10 Most Popular NRV Blog Posts of 2022

10 Most Popular NRV Blog Posts of 2022

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New River Valley, VA – 2022 was an exciting year in the New River Valley! Explore the ten most popular blog posts of the year from TheNRV.org. The following posts had the most pageviews online.

10. The Future of Trucking Arrives in Pulaski

This post highlighted a Cardinal News article about Trova CV, an NRV start-up company working to transform existing diesel trucks to electric trucks.

9. Financial Agreement Reached in NRV Passenger Rail Expansion

The Virginia Passenger Rail Authority and Norfolk Southern announced the financial closing of the agreement which will help bring passenger rail to the NRV within the next few years.

8. World’s Largest 3D Printing Project Finds a Home in Pulaski County

Alquist 3D announced a project to construct 200 3D-printed housing units in Pulaski. It was dubbed the “world’s largest 3D printing project”.

7. Great Ways to Turn Fall into Fun in the NRV

Explore ten things to do in the fall in New River Valley in this popular blog post!

6. Volvo Lands Largest VNR Truck Order to Date

It was announced in March that Performance Trucks, a California-based logistics company, ordered 110 of Volvo’s VNR electric trucks to be manufactured in the company’s NRV factory.

5. Amenities and Recreation Pave the Way for a Renaissance in Pulaski

This blog post featured a Cardinal News piece, titled “Pulaski Reinventing Itself”, which explored the work being done to improve and develop amenities throughout the Town of Pulaski.

4. Radford’s Highly Anticipated Highlander Hotel Set to Open Soon

This blog post highlighted a Virginia Business magazine article promoting the upcoming opening of Radford’s new Highlander Hotel. The hotel and conference center is scheduled to open in Spring 2023.

3. Three NRV Businesses Named Best Places to Work in VA

Modea, Aeroprobe, and Community Housing Partners were all named on the 12th annual list of best places to work in Virginia by Virginia Business magazine.

2. Industry and Jobs Flowing into the New River Valley

This blog post celebrated four 2021 business announcements throughout the New River Valley that were featured in a Virginia Business magazine article. In total, the four announcements brought 274 new jobs and over $29 million in capital investment to the region.

1. Passenger Rail Station Proposed for Former NRV Mall Site in Christiansburg

The most popular blog post of 2022 highlighted an article from The Roanoke Times detailing that the proposed NRV passenger rail station would be in one of two locations at Uptown Christiansburg development (formerly the NRV Mall).

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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.

Cardinal News Highlights Unique NRV Electric Truck Partnership

Cardinal News Highlights Unique NRV Electric Truck Partnership

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Pulaski County, VA – Cardinal News has published an article detailing how two NRV companies, Camrett Logistics and Volvo Trucks North America, are operating in an unusually effective symbiotic manner.

According to the article, “Camrett… provides third-party warehousing and distribution services for clients including the Volvo Trucks North America plant in Dublin.”

Since July 2022, Camrett has been using VNR electric truck it bought from Volvo to move parts from their warehouses, located in Fairlawn and Dublin, to Volvo’s plant. This allows Camrett to share with Volvo how the trucks are preforming in real time and in real-world usage scenarios. In return, Camrett gets to beta test the new technology in a rather safe manner.

Collin Peel, founder and CEO of Camrett Logistics, says in the article,

“This is a near-perfect scenario to test the electric trucks. The current truck is running probably a 10-mile loop. So if something were to ever happen, it’s only 10 miles from the shop. And it’s working very well. We actually have it running roughly 20 hours a day.”

Though unofficial, the unique partnership between Camrett Logistics and Volvo is just one example of the innovative and collaborative business culture that exists in Virginia’s New River Valley.

Read the full article from Cardinal News here.

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

Learn more about doing business in the New River Valley here.

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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.

SWVA BioChar to Expand and Create 15 New Jobs in Floyd County

SWVA Biochar to Expand and Create 15 Jobs in Floyd County

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SWVA Biochar to invest $2.6 million, create 15 jobs in Floyd County

Governor Glenn Youngkin today announced that SWVA Biochar, a leading producer of premium biochar in the Southwest Virginia region, will invest $2.6 million to increase capacity at its operation in Floyd County. Biochar is a highly absorbent, specially produced charcoal with unique properties originally used as a soil amendment and is thought to be the key component in a carbon-negative strategy to resolve several current ecological challenges. The company will make updates to its facility at 209 Sams Road Southeast and add new equipment, including several new kilns. The project will create 15 new jobs.

“SWVA Biochar is creating an innovative product from biomass that has the potential to be applied to multiple industries while also making a positive impact on the environment,” said Governor Glenn Youngkin. “Startups and small businesses are critical to job creation, and this young company is benefitting from Virginia’s entrepreneurial ecosystem. We are doubling down to ensure an economy that encourages innovation and look forward to supporting SWVA Biochar’s future success in Floyd County.”

“Startups and small businesses are critical to job creation, and this young company is benefitting from Virginia’s entrepreneurial ecosystem. We are doubling down to ensure an economy that encourages innovation and look forward to supporting SWVA Biochar’s future success in Floyd County.”
– Governor Glenn Youngkin

“Virginia’s collaborative environment and skilled workforce bolster newer businesses like SWVA Biochar that are creating jobs for the future,” said Secretary of Commerce and Trade Caren Merrick. “As we work to catalyze the growth of startups across the Commonwealth, we celebrate SWVA Biochar’s success and are proud to support the company through the Virginia Jobs Investment Program.”

“Virginia’s collaborative environment and skilled workforce bolster newer businesses like SWVA Biochar that are creating jobs for the future.”
– Caren Merrick, Secretary of Commerce and Trade

“SWVA Biochar worked with expert partners at James Madison University and in Colorado to determine that demand for quality biochar is high along the East Coast and overseas in Great Britain and other European countries,” said Jack Wall, SWVA Biochar Manager. “Virginia’s plentiful, high-quality biomass resources to make biochar and biochar-infused compost, as well as the markets for biochar products around the Commonwealth, are unlimited. These resources, along with a vibrant agriculture environment and a skilled and available workforce, were an obvious recipe for a successful business made possible through the support and cooperative relationships we have in Virginia.”

Founded in 2021, SWVA Biochar produces highly absorbent, specially produced charcoal with a wide variety of environmentally positive applications and carbon sequestering properties. SWVA Biochar is committed to making a positive impact on the environment and playing a role in the reversal of climate change and utilizes a specialized manufacturing process that converts biomass into premium biochar material used for filtration systems and as a soil conditioner. The company’s biochar is produced using biomass obtained from Virginia companies.

The Virginia Economic Development Partnership will support SWVA Biochar’s job creation through the Virginia Jobs Investment Program (VJIP), which provides consultative services and funding to companies creating new jobs in order to support employee recruitment and training activities. As a business incentive supporting economic development, VJIP reduces the human resource costs of new and expanding companies. VJIP is state-funded, demonstrating Virginia’s commitment to enhancing job opportunities for citizens.

Read the Governor’s press release here.

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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 Successfully Passes FAA Metrics for Safe Drone Flights Over People

VT Successfully Passes FAA Metrics for Safe Drone Flights Over People

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Montgomery County, VA – Virginia Tech has issued a press release detailing that they have successfully met the criteria accepted by the FAA to fly drones over humans.

According to the release, “the milestone is a nod to the value of Virginia Tech’s testing, the product of a collaboration between the Virginia Tech Mid-Atlantic Aviation Partnership (MAAP), an FAA-designated drone test site, and injury biomechanics experts in the university’s College of Engineering.”

The article goes on to discuss the broader goals of Virginia Tech’s testing, stating,

“Identifying safe aircraft is the immediate objective of the testing under the means of compliance. But for the Virginia Tech team, the broader goal is understanding more about how to make aircraft safer, and how to test them effectively.”

Read the full press release about this exciting announcement from Virginia Techhere.

Learn more about unmanned systems in the NRV here.

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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.

Red Sun Farms Featured on “Where The Food Comes From”

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Pulaski County, VA – The Dublin greenhouse of Red Sun Farms was recently featured on a season two episode of television show Where the Food Comes From. In the episode, titled “Tomatoes from the Ceiling”, Red Sun Farms Director of Operations Jay Abbott shows host Chip Carter the benefits of growing tomatoes in a greenhouse in a humorous and informative manner.

The piece examines the many facets of indoor growing including irrigation using recycled rainwater, the introduction of bees to aid in the pollination of various vegetables, and the stringent sanitation practices that keep the growing spaces spotless and free of harmful bacteria.

Red Sun Farms is one of the largest greenhouse growers in North America with operations in the New River Valley, Canada, and Mexico. In 2021, the company was named the seventh largest greenhouse grower in the U.S. by Greenhouse Grower magazine for the total amount of square footage they occupy in Dublin (2,090,880).

Watch a bonus clip from the episode here:

Learn more about Red Sun Farms here.

Learn more about the Food Processing & Agribusiness industry in Virginia’s New River Valley here.

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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.

VA Earns Top Business Climate Spot From Site Selection Magazine

Virginia Earns #1 Business Climate Spot From Site Selection Magazine

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New River Valley, VA – Virginia Business has announced that the state has earned the top spot in Site Selection magazine for best business climate. Virginia has catapulted nine places from its number ten ranking last year and has unseated Georgia, which has had an eight-year streak at the top.

The head of the Virginia Economic Development Partnership, CEO and President Jason El Koubi, is quoted in the article citing specifics,

“In 2021, the Virginia Economic Development Partnership announced 130 projects in Virginia, expected to bring more than 18,000 jobs and $2.1 billion in investment. And since January, VEDP has announced 65 more projects. Virginia has been most successful attracting projects in advanced materials, supply chain management, data centers, and life sciences.”

Site selectors were surveyed and responded that their number one criteria for site selection is workforce skills, followed by tax climate and workforce development.

Virginia is ahead of the curve with major workforce programs and partnerships. The Virginia Tech Talent Pipeline Program “aims to produce 31,000 in-demand computer science graduates during the next two decades through a cooperative program with 11 Virginia universities”. Additionally, the Virginia Talent Accelerator Program, the result of collaboration between VEDP and the Virginia Community College System, provides “customizable job training and other support to qualifying companies at no cost,” per the article.

The New River Valley also has several exciting talent development initiatives, including a recent announcement regarding a GO Virginia grant to fund workforce development in Floyd and Pulaski counties.

Find out more about the robust business climate in Virginia’s New River Valley here.

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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 Highly Anticipated Highlander Hotel Set to Open Soon

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Radford, VA – Virginia Business recently published an article detailing the progress of the Highlander Hotel in the City of Radford.

The project, announced in 2019, is a collaboration between Radford University, the Radford University Foundation, and the City of Radford.

According to the article, the 40 million dollar boutique hotel and conference center is expected to open its doors to guests in January 2023 and will boast over 100 rooms, including four suites and a 4,000-square-foot conference space.

The article quotes Radford University Foundation’s CEO, John F. Cox Jr., saying,

“We are excited about the opportunities to use the hotel for conferences, events on campus, and events throughout the New River Valley. That would include events such as homecoming, commencement, and of course, sporting events.”

Read the full article here.

Learn more about the City of Radford here.

Learn more about higher education in Virginia’s New River Valley here.

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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 Eyes 80-Acre Parcel for Potential Redevelopment

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Radford, VA – WDBJ News recently highlighted the City of Radford and its decision to approve a future purchase option of an 80-acre site affiliated with the old Foundry on the southwest side of town.

The six-month option agreement with owner Virginia Castings LLC, gives the city the latitude to conduct environmental testing and remediation on the site if necessary before the purchase is finalized.

The Foundry, which shut its doors in 2013 was once a major player in Radford’s industrial base employing approximately 1500 workers at its peak in the 1970’s.

Per the article, “The city says it will pursue grants for environmental evaluation, remediation, site access, cleanup and redevelopment, leading to the opportunity for significant economic benefit.”

Read the full article here.

Learn more about Radford, a city in Virginia’s New River Valley here.

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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.

Amenities and Recreation Pave the Way For a Renaissance in Pulaski

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Pulaski County, VA – Pulaski is again making headlines in Cardinal News’s new piece titled “Pulaski Reinventing Itself.”

Darlene Burcham is Pulaski’s town manager and is quoted in the article saying,

“I think after COVID, we and other communities were pleasantly surprised that people started looking at us,” she said. “Some of the developers that have purchased land in our community are from outside the area. We have a more reasonable cost of living and doing business right now than some of the communities to our north. And so people are looking at us as an attractive place to make their home or to develop their business. And we’re going to take advantage of it.”

The article explores new development and the town’s new downtown attractions. These include a large splash pad for warm weather fun and the new Pulaski Mountain Bike Park that opened on October 12th.

Cardinal News quotes Pulaski County’s Chief Administrative Officer Jonathan Sweet regarding his take on what makes the town so special saying,

“It’s an amazing place full of amazing people, a rural community that offers everything you would expect a rural community to offer, and so much more. We are creating new jobs, building the housing stock, and shaping a community for that generation of working professionals.”

Read the full article here.

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

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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.

BAE Systems Extends Contract for Radford Army Ammunition Plant Through 2026

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Radford, VA – Virginia Business recently published an article detailing that the Radford Army Ammunition Plant has secured an extended contract for operations through 2026. The contract is managed by BAE Systems, which is one of the largest Department of Defense contractors in the world.

In the article, Brian Gathright, vice president and general manager of BAE Systems Ordnance Systems Inc. explains the economic importance of the Radford plant to New River Valley residents saying,

“The Radford Army Ammunition Plant means a lot to our BAE Systems workforce, but also to the generations of families in our community that have kept the site running since World War II.”

BAE oversees about 3,000 employees in the region and has been the prime contractor for the operation of the Radford plant for the last decade. Through economic ups and downs, BAE has been able to keep a stable and consistent labor force throuought that time by showing employees the money. Brian Hamilton, Montgomery County’s director of economic development is quoted in the atricle saying,

“Radford Army Ammunition Plant employees receive higher than average manufacturing wages, which has a substantial economic impact on the region.”
The article refers to a report by the Virginia Employment Commission, which states that “BAE ranks seventh among largest employers in the New River Valley behind powerhouses such as Virginia Tech, Volvo Group North America Inc., Radford University and Carilion New River Valley Medical Center.”

The City of Radford would likely look much different if it was there at all if not for the large impact of the ammunition plant.  Kimberly D. Repass, the city’s director of economic development  elaborates saying:

“Historically, the ammunition plant has been instrumental in developing and establishing neighborhoods and infrastructures here in Radford dating back to the 1950s.”

Learn more about advanced manufacturing in Virginia’s New River Valley here.

Learn more about the benefits of living and working in the NRV here.

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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.