Virginia Business Features NRV Leaders in ‘100 People to Meet in 2020’
New River Valley, VA – Virginia Business released its inaugural list of Virginians you should get to know this year including innovators, builders, and educators in the NRV.
- Virginia has no dearth of creative, visionary entrepreneurs and businesspeople. Representing industries ranging from hemp farming to autonomous vehicles and blockchain, they’re moving the needle.
- Steven Critchfield, President and CEO, MOVA Technologies; owner, West Main Development, Pulaski
- Matt Hagan, Owner and farmer, Truharvest Farms, Christiansburg
- Dan Larimer, Chief technology officer, Block.one, Blacksburg
- Be it residential or commercial, historic renovation or new construction, from small-scale, mixed-use developments to massive interstate highway projects, these are some of the many professionals who are leaving their imprint on Virginia’s landscape.
- Luke Allison, Entrepreneur, Pulaski
- When Virginia regained the No. 1 ranking on CNBC’s annual Top States for Business list this year, one of the factors that put the Old Dominion over the top was our “wealth of colleges and universities,” lauded by CNBC as “the best in the nation.” These are some of the educators, researchers and administrators who helped the commonwealth earn that reputation.
- Mark Blanks, Director, Virginia Tech Mid-Atlantic Aviation Partnership, Blacksburg
- Tom Dingus, Executive director, Virginia Tech Transportation Institute, Blacksburg
- Brandy Salmon, Managing director, Virginia Tech Innovation Campus; associate vice president for clinical and translational research, Virginia Tech, Blacksburg and Alexandria
- Through their outreach, marketing and incentives, these are people who attract and grow businesses, making the commonwealth wealthier.
- Donna Gambrell, President and CEO, Appalachian Community Capital, Christiansburg
Virginia’s New River Valley: Virginia’s New River Valley is an eclectic mix of interconnected small towns that each offer their own unique vibe and appeal. The region provides an abundance of cultural and social offerings due to the presence of three world-class universities, while retaining the charm and benefits of small town living. The NRV is home to a diverse and innovative business community with companies that range from high-tech startups to foreign-based corporations to specialty agribusiness. These organizations benefit from the collaborative spirit of our region and a loyal, highly-skilled, and educated workforce. The scenic beauty of the region also fosters a deep connection to nature, which is deepened by access to outdoor recreation and the preservation of our natural environment. It’s clear why Virginia’s New River Valley is “A Natural Fit.”
Onward NRV: Onward NRV is a public/private, regional economic development organization whose mission is to attract and retain world class jobs, investment, and talent in Virginia’s New River Valley. It’s also a movement where leaders from business, government, and higher education work together to promote the economic vitality of the region.
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