ROANOKE TIMES 
                      Copyright (c) 1995, Roanoke Times

DATE: Wednesday, December 13, 1995           TAG: 9512130030
SECTION: BUSINESS                 PAGE: B-8  EDITION: METRO 
SOURCE: DAN CASEY STAFF WRITER 

SPARKS NAMED DIRECTOR ACTING ECONOMIC CHIEF NOW FULL TIME

Phillip F. Sparks, acting chief of Economic Development for the city of Roanoke for more than two years, was appointed chief of that department Tuesday.

In making the appointment, City Manager Bob Herbert cited the department's success atattracting industrial expansions by large employers such as electronics manufacturer Vitramon Inc. and catalog retailer Orvis. The department also has spearheaded loan packages for redevelopment in downtown Roanoke, he said.

"Phil Sparks has a strong history of service and accomplishments within the city of Roanoke," Herbert said. "Since being appointed acting chief in 1993, the economic development office has brought in over $80 million in business developments to the city of Roanoke."

Other accomplishments under Sparks' tenure include development of the city's existing business enterprise zone and a recent state award of a new enterprise zone in Roanoke.

Sparks, 49, joined the Economic Development office in 1985 after a 10-year career as admissions and marketing director for National Business College. In 1987, he was promoted to economic development administrator.

He served as interim director for the Roanoke Valley Convention and Visitors Bureau from February 1989 to March 1990.

He was appointed acting chief of economic development in May 1993 when former director Brian Wishneff was assigned to direct the Hotel Roanoke and Conference Center Commission.

Wishneff has since resigned from the city, forming his own company as a consultant.

LENGTH: Short :   40 lines
ILLUSTRATION: PHOTO:  (headshot) Sparks.