattoo artists, local creatives, models, makeup artists, and volunteers. Space is extremely limited, so those interested should email [email protected] before March 31st.

Gain Knowledge & Network

Online Courses through SBDC 💻️ 

• Marketing 101: February 12, 2025

• Identifying and Optimizing Revenue Sources: February 18, 2025

Inclusive Leadership Workshop Training 👩‍🏫 

March 6, 2025

The Roanoke Higher Education Center is offering a low-cost workshop designed to provide leaders and aspiring leaders with the foundational skills for inclusive leadership. Through an interactive learning environment, participants will explore:

• What is inclusive leadership and why it matters

• Behaviors that increase belonging

• Communication skills that build trust

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 February 10-16.

• DRI unaware of any closures for the week.

• Monitor VDOT for weather-related traffic conditions at 511.vdot.virginia.gov.

Please review the street closures associated with the Freedom First St. Patrick’s Day Parade & Shamrock Festival on Saturday, March 15.

Check out our Event Calendar for a full list of events.

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