Al Harris

Former Wachovia Securities workers open consulting firm

The trend continues: Two more Wachovia-ers have started their own business. Deanna Lorianni and Meghan Codd are the founders and sole employees of Zuula Consulting, a copywriting firm that offers a broad range of services and specializes in financial writing, ghostwriting and promotional materials. They opened in July, a few days after their last day… Read more »

Interns take financial message to the web

Virginia Tech student Ben Jones, 21, said he has made many financial mistakes in the past.  His grandmother once gave him a gift of $200. He spent it all in a day. “If I had put in the savings account … I’d be better off today,” Jones said. Now an intern at the Richmond-based investment… Read more »

Business owners look forward to ‘09

Before the bubbly started flowing, BizSense asked a few local business owners about their resolutions were for 2009. Here are the responses:

Contractors awaiting payment for work in Short Pump

Work continues at the mixed-use complex of West Broad Village in Short Pump, but several contractors have filed liens to make sure they get paid. Since October, seven companies have filed nine mechanic’s liens totaling more than $3.7 million against property owned by Unicorp National Development, the Florida-based developer of West Broad Village.

Liquor sales up, but more drink at home

For many Virginians, it looks like hard liquor isn’t considered discretionary spending. Sales at Virginia ABC stores are up 6.5 percent compared to the same period a year ago, according to fiscal year-to-date (July-November) sales figures from the Department of Alcoholic Beverage Control.

Most searched car: Still a Honda

CarMax released a list of the 10 most-searched vehicles on its website for 2008. The Honda Accord was No. 1 for the third year in a row, followed by the Honda Civic. Three vehicles made by U.S. companies made the list: the Ford Mustang at No. 4, the Chevrolet Tahoe at No. 6 and the… Read more »

Shockoe Bottom firehouse part of block-wide plan

A derelict block in Shockoe Bottom is about to get a major makeover. A group of local developers plans to turn the block into a mixed-use development with more than 200 residential units, 12,000 square feet of retail space and a restaurant. Construction could start next month. Developer Marcus Galt has spent the past two… Read more »

Army halts use of VCU product

The U.S. Army has suspended the use of a product invented by three VCU professors, over concerns it can lead to dangerous blood clots. The Army approved WoundStat to stop severe bleeding in wounded soldiers, and in October ordered 18,000 units from the Bethesda, Maryland-based manufacturer TraumaCure. The order pushed the company’s sales over the… Read more »

Movieland starting to look like a real theater

Movieland at Boulevard Square, Richmond’s first new theater in 30 years, is nearing completion. n the past week, two large permanent signs have been erected along Boulevard and Leigh Street. The parking lot, with more than 800 spots, has recently been paved, and lighting has been installed. Workers were busy yesterday putting finishing touches on… Read more »

City police use tech to predict crime

It may sound like something out of science fiction, but the Richmond Police Department is about to step up their efforts to use computers to predict when and where crimes are likely to occur.