Get Full Government Meeting Transcripts, Videos, & Alerts Forever!
Get email alerts on the Economic Development topic
No spam. Unsubscribe anytime.
Roanoke County spotlights major private investments and job growth in State of the County
Summary
Chairman David Radford told a sold-out State of the County audience that recent private investments — including Elbit America and Wells Fargo expansions — have driven more than $150 million in new projects and helped create jobs regionwide.
Chairman David Radford of the Roanoke County Board of Supervisors used the county’s 2025 State of the County address to highlight recent private investments and job growth, citing expansions by Elbit America and Wells Fargo as central wins for the local economy.
Radford said Elbit America announced an expansion in the Hollins District, committing "over $30,000,000" in facility improvements and equipment that he said will create "nearly 300 jobs." He also noted a Wells Fargo project he described as an $87,000,000 investment expected to add about 1,100 positions. "This expansion is a tremendous win for Roanoke County," Radford said.
Why it matters: Radford framed these announcements as evidence the county’s business climate and workforce development partnerships are attracting large employers. He told the audience Roanoke County and regional partners have positioned sites and training programs to connect local talent with new opportunities.
Details and context: Radford listed additional local projects and redevelopment, including work at Tanglewood Crossing, a new extended-stay hotel in Vinton, and a ground-breaking for a Publix store on Brambleton Avenue. He said that since 2023 the county has seen "well over $150,000,000" in new project investments that have created more than 1,500 jobs.
Radford attributed the momentum in part to workforce and training initiatives tied to local schools. "We're doing our part through a strong partnership with our public schools," he said, citing local Manufacturing Day and industry tours that connect students and educators with employers.
Tax and budget context: Radford also noted recent tax-relief measures adopted by the board — including cuts to the real estate rate and personal property taxes — that he said have delivered "more than $47,000,000" in savings to residents.
What comes next: County officials said they will continue to market sites and promote workforce pipelines to sustain growth. Eric Sichau, president and CEO of the Roanoke Regional Chamber of Commerce, opened the event and framed the announcements as part of a broader regional effort to keep businesses and jobs in the area.
The county’s summary of projects and job estimates came from Radford’s address and were presented as county-reported figures.
