Thank you for writing about why start-ups matter to our local economy ("Why start-ups matter," Nov. 15 editorial). As one who has worked since the mid-1980s to help foster an "entrepreneurial ecosystem" in our region, I've seen many positive developments occur to improve our ecosystem, as you point out in the editorial. The redevelopment of the Gill building in downtown Roanoke into a business accelerator will be another important addition to the ecosystem puzzle, as it will have the potential for housing and nurturing spin-offs from the Virginia Tech Carilion Medical School and Research Center as well as the next Interactive Achievement.
