Virginia Tech is the first university to receive the CleanZone Level III Certification. Here is a press release from Tech:

The residents and employees of Virginia Tech’s residence halls can breathe a little easier knowing that their buildings are cleaned with responsible processes and systems, using only sustainable products that are free from harsh chemicals.

Virginia Tech is the first university to receive the CleanZone Level III Certification from JanPak Inc., the leading supplier of distinctive and responsible cleaning and packaging solutions to the building service contractor, property management, industrial, healthcare, and institutional markets. Read more »

Lawrence Transportation Systems of Botetourt County has acquired William Edwards Inc., a freight carrier based in Verona. Here is a press release from Lawrence:

Lawrence Transportation Systems Inc. announces its intent to purchase the assets and ongoing trucking operations of William Edwards Inc., a Verona, Virginia based freight carrier. William Edwards Inc. will continue its warehouse operations in Verona and its dedicated fleet operations in Covington, Virginia. William Edwards began in the trucking business in 1971 and has 48 state common and contract carrier authority, but primarily serves the east coast.

Lawrence Transportation is committed to providing the highest level of customer service in all of its businesses. The synergies of the two companies will ensure that William Edwards Inc. customers will received the same level of service. Both of these Shenandoah Valley companies share the goal of continuing the current operations with the same exemplary leadership that Bill Edwards has provided for almost 40 years. Lawrence Transportation looks forward to serving all of William Edwards’ customers for many years. Read more »

The Taubman Museum of Art laid off four staff members Aug. 20, reducing the museum’s overall employee complement to 17. It marks the fourth round of layoffs at the museum since it opened in late 2008.

Museum officials confirmed the layoff today, attributing the layoffs to the need to trim the institution’s operating budget.

Arts writer Mike Allen of The Roanoke Times has more on this story.

Beans and Rice Inc. has started its program to help students learn how to structure their businesses and finances. Here is a press release from the organization:

Beans and Rice, Inc. concluded its first session of First Step FastTrac Business planning session in June.  Over twelve weeks, the students learned how to structure their business, how to manage their money, and how smart decisions to make their business more profitable.  Every student walked away with enough knowledge to make their business plan and present them to lenders and investors.

When reflecting on the class, Herb Schneider said that he learned to, “be realistic.  The class taught how to balance the dream with the real world of business.”  Schneider will begin Completely Clean Window Washing later this month armed with a better sense of running a business. Read more »

Governor Bob McDonnell has announced an advisory board to assist businesses owned by women and minorities. Mary Guy Miller of Blacksburg is among those appointed to the board. Here is a press release from the Governor’s Office:

Virginia Governor Bob McDonnell today announced the formation of the Governor’s Supplier Diversity Advisory Board, which is tasked with revamping and revitalizing the Commonwealth’s small, women-owned and minority-owned business procurement programs.  Small businesses account for approximately 75% of new job growth in the Commonwealth, and providing equal opportunity for all to participate in the Virginia economy will spur economic growth. The Advisory Board will serve as an integral piece of Governor McDonnell’s commitment to creating jobs for Virginians.

Speaking about the Advisory Board, Governor McDonnell remarked, “The foremost priority of this administration is job creation and economic development. Providing equal opportunity for a diverse set of businesses to win state contracts is an integral part of fostering a ‘Commonwealth of Opportunity’. The members of this Advisory Board include renowned business leaders whose success stories serve as a testament to the great power of opportunity coupled with effort. I look forward to learning from their expertise as we examine how to improve the Commonwealth’s supplier diversity initiatives.” Read more »

The Virginia Transportation Construction Alliance has presented safety and community service awards to companies in the mineral mining industry. Here is a press release and list of winners from the VTCA:

Did you know that each person in the U.S. uses an average of ten tons of rock and mineral products every year?  It is vital that we obtain the aggregate materials we need safely while protecting our environment.

A unique program in Virginia rewards companies who apply innovative techniques to reclaim land following mining activities and who set the bar high with their safety and community outreach programs.  Companies who are recognized have gone the “extra mile” to serve Virginians.  VTCA, in conjunction with the Virginia Department of Mines, Minerals and Energy – Division of Mineral Mining, presented the following awards on July 16. Read more »

The Western Virginia Workforce Development Board is presenting awards to community members who have made a difference in the workforce. The nomination form can be downloaded here [PDF] . Here are more details  from the board:

The Western Virginia Workforce Development Board is seeking nominations to recognize individuals, professionals and businesses who have made outstanding contributions to the local workforce system in meeting the needs of local employers and individuals. Winners will be announced at the Board’s annual recognition event Thursday, September 30 at 6 p.m. at the Vinton War Memorial. Carilion CEO Dr. Edward Murphy will present the keynote address.

• Program Participant – customer who has made successful use of the local system
• Professional of the Year – individual who has made significant contributions through professional activities
• Workforce System Partner – organization whose programs or activities have provided outstanding service with great success
• Community Advocate – volunteer or other individual who supports career exploration, planning and success (not employed by a program or training provider)
• Business of the year – Organization who supports professional development within its own workforce and supports workforce development issues and strategies
• Educator/Training Provider – organization demonstrating an innovative approach to career development and meeting the needs of employers for workers.

Please mail, email or fax your nominations to the address on the form by Friday, September 3.

For more information contact the workforce board office at 540-767-6149 or info@westernvaworkforce.com.

MBA students worked with 2006 Pamplin alumnus Zach Petry, locations manager, Bike and Roll.

Students in Virginia Tech’s MBA program are practicing their skills while helping Alexandria businesses improvement management and customer service tactics. Here is a press release from the university:

For more than 10 years, students in Virginia Tech’s Pamplin College of Business MBA program (http://www.ncr.vt.edu/Programs/BA.html) in the National Capital Region (http://www.ncr.vt.edu/) have spent a semester working with businesses in the City of Alexandria.

The partnership was initiated by Barbara Hoopes, associate professor, Business Information Technology, Virginia Tech National Capital Region; and Bill Reagan, executive director, Alexandria Small Business Development Center (SBDC) (http://alexandriasbdc.org/faqs.asp), both to help the students hone their skills through real life experience and to provide business owners with an opportunity to improve management operations and customer service. Read more »

The Babcock & Wilcox Company, now independent and publicly owned, began trading on the New York Stock Exchange today. Here is a press release from B&W:

The Babcock & Wilcox Company (B&W) (NYSE:BWC) announced that the spinoff from McDermott International, Inc. (McDermott) (NYSE: MDR) has been completed and that it begins regular way trading on the New York Stock Exchange today. On Friday, July 30, B&W became an independent, publicly owned company when B&W shares were distributed to McDermott International, Inc. stockholders.

Brandon C. Bethards will continue to serve as B&W’s President and Chief Executive Officer and serves on B&W’s Board of Directors. Mr. Bethards joined B&W in 1974, and has held positions of increasing responsibility within the power industry, leading to his current appointment in November 2008. In addition, John A. Fees, McDermott’s former Chief Executive Officer, joins Bethards on the B&W Board of Directors as its Chairman. Read more »

Sen. Jim Webb, D-Va.,  is calling for an end to government-run diversity programs, saying they’ve only disadvantaged poor whites and hurt the cause of racial harmony.

The Associated Press has more on this story.