
                         Roanoke Times
                 Copyright (c) 1995, Landmark Communications, Inc.

DATE: WEDNESDAY, March 27, 1991                   TAG: 9103270378
SECTION: VIRGINIA                    PAGE: B1   EDITION: NEW RIVER VALLEY 
SOURCE: KATHY LOAN NEW RIVER VALLEY BUREAU
DATELINE: RADFORD                                 LENGTH: Medium

RADFORD CHAMBER GIVES AWARDS

Ken Bondurant was named "Business Person of the Year" at the Radford Chamber of Commerce's annual dinner Tuesday.

Diane Christian, owner of Christian Travel, received the Chamber Award, which recognizes entrepreneurship, innovation and successful management skills.

Bondurant is president of Bondurant Realty Corp. Two nominators praised him for his latest project, renovating the former Leggett building at 1115 Norwood St. into a restaurant, gift shop and banquet facility. His involvement with providing student housing and commitment to civic and professional groups were also cited.

Doug Bowman, Chamber president-elect, said Bondurant had an "exceptional talent for preserving what is good by adapting it to the changing marketplace."

Bondurant thanked his family and friends for their advice on retailing, and also praised the Main Street Radford program and its director, Charlie Whitescarver.

"The Main Street concept is one of humanization. It's one of participation between retail and consumer that cannot be lost."

He also credited the city's business leaders of the 1960s for creating an "attitude of excellence."

Christian started her travel agency in 1978 when she returned to Radford after working as an agent for United Airlines and in sales and marketing.

She operated the business at a loss while waiting for certification from major airlines. Daily trips to Roanoke and sometimes Greensboro, N.C., were necessary to obtain certified tickets, according to a nomination sheet.

The business got certification in 1980, and an employee was hired. The office has expanded over the years and now employs eight people.

Lt. Gov. Don Beyer was guest speaker at the banquet. He challenged audience members to help their businesses grow by letting employees continue their education; using the latest available technology; and not getting overextended financially through a borrowing mentality.

In a nation where it has become too easy to lose businesses to Mexico and 80-cent hourly wages, everyone should have a yearly education plan, he said.

by CNB