Adpot-An-Anything

The mold has been broken. In one fell swoop, Novozymes Biologicals and Lewis-Gale Medical Center (HCA) have set the course for Corporate "Charity" and community involvement in the Roanoke Valley for the 21st Century.

Yes, there are differences between the two actions. Novozymes' donation of $250,000 over 5 years to the Roanoke Valley Greenways, plus products for use to accelerate and stabilize new plantings, creates a watershed moment for the culture of Business and Community here in Roanoke.

Lewis-Gale Medical Center has paid for the sponsorship rights to Salem's baseball stadium, for an undisclosed sum. While appearing different in context, they are similar in thought.

Both Novozymes and Lewis-Gale had the same thought in mind when embarking upon their respective missions. Community involvement. That two-way street that normally benefits all involved. Sometimes it has even greater implications than originally thought.

And I know I have been harping on this theme for a while, but good ol' Victory Stadium could be refurbished at no cost to the city itself. All the city needs to do is sell the naming rights to it. Roanoke Times Victory Stadium. Why not, they have been making a buck off it for many a year now, what with the endless stories they run.

Roanoke Fruit & Produce Co. Field @ Victory Stadium.

Anthem Field @ Victory Stadium.

And the one that would be sure to turn heads: Carilion Victory Stadium.

We allready have corporations and groups sponsoring the Adopt-A-Highway program in areas around Roanoke. Hotel Roanoke employees go and clean the ramps of 581 around Orange Ave. Have done so for many a year too.

Mill Mountain Zoo has animals sponsored by companies and individuals.

Corporate "charity" and sponsorship is more like buying into the community. For most, it is a small slice of the pie, profit wise. But the returns are endless. High visibility in the community, a chance to actually make a difference in something (especially if it relates to your business), and something the company and the community can be proud of.

Might I reccomed that the Art Museum, based on its new design actively seek Melita, Black & Decker, and other makers of Coffee Percolaters as the corporate sponsors for the museum, based on similar designs.

Ahhh but I digress.. it's Friday. Looking like we might alleviate this dreaded "d" word this weekend with some rain. Podcast on the way today (provided the well oiled machine I've been working with holds up), and site update sometime Sunday night/Monday morning.

There you have it. If anyone wants to sponsor this blog, the podcast, or the site - contact me. I'll take anyone, even Halliburton. Our current contract with H & H Grocers of Vinton is about to expire. It was a nice run, but not as encompassing as I hoped.

But they are your friendly local grocers, providers of the freshest quality produce and meats, dairy and seafood. H & H - located in beautiful and friendly downtown Vinton, stop by today and see the difference.