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BV Restaurant Changes Hands
JJ’s Meat Shak, a Buena Vista restaurant operated by Lew and Kendra Hamilton the past 13 years, closed July 27. The restaurant, at 1607 Magnolia Ave., reopened four days later, Aug. 1, under new owner Brian Rowsey, and with a new name, Route 501 Roadhouse.
This news was reported at Buena Vista City Council’s Aug. 1 meeting by Kristina Ramsey, the city’s director of economic development. Ramsey said Rowsey has expanded the restaurant’s menu and is serving breakfast. Although they are no longer operating the restaurant, the Hamiltons are continuing to operate JJ’s catering business.
Ramsey also reported that Sybil Adams has closed Flowers & Things at Sycamore Lane in Buena Vista in order to focus on her other business, University Florist, at 165 S. Main St. in Lexington. “We’ll really miss her but we’re glad for her new journey,” said Ramsey.
Patterson Completes
ALI Training
Annette Patterson, president of The Advancement Foundation, recently completed training and participation in the Appalachian Leadership Institute program. She and 39 other individuals who had been selected for the 2023-24 program last fall were commissioned in a ceremony held in Washington, D.C.
The ALI, an initiative of the Appalachian Regional Commission, is a comprehensive regional leadership training program developed by ARC in partnership with the University of Tennessee, Knoxville; The Howard H. Baker Jr. Center for Public Policy; Tuskegee University; and Collective Impact.
“Over the previous 10 months we had the opportunity to visit many Appalachian communities,” said Patterson. “The most valuable part of the program was the opportunity to see Appalachia communities in action and to engage with other leaders across the 13 states. Throughout the program, I was able to share examples of our efforts in business and community development across 23 Appalachia counties in Virginia.
“Of particular interest was our work in the city of Buena Vista at the Virginia Innovation Accelerator. My focus in sharing information on these programs is how we, as leaders, can leverage key assets to build sustainable and bold opportunities for our Appalachia citizens and communities.”
BV Business
Awarded
VA Contract
Becker Digital, a designated Service-Disabled Veteran-Owned Small Business in Buena Vista, was recently awarded a contract to provide Crisis Intervention Training for the Department of Veterans Affairs. This veteran-focused CIT initiative is the first of its kind and will be delivered to federal law enforcement officers across multiple states.
“As a veteran-owned and operated small business, we are honored to have the opportunity to continue a lifetime of service as a trusted industry partner to the VA. We are excited to utilize our specialized skills and veteran community insights to improve the quality of life for veterans,” said Jeremy Becker, CEO and founder of Becker Digital.
“The scope of this contract is aligned with our founding mission to support veterans and their families through all aspects of their post-military experience. Our team members are unwavering in their dedication to ensuring that veterans receive the compassionate, informed care they deserve. We are committed to making a positive impact and look forward to collaborating with the VA and other stakeholders in this vital initiative.”
XFS Achieves
Special Designation
XFS Global LLC, a Natural Bridge Station-based manufacturer of deployable shelters, recently achieved Service-Disabled Veteran-Owned Small Business certification.
“[This] is a significant milestone for XFS as the designation will provide us access to new collaboration opportunities with government agencies and commercial partners,” said Jacob Furbee, president and CEO of the company. “As a service-disabled veteran-owned business, we are deeply committed to supporting our nation’s warfighters by providing high-quality, deployable shelter systems, innovative support equipment and unparalleled field service.”
“Achieving the designation is a testament to XFS Global’s unwavering commitment to serving both their clients and the veteran community but also reinforces our local economy by showcasing the immense value that veteranowned businesses bring to our marketplace,” said Brandy Flint, Rockbridge County’s economic development director.
