Looking for the answers to the Roanoke Business Trivia quiz in our March/April 2015 issue? Look no farther!
1. In the summer of 1918 while refueling in Roanoke on their way to Pittsburgh, four very notable dignitaries stopped to have lunch at the Hotel Roanoke. Name any of the four.
Henry Ford, Thomas Edison, Harvey Firestone, and John Burroughs.
2. What company in Roanoke has the largest number of employees? How many do you estimate they have?
Carilion Clinic is the largest employer in the Valley. In 2013 there were approximately 600 physicians and 11,400 employees.
3. The James E. Taliaferro Sports and Entertainment Complex was named after a former mayor of Salem. Although not related, what famous educator, born in Virginia and advisor to the Presidents has “Taliaferro” as his middle name? Hint: his middle initial is “T.”
Booker T. Washington
4. More of this particular soft drink is sold in the Roanoke Valley than any other metropolitan area east of the Mississippi River. Can you name the beverage?
Dr. Pepper, part of the Coca Cola Group
5. How did the popular Roanoke restaurant ‘Table 50’ derive its name?
The restaurant owners worked at Frankie Rowland’s Steakhouse and “table 50” was the most requested table there. It is homage to the late Al Pollard, successful Roanoke restrauteur.
6. What is the origin of the word “Roanoke”? What does it mean?
It is derived from the Algonquian Indian tribe. In English it means shell “money”.
7. How many radio stations does Roanoke have?
22 stations serve the Roanoke area. Six are AM stations and 16 are FM stations.
8. How did Norfolk & Southern Railway’s name come about?
The Atlantic, Mississippi, and Ohio Railroad (AMO) was purchased at a foreclosure auction in 1881 by E.W. Clark & Co, a Philadelphia banking company. It was then renamed Norfolk and Western Railway. In 1982 it merged with Southern Railway to become Norfolk Southern Railway.
9. Three famous businessmen were raised in the Roanoke area. How many can you name?
Wayne LaPierre – CEO National Rifle Association
John McAfee – Founder McAfee Software (McAfee antivirus software)
Wayne Newton – Entertainer, Philanthropist, once owned the Aladdin Hotel in Las Vegas.
10. Roanoke is notable for establishing the first-of-a kind-service in the country that is still operational in most cities across the country. Can you name this service?
In 1928 Julian Wise established the first volunteer rescue squad.
