back on the job). The Virginia Index of Consumer Sentiment The Mill Mountain as measured by The Theatre Board of Institute for Policy and Directors and producing Opinion Research at artistic director Ginger Roanoke College Poole made the tough plummeted almost 16 call public in late May: points from a near record all live productions have high in February says been cancelled for 2020 senior analyst Dr. Alice – at least until the Kassens. What Kassens Christmas show, and company found Holiday Inn. Mill however on the second Mountain Theatre is quarter phone survey of asking patrons who 629 Virginians (in May) have purchased tickets was belief in a strong for the 2020 season to rebound – perhaps roll them over for a future because the economy credit – or donate that had been doing so well money to help sustain before COVID-19 led the non-profit playhouse. to severe business Meanwhile all of the restrictions. acting summer camps have gone virtual; those The second quarter classes started in Index of Consumer mid-June. Poole also Sentiment survey also says there will be found that Virginians extensive coronavirus are even more optimistic safety precautions put about the economy than in place whenever the nation as a whole. productions resume. “They know what their “The outpouring of household finances [support] was immediate,” were like, how their said Poole. “Of course, businesses [were] doing; people are disappointed that feeling is giving them and it’s a sad, sad optimism once they start situation, but the positivity to open up or return to and uplifting from our normal.” How strong and community – it’s pretty how fast the rebound doggone amazing.” depends on the U.S. ____________________ consumer says Kassens, in this consumer-driven Roanoke College poll economy: “if people feel shows signs of optimism good about what’s going from respondents to happen, they’re going to keep spending now The numbers were grim and also into the future. – almost 39 million new It kind of makes it a unemployment claims self-fulfilling prophecy.” since March for example ____________________ (through late May). While the latest Consumer Visit Virginia’s Blue Sentiment survey reflects Ridge wants to know the pandemic-related downturn there is hope Visit Virginia’s Blue beneath the surface. (a Ridge (VBR) says it is healthier than expected continuing to monitor the hiring report in early changing tourism climate June came out after the with the region beginning survey – although later to reopen as part of it was announced many the Commonwealth’s were furloughed workers “Forward Virginia” plan. Mill Mountain officially goes dark
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“Building back consumer confidence is key to recovery during this economic crisis,” says VBR, which is asking local businesses to keep them up to date by emailing details with the latest business model being used – hours open, indoor dining allowed, curbside delivery etc. Send emails with ongoing updates and changes to partnership@ visitvbr.com. Meanwhile the VBR visitor’s center inside the O. Winston Link Museum opened in mid-June with COVID-19 safety precautions in place for those that come in seeking information about what to do in the region. ____________________
senior healthcare industry. According to the VDSS website, a three-year license is issued to a facility with activities, services, management and overall performance levels that routinely exceed the basic care, program and services required by the minimum standards. “This is quite a feat and I’m so proud of the team,” said President and Chief Executive Officer Joe Hoff. ____________________ College raises funds students affected by the COVID-19 pandemic.
Roanoke College’s second annual Day of Giving, a 24-hour event held on May 13, raised Doing their part more than $1 million for students who have Hollingsworth & Vose been impacted by the has two plants and a COVID-19 pandemic. research center in Floyd 840 members of the County, where it is one of College community — the area’s largest private alumni, parents, students, employers. Like a handful friends, faculty and staff of other regional — raised $1,047,498, companies that have providing funds and started making facemasks, resources to assist face shields, medical impacted students and gowns and hand families. These funds will sanitizers in recent go towards academic months, Hollingsworth & resources, student Vose started producing scholarships, and the filtration materials immediate financial used to produce N95 support for any students masks, surgical-style experiencing unexpected masks and surgical hardship. hoods recently. ____________________ ____________________ Longtime local business Friendship earns rare closes its doors long-term designation Back Country Ski & Friendship, a senior Sports on Apperson living and rehabilitation Drive in Salem has organization, announced closed after 27 years in in May that Friendship business. The company Assisted Living (FAL) says its Blacksburg earned a three-year location will have to license from the Virginia remain open “by Department of Social appointment only” due Services (VDSS), which to limited staffing and it claims is rare in the the plan for a wider
