Roanoke Times
Copyright (c) 1995, Landmark Communications, Inc.
DATE: TUESDAY, April 10, 1990 TAG: 9004100042
SECTION: CURRENT PAGE: NRV6 EDITION: NEW RIVER VALLEY
SOURCE: New River Valley bureau
DATELINE: RADFORD LENGTH: Medium
Griggs, president of Industrial Drives, was named Business Person of the Year. Farmer, a real estate agent and auctioneer, was given the Chamber award.
The Business Person of the Year must demonstrate professional accomplishments and civic responsibility.
Griggs, a former chamber president, is chairman of the fund-raising campaign for the New River Valley Economic Development Alliance. He has been chairman of the New River Community College board and director of the college's foundation. He has served on the boards of the Radford Community Hospital Foundation and First Virginia Bank and as president of the Pulaski County Rescue Squad.
The award is "quite flattering," said Griggs, 56, who has lived in the valley 15 years.
Kollmorgen Corp., parent company of Industrial Drives, encourages civic involvement, Griggs said, and he joked that his fund raising was giving him a reputation. "Every time I call somebody they say, `How much do you want?' "
Farmer, 39, operates a real estate office in downtown Radford. His auction business specializes in estates and antiques.
The Pulaski native said his pulse rate rose to "about 200" as he went up to accept the award. He thanked the Bondurant family, who helped him get started in real estate, and said the award was a reflection of the people who work for him.
The Chamber award recognizes entrepreneurship, innovativeness and management skills.
The awards were handed out before about 300 people during an annual dinner at Radford University's Muse Hall. Former Radford Mayor Allen Kinzer, now an executive for Honda of America, spoke.
by CNB