Roanoke Times
Copyright (c) 1995, Landmark Communications, Inc.
DATE: SATURDAY, July 31, 1993 TAG: 9307310086
SECTION: BUSINESS PAGE: A-6 EDITION: METRO
SOURCE:
DATELINE: LENGTH: Medium
Landmark Communications Inc., a Norfolk-based media company, on Friday asked the State Corporation Commission to open three-digit telephone numbers to all providers of information.
Landmark filed the comments in the names of its subsidiaries, the Roanoke Times & World-News and The Virginian-Pilot and Ledger-Star of Norfolk.
The comments were in response to an SCC investigation of whether local telephone companies should be forced to open so-called "N11 numbers" to information providers. These numbers are familiar through 411 access to directory assistance and 911 access to emergency services.
At issue are four other numbers: 211, 311, 511 and 711.
Landmark suggested limiting availability to 511 and 711 to "allay concerns with regard to the availability of N11 codes for other uses."
But it proposed a two-year trial in four major metropolitan areas. Users would be chosen on a "comparative evaluation basis," primarily the ability to provide information.
In its comments, Landmark predicted information services would charge 25 cents to 35 cents for calls to the numbers. Callers would hear prerecorded information, such as the weather, classified advertising, business listings, local news, sports and stock price quotations. - Staff report
NS reorganizes Roanoke department
Norfolk Southern Corp. said Friday it has changed the name of its Coal and Ore Traffic department in Roanoke to the Coal Marketing department, effective Sunday.
Bill Bales, vice president of Coal Marketing, said the move will help NS be more responsive to its customers.
"Our new name better describes what we do every day," he said. "Our vision is to be the industry's premier coal marketing organization, and our new name reflects that vision."
The reorganization includes staff reassignments and promotions, to be detailed in Sunday's Business section of the Roanoke Times & World-News, the addition of six staff members and reopening of a coal sales office in Pittsburgh. - Staff report
Briefly . . .
\ Virginias Inc., a group headed by Covington dentist Jeffery A. Taylor, said it has assembled a team to prepare and submit an application to the Virginia Racing Commission for a license to operate a pari-mutuel horse track in New Kent County near Williamsburg. The facility, called Virginia Downs, would open in 1995.
\ Contracting Enterprises Inc., a Roanoke utilities contractor, has placed second nationally among companies in its specialty category for excellence in safety. The award is from Associated General Contractors of America.
by CNB