Roanoke Times
Copyright (c) 1995, Landmark Communications, Inc.
DATE: THURSDAY, October 12, 1995 TAG: 9510120035
SECTION: BUSINESS PAGE: B-8 EDITION: METRO
SOURCE:
DATELINE: LENGTH: Medium
WASHINGTON - Monsanto Co. has gained government approval to sell a tomato that is genetically engineered to delay ripening, but the St. Louis-based company won't say when it intends to market the vegetable.
The tomato, OK'd by the Agriculture Department's Animal and Plant Health Inspection Service, is one of several genetically engineered products from Monsanto, which developed a hormone that causes cows to produce more milk. Earlier this year, the company won approval to grow and sell a potato that produces its own version of a naturally occurring pesticide.
Monsanto also won approval of a soybean that tolerates its Roundup herbicide; it is awaiting Environmental Protection Agency action on a cotton that produces its own pesticide.
Delayed ripening means the tomatoes can stay on the vine longer and delayed softening means they will last longer before turning to mush.
- Associated Press
New River center wins job-help funds
The New River Valley Small Business Development Center has received a grant from the U.S. Small Business Association to develop programs to help companies and workers affected by defense downsizing.
The $242,400 grant will be shared by SBDC in Tidewater and Manassas and will be matched by local sponsors. It will work with a similar state program that was set up by the Governor's Base Retention and Defense Adjustment Commission and funded by the General Assembly.
The program will provide individual counseling and training by business experts, who help participants complete business plans, obtain funding and open their own businesses. The SBDC also will continue to work with the Virginia Employment Commission and military installations to reach more displaced workers.
- Staff report
Shell buildings seen as much in demand
Shell buildings are greatly needed by industry hoping to locate or expand in Virginia, a state official said Wednesday at the dedication of one such building in EastPark Commerce Center in Botetourt County.
Robert McClintock Jr., manager of sites and buildings for the state Department of Economic Development, said companies have bought 36 of 46 shell buildings put up by localities between 1988 and last year.
The Greater Roanoke Valley Development Foundation borrowed money from a consortium of Roanoke-area banks and contributed its own funds toward the construction of a 75,000-square-foot generic factory in the industrial park owned by Botetourt County. The property is for sale for $1.4 million.
- Staff report
Briefly ...
The Texaco Xpress Lube at 2919 Williamson Road will observe its grand opening today. The 2,000-square-foot car-care facility is operated by TXL Inc. of Blacksburg. Owner Nino Ceritano also runs an Xpress Lube in Blacksburg; he opened the Roanoke station in July.
Cruise Holidays of Roanoke Valley, along with Cruise Holidays stores across the United States and Canada, is mounting a television advertising campaign to attract first-time cruisers. The campaign is designed to show that people do not have to be rich to take a cruise.
by CNB