Al Harris

Va. film industry might get new script

It might be a Hollywood ending after all. The Virginia film industry, along with the state’s film office, has been lobbying the General Assembly for years to increase the incentives available to production companies. This year, their wish might finally come true.

Martin named agency of the year

Richmond’s Martin Agency was named U.S. Agency of the Year 2009 by Adweek magazine. According to Adweek, Martin posted a 12 percent revenue gain, making an estimated $129 million last year.

Monday Q&A: Get out of jail (not for) free

We’ve covered lots of former Circuit City employees as they venture off into the world of entrepreneurship. But it’s going to be hard to top the copy writer-turned-bail-bondsman we chatted with for this week’s Q&A.

Nasdaq delists Chesterfield firm

Chesterfield-based biotech firm Commonwealth Biotechnologies has had its shares delisted from the Nasdaq Stock Market after it was unable to meet a minimum stockholders’ equity of $2.5 million by Jan. 20. Nasdaq suspended trading of the company’s shares, which traded under the symbol CBI, effective Sunday morning. The company first received notice it was in… Read more »

Rain delay for storm water rules

New rules on how builders must account for runoff that eventually flows into the Chesapeake Bay will have to go through another comments period. The development community has resisted the new standards, which they say will make costs prohibitive just as the industry is trying to recover from the recession. The rules are intended to reduce pollution in the Bay.

Fas Mart on track for new owner

The Israeli holding company that owns Petro Group Ltd., which owns GPM Investments–the operator of Fas Mart convenience stores, is selling its stake in Petro Group to an Australian company. GPM Investments operates 350 gas stations under the Fas Mart, Shore Stop and Double Kwik brands. The company has headquarters on Magellan Parkway of of… Read more »

Local bank files plan with regulators

According to the agreement, Bank of Virginia must submit to regulators a plan that improves its loan policies, credit risk management and board oversight, among other requirements. The bank must also complete a management review and develop a strategic plan to improve the bank’s earnings and budget for 2010.