Bill Text: VA HJR670 | 2025 | Regular Session | Introduced
Bill Title: Commending The Roanoker
Spectrum: Slight Partisan Bill (Democrat 6-3)
Status: (Engrossed) 2025-02-20 - Passed by for the day [HJR670 Detail]
Download: Virginia-2025-HJR670-Introduced.html
2025 SESSION
INTRODUCED
25107084D
HOUSE JOINT RESOLUTION NO. 670
Offered February 13, 2025
Commending The Roanoker.
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Patrons—Rasoul and Obenshain
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WHEREAS, The Roanoker, the longest continuously published city magazine in the Commonwealth and the leading city magazine for the Roanoke Valley, celebrated its 50th anniversary in 2024; and
WHEREAS, created in 1974 by publisher and journalist Richard Wells, The Roanoker has delighted readers with its wide-ranging coverage of locally relevant topics, from art, entertainment, and fine dining to economic, social, and political issues, while serving as a valuable guide to both residents and visitors of the Roanoke Valley; and
WHEREAS, The Roanoker is published by LeisureMedia360, which also produces state, regional and local travel guides, including the Virginia Tourism Corporation's Virginia Travel Guide, and city and regional magazines and quality-of-life publications, such as Blue Ridge Country magazine and Spirited Virginia magazine; and
WHEREAS, The Roanoker has provided a valuable space for local businesses and organizations to advertise and promote their products and services, contributing to the growth and success of the regional economy; and
WHEREAS, today, The Roanoker has a readership of more than 68,000 people, and it has continued to evolve to meet the needs of its readers in the 21st century by venturing into digital and social media platforms; and
WHEREAS, in recognition of its quality journalism and reporting, The Roanoker has been honored by various distinguished news and trade organizations, including the Virginia Press Women, the National Federation of Press Women, the Advertising Federation of the Roanoke Valley, and the International Regional Magazine Association; and
WHEREAS, the longevity and accomplishments of The Roanoker are the result of the tireless efforts of the more than 500 employees who have supported the magazine over its history, many of whom have been with the publication for several decades, including Kurt Rheinheimer, who has served as editor-in-chief since 1984; and
WHEREAS, despite the challenges impacting print journalism over the last half-century, The Roanoker has emerged as a robust and influential institution in its community and an integral part of what makes the Roanoke Valley a wonderful place to live, work, and raise a family; now, therefore, be it
RESOLVED by the House of Delegates, the Senate concurring, That the General Assembly hereby commend The Roanoker on the occasion of its 50th anniversary; and, be it
RESOLVED FURTHER, That the Clerk of the House of Delegates prepare a copy of this resolution for presentation to representatives of The Roanoker as an expression of the General Assembly's admiration for its history and achievements and best wishes for its continued success.
