Celebrating Business Brilliance: Junior Achievement’s 32nd Annual Southwest Virginia Business Hall of Fame

 

Celebrating Business Brilliance: 

Junior Achievement’s 32nd Annual Southwest Virginia Business Hall of Fame

 

 By:  Dr. Samantha Steidle

Assistant Professor of Entrepreneurship | Venture Lab Director

The glow of ambition and dedication illuminated the Hotel Roanoke and Conference Center on the evening of November 2, 2023, as business titans, entrepreneurs, and visionaries gathered for an evening dedicated to business excellence. The night was all about the 32nd Annual Southwest Virginia Business Hall of Fame, a prestigious event presented by Junior Achievement of Southwest Virginia.

In JA’s 2021-2023 report, the organization showcased the remarkable impact they've made across the region. Serving 17 territories, including Roanoke City, Roanoke County, Salem City, and Montgomery County, they've reached an impressive 5,634 students with their transformative programs.  Notably, 66% of those students benefited from free or reduced lunch, highlighting the organization's commitment to fostering opportunities regardless of socioeconomic backgrounds. Bolstering this effort, over 200 local businesses and community volunteers dedicated their time and resources, resulting in a whopping 34,745 contact hours.

This has allowed 34 local schools to benefit from their programs. An encouraging statistic reveals that 41% of the students who received Junior Achievement programming were minorities, emphasizing their focus on inclusive and diverse education. With countless futures being impacted through their educational initiatives, Junior Achievement of Southwest Virginia continues to pave the way for a brighter, more informed future for the youth of the region.

JA President’s Personal Connection to the Region
In a heartwarming letter from the President of Junior Achievement of Southwest Virginia, Keri Garnett shared her reflections on her inaugural year at the helm of the organization. For Keri, the connection to Southwest Virginia is more than just professional; it's deeply personal. Born and raised in Roanoke, she has a firsthand understanding of the region's unique challenges and opportunities.  Through her leadership, she hopes to infuse renewed energy and direction into the organization's programs, emphasizing the importance of every child in the region feeling hopeful and inspired despite the adversities they might face.  Keri's vision for Junior Achievement is not merely based on numbers or growth charts. Instead, she aims to make every child see the potential within themselves, drawing from her own experiences and the belief that young minds, when given the right guidance, can achieve wonders.

Outstanding Contributors to Southwest Virginia's Business Landscape
Junior Achievement’s Business Hall of Fame also shined a spotlight on individuals who have consistently contributed to the region's economic growth and development. Recognized for their business acumen, strategic foresight, and steadfast commitment to the community, these leaders have set the gold standard for entrepreneurial excellence in Southwest Virginia. Their success stories serve as an inspiration, driving the next generation of business leaders to innovate, adapt, and contribute positively to the region's socioeconomic landscape.

• Spotlight: Kat Pascal, Social Entrepreneur of the Year - One of the evening's highlights was the recognition of Kat Pascal as the "Social Entrepreneur of the Year." Co-owner of FarmBurguesa and the force behind the Roanoke Latinas Network, Kat is a beacon of motivation and community-driven innovation.  Her entrepreneurial journey is a testament to her resilience and determination. From leaving a corporate position to follow her dream alongside her entrepreneurial partner, Jimmy, she established FarmBurguesa. Beyond her business endeavors, Kat's passion lies in fostering community ties.  Her Roanoke Latinas Network is a shining example of her commitment to unity and support within the Latina community in Roanoke. It provides a platform for Latinas to connect, share, and empower each other, reinforcing the essence of community and mutual growth.  Kat Pascal also generously participated in Venture Lab’s Fireside Chat at Radford University, offering entrepreneurial advice to the next generation.
  

• Spotlight: Bob Archer - A Pillar in the Beverage Industry - Distinguished as a laureate and standing as the President & CEO of Blue Ridge Beverage, Bob Archer's legacy in the beverage industry is profound. A dedicated veteran and an alumnus of Virginia Tech, his journey began in 1973. His commendable educational background and military discipline served as the backbone for his transformative leadership.  Under his helm, Blue Ridge Beverage transformed from a nascent venture to a behemoth in Southwest Virginia. Today, it boasts distribution of over 7.5 million cases of beer yearly. Bob's immeasurable contributions to the region's economic growth are undeniable. Beyond the business arena, he is celebrated for his roles as a devoted father and grandfather, reflecting the holistic nature of his success.
  

• Spotlight: Doug Juanarena - Crafting Aerospace Marvels - Another business titan, Doug Juanarena, was honored as a renowned innovator and serial entrepreneur. His illustrious journey began at NASA's Langley Research Center, leading to monumental contributions to aerospace technology.  Doug's innovation spree did not stop there. In 1977, he founded Pressure Systems Inc., taking aerospace sensing technology global. He continued to push the envelope, co-founding Luna Technologies in 2000, spearheading the development of pioneering Optical Vector Analyzers. A stalwart at Virginia Tech and a beacon for emerging entrepreneurs, Doug's lifelong pursuit of aviation and undying passion for technology make him a force to reckon with in the aerospace sector.
  

• Spotlight: Greg Terrill - Elevating Furniture Manufacturing - Honored as the "Entrepreneur of the Year" and celebrated as the Founder & CEO of TXTUR, Greg Terrill's name resonates strongly in the furniture manufacturing industry. With academic credentials from Roanoke College and Seton Hall University, Greg stands as the President of both Chervan, Inc. and TXTUR.  These reputable furniture manufacturing companies, rooted in Roanoke, Virginia, have flourished under Greg's adept leadership. Known for top-tier quality and innovation, these companies, propelled by Greg's passion and extensive industry knowledge, continue to scale new heights in the competitive world of furniture manufacturing.
  

Conclusion
The 32nd Annual Southwest Virginia Business Hall of Fame was not just a night of awards and accolades. It was a gathering that emphasized the deep-rooted connections people have with their communities, the importance of personal experiences in shaping one's professional journey, and the power of community-driven initiatives.  As we reflect on this event, we're reminded of the brilliance that lies within every individual and the potential that can be unlocked with passion, dedication, and the right guidance.

Thank you to Radford University leadership and faculty for investing your time and support into entrepreneurship, including Radford University’s President, Dr. Bret Danilowicz, VP of Economic Development and Corporate Education, Dr. Angela Joyner, Management's Department Head, Dr. Jerry Kopf, Director of Economic Development, Charlie Jewell, Assistant Entrepreneurship Professor, Dr. Samantha Steidle, Associate Director of Advancement, Scott Hall, Management/Entrepreneurship Instructors, Macie Rice and Andy Travers.  Special thanks to Andy Travers for serving as a JA Board Member and building a bridge between JA and Radford's Davis College of Business & Venture Lab. Thank you to DCOBE Interim Dean, Dr. Angie Stanton, for your support of this important initiative.

 

 "Please note:  Generative AI tools were used in formatting this document; however, human judgment and oversight were also utilized to write the document itself and the components."