Locking Down the Cell in Roanoke

Roanoke company, ORIGO, has introduced a technology that can end hand-held cell phone use while driving, addressing a leading national public safety problem. ORIGOSafe is a new ignition interlock system that requires drivers to secure their phone in a docking station before their vehicle can start. This prevents motorists from holding their phones to talk or text while behind the wheel.

Says Clay Skelton, ORIGO’s founder, “By taking the phone out of the driver’s hands – but not preventing making and receiving calls – ORIGO can reduce accidents, increase safety and improve the performance of drivers, particularly young drivers. It takes away the temptation to reach for the phone while driving.”

The statistics tell of a tragic problem:

 Teen driving deaths are up 19 percent in the first half of 2012; texting while driving causes 11 teen deaths every day;   16 percent of all drivers under 20 involved in fatal crashes were reported to have been distracted while driving; motor vehicle crashes are the leading cause of death among teens in the United States’ 97 percent of teens in a survey say texting while driving is highly dangerous, yet 75 percent of them say it’s common among their peers; more than 25 percent of teens say they read or send at least one text every time they drive.

And it’s not just a young driver problem. Many adults are involved, as well.

A study conducted by the Virginia Tech Transportation Institute found that “Talking or listening on a cell phone … did not statistically increase crash risk.  Dialing, reaching, and other intensive visual-manual cell phone sub-tasks did.” That’s why ORIGO allows drivers to stay connected hands-free through Bluetooth and other technologies, yet takes the phone completely out of the driver’s hands.

ORIGOSafe is easily installed in any type of vehicle, and is a fully integrated device that supports the top-selling smart phone models. There’s no software to buy or maintain, and no need to wonder if it’s working.  

ORIGO also comes in a version to improve safety among commercial drivers. The ORIGOSafe Commercial has a module called ORIGOCommand, an iPad-based fleet management package with a central database for administrators to manage multiple fleets at multiple locations and restrict truck usage to an easily manageable list of authorized drivers.

Virginia Tech Climbing the Rankings Ladder

Virginia Tech ranks in the top 20 colleges and universities being talked about most frequently in print, broadcast, and Internet media, and in blogs and tweets, according to the latest ranking by an Austin, Texas-based company that specializes in media analytics.

Global Language Monitor said that its “brand equity measurements” of 2012 mentions ranked Virginia Tech No. 17. Last year, the Blacksburg, Va., university was rated 19th. This year’s measurement puts it higher on the list than Johns Hopkins, the University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill, and Duke. The University of Virginia fell from number 25 to 32 on the Buzz list.

The company rated MIT as the number one school followed by Harvard. The University of California at Berkeley was the top public university in the 10 highest ranked schools. The University of Minnesota jumped 15 spots into the top 20 while the University of Michigan dropped 12 places from 13 to 25. Public universities held 13 of the top 25 rankings.

“Virginia Tech has long been in the forefront of new technology applications, and we suspect that this latest ranking reflects the technical expertise of many young people wanting to become Hokies,” said Larry Hincker, associate vice president of University Relations. “It also might reflect [Virginia] Tech’s highly respected reputation. Either way, it’s nice to be noticed.”

For 2012, Virginia Tech’s homepage had 16.7 million page views and 11.4 million unique views. In addition, there were 3.3 unique visitors, while the university’s Facebook page grew from 93,571 likes in January 2012 to 118,063 likes in December 2012.

Life-Guard 12 To Get New Home in Lexington

Carilion Stonewall Jackson Hospital in Lexington is to begin construction on a helicopter hangar, crew quarters and offices mid-March. The new facility, located on .411 acres behind CSJH, will be the permanent location for Carilion Clinic’s Life-Guard 12 helicopter.

The new hangar will allow the EC135 aircraft to be hangared during inclement weather and extreme temperatures. Additionally, the hangar space will permit routine maintenance to be performed on-site, decreasing the need to relocate the helicopter to Roanoke and remain in its primary service area.

“Crew quarters and offices will adjoin the hangar. Having crew quarters at the same location as the helipad optimizes response times from the time of the request to the time they are airborne,” explained Susan Smith, director at Carilion Clinic Patient Transportation. “We are also excited to have Carilion’s Lexington ground division co-located in this new facility.”

Furthermore, the site will include an above ground Jet-A fuel tank. This tank will help to maximize operations by allowing Life-Guard 12 better access to fuel for long distance flights.

Alleghany Gets 55 New Manufacturing Jobs

Balchem Corporation, which specializes in choline chloride and precision release nutrient technologies for animal nutrition and health, today celebrated the opening of its newest manufacturing facility to meet growing demand. The company is investing approximately $10 million and creating 55 new jobs within two to three years in a 68,000-square-foot building at Alleghany Regional Commerce Center.

The facility will more than double the company’s output capacity for the animal nutrition and health sector with its new encapsulation technology. “This world-class manufacturing facility gives us the ability to better meet our customers’ needs for our products and technology,” Balchem president and CEO Dino Rossi said at a ribbon-cutting event with area business leaders, customers and elected officials.

“By greatly increasing capacity for the animal nutrition and health sector, we’re also advancing solutions that aid in gains in animal productivity and health and reducing the environmental impact of contemporary feeding programs.”

Balchem, based in New Hampton, N.Y., supplies encapsulated nutrients and manufactures more than 140 different products across human, animal and industrial applications. Balchem has worked to refine and improve encapsulation technology and processes for more than 40 years, with keen focus in the animal nutrition and health industry for the last 10 years.

The Covington plant will produce Balchem’s growing portfolio of encapsulated nutrients: AminoShure-L Precision Release Lysine, AminoShure-M Precision Release Methionine, NitroShure Precision Release Nitrogen and NiaShure Precision Release Niacin.

Richfield Cuts a Ribbon on Rehab Center

Representatives from Richfield and the community cut ribbon on new Rehab Center at Richfield on March 5 in Roanoke.  From left to right: Pete Larkin from the office of Congressman Bob Goodlatte, Roanoke County Supervisor Joe ‘Butch’ Church, Richfield Retirement Community CEO Ray Fisher, Richfield Chairman of the Board Stewart Bruce, Roanoke County Vice Chairman Charlotte Moore, Angie Hall from the office of Congressman Morgan Griffith, and Salem Mayor Randy Foley.

Roanoke's Luna Sells Secure Computing Group

Luna Innovations in Roanoke, which develops and manufactures new-generation products for the healthcare, telecommunications, energy and defense markets, today announced the sale of its Secure Computing and Communications (SCC) group to MacAulay-Brown, Inc. (MacB).
 

The sale of SCC will enable Luna to more narrowly focus on the company’s key strategic initiatives that relate to its core strength in fiber optic sensing while reducing the company’s exposure to reductions in government spending. 

“We are very proud of the unique expertise we developed in secure computing technology.  The sale of SCC allows us to increase liquidity and focus on the growth potential of our core fiber-optic technology,” said My Chung, Luna’s CEO. “MacB has a strategic focus in areas where our SCC technology is already being applied as well as the infrastructure to advance this technology for military and intelligence customers.  This is truly an ideal home for this unique technology and the talented people of SCC.

“This sale accelerates the monetization of our secure computing technology while mitigating exposure to reductions in government spending,” Chung added. “We look forward to working with MacB and SCC’s customers on a smooth transition.”

Since 2003, SCC has conducted research and development of innovative electronic components and methods, and has provided technical services with a focus on critical U.S. military and National Security applications. In addition, SCC is a leader in the development of methods and technologies to build trust into integrated circuits and energy management systems. 

“We are delighted to welcome SCC to our growing portfolio,” said Sid Fuchs, President and CEO of MacB. “This advanced technology is a good strategic fit that builds on the role we play in our nation’s defense. In working with SCC to verify the capability and usability of its products, we recognized the benefits of this growing technology for our existing customers and our ability to bring this technology to market.”

Norfolk Southern Cuts 140 Roanoke Jobs

NS tran passes Winston Link Museum in Roanoke

Norfolk Southern Corporation, one of the most important employers in the region, plans to cut 140 jobs in Roanoke, ending what it calls “regional railcar classification operations.” The company has 1,870 workers in the area. The Roanoke Terminal has lost 30 percent of its general merchandise cars business in the last seven years.

VP of Transportation Terry Evans was quoted as saying, “The employees who work at Roanoke are dedicated and efficient, but the geographical location and layout of the hump yard make it not only expensive but redundant within our network.” 

Officials say most of those losing their jobs are Carmen—who inspect and repair cars—and train crews. In addition, a few track maintenance positions are affected. According to published reports, Norfolk Southern anticipates hiring between 850 and 1,150 employees in 2013 to keep up with attrition. These positions will first be offered to employees affected by the Roanoke change and employees furloughed at other locations.

(Norfolk Southern photo)

South Peak Plans New Hilton Garden Inn

South Peak has released plans for a 117-room Hilton Garden Inn hotel that will soon be under construction.  The approximately $15-million hotel, will also include roughly 2,000 square feet of conference/meeting space with an additional 1,000 square feet of break out space and a fifth floor conference room with mountain views.  In addition, there will be a full-service restaurant and lounge and fireplaces in 40 guest rooms.  The hotel is expected to be open by spring of 2014.

 “This hotel brings a new look and feel to Roanoke,” said Hunter Smith, president of Smith/Packett, which is developing South Peak.  “The hotel will have the same arts and crafts design as The Peaks residences.  It’s part of our plan to carry the same architectural theme throughout the South Peak project.”

The Hilton Garden Inn will be located at an elevation below The Peaks residences, giving guests a beautiful view of the mountains and downtown Roanoke.  Additional amenities include a fitness center, a heated indoor pool with whirlpool, family suites and a 24-hour business center.  Guest rooms and suites will be available in a variety of floor plans and will include microwaves and refrigerators, along with the Hilton Garden Inn brand’s signature Garden Sleep System®, high definition television, spacious work desk and ergonomic chair, a living room area and balconies overlooking the courtyard.

 “This development in Roanoke is a perfect place for a Hilton Garden Inn,” said Adrian Kurre, Global Head, Hilton Garden Inn.  “As an award-winning upscale hotel brand, Hilton Garden Inn caters to both business and leisure travelers who are seeking upscale, yet affordable accommodations in Roanoke.” 

A ground breaking is planned for late March or early April of 2013 for the hotel. Construction will continue through 2013, and the first guests could be staying at the South Peak hotel as early as February of 2014.

A Broadband Step Forward for Roanoke Valley

Greater access to an affordable high-speed broadband network in the Roanoke Valley took a step forward Wednesday with the adoption of recommendations that include forming a regional Broadband Authority to increase affordable access to broadband technologies. 

The Roanoke Valley Fiber/Broadband Task Force, comprised of business leaders and local governments, developed recommendations in the nine months following the release of a study, which can be found at www.highspeedroanoke.com. The study showed that the Roanoke Region is lagging behind other surrounding communities when it comes to affordable broadband access. 

The task force is recommending the creation of a regional Broadband Authority to implement a number of objectives to expand the infrastructure of broadband throughout the region while making it easier for existing broadband providers to deploy their technology. The proposed authority would be created by interested localities in the Roanoke Valley under the Virginia’s Wireless Service Authority Act. 

 “With the continued growth of the Internet and ever-increasing appetite for bandwidth, we need to develop a plan that addresses our current and future needs to accelerate the growth of our regional economy and attract new businesses and residents,” said William Fralin, president and CEO of Medical Facilities of America and a member of the task force. 

 “This access to reasonably-priced, high-speed Internet has the potential to better prepare students to enter the work force, improve the economic viability of home-based business and ultimately attract new businesses and residents while encouraging local business growth.”  

The task force’s comprehensive recommendations are to:

•  Identify and reach out to large companies, institutions and broadband users to broaden stakeholder support.
• Develop a master plan for construction and operation of a high-speed, redundant regional network ring.  The network should reach schools, industrial parks, large employers and other economic centers.
• Develop cooperative agreements for localities with technical specifications and commercial terms for operating the network and for exchanging data across municipal boundaries.
• Develop and implement “dig once” requirements for construction projects, including the placement of open-access conduit for optical fiber cable.
• Explore the creation of policies and/or agreements with Carilion Clinic and Virginia Tech for open access to high-speed Internet in their adjacent communities.
•  Work with the New River Valley and other adjacent communities that are supporting existing broadband and fiber deployments.
• Communicate broadband-related activities and technology to the public.

To improve the availability of low-cost broadband for residents and businesses in the region, the task force recommends:

• Streamlining permitting of towers for Long Term Evolution (LTE), marketed as 4G LTE, to increase the availability of wireless broadband with emphasis on rural areas.
• Promoting open access to encourage competitive and diverse offerings of Internet services.
• Working with Virginia Tech, Western Virginia Water Authority and other entities to conduct an asset inventory related to wireless technology deployment.
• Identifying wireless Encouraging the rapid deployment of DOCIS 3.0 by cable operators to increase the bandwidth at an affordable cost to cable subscribers.
• Opportunities and partnerships to provide broadband opportunities to underserved areas.
•  Working with existing providers to streamline regulations/permitting an encourage affordable service options
• Considering a request for information for an open-access, fiber-to-the-home network and carefully examine the viability of such a network in the Roanoke Valley.

The task force also wants to explore the need and economic feasibility of developing one or more data centers in the region.

Wayne Strickland, executive director of the Roanoke Valley-Alleghany Regional Commission, which released the broadband study last May with the backing of Botetourt and Roanoke counties and the cities of Roanoke and Salem, added: “The recommendations being released today are an important step toward building infrastructure that attracts business and mobilizes the region to enhance economic vitality and quality of life.” 

(Photo: voip-info.blogspot.com)

Carilion Rolls Out (Stair) Wellness Campaign

CEO Nancy Agee (center) and Michele Hamilton get ready for a TV interview.

At a ribbon-cutting ceremony earlier today, Carilion Clinic launched Stairwellness – a wellness initiative to encourage employees and visitors at Carilion Roanoke Memorial Hospital (CRMH) to take the stairs instead of the elevator.

Stairwellness is a free, convenient way to incorporate exercise into a daily routine. To help motivate this positive behavior change, the stairwell in the South tower of CRMH is now outfitted with colorful blocks of paint containing fun health information regarding the benefits of stair climbing.

“Carilion continues to put a strong focus on wellness and preventative care. Through small changes, such as promoting stairwell usage, we are creating a supportive environment and building a culture of wellness,” said Michele Hamilton, employee wellness consultant at Carilion Clinic. “Our employees are our patients too. We are cultivating an environment that supports healthy decision-making.”

Carilion launched the “Choose Wisely” program for employees last fall. Each month the Dining & Nutrition Services department identifies one health item as a wise choice. If an employee chooses the item, their receipt is stamped by the cashier and they are entered to win prizes. The Choose Wisely program rewards employees for making healthy decisions.

Other Carilion employee wellness initiatives include a monetary incentive for non-tobacco users, fitness and nutrition pilot programs, healthy and organic vending options, free flu vaccinations, bio-metric health screenings, on-site group fitness, Step by Step walking program, Weight Watchers at Work, and a “farmers’ table” or market of healthy foods.

“We anticipate implementing more wellness programs and extending existing programs in the near future. We want our employees to feel good about their health and we want to support their healthy lifestyles at work,” concluded Hamilton.

Stairwellness will be extended to community hospitals in the coming months. For more information, visit CarilionClinic.org.

New Dentists Office Features Green Technology

Drs. Singleton, Dickey and Lynch at the dedication.

A trio of Roanoke dentists today hosted a ribbon-cutting ceremony to show off the first dentist office in the world built with Passivhaus, a low-energy building technology that typically reduces energy use by 70 percent.

The new building for Drs. Randolph Dickey, John Singleton and Sean Lynch, at 1510 Franklin Ave., boasts such energy-saving features as a passive geo thermal ground loop, 92 percent efficient heating and cooling energy recovery systems that deliver complete fresh air to the interior, and an airtight building envelop insulation system that significantly reduces the need for oversized mechanical equipment.

It was designed and built by Structures Design Build of Roanoke. Co-founder Adam Cohen is a Certified Passivhaus Designer.

Passivhaus, the German term for a trend in construction that raises the bar in energy efficiency standards, typically uses up to 90 percent less energy for heating and cooling than conventional buildings. Passivhaus buildings also have a footprint that reduces carbon dioxide emissions by more than 70 percent over other new buildings.

The new dentist office has architectural design features such as large overhangs and external arches similar to that of a railway passenger terminal. Its new construction also adheres to the strict architectural standards of the Old Southwest neighborhood. Triple pane energy efficient widows that are airtight. A fresh air ventilation system that brings in 100 percent fresh air without recirculation of any interior air resulting in healthier interior air.

Girl Scouts Head New CEO of RVSPCA

Hayes

The oft-troubled Roanoke Valley Society for the Prevention of Cruelty to Animals today announced the appointment of C. Denise Hayes of Roanoke as the new CEO for the region’s largest organization for homeless and unwanted animals.

Hayes, a long-time foster and advocate for the RVSPCA, has most recently been serving as chief operating officer at Girl Scouts of Virginia Skyline.  She begins her new role Feb. 21.

“We are delighted to select an experienced non-profit executive who loves animals, and has already contributed as a volunteer, to lead our organization into the future,” said Barbara Dalhouse, president of the RVSPCA’s board of directors. “Our board recognized the many talents Denise brings to us, including strategic planning, oversight of a robust volunteer program, budget planning, community outreach and leadership development.”

Hayes will replace Kandy Elliott, who has served as the interim executive director since August.

 During her almost nine years at the Girl Scouts, most recently as chief operating officer, Hayes has overseen daily operations for an organization that serves nearly 10,000 girls and 3,500 adult volunteers in a 36-county region. She also has led programming, membership and volunteer services.

Prior to joining the Girl Scouts, Hayes worked in event management at both Washington & Lee University School of Law and at the Homestead Resort in Hot Springs.