Virginia business briefs for Feb. 14

By: Times-Dispatch Staff | Times-Dispatch
Published: February 14, 2012

Verizon says it invests $725M in Va. in 2011

Verizon Communications invested more than $725 million in 2011 in its Virginia wireline communications networks and IT infrastructure, the company said.

Verizon extended fiber-optic service to additional consumers and businesses in the Hampton Roads and central and Northern Virginia areas. FiOS services were available to more than 1.16 million Virginia homes and businesses at year's end, the company said.

Verizon said it accelerated deployment of fiber-optic links to wireless carriers' cell sites in Virginia as these carriers expand their infrastructure to meet demand for wireless broadband and advanced 4G — fourth-generation — wireless services.

In 2011, Verizon deployed fiber optics to connect 713 of these sites in the state.

York's Grafton Office Supply to close

Grafton Office Supply in York County is closing.

After 31 years in business, the store will close this month and owner Lawrence Sawyer will retire. "I want to retire," Sawyer said. "I think I've worked long enough."

Sawyer, 72, has worked in the office machines and supplies business for about 46 years. He joined his wife, Linda, 29 years ago at Grafton Office Supply's current location after it had been open for two years at a location across the street.

Grafton Office Supply at one time had seven employees, Sawyer said.

The inventory of the store, at 7109 George Washington Memorial Highway, is being liquidated. The building is going up for lease or sale.

Shenandoah agritourism focus of new study

Agritourism's economic impact on the Shenandoah Valley will be the focus of a new study conducted by Richmond-based Chmura Economics and Analytics.

The study is being prepared for the Central Shenandoah Planning District Commission.

Augusta County economic development director Dennis Burnett said the study will assess existing businesses' economic impact and agritourism's potential for growth.

Burnett says the study's findings will provide another tool to help farmers in the region.

From staff and wire reports