The Valley Today

Our conversation for The Valley Business Today included Jenny Stover, Director of Marketing & Communications and Kaleigh Fincham, Director of Programs & Events for the  Top of Virginia Regional Chamber to give details about Greater Good Awards, Policymaker series, Business at the Bloom, Arising Leadership Program, and the Young Professionals Group. Get more details about all these events and progr...

Our conversation for Tourism Tuesday with Justin Kerns from  Winchester/Frederick County Convention & Visitors Bureau gives a bit of insight into the planning for tourism that happens behind the scenes.  Justin explains how the strategic plan for tourism was developed through community surveys and consultation with small business owners, elected officials, and city staff. The strategic plan helps...

Our conversations with Tyler Hinkle, Shenandoah County's Planner are part of an ongoing series following the work on Shenandoah 2045 - Shenandoah County's comprehensive plan. The planning process will unfold over the course of four years with the majority of the community collaboration occurring from 2020-2022, with input in 2023-2024. We took a break from our normal deep dive into the comprehensi...

Our conversation today featured Steve Policastro and Kara Capelli to talk about BikeWalk Winchester, an advocacy group focused on promoting bicycling and walking in Winchester. They discuss the purpose of the group, which is to make walking and biking safe and accessible in the city. They mention the need for a network of bike lanes and routes, as well as improved infrastructure to connect differe...

Our conversation today featured Lynn Downs, Executive Director of ARC of Warren County to give a bit of background about their organization and details for their upcoming fundraiser. Lynn explains the organization's advocacy for individuals with intellectual and developmental disabilities and their caregivers and talks about ARC's mission to advocate, educate, and promote inclusion for these indiv...

Our conversation today is part of an ongoing partnership with the US Small Business Administration highlighting small businesses in the Shenandoah Valley as well as offering advice and resources to all small businesses. My co-host for this monthly series is Carl Knoblock , Virginia District Director for the SBA. We met at Wellness 8 to talk with owner, Marie Imoh about her business and the challen...

Our conversation for Tourism Tuesday - Luray/Page County edition - with Edison Emmons from Luray/Page County Chamber of Commerce also includes Jackie Moe, the owner of Heartfelt Events. We discuss various topics related to event planning, including the range of events that Heartfelt Events can organize, the benefits of having a single point of contact for wedding planning, the customization option...

Our conversation today welcomes back Robyn Miller, Executive Director for WATTS (Winchester Area Temporary Transitional Shelter) and her Community Outreach Coordinator, Cindee Steele to talk about their Coldest Night of the Year fundraising walk happening on Saturday, February 24, 2024. The Coldest Night of the Year is a family-friendly walk in support of people experiencing hurt, hunger, and home...

Our conversation for Extension Office Friday included Joanne Royalty, Program Associate for Frederick County Extension to discuss various topics related to extension programs and gardening. We talked about the popularity of the Northern Shenandoah Valley Master Gardener 's Symposium and how it sold out quickly. Joanne gave details for another event in partnership with the Winchester-Clark County G...

As part of our community health partnership with Valley Health , we talked today with Mike Wade, chair of Valley Health's Community Wellness Festival to learn details for the event happening on Saturday, February 24, 2024 at Apple Blossom Mall from 10am - 5pm. It is an annual event that has been going on for 30 years and offers a wide range of activities and screenings related to health and wellne...

Our conversation for The Valley Business Today - Luray/Page County edition - features Edison Emmons and Clancey Arnold from the Luray/Page Chamber of Commerce. They discuss the value and benefits of Luray/Page chamber membership, highlighting networking, business connections, professional development, and advocacy opportunities. They also mention specific programs like Women in Business, job fairs...

For today's conversation, I took a trip to West Oaks Farm Market for a conversation with Levi Snapp about their business, their events, and  the importance of supporting local businesses and enjoying the farm experience offered at West Oaks Farm Market. Levi shares the history of his family's farm, which dates back to 1755, and how they transitioned into direct-to-consumer sales with a farmer's ma...

Our conversation today welcomes back Lisa Floyd, General Manager at Pembroke Springs Retreat located in Star Tannery. We discuss the changes at the retreat since Lisa's last appearance on the show in July 2018 , including the transformation of the retreat into a group rental type of booking system in addition to single room rentals. Lisa talks about the Japanese-themed aspects of the retreat, such...

Our conversation for Tourism Tuesday - Old Town Winchester edition - featured Jenny McDonald from the City of Winchester to talk about various events and happenings in and around the city of Winchester, particularly in Old Town. We talked about the release of the 2024 events calendar , the logistics of putting it together, and the inclusion of popular events like Apple Blossom. Jenny highlighted t...

Our conversation today with Guy Curtis from Laurel Ridge Community College included Dr. Craig Santicola , Dean of Professional Programs to talk about several new programs coming to the college in the fall. Those certificate programs include Artificial Intelligence (AI) & Machine Learning, Immersive Technology, Robotics & Automation, Financial Services, and HR Management. Craig gave us details abou...

Our conversation for The Valley Business Today with Niki Foster from the Front Royal Warren County Chamber of Commerce included Liz Conn Rishel, a board member of the Front Royal Women's Resource Center and new business owner. Liz gave an overview of the Women's Resource Center's programs, initiatives, and events. She told us about her new business ventures: The Pink Thread Co-op and Pink Thread F...

Our conversation(s) today for Tourism Tuesday - Shenandoah County edition - with Kary Haun also included several other guests as we tagged along on a Shenandoah County Tour of the new Shenandoah County Parks & Rec facility and Woodstock Gardens. The first stop was the Shenandoah County Parks and Recreation's new facility. The director, Jered Hoover, detailed the process of acquiring the facility t...

Our conversation today with Jon Elliott, District Executive for Shawnee & Shenrappawa Districts of the Shenandoah Area Council of Boy Scouts of America includes a discussion about the inclusion of girls in scouting, the history and terminology of their roles, and upcoming events. Jon explains that the organization was founded in 1910 and has since expanded to include girls. He emphasizes that alth...

Our conversation for United Way Day with United Way Northern Shenandoah Valley 's CEO, Kaycee Childress, included Andy Gail, Executive Director for Literacy Volunteers Winchester Area to discuss the United Way's Impact Grant program, which funds various community projects. Andy shares his experiences as both a recipient of the grants and a former panel member. We talk about the importance of volun...

 Our conversation for Traffic Safety Thursday with Lt. Warren Gosnell from  Frederick County Sheriff's Office includes details about our "mini ride-along" that happened prior to our live show today. We discuss the two traffic stops that we made and talk a bit about what the process looks like, the technology that's used, and the importance of collecting data.   

Our conversation today with Wendy May, the marketing manager of the Frederick County Economic Development Authority , also features Christine Kriz, Director of Laurel Ridge Small Business Development Center to give details about an upcoming conference called "Cultivate Your Agribusiness." Attendance is free, though registration is required for the event which takes place on Wednesday, February 21,...

Our conversation for Tourism Tuesday with Justin Kerns & Renee Bayliss from Winchester/Frederick County Convention & Visitors Bureau includes details for various events and activities happening in Winchester and Frederick County. The pair gives information for the African American Heritage Trolley tours , FredCo Eats Restaurant Week AND Winchester Restaurant Week , Chocolate Escape in Old Town Win...

Our conversation today with Tyler Hinkle, Shenandoah County's Planner is part of an ongoing series following the work on Shenandoah 2045 - Shenandoah County's comprehensive plan. The planning process will unfold over the course of four years with the majority of the community collaboration occurring from 2020-2022, with input in 2023-2024. We discuss the types of conversations and planning that's...

Our conversation today with Lisa Sipp, Executive Director for ShenArts Council is full of details about staff promotions, membership benefits , the ArtScape project , Teen Art Club , Kids Art Club , Youth Art Month , and the upcoming ShenArts Fest . We discuss the variety (and numerous) art exhibitions and shows happening in the community - several of which have an open call for art . Lisa emphasi...

Our conversation today with Nancy Horton and her son Chris, from Horton's Nursery and Garden Center gives the history of their business, which started in 1976 as a wholesale operation out of their garage, and later expanded to include a full-service nursery and garden center. Chris talks about growing up in the nursery and learning about landscaping and plant care, the current trend of houseplants...