Several organizations are stepping up to help people in need from Helene including several groups in our backyard.

Denmark’s King Frederik has laid a foundation stone to mark the reconstruction of Copenhagen’s iconic Old Stock Exchange, which was partly destroyed by a fire in April that toppled its green copper roof and iconic dragon-tail spire.

A European business group says China must reprioritize economic growth and reforms and boost investor confidence by leveling the playing field for all companies in the country.

Authorities say more than 100 tons of dead fish have been collected in and around the port of Volos, in central Greece, following a mass die-off linked to extreme climate fluctuations.

Vice President Kamala Harris has announced the formation of a new partnership to help provide internet access to 80% of Africa by 2030, up from 40% now.

An annual survey of more than 500 European companies has found that slowing growth in China is weighing on company plans to expand their businesses in the world’s second largest economy.

A report by a European business group says that uncertainty and “draconian regulations” have drastically raised risks for foreign businesses in China.

The Montgomery County Chamber of Commerce hosts annual Women’s Leadership Conference: Creating a League of Your Own at The Inn at Virginia Tech & Skelton Conference Center.

The Pulaski County Chamber of Commerce recently hosted its Annual Meeting and Awards banquet at the Volvo Customer Experience Center

The New River Valley Sleep in Heavenly Peace Chapter held its first-ever bed-building event with the Montgomery County Chamber of Commerce.

A business group says foreign companies in China want “greater clarity” about changes in China’s cybersecurity and other rules and how the ruling Communist Party will enforce them after they were rattled by raids on consulting firms.

The Salem Roanoke County Chamber of Commerce honored more than 40 students who are joining the apprenticeship program, which offers local high school students the chance to work in their chosen field before even graduating from high school.

Cha-ching! Cue the American Pickers intro, because these guys are headed to the Commonwealth.

The pandemic has impacted our lives and affected small businesses everywhere, and in Pulaski County, the Chamber of Commerce staff is working to help make sure they can continue to grow by helping business owners network in the innovation center.

Skiing, skating and other competitions take place before a global TV audience, but few see them in person.

South Carolina remains one of only two states without a hate-crimes law, and proponents worry that efforts in the Legislature are stalling to increase penalties for crimes committed against minorities and others victimized by prejudice.

The wait is over.

A foreign business group in China says the ruling Communist Party’s campaign to tighten control over China’s industries and reduce use of foreign technology is denting its economic growth.

News and events happening today

Russia signed a deal to produce 10 million doses of the Sputnik V coronavirus vaccine in Italy this year. “That is not the goal, it is a wish,’’ Adienne founder and president Antonio Francesco Di Naro told The Associated Press on Wednesday. The first agreement to make the Sputnik V in any EU country was signed Tuesday by Swiss-based Adienne Pharma & Biotech and the Russian Direct Investment Fund. Ad“This procedure requires months, or even more, because this is a biological product,” Di Naro said. But the company could sell the vaccine it produced to non-EU countries as long as it obtains Italian regulatory approval, Di Naro said.

DANVILLE, Va. – Despite the pandemic, business is booming in Danville as some new restaurants and markets open up. But with a casino coming in a couple of years, some businesses are already trying to reel in a crowd. “A lot of people from Danville drive to Greensboro just for Red Crab,” Red Crab General Manager Renea Zamora said. With a casino coming to Danville in 2023, the extra foot traffic is what the city is crossing its fingers for. AdIt’s one of the main reasons why the Red Crab opened up their doors in the first place.

The Virginia General Assembly will meet in Special Session starting today. Governor Northam is calling lawmakers back to lengthen this year’s session to 46 days, after Republic lawmakers tried to cut it short. GOP leaders said 30 days should have been enough time after last year’s lengthy special session. The project involved replacing some older equipment and installing additional equipment to increase electric reliability in the region. The Danville-Pittsylvania County Chamber of Commerce holds its annual membership meeting today.

CHRISTIANSBURG, Va. – The Montgomery County Chamber of Commerce has released a new directory to help minority and women entrepreneurs. Based on the chamber’s expenditure data last year, 40%of funding went to small businesses while only 8% of that small businesses funding went to Black-owned businesses. Now the chamber is calling on large businesses and customers to show more support this year with their dollars. “Our job is to promote support and grow businesses in this community,” said Sharon Scott, the chamber’s executive director. Chamber membership is required but there are some scholarships available to help pay for the fees.

FILE - U.S. Chamber of Commerce President and Chief Executive Officer Thomas Donohue speaks at the Chamber of Commerce in Washington, Jan. 10, 2018. Chamber CEO Thomas Donohue said he didn't think the invasion was a “full coup” attempt, but said the chamber didn't like the mob's conduct. The chamber said its political action committee will cut donations from some legislators who spouted unsubstantiated claims of voter fraud in trying to stop the vote from being certified. “There are some members who by their actions will have forfeited the support of the U.S. Chamber of Commerce,” he said. The chamber contributed $10,000 to Hawley's campaign, but Bradley said he didn't know if chamber had ever asked for money back.

SALEM, Va. – This week you can see the spectacular displays built with gingerbread, holiday cheer and a lot of creativity from artists hoping to win the Salem Gingerbread Festival. The main event, the Gingerbread Festival, is on Saturday, Dec. 5, from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. at Longwood Park. The gingerbread festival is one of many holiday events happening in Salem throughout the weekend. Festivities begin Friday with a virtual Christmas tree lighting followed by the Winter WonderLot Christmas Parade hosted by the Salem Kiwanis Club. The weekend also includes socially distanced photos with Santa with Salem’s Crafty Christmas and Salem Holiday Market happening the following weekend.

ROANOKE, Va. – Tourism boards in Southwest Virginia received a financial boost to help attract visitors through the COVID-19 pandemic. The Virginia Tourism Corporation awarded a total of $80,000 to five tourism boards. The awards included:$20,000 for Visit Virginia’s Blue Ridge$20,000 for Botetourt County$20,000 for the Smith Mountain Lake Chamber of Commerce$10,000 to the Town of Rocky Mount$10,000 to the City of SalemVisit Virginia’s Blue Ridge President Landon Howard said his organization’s $20,000 will be spent mostly on online marketing. He believes regional travelers will look to the Roanoke Valley for a getaway. “Those people may not be traveling to Europe for a two or three week vacation, but they will do weekend trips to places like Virginia’s Blue Ridge.”

LYNCHBURG, Va. – Wednesday was “National Support Your Local Chamber of Commerce Day.”It gives communities an opportunity to recognize the vital role chambers have in supporting local business. In Lynchburg, the Regional Business Alliance represents more than 800 commercial members and over 50,000 employees. The Alliance started in 1883 as the Greater Lynchburg Chamber of Commerce and is a founding member of the U.S. Chamber of Commerce. Your local Chamber of Commerce, the Regional Business Alliance, is responsible for growing and sustaining the economic base that calls this region home,” said Megan Lucas, CEO and Chief Economic Development Officer of the Lynchburg Regional Business Alliance. That includes deepening professional relationships by hosting networking events and workshops, promoting local services, and advocating for the business community.

SMITH MOUNTAIN LAKE, Va. – Smith Mountain Lake’s chamber of commerce received financial assistance Thursday to help the region economically bounce back from the coronavirus. The chamber accepted a $9,995 grant from the Virginia Tourism Corporation to entice visitors to the area. The money will finance a tourism commercial specifically for Virginians, according Smith Mountain Lake’s Regional Chamber of Commerce Executive Director Christopher Finley. “When the commonwealth pivoted back to Phase 2 and Phase 3, vacationers were willing to get out,” Finley said. Those visitors included Terry McGhee, who said he watched Smith Mountain Lake fill up as a child.

Here's a look at some of the stories we'll be following today as they make headlines across the country and Southwest Virginia. The Chamber of Commerce of Lexington, Buena Vista and Rockbridge County will hold its annual meeting today. The reconfiguration would reduce the number of travel lanes from four to two, while adding two bike lanes. There's a ribbon cutting today for the Villa Heights Recreation Center. Part of Eighth Street in Lynchburg will close today from Taylor Street to Wise Street.

Smith Mountain Lake - The Smith Mountain Lake Chamber of Commerce has a new leader at the helm for the first time in 17 years. In a one-on-one interview, Finley told 10 News he recently purchased an investment property at Smith Mountain Lake and plans to the make the position permanent. Finley worked there for four years before joining the chamber. From 2004 to 2015, he directed marketing programs for The Willard Companies, where he launched multiple award-winning campaigns to position Smith Mountain Lake as a premier vacation and relocation destination. I worked here at Smith Mountain Lake for 12 years and it's nice to come home."

SMITH MOUNTAIN LAKE, Va. - The Smith Mountain Lake Chamber of Commerce has named its new executive director. "We are thrilled to have Chris join the Chamber team," said Lindsey Coley, Chair of the SMLRCC board of directors. "His marketing and public relations expertise, leadership experience and comprehensive knowledge of the Smith Mountain Lake region makes him a perfect fit." Finley is currently working as the communications manager for Radford-based BAE Systems -- an international defense and security company. "I'm very excited about returning to Smith Mountain Lake and for the opportunity to drive tourism and grow business for the chamber's members and the community," said Finley, who served on the SMLRCC boar from 2011 to 2013.

AMHERST COUNTY (WSLS 10) - Stop 16 on the Virginia Proud Weather Tour had Jeff Haniewich at Sweet Briar College. This Thursday marks Amherst County Chamber of Commerce's Third Thursday Business After Hours event. This month, Sweet Briar is hosting the event. Claudia Tucker, a member of the Amherst County Board of Supervisors, said there's something for everyone in the county. "We're really hoping that this rebirth of Sweet Briar is also a rebirth of the relationship between the community and the college," said Kilgore.