Greater Williamson Road business group outlines façade grants, events and digital outreach to boost corridor
February 28, 2024 | Roanoke County, Virginia
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Valerie Brown, executive director of the Greater Williamson Road Area Business Association, told the Roanoke County Board of Supervisors on Feb. 27 that Williamson Road — nearly 10 miles long and linking the county and the city — is a vital commercial corridor and a priority for economic and community investment.
Brown outlined the association’s near-term steps: updating a business and resident survey, pursuing facade-grant funding in collaboration with the county’s economic development office and the Department of Housing and Community Development, and staging public events to draw shoppers and visitors. She said the association will propose planters, hanging baskets, public art and facade grants aimed at beautification and private investment.
Brown cited public-safety and litter as recurring concerns from businesses and residents, and listed top priorities identified in a past survey: preserving the area’s diverse retail and culture, expanding job opportunities and reducing crime. She previewed events to promote the corridor, including a November scavenger hunt tied to a passport program and an annual golf tournament on Friday, May 10 at Hunting Hills Country Club to raise funds for façade grants and other initiatives.
On digital outreach, Brown said the association has nearly completed an updated website and plans a biweekly newsletter beginning July 1, a virtual 360-degree panoramic tour of Williamson Road and a holiday gift guide to help local businesses market products. She reported membership growth of about 35% year-to-date, with county businesses comprising roughly 45% of that growth.
Board members thanked Brown and said they look forward to collaboration. No formal board action or funding commitment was recorded during the presentation; Brown said she is working with county staff and the Department of Housing and Community Development toward securing facade-grant monies and will provide future updates to the board.
Brown outlined the association’s near-term steps: updating a business and resident survey, pursuing facade-grant funding in collaboration with the county’s economic development office and the Department of Housing and Community Development, and staging public events to draw shoppers and visitors. She said the association will propose planters, hanging baskets, public art and facade grants aimed at beautification and private investment.
Brown cited public-safety and litter as recurring concerns from businesses and residents, and listed top priorities identified in a past survey: preserving the area’s diverse retail and culture, expanding job opportunities and reducing crime. She previewed events to promote the corridor, including a November scavenger hunt tied to a passport program and an annual golf tournament on Friday, May 10 at Hunting Hills Country Club to raise funds for façade grants and other initiatives.
On digital outreach, Brown said the association has nearly completed an updated website and plans a biweekly newsletter beginning July 1, a virtual 360-degree panoramic tour of Williamson Road and a holiday gift guide to help local businesses market products. She reported membership growth of about 35% year-to-date, with county businesses comprising roughly 45% of that growth.
Board members thanked Brown and said they look forward to collaboration. No formal board action or funding commitment was recorded during the presentation; Brown said she is working with county staff and the Department of Housing and Community Development toward securing facade-grant monies and will provide future updates to the board.
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