We are just a couple of weeks away from the Roanoke Chamber of Commerce’s Mayoral Candidate Forum which is taking place on Tuesday, Oct. 1.

After 22 years, Roanoke Regional Chamber of Commerce President and CEO, Joyce Waugh will step down at the end of the year.

ROANOKE, Va. – As more people look for ways to support local businesses, there’s a new initiative that aims to make that easier. Roanoke Regional Chamber of Commerce is launching a new directory to highlight minority and women-owned businesses. “If someone is looking for like a contractor, or a cake maker or whatever, they will have an easier time locating those folks,” Roanoke Regional Chamber President and CEO Joyce Waugh said. “My hope is that the Roanoke Chamber of Commerce will find grass root organizations and lead this to be a bigger and better operation,” she added. The online directory will be available on the chamber’s website by March.

ROANOKE, Va. - Roanoke Mayor Sherman Lea maintained his optimism for the city in his annual update. Lea gave his State of the City address to the Roanoke Regional Chamber of Commerce Thursday morning. The mayor drew attention to Roanoke City Schools' 90 percent graduation rate, as well as major projects which finished such as the rebuilt Franklin Street Bridge and the new Melrose library. Lea says he's proud of how far the city has come and believes it will continue to improve. "We can sustain our momentum as a positive, progressive, successful community in which everyone plays a role in making our incredible potential," Lea said.