Business News - May 27

New Police Initiative

Author

Joya Garris
May 27, 2025

I hope everyone enjoyed Memorial Day while remembering and honoring our fallen heroes.

Today’s Top Three:

  • RPD is launching Operation Summer Shield to reduce violent crime.

  • DRI is looking for food and beverage photos from Bites & Bevs by Virginia Spirits participants.

  • Delta Dental Party in Elmwood begins Thursday and Saturday marks the first Member One Mega Market Match Day.

Keep reading to stay informed!  

- Joya Garris, Director of Marketing & Communications

Get Involved

RPD Launches Summer Shield 🛡️ 

The Roanoke Police Department had added police presence downtown over the Memorial Day weekend. Additionally, RPD is launching Operation Summer Shield, a strategic summer initiative aimed at reducing violent crime through sustained and coordinated efforts involving felony warrant apprehension, targeted traffic enforcement, and proactive criminal interdiction.

As part of this program, RPD will conduct downtown saturation patrols on Friday and Saturday nights during peak bar hours. These patrols are intended to deter fights, weapons violations, and disorderly conduct in the city’s busiest nightlife area.

Seeking Photos for Bites & Bevs 📸 

We need your help with our Bites & Bevs marketing efforts! We’re asking participants to send us photos of their menu items. Hit reply on this email or send directly to Joya.

We also recommend participants share basic event information along with your involvement, pricing, and menus. When you post or share our social media content, don’t forget to use #RoanokeBitesAndBevs.

Feel free to download this participating location graphic. You may also edit the design in Canva to add your logo and/or photos.

Not participating in the event? That’s okay! You can still help us out by posting about Bites & Bevs on social media and telling your friends.

Your Voice Matters 📣 

The Roanoke Regional Partnership (RRP) and Visit Virginia’s Blue Ridge (VVBR) want to unify tourism, economic development, and talent acquisition strategies. This collaborative brand alignment project aims to better align how we tell our story – to visitors, businesses, and residents alike.

Stay Informed

The Best Beach Party in the Valley Returns 🎵 

Don’t miss the kick off to Delta Dental Party in Elmwood! The fun begins this Thursday, May 29th at 5:30pm in Elmwood Park. Admission is $10 at the gate and kids under 12 are free. Drinks are just $5 and The Hot Dog Girl is selling delicious eats. Meet new friends, dance, and have a good time!

Double your SNAP/EBT 🍅 

With the help of Member One, we’re doubling SNAP/EBT purchases up to $100 on Saturday, May 31, from 9am- 2pm on the Historic City Market! We’ve added a new element to Mega Market Match this year: Everyone who completes a financial health survey will be entered to win $100 in Market Bucks that can be used with any of the wonderful vendors on the Historic City Market. (You do not need to be a SNAP recipient.) There will be four drawings, with one held the week following each Mega Market Match date.

Do you know a SNAP/EBT user? Please pass along this information!

Sidewalk Art Show 🎨 

From paintings to sculptures and from photography to jewelry, the Taubman Museum of Art is pleased to present the 67th Annual Sidewalk Art show this weekend, May 31-June 1! The event is free and open to all. The best part? All of the works exhibited are for sale!

Keep Your Business Safe with Cameras 📹️ 

The Roanoke City Police Department recommends businesses and property owners install surveillance cameras to help solve crime and prevent future ones. By having cameras in sight, you can deter individuals from committing crimes like theft or vandalism. If a crime does occur, video evidence may be key to charging a suspect.

Strategically place cameras near entrances, cash registers, and facing any nearby parking lots. Ensure you check cameras regularly to ensure they are working and batteries are charged.

Ambassador Update 🗑️ 

In addition to helping us clean following the Jordan Davis concert, our #DRIAmbassadors helped downtown shine by weeding, picking up trash, and fixing our planter.

Gain Knowledge & Network

Find Your People: Networking 🔍️ 

Finding community is easy in Roanoke. Get2KnowNoke has made it simple to connect with like-minded individuals, explore your interests, and discover new ones. Check out their list of nearly 20 networks right here in the Star City.

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 May 26 - June 1.

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.

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.

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!

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.

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!