Governor urges more diversity in state contracting (Times-Dispatch)
Community leaders, business people and public servants joined Gov. Bob McDonnell yesterday as he kicked off a new advisory board whose task is to change how Virginia awards contracts to small businesses and those owned by women and minorities.
Botetourt Country Club has new owners (Roanoke Times)
A group of seven investors — including some well-known Roanoke Valley names — bought the financially troubled Botetourt Country Club on Tuesday, paying about $1.7 million to take it off the hands of the two banks that had taken possession in April. The new owners say club members will see few changes in how the club is operated, except the tennis courts will be closed and the 48-year-old operation will go by a new name — the Botetourt Golf and Swim Club.
Ethanol producer faces legal challenges (Inside Business)
A company that plans to produce ethanol from barley is encountering a few legal difficulties. Osage Bio Energy LLC is confronting legal action from six companies seeking payment for construction of the plant, which cost $170 million to build and equip. The plant is located on 55 acres near Hopewell.
Manufacturing, housing sectors exhibit diverging fortunes (Washington Post)
A new round of economic data Tuesday confirms an emerging pattern: The nation’s manufacturing sector is looking reasonably solid, while housing is dipping into a new downturn.
Towns block chain restaurants to save charm (USA Today)
Striving to protect that charm, town officials crafted an ordinance that bans “formula restaurants” from opening within the city limits. A group of eight investors challenged that ordinance, suing Springdale, 16 town officials and the town’s attorneys for what the plaintiffs say is their constitutional right to open a Subway restaurant franchise.
AT&T, Angie’s List Take Cues from Groupon (Business Week)
Spurred by the success of daily coupon site Groupon, phone book companies and newspaper publishers are taking aim at the market for coupons sent via e-mail
The Gift of Gab — If You Can Stand It (WSJ)
Lots of entrepreneurs say they’ve boosted their business with public speaking. Here are the stories they shared about overcoming anxiety, figuring out what to say—and how to turn listeners into customers.
How to Serve Your Best Customers (Inc.)
Even if you’re not in the customer service business, keeping your customers happy should still be a priority. Here are 10 pointers for pleasing your most valuable customers.
Governor urges more diversity in state contracting (Times-Dispatch)
Community leaders, business people and public servants joined Gov. Bob McDonnell yesterday as he kicked off a new advisory board whose task is to change how Virginia awards contracts to small businesses and those owned by women and minorities.
Botetourt Country Club has new owners (Roanoke Times)
A group of seven investors — including some well-known Roanoke Valley names — bought the financially troubled Botetourt Country Club on Tuesday, paying about $1.7 million to take it off the hands of the two banks that had taken possession in April. The new owners say club members will see few changes in how the club is operated, except the tennis courts will be closed and the 48-year-old operation will go by a new name — the Botetourt Golf and Swim Club.
Ethanol producer faces legal challenges (Inside Business)
A company that plans to produce ethanol from barley is encountering a few legal difficulties. Osage Bio Energy LLC is confronting legal action from six companies seeking payment for construction of the plant, which cost $170 million to build and equip. The plant is located on 55 acres near Hopewell.
Manufacturing, housing sectors exhibit diverging fortunes (Washington Post)
A new round of economic data Tuesday confirms an emerging pattern: The nation’s manufacturing sector is looking reasonably solid, while housing is dipping into a new downturn.
Towns block chain restaurants to save charm (USA Today)
Striving to protect that charm, town officials crafted an ordinance that bans “formula restaurants” from opening within the city limits. A group of eight investors challenged that ordinance, suing Springdale, 16 town officials and the town’s attorneys for what the plaintiffs say is their constitutional right to open a Subway restaurant franchise.
AT&T, Angie’s List Take Cues from Groupon (Business Week)
Spurred by the success of daily coupon site Groupon, phone book companies and newspaper publishers are taking aim at the market for coupons sent via e-mail
The Gift of Gab — If You Can Stand It (WSJ)
Lots of entrepreneurs say they’ve boosted their business with public speaking. Here are the stories they shared about overcoming anxiety, figuring out what to say—and how to turn listeners into customers.
How to Serve Your Best Customers (Inc.)
Even if you’re not in the customer service business, keeping your customers happy should still be a priority. Here are 10 pointers for pleasing your most valuable customers.