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Pandemic delays Virginia Business College opening
The new Virginia Business College in Bristol won’t open as planned for its first semester this August due to the coronavirus crisis. VBC President Gene Couch issued a statement June 25 announcing the nonprofit private college’s plans to “defer the initial [academic] offerings until a later date” due to the pandem[...]
Radford faces budget cuts, tough decisions
Due to the pandemic, Radford University is faced with an unprecedented strain on its budget, which is likely to cause faculty and staff layoffs. Because of state budget cuts, the university is faced with an $8.1 million decrease in funding over the next two fiscal years. And at the same time, Radford administrators predict the [[...]
From Donkey Kong to online tips – raising funds for restaurant workers
After restaurants and bars in the Harrisonburg-Waynesboro-Staunton region closed or cut back to skeleton crews due to the coronavirus earlier this year, area residents rallied to help service industry workers. One of the more unconventional fundraisers was Nevin Zehr, who hosted a livestream event in March as he attempted, over [...]
(Re)open season
RELATED STORY: Busch Gardens set to reopen Aug. 6. Reclining against the Williamsburg greenery, the 180-foot-tall steel serpent awaits anyone brave enough to test their mettle against it. Measuring 3,300 feet in length and boasting a top speed of 73 miles per hour, it shares the name of a Roman temple dedicated to the gods: [&he[...]
California PPE supplier sues Chain Bridge Bank
A California medical supply company is suing McLean-based Chain Bridge Bank, alleging the bank was responsible for destroying the company’s reputation and making it lose a $600 million state contract for personal protective equipment. In the lawsuit, Blue Flame Medical claims that Chain Bridge Bank told California official[...]
The new normal
For those returning to the office after months of working remotely, the novel coronavirus has turned the workplace into a potential microbial minefield. What danger lurks on the surface of the break room table? What invisible pathogens spread silently through the vents of the HVAC system? And what of the frequently used door han[...]
What’s normal?
When things get back to normal. How many times have you heard that? How many times have you said that? What’s normal? Sometimes there’s a qualifier, like what’s the “new” normal? Who knows? If you think you do, wait and see. It’s not just the normalcy that is intoned by such nostalgic statements, it&#[...]
Va. hotel revenues dropped by 50% last week
Hotel revenues last week continued to decrease by 50%, compared with the same week last year, according to new data from STR Inc., a division of CoStar Group providing market data on the U.S. hospitality industry. Last week, STR had reported that the U.S. hospitality industry had marked its worst quarter yet. Nationally, however, the […]
UPDATED: Busch Gardens set to reopen Aug. 6
Updated Thursday, July 30: Busch Gardens will reopen to the public Aug. 6, although not the entire park, SeaWorld Entertainment Inc. announced Thursday. The park will open for the first time this year Aug. 6-16 for its Coasters and Craft Brews event. Three roller coasters and the Screamin’ Swing ride will be open, and the [...]
Northam restricts Hampton Roads region, bans gatherings of more than 50
Gov. Ralph Northam said he would place Hampton Roads localities on further restriction, starting at midnight Thursday. No alcohol can be sold or consumed at restaurants after 10 p.m., and all restaurants must close by midnight. Gatherings of more than 50 people will be prohibited until further notice, according to a public healt[...]
Amherst County launches small business relief program
The Economic Development Authority of Amherst County (EDA) announced Tuesday the launch of its $500,000 Back in Business grant program, offering small businesses up to $15,000 in funding. The EDA received the funding Department of Housing and Community Development (DHCD) Community Development Block Grant (CDBG) for small business recovery assistance. Small businesses can also apply […]
State launches $70M fund for small businesses, nonprofits
As businesses and nonprofits continue to encounter hard times, Gov. Ralph Northam announced Monday a $70 million COVID-19 relief fund for small businesses and nonprofit organizations. Called Rebuild VA, the fund will allocate grants of up to $10,000 to about 7,000 applicants, Northam’s office said in a news release. The mo[...]
