CONTENTS SERVING THE ROANOKE/BLACKSBURG/ NEW RIVER VALLEY REGION
August 2014
F E AT U R E S COVER STORY
6
Southwest Virginia wines
6
They’re a business, a hobby, a passion and sometimes a retirement plan. by Cara Ellen Modisett
EDUCATION International students
14
Language and culture institute aims to bring the world to Radford University. by Kevin Kittredge
20
VT KNOWLEDGEWORKS Competitive innovation
20
VT KnowledgeWorks challenges and rewards young entrepreneurs. by Joan Tupponce
TECHNOLOGY A sweet solution
24
A pair of Virginia Tech researchers looks to sugar to fuel bio-battery.
14
by Donna Alvis Banks
D 28
32
E
P
A
R
T
COMMUNITY PROFILE: BLACKSBURG
E 34
N
T
S
Blacksburg’s special blend
News from the Roanoke Regional Chamber of Commerce
A small-town sense of community and a growing tech economy. by Anna Mallory
34
31st class of Leadership Roanoke Valley graduates
35
Member news & recognitions
INTERVIEW: DIANE FLYNT Old craft, modern science, premium cider Cider is the fastest-growing segment of the alcohol market in the United States. by Tim Thornton
2
M
24
AUGUST 2014