Hello Cardinal News readers. Welcome back to Cardinal Commerce Notes, our regular feature catching you up on various recent business news items.
If you missed last week’s edition, check it out here to learn more about Columbia Gas’ rate increase request, a future Botetourt County grocery store and a new bookstore in Henry County.
I’m always on the lookout for news tips. Please email me at matt@cardinalnews.org or connect with me on LinkedIn and message me there.
Unemployment benefits increase
The maximum weekly unemployment benefit in Virginia has increased from $430 to $478 per week, while the minimum weekly benefit has increased from $112 to $160.
Both increases apply only to new claims filed on or after July 5.
The higher benefits came from legislation — HB 1320 from Del. Marty Martinez, D-Loudoun County, and SB 759 from Sen. Adam Ebbin, D-Alexandria — passed during this year’s General Assembly.
Virginia Employment Commission Commissioner Melissa Smith said in a news release that the changes “will provide additional financial support to eligible Virginians during periods of unemployment and help families meet essential expenses while they search for new employment.”
“By ensuring households can maintain spending on necessities during difficult times, unemployment insurance also plays a critical role in stabilizing the economy of the Commonwealth,” Smith said.
The VEC offers an Unemployment Insurance Benefits Estimator for Virginians to understand the benefits that they might qualify to receive based on their wages, employment history and claim date.
More information is available at the VEC’s website.
Roanoke refreshes GIS website
The city of Roanoke has launched a new geographic information systems — or GIS, for short — website.
The site provides users with maps, aerial photos and information on properties, including assessed values and sales. Among the changes that the new site brings is a more mobile-friendly user interface.
“The new platform features a refreshed, modern design with improved performance and navigation across desktop and mobile devices. Users will continue to have access to the property information, map layers, and data they rely on, while benefiting from an enhanced user experience,” the city said in a news release.
The website is available here. A series of YouTube videos explaining how to navigate the site is available here.
Roanoke land sold to Beacon Credit Union
Lynchburg-based Beacon Credit Union recently bought a Roanoke property for its third Roanoke Valley location, according to Poe & Cronk Real Estate Group.
The 1-acre parcel at 3659 Orange Ave. N.E. sold for $700,000 on June 17. Rachele Hunley and Matt Huff of Poe & Cronk represented the credit union in the transaction.
“The new branch will expand Beacon’s presence in the region and improve access to financial services for members in the Blue Hills and Bonsack communities,” Poe & Cronk Real Estate Group said in an announcement.
Overlook at Smith Mountain visitor center temporarily closed
The overlook at the visitor center for the Smith Mountain Project will be closed for several weeks for renovations. The closure began Monday.
The Smith Mountain Project is a 636-megawatt pumped storage hydroelectric facility that created Smith Mountain Lake and Leesville Lake.
The visitor center is free and open to the public. It features exhibits about the dam’s history and operations, but it does not offer tours of the dam.
For more information, visit the Smith Mountain Project website.
Are you a commercial/industrial real estate broker with a recent notable sale to share? Do you know of a new business expanding or relocating in your town? Maybe you’ve got an update on a story we’ve reported before. Send your tips my way: matt@cardinalnews.org or connect with me on LinkedIn.
