Radford Moves to Purchase Former Foundry Site

/0 Comments/in , , /by

Radford, VA – The City of Radford recently distributed a press release stating that they will move forward with purchasing the former Foundry site, currently owned by Michigan-based Virginia Castings, LLC..

According to the press release, “after undergoing extensive environmental testing and assessment over the past 6 months, the Radford City Council, with the support of the Economic Development Authority believe there is no better time than now to purchase the property.”

Mayor David Horton said, “This is an exciting day for the City of Radford as we make plans for the future of this great community. By investing in West Radford for future commercial development, we open the door for many possibilities for economic success and opportunities for our citizens. It is a big part of the continued renaissance and resurgence of Radford as we work across the city to maximize areas for prosperity and sustainability.”

The Radford Foundry was founded in 1880 as the Radford Iron and Coal Company and employed approximately 1,500 at its peak in the late 1970’s. The Foundry produced an array of ductile iron products from water / sewer pipes to auto parts until they closed their doors in 2013. The current site is 80 acres with approximately 30 acres or more of developable land.

“We are thrilled that the city has acquired the former VCI property. We believe this will play a pivotal role in Radford’s Economic future providing a place for industrial development and job creation of both small and large businesses.” said Abram Williams, Economic Development Authority Chair.

With assistance from the Commonwealth, the city will pursue grants for remediation, site access, clean-up and redevelopment.

“This is a monumental day in Radford as we move forward on the acquisition of the former Foundry property,” said Kim Repass, Economic Development Director. “The ability to bring new industry and commercial businesses in the future to this property will bring economic vitality, job creation and investment to the City of Radford. This will be a game changer for our citizens and community.”

Read the original press release here.

Explore the City of Radford in Virginia’s New River Valley here.


###

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.

NRV Schools Receive Grants to Upgrade CTE Equipment

/0 Comments/in , , , /by

New River Valley, VA – Cardinal News recently reported that Giles County Public Schools and Montgomery County Public Schools were each awarded $37,000 of a $600,000 Career and Technical Education (CTE) Grant to purchase new equipment or make improvements to existing technical education facilities. Sixteen school divisions were selected by the Virginia Department of Education to receive equal amounts of the CTE Equipment Grant.

The CTE Equipment Grant program was established by the Virginia General Assembly in 2016 and has given over $4.2 million to help schools enhance learning experiences for students.

Virginia Superintendent of Public Instruction Lisa Coons said,

“These grants continue to allow our school divisions to develop robust and innovative CTE programs that are up to date technologically and help prepare students for the realities and expectations of today’s workforce.”

Giles County will be purchasing a “machining lathe and software for Giles County Technology Center’s precision machining technology program”.

Montgomery County will “purchase virtual reality and mixed reality hardware and software technology for the Governor’s STEM Academy’s program for designing and building using virtual reality”.

Read more of the Cardinal News article here.

View a full list of the CTE grant recipients here.

Virginia’s New River Valley offers outstanding educational opportunities ranging from public schools, private schools and several world-class higher education institutions. To learn more about education in the NRV, click here.


Photo by MChe Lee




###

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.

Pulaski County Announces $55 Million Broadband Expansion

/0 Comments/in , /by

Pulaski County, VA – WSLS News recently reported that Pulaski County is partnering to invest $55 million to connect thousands of homes to high-speed internet. This broadband expansion is part of a larger plan for economic growth that will make the county a more attractive place to live and work.

Pulaski County, with aid from a state grant, is partnering with All Points Broadband and the Virginia Telecommunications Initiative (VATI) for the project. The plan is to connect roughly 8,000 homes using 420 miles of fiber cable.

According to Jonathan Sweet, Pulaski’s County Administrator, this marks the largest investment in utilities in the history of Pulaski County. Jonathan stated that the project is “a game-changer for the county, for the citizens, for the business community, for our 40 by 30 initiative. It’s going to help accelerate having 40,000 people call Pulaski County home by 2030.”

Watch WSLS’s coverage of the story here.

Discover more about Pulaski County in Virginia’s New River Valley here.


Photo by Pixabay


###

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.

Patrick Enterprises Corporation Plans Expansion

/0 Comments/in , , , , /by

Giles County, VA – Patrick Enterprises Corporation is planning an expansion to meet the needs of future projects according to a recent press release from Giles County. Patrick Enterprises is a custom metal fabrication company in Pembroke that is celebrating its fortieth year in business in 2023. 95% of the company’s current 25 employees have been working at Patrick Enterprises for over 10 years.

Patrick Enterprises is planning to invest in new machinery and technology which will spur on the need for an additional five positions this spring and another 25 positions in the future. One of the reasons for this upcoming investment is the company’s partnership with Trova Commercial Vehicles in Pulaski County to manufacture components for Trova CV’s new products. Patrick Enterprises believes that working with the startup company will bring new opportunities for employment and growth. They are excited about the future as they expand their products and facilities.

Watch a video about Patrick Enterprises Corporation here.

Learn more about Giles County, a community in Virginia’s New River Valley, here.

###

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.

Inmotion Recognized as One of Top Virginia Employers for Internships

/0 Comments/in , , , , /by

Montgomery County, VA – Inmotion received an award for Top Virginia Employers for Interns in 2022. This inaugural award was a collaboration between The Virginia Talent + Opportunity Partnership (V-TOP), the State Council of Higher Education for Virginia (SCHEV) and the Virginia Chamber of Commerce . The award recognized 32 recipients who were selected for their work-based learning opportunities.

Interns at Inmotion ‘get immersed in real role activities they would actually see in their careers’.

The recipients’ programs were picked based on a variety of factors, including “a minimum 8-13 week-long internship; exposure to senior leadership, structured mentorship programs, and team lunches, social events and learning opportunities”.

Review the full list of award recipients here.

Does your company have interns for the summer? Enroll them in the NRV Experience program hosted by Onward NRV. The seven-week program features a series of community engagements, professional development, and networking opportunities for your summer interns. These events connect them with other interns in the region while showcasing lifestyle amenities the New River Valley has to offer. Find out why you should enroll your interns with the NRV Experience here.

###
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.

Oransi to Manufacture Air Filters in Radford

/0 Comments/in , , , /by

Radford, VA – The Chief Executive Group recently reported that Oransi Inc., an NRV manufacturing company, is working to shift all manufacturing from China to their Radford location. This will mean adding an additional 100 new employees to assemble and engineer the filters.

The article quotes Peter Mann, CEO of Oransi, as saying this about the benefits of locating in the New River Valley:

“Finding talent in the ‘electric motor hub’ won’t be an issue. We are near Virginia Tech and there are a few other electric motor companies in the area, so there is a lot of knowledge here.”

Oransi has established itself as a leading air purification company and has become one of the fastest growing businesses in America. It hopes to manufacture a range of purifiers in the New River Valley that will serve general consumers to health professionals.

Read the article detailing Oransi’s manufacturing plans here.

Explore another recent article about Oransi from Virginia Business magazine here.

Discover why Virginia’s New River Valley is a natural fit for your business here.

###

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.

VT Brings Cybersecurity to Dairy Farms

/0 Comments/in , , , /by

Montgomery County, VA – Virginia Tech recently reported that they are teaming up with the Virginia Military Institute to address cybersecurity problems on dairy farms. Researchers and students have combined a wide range of fields (cybersecurity, computer science, agriculture, and dairy science) for the project with the support of the Commonwealth Cyber Initiative in Southwest Virginia.

Gonzalo Ferreira, Associate Professor of Dairy Management in the Virginia Tech College of Animal and Life Sciences, stated that, “because there is an increasing reliance on automation and smart technologies in dairy farms, resilient cybersecurity of the technologies is paramount.”

While assessing the cybersecurity networks for enhancements, researchers are also creating a classroom-based platform that will simulate real world farm tasks. This reality platform will help train dairy farm workers on how to identify and manage cyberattacks.

Read the full article about the initiative here.

Agriculture has been a staple of the NRV economy for centuries. With a bountiful water source and affordable land, Virginia’s New River Valley proves “A Natural Fit” for companies in Food Processing & Agribusiness. To learn why your Agribusiness belongs in the NRV, visit here.

The IT culture in Virginia’s New River is like no other. The industry thrives here with our collection of unique downtown areas and a large presence of community groups that have a passionate industry focus. To discover why the NRV is a “Natural Fit” for your IT business, click here.

The NRV produces some of the best personnel in the country, from highly sought-after Food Science graduates to in-demand IT professionals. Home to several world-class colleges and universities, The NRV has a natural workforce pipeline that feeds both the Agribusiness and IT industries. To learn more about education in the NRV, click here.

Photo by melle

###

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.

Radford’s Luxurious Highlander Hotel Opens

/0 Comments/in , /by

Radford, VA – The highly anticipated Highlander Hotel is officially open. The luxury hotel was a collaboration between Radford University, The Radford University Foundation design firm Blur Workshop, Preston Hollow Capital, S.B. Ballard Construction Company, Aimbridge Hospitality and the City of Radford. The hotel boasts 124 luxurious rooms, including pet-friendly accommodations. It offers a variety of amenities and a full-service rooftop restaurant and bar.

The Highlander Hotel is a significant development for Radford and the surrounding New River Valley, as it is anticipated to interest visitors and boost the local economy. The hotel has created job opportunities in Radford and is expected to attract more businesses and investments to the area.

David Horton, Mayor of Radford, had this to say about the hotel:

“This new facility will be a great asset to the community, the NRV and Southwest Virginia as we continue to help Radford be a destination for people from across the Commonwealth and beyond.”

To see all the amenities The Highlander has to offer click here.

Explore the City of Radford, a community of Virginia’s New River Valley, here.

###

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.

Harmonia Founder Wins Virginia Business Women in Leadership Award

/0 Comments/in , , , , /by

Montgomery County, VA – Pallabi Saboo, Founder of Harmonia Holdings Group LLC, was among 30 women selected for the inaugural Virginia Business Women in Leadership Award awarded in 2021. The award recognized those who have demonstrated outstanding leadership in their field and made significant contributions to their community.

Virginia Business reported that Harmonia, a software company headquartered in Blacksburg, VA, grew “from 10 employees and less than $2 million in revenue to 400 workers and $90 million in revenue” under the direction of Pallabi Saboo. Harmonia has also received numerous awards and recognitions under her leadership.

Discover more about the winners of the Virginia Business Women in Leadership Award here.

Virginia’s New River Valley is a natural fit for companies in the Information Technology industry. With exceptional education programs from local colleges and universities, the NRV is producing some of the best IT workforce in the country.

Discover why Virginia’s New River Valley is a Natural Fit for you and your business here.

###

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.

3 NRV Locations Rank Among Places with Lowest Cost of Living in VA

/0 Comments/in , , /by
New River Valley, VA – Niche.com recently listed three locations around the NRV among the top twenty places with the lowest cost of living in Virginia. Ranking of cost of living by city was based on the consumer price index and access to affordable housing using data from the U.S. Census and BLS. Check out the locations below: The affordability of Virginia’s New River Valley is one of the many reasons people choose to live, work, and do business in the region. Residents enjoy an excellent quality of life and below average cost of living, making the NRV a ‘Natural Fit.’ Browse the full rankings from Niche.com here. Thinking of relocating to the NRV? Explore our Cost-of-Living Calculator here.
###
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.