WELCOME TO THE FRONT There is a lot happening in the business and economic world right now as we go to press. The Fed may slow down on interest rate hikes as inflation slows, gas prices overall are trending down, used car prices are slumping and the sharp spike in housing prices appears to be flattening, as higher mortgage rates put the brakes on the buyer’s market. Job growth is still strong – and companies are still looking for workers. Meanwhile the Commonwealth is issuing grants for site preparation, looking to have more “shovel ready” plots available for prospective employers. Some of that money wound up in our region (see details inside). More site prep money could be on the way if Governor Youngkin gets his way during the current General Assembly session. This month we take a look at the local legal landscape, involving leadership succession, a local boutique firm – and how college athletes are cashing in on NIL – name, image, likeness. We also profile two brothers that now have a pair of gourmet coffee shops in the Roanoke Valley, and our rotating corps of columnists offer plenty of wisdom as well. Happy reading.
Tom Field Gene Marrano Publisher Editor
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