ROANOKE TIMES
Copyright (c) 1997, Roanoke Times
DATE: Wednesday, February 19, 1997 TAG: 9702190120
SECTION: BUSINESS PAGE: B-6 EDITION: METRO
SOURCE: JEFF STURGEON
Virginia Tech announced Tuesday it has hired a banker with experience in commercial lending to run a new economic development office.
John S. Phillips is a former vice president at First National Bank in Christiansburg. He began his university job, which pays $60,000, Feb. 3, Tech officials said.
Among other duties, Phillips will coordinate outsiders' requests for help related to industrial recruitment, business operation or economic development initiatives.
In announcing he would create the position, university president Paul Torgersen said the university lacked a "front door" for businesses and citizens seeking the university's help. As a result, Phillips will coordinate university programs that support economic development and work to bring the university and industry closer, Torgersen said.
In a related move to bolster economic development, Torgersen last October formed an economic development advisory council of 19 business leaders and business-recruiting officials. The council, whose work Phillips will assist, has not yet met.
Phillips has nine years of experience in banking. He is a graduate of Virginia Military Institute and holds a master's degree in business administration from Virginia Tech. He can be reached at (540) 231-2335.
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