Courtesy of Darryl Mooney

David Denny, director of the i3Network, based in the Virginia Tech Corporate Research Center; Enterprise Minister Arlene Foster; and Ken Nelson, chairman of ENI, attended the U.K. Business Incubation conference in Belfast.

| Chris Winston

chris.winston@roanoke.com, 381-1678

David Denny, director of the i3Network, addressed delegates from across the globe at the 11th U.K. Business Incubation conference in Belfast.

The December conference's theme was "Driving Forward Economic Recovery."

UKBI is the professional body for the business incubation industry. More than 250 delegates from the U.K., Europe and various international locations attended the conference.

Denny's presentation focused on the two-year development project with partners from the U.K. to establish and proof the i3Network concept by conducting five inbound and outbound missions made up of 28 companies.

The companies from the U.K. visited the NewVA Technology Corridor region in order to meet with potential partners and customers and to learn more about the region.

The i3Network is a membership organization based in the Virginia Tech Corporate Research Center and formed for the specific purpose of promoting and supporting international trade activities and collaboration, and in particular those involving early-stage or small companies and entrepreneurs with the potential to achieve high growth.

BLACKSBURG

Couple honored by Farm Bureau

Scott and Mendy Sink of Blacksburg were named winners of this year's American Farm Bureau Federation Young Farmer & Rancher Excellence in Agriculture Award.

The Sinks were recognized Jan. 11 during the 91st AFBF annual convention in Seattle.

The Excellence in Agriculture award recognizes young Farm Bureau members who contribute to and grow through their involvement in agriculture, leadership roles and Farm Bureau.

The Sinks operate SES Agricultural Enterprises, which focuses on beef cattle, hay, agritourism and agricultural services. They also operate The Snow Barn, a concession service benefiting Virginia Tech, Radford University and the surrounding communities, and operate Hethwood Market, which sells fresh produce and other Virginia products.

The Sinks also are partners in Little River Produce, which raises sweet corn, pumpkins and other seasonal items.

Mendy Sink is a property manager and marketing director for an apartment community. Scott Sink is an instructor in Virginia Tech's Agriculture and Applied Economics Department.

Scott Sink also is president of the Franklin County Farm Bureau and immediate past chairman of the Virginia Farm Bureau Federation Young Farmers Committee. The Sinks recently were appointed to the AFBF YF&R Committee.

As Excellence in Agriculture Award winners, they were given the keys to a 2010 Dodge Ram 1500 truck. They also will receive a paid registration to the 2010 AFBF YF&R Leadership Conference in February.

"We are definitely in shock right now," Scott Sink said after winning the award, according to a news release.

"To me, this award recognizes Virginia Farm Bureau's Young Farmers Committee and all the young farmers in Virginia and their commitment to growing the program."

RECYCLING

Valley Curbside expands offerings

Valley Curbside Recycling recently announced it will expand its recycling pickups to include Mondays and Fridays.

Co-owner Jeremy Hart said the new routes will begin March 1.

He said the expansion was part of the company's original plan when it launched the only curbside service in Christiansburg.

Visit www.recyclenrv.com for more information.

BREAKFAST

NRV home builders hold February event

The New River Valley Home Builders Association is hosting a builders breakfast at 7:30 a.m. Feb. 18 at the NRV Superbowl.

Titled "Eye on the Economy," the new event will have economist Adam York of Wachovia Bank looking into his crystal ball for 2010 to offer insights about residential construction, financing, appraising, underwriting and the consumer.

Sponsored by Brown Insurance and Builders Mutual Insurance Company, the event is free to members and $10 for nonmembers.

RSVP by Thursday to 381-0180 or info@nrvhba.com.

TECHNOLOGY

NCTC seeks annual award nominations

The NewVa Corridor Tech Council seeks nominations for its annual TechNite Awards.

TechNite is a celebration of the technology community in the greater Roanoke/Blacksburg region.

Last year, more than 400 local business and technology leaders attended the event, which is highlighted with an awards ceremony.

This year's event will take place April 7 at the Inn at Virginia Tech. Award nominations are due by March 1.

Award categories include:

Rising Star Award: Recognizes a local technology company whose "star is rising." It may not be a household name yet, but it could soon be another local success story in the NewVA region.

Entrepreneur Award: This award recognizes someone in the community who exemplifies what it means to be a risk-taker in the technology field.

NewVa Leadership Award: Recognizes a resident who not only succeeds in the workplace but also leads by example by contributing significantly to the community.

Innovation Award: Recognizes an individual, a group, company or other organization that sets the standard for thought leadership and innovation in their respective field. By definition, they are doing something new or different, and they are doing it well.

Educator Award: Recognizes a K-12 educator in the NewVA region that promotes math, science and/or use of technology in creative ways to transfer knowledge and help develop future technology leaders.

For more information or to submit a nomination, visit www.TheTechnologyCouncil.com/TechNite.