Business Matters strives to explore that subject from a variety of viewpoints and scenarios - the big players, the up-and-coming, the look ahead; featuring interviews with the people helping to grow jobs, the economy, and the Blue Ridge region.  Series host Gene Marrano is an award-winning radio and print journalist, and the editor of Valley Business FRONT magazine.

Contact us at BusinessMatters@BlueRidgePBS.org

Gene’s guest is Jaime Clark, Vice-President of Marketing and Communications for Downtown Roanoke, Inc. The discussion centers around the launch of a new ambassador program in Roanoke that will expand and improve the downtown experience for locals and visitors.

A look at economic development matters in the City of Salem. Guests are Carey Harveycutter, Director of Tourism, and Tommy Miller, the new Director of Economic Development for the city. 

A discussion about the local craft beer brewing industry and how some Roanoke area breweries are faring these days. Guests are Bryan Summerson majority owner and head brewer of Big Lick Brewing Company and Will Landry co-owner and head brewer of Twisted Track Brewpub.

The guest is Jill Loope, the outgoing Director of Economic Development for Roanoke County. We’ll chat about her impressive track record and what economic ventures the future holds for the county.

An update on the latest developments taking place at RAMP, the regional accelerator helping technology-based startups get off the ground. What new and innovative projects are underway in our region? Guest is Lisa Garcia, Director of RAMP, she’s also Vice-President of Entrepreneurial Development at VERGE, the parent organization of RAMP and RBTC, the Roanoke-Blacksburg Technology Council.

A look at the Williamson Road business corridor and how growth is sweeping this culturally diverse stretch of road extending through Roanoke City into Roanoke County. Guest is Valerie Brown, Executive Director of the Greater Williamson Road Area Business Association.