ROANOKE TIMES
Copyright (c) 1996, Roanoke Times
DATE: Saturday, July 13, 1996 TAG: 9607150044
SECTION: CURRENT PAGE: NRV-6 EDITION: NEW RIVER VALLEY
DATELINE: CHRISTIANSBURG
SOURCE: ELISSA MILENKY
The Montgomery County economic development office now has a full staff following the departure of three employees within a month earlier this year.
Brian Hamilton, who recently earned a master of business administration degree from Radford University, became the product development and financing associate on March 6. During his time at Radford, Hamilton was named the MBA student of the year and also served as a graduate assistant at the university's Center for Teaching Excellence.
He replaced Lisa Ison, who left the post in March to take over Roanoke's business incubator program.
Christina Deatherage was hired as the marketing and research associate on June 17, filling the spot left open by Lisa Fain when she took a job in Roanoke as an economic development specialist in mid-March.
Deatherage recently received a master of science degree in corporate and professional communication from Radford University, where she was also a graduate teaching assistant and free-lance public relations specialist. She received the university's outstanding research thesis award for the 1995-96 school year.
Ann Hardy, a 12-year Montgomery County resident, became the department's administrative assistant on March 19. She has a bachelor of science from Longwood College and 10 years of experience in executive assistant work.
Don Moore, director of economic development for the county, said in a news release that the office will be able to resume its regular activities now that all staff positions have been filled. The office plays a key role in marketing the county to existing and start-up industries and businesses. In particular, the office has been working in recent months to step up development of the planning Falling Branch industrial park in Christiansburg.
"With exceptional support of the Board of Supervisors and the expert leadership of our three organizations, exciting times are ahead for economic development in Montgomery County," he said.
LENGTH: Short : 44 lines ILLUSTRATION: PHOTO: (headshots) Hamilton, Deatherage, Hardy.by CNB