Economy

a grassy field with hay bales and a few trees

Google to use electric cooling instead of water in at least 1 of 3 data centers on Botetourt campus

by Tad Dickens July 23, 2026July 23, 2026

It is unclear what impact an air-cooling system would have on the project’s overall water demand, according to a spokesperson for the Western Virginia Water Authority.

Two men at center of photo, wearing hard hats, walk over a bridge at a water facility.

Economy

Tech Briefs: Virginia Tech researchers’ AI model is meant to manage water use

by Tad Dickens July 22, 2026July 21, 2026

Plus: #AppalachiaBuiltThis event scheduled in Abingdon bills itself as “a hands-on community build night” for AI.

Economy

Cardinal Commerce Notes: Virginia expands solar savings program

by Matt Busse July 21, 2026July 21, 2026

Plus: Southwest Virginia airports get money for upgrades and Martinsville launches a new property search website.

A woman at left center and man to the right sit and talk, with laptop computers in front of them on a table, in a room with a purple wall, a whilte hall and back wall with windows.

Economy

Virginia Tech researchers look to AI to ease difficult workplace conversations

by Tad Dickens July 17, 2026July 16, 2026

Need help navigating a tough talk with your employees? Researchers are developing an AI training tool that offers coaching and customizable scenarios.

Economy

RiverStreet Networks removed from multiple broadband deployment projects in rural Virginia after years of delays

by Tad Dickens July 16, 2026July 15, 2026

The company informed the state’s broadband office that it was unable to secure funding to complete connections to more than 30,000 potential customers.

Two story building stands behind parking lot, next to street, in front of blue sky.

Economy

Tech Briefs: Regional business accelerators combine for program focusing on agricultural, forestry and rural concerns

by Tad Dickens July 15, 2026July 15, 2026

Plus: Emerging Tech Conference seeks proposals for this year’s event; professor emeritus at Virginia Tech makes seven-figure donation to support undergraduate research.

Economy

Cardinal Commerce Notes: Tuggle’s Gap Restaurant reopens on the Blue Ridge Parkway

by Matt Busse July 14, 2026July 15, 2026

Plus: Wingstop appears to be headed to Vinton, Bedford County joins the Roanoke Regional Partnership, learn how to share your thoughts about Virginia’s new paid family and medical leave program and Columbia Gas is starting work on Main Street in Covington.

A man at left of photo practices life-saving skills on a CPR mannequin attached by sensors to a laptop that measures his efforts and grades him. A woman behind him does the same to a mannequin baby.

Economy

COVID-era strategy shift leads to exponential growth for CPR training startup

by Tad Dickens July 13, 2026July 10, 2026

Roanoke-based Code One Training Solutions currently has 112 remote training locations. Its owners want to expand nationwide.

Economy

Appalachian Power to hold open house on Valley Link substation plan

by Matt Busse July 9, 2026July 8, 2026

The utility said it plans to move the Joshua Falls substation in Campbell County. The substation would serve as one endpoint of a major electric transmission line proposal.