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

DATE: WEDNESDAY, January 11, 1995                   TAG: 9501130022
SECTION: CURRENT                    PAGE: NRV7   EDITION: NEW RIVER VALLEY 
SOURCE: 
DATELINE:                                 LENGTH: Medium

IN BUSINESS

BLACKSBURG - Anderson & Associates of Blacksburg will provide the engineering, surveying, contract administration and inspection services for Wythe County's $9.1 million wastewater treatment plant and collection system.

The firm assisted the Wythe County staff in preparing its successful federal grant application.

The proposed system will provide public sewer to the Interstate 81/Interstate 77 corridor between exits 77 and 81 and to the communities of Max Meadows and Fort Chiswell. The system will also create opportunities for businesses to expand in the area, paving the way for economic development in the in the eastern portion of the county.

Bill Branson, Wythe County administrator, said the project will have a positive impact on the economic progress of the valley. "More businesses will be able to settle in the valley and have the means to properly dispose of wastewater," he said.

Surveying for the project has already begun with the design expected to be completed in November. Construction will begin in May 1996 with a May 1997 completion date.

IDS announces name change

CHRISTIANSBURG - IDS Financial Services Inc. has changes its name to American Express Financial Advisors Inc.

The name change is part of a corporate rebranding effort to align itself more closely with its parent company. American Express acquired IDS Financial Services Inc. in 1984.

The company has offices in Blacksburg, Christiansburg, Pulaski and Radford.

Bank gives $50,000 to alliance

CHRISTIANSBURG - The First National Bank recently presented $50,000 to the New River Valley Economic Development Alliance.

The alliance will use the contribution to market the New River Valley as a location for new manufacturing industries, said Franklyn Moreno, its chief executive director.

Moreno estimates from an alliance study that every 100 new manufacturing jobs in the valley will bring 107 nonmanufacturing jobs and $3 million in retail sales.