VT ranked #3 for I.T. per U.S. News & World Report Best Online Programs

/0 Comments/in , , , /by
BLACKSBURG, VA – Virginia Tech announced in January that its online master’s degree in information technology program (MIT) was ranked No. 3 in the nation according to U.S. News & World Report 2022 rankings.

Virginia Tech’s online IT master’s degree program retains its #1 position for veterans according to U.S. News & World Report 2022 rankings, while online graduate programs in engineering remain in the top 20.

Per the article, Parviz Ghandforoush, professor, associate dean, and executive director of the MIT Program in the Pamplin College of Business said:

“In 2021, the program introduced new cutting-edge courses and certificates designed to meet market needs in artificial intelligence, machine learning, innovation, and entrepreneurism.”

The press release from Virginia Tech further elaborates on the scale of the program-

“Virginia Tech’s MIT program is one of the largest IT master’s degree programs in the country, enrolling nearly 1,000 students from the United States and other nations who want to learn about information technology and its applications”.

See more exciting announcements about IT in the 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.

Passenger Rail Station Proposed for Former NRV Mall Site in Christiansburg

/0 Comments/in , , /by

Montgomery County, VA – The Roanoke Times has published an article regarding the proposed location of the New River Valley’s proposed rail station.

Per the Roanoke Times, the new station will reside at one of two proposed sites near Christiansburg’s Uptown development, formerly known as the New River Valley Mall.

According to the article, “The Virginia Passenger Rail Authority (VPRA) began a feasibility study this past fall to look at potential station locations in the New River Valley and then conducted a survey that ran from Dec. 22, 2021, to Jan. 31, 2022. The survey garnered over 2500 responses from area residents. In addition to location-specific information, the survey also revealed that “public transit access to the station and student access” were both considered important issues.

In May of 2021, former Governor Ralph Northam touched on the economic impact passenger rail could have on the region; “Bringing passenger rail service back to the New River Valley will fuel tourism, drive economic growth, and create new opportunities for the region’s 180,000 residents and 40,000 college students.”

Read the full article about the proposed station here.

Learn more about Christiansburg, a town 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.

Virginia Tech Wins 2022 National Award For Entrepreneurship Program

/0 Comments/in , , , /by
BLACKSBURG, VA – Virginia Tech announced that in January the university was awarded the Model Program Award from the United States Association for Small Business and Entrepreneurship (USASBE).

The award recognizes “bold and innovative programs making an impact in the field of entrepreneurship education with comprehensive, high-quality educational programs that successfully train future generations of entrepreneurs”.

Per the article, Judi Eyles, Program Awards Chair for USASBE 2022 says:

“Virginia Tech’s program is boldly comprehensive, with a significant lineup of faculty focused on entrepreneurship, many courses, integration with partners, and impressive leadership support.”

The award-winning entrepreneurship ecosystem at Virginia Tech is highlighted in the video below.

 

See more exciting announcements about higher education in the 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.

Oransi LLC

Industry and Jobs Flowing into the New River Valley

/0 Comments/in , , , , /by
New River Valley, VA – Four NRV business announcements were recently highlighted in Virginia Business magazine. The New River Valley landed several headline-generating deals in 2021. The article, titled “Compounding Interest”, describes the announcements and their substantial impact on the region. In the article, Onward NRV Executive Director Katie Boswell speaks to the industry appeal of relocating or expanding operations in a region rich with workforce potential.
“The theme that runs through all of our announcements this year is how highly skilled and educated the workforce is and what an important thing that is to the companies who expand or locate here”.
Learn more about the four NRV business announcements included in the 2021 article from below: Read the full article from Virginia Business here. See more business announcements from 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.
Volvo Starts Sales of NRV-Made Electric Trucks

NRV Based Manufacturers Spark Buzz Announcing Advancements to Electric Truck Technology

/0 Comments/in , , /by
Pulaski County, VA – The Virginia Economic Review recently featured an article titled, “Electric Trucks, Connected Vehicles Disrupt Auto Industry,” which highlights two local electric vehicle manufacturers in the NRV. The article shared how two NRV based advanced manufacturers Volvo Trucks and the Trova Commercial Vehicles are both working to research, test, and advance the field of electric fleet technology.

Research and Markets projects a growth rate of nearly 150% for the electric truck market between 2020 and 2026. New technology and mechanical advancements, while exciting, don’t have to be vastly different than the drivers are used to. Bret Pope, Director of Electric Vehicles for Volvo Trucks North America, addresses this in the article;

“We don’t want to make anything radically different in terms of what drivers are used to, drivers will find very similar characteristics to the trucks of today”.
Trova Commercial vehicles is another NRV based manufacturer that plans to enter the commercial electric truck sector by converting existing trucks from diesel to electric by utilizing their proprietary “modular chassis”. Trova is still building its first modular chassis for a customer and expects to debut its full conversion prototype later this year.

Read the full article about the advances that Volvo and Trova are making to electric fleet vehicles here.

Learn more about the advanced manufacturing industry 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.
Aeroprobe Featured in Virginia Economic Review

Three NRV Businesses Named Best Places to Work in VA

/0 Comments/in , , , , , /by
Montgomery County, VA – According to Virginia Business Magazine, Modea, Aeroprobe and Community Housing Partners (CHP) are some of the of the best places to work in Virginia. The three companies were featured in the magazine’s 12th Annual Best Places to Work in Virginia List.

Modea and Aeroprobe were both featured on the “Small Employers” (up to 99 U.S. employees) list, while CHP was featured on the “Large Employers” (over 250 U.S. employees) category.

Virginia Business worked with Best Companies Group out of Pennsylvania to compile the list. Employers were evaluated on categories such as number of paid holidays, retirement benefits, diversity training, and telecommuting options for employees. After evaluating the employers and compiling a list of the top 100 in the Commonwealth, Virginia Business then divided the list into categories for large, medium, and small employers.

See all the companies on the 2022 Best Places to Work in Virginia list here.

Learn more about the information technology industry in Virginia’s New River Valley here.

Explore more accolades won by NRV counties, city, towns, and universities 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.
Floyd Regional Commerce Center

Floyd County Receives Nearly $1 Million for Site Development

/0 Comments/in , , , , /by

Floyd County, VA– U.S. Senators Mark R. Warner and Tim Kaine announced $971,639 in federal funding from the Appalachian Regional Commission (ARC) awarded to the Economic Development Authority of Floyd County to develop the Floyd Regional Commerce Center.

The funds will be used to construct an access road, an industrial cul-de-sac, and a pedestrian and bike path that will stimulate economic growth and support the creation of an estimated 130 new jobs in the region.

The press release sent from Senator Tim Kaine’s office garnered praise for Floyd County from both senators. “We’re pleased to see Floyd County receive this additional federal resource to finish construction of a new access road,” said the Senators. “This funding will create good-paying jobs and bolster economic development in the region.”

The funding is in addition to the more than $1 million in federal assistance that Senators Warner and Kaine announced in September 2017.

Here is more detailed information about the Floyd Regional Commerce Center:

PROPERTY OVERVIEW:

  • Floyd Regional Commerce Center is a 169-acre, publicly-owned industrial park located in Floyd, VA (Floyd County)
  • Phase II is 51-acre site and can accommodate a 137,000 SF building
  • Major utilities available to the site include water (8″ water line), waste water (8″ gravity feed line), electric (100 MW substation onsite), and broadband (redundant fiber with multi-gigabyte service)
  • Floyd Regional Commerce Center is 20.3 miles from I-81 Exit 114 via VA Route 8
  • Close proximity to colleges: Radford University (35 mins.), Virginia Tech (40 mins.), New River Community College (45 mins.)
  • Total population within a 60-minute commute: 570,879 people
###

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 Commerce Park Wins Grant for Site Development

NRV Commerce Park Wins Grant for Site Development

/0 Comments/in , , , , /by

Pulaski County, VA – New River Valley Commerce Park recently won a $300,000 grant for site development. The grant was awarded to Pulaski County through VEDP’s Virginia Business Ready Sites Program (VBRSP). The purpose of this program is to “identify, assess, and improve the readiness of potential industrial sites, which must contain a minimum of 100 contiguous, developable acres.”

Here is additional information about VBRSP from the press release about the grants:

“The program has two components: 1) site characterization – to assess and designate a site’s level of development, and 2) site development – to further develop a pool of potential sites across the Commonwealth. Localities can apply for grants to assist with the costs associated with the initial assessment and the development required to upgrade a particular site.”

Read the full press release about the 2022 VBRSP grant award winners here.

Learn more about NRV Commerce Park and other available sites 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.

Phoenix Hardwoods to Expand and Create 8 Jobs in Floyd County

/0 Comments/in , , /by

~Artisan furniture manufacturer expands production, opens storefront in historic heart of the Town of Floyd~

RICHMOND – Governor Ralph Northam today announced that Phoenix Hardwoods, Inc., an artisan manufacturer of high-quality furniture and home goods made exclusively from Virginia-grown hardwoods, will expand its production facility in the county and open a new retail storefront in the historic Farmer Supply store in the heart of downtown Floyd.

The new retail and manufacturing space will enable the company to grow its product line, improve production efficiencies and better serve its customers. The project will create eight (8) career focused positions, lead to $100,000 in new capital investment and allow the company to purchase an additional $76,000 of Virginia-grown hardwoods over the next three years.

“Phoenix Hardwoods makes such beautiful furniture,” said Governor Ralph S. Northam. “Each piece displays the essence of the tree, sourced near Floyd, celebrating the Blue Ridge, and made right here at home in Virginia. Our team has worked hard over four years to bring business opportunities across Virginia, and we are working hard until the very end. We’ve pushed to recruit large, global companies to Virginia–attracting more than $80 billion in new investment and 100,000 new jobs–but we get really excited about the small, family-run Virginia companies, like Phoenix Hardwoods.”

“Phoenix Hardwoods makes such beautiful furniture. Each piece displays the essence of the tree, sourced near Floyd, celebrating the Blue Ridge, and made right here at home in Virginia.”
– Governor Ralph Northam

Established in 2002 by Bill and Corinne Graefe, Phoenix Hardwoods built its reputation through high-quality, artisan-crafted hardwood furniture and home goods. After nearly twenty-years in business, the founders were retiring and planning to close the company. In January 2020, longtime friends of the Graefe’s, Jeff and Annie Armistead, acquired the business. It was a perfect match with Jeff, a lifelong conservationist, and Annie, a local artist and gallery owner. Their desire was to continue what had become a loved and well-respected local business. They are passionate about retaining true handmade artisan craftsmanship which is rich in Floyd and part of the draw to this truly unique community. In addition to keeping the facility and retaining their team of talented young artisans, the company’s retail expansion into the Town of Floyd is breathing new life into the old Farmer’s Supply store, a Floyd landmark that opened in the 1930’s and closed in late 2020.

“As someone who grew-up in the Appalachian woodlands of Craig County, Virginia’s hardwood forests have always held a special place in my heart. I am thrilled that we are able to partner with a community like Floyd County to support a company like Phoenix Hardwoods as both appreciate Virginia’s hardwood resources as much as I do,” said Secretary of Agriculture and Forestry Bettina Ring. “As it is through a deep appreciation of our forests and the beautiful products that come from them, like those created by the artisans of Phoenix Hardwoods, that we are able to grow markets for Virginia’s forest landowners and support sustainable forest management and restoration of our forests.”

“As it is through a deep appreciation of our forests and the beautiful products that come from them, like those created by the artisans of Phoenix Hardwoods, that we are able to grow markets for Virginia’s forest landowners and support sustainable forest management and restoration of our forests.”
– Bettina Ring, Virginia Secretary of Agriculture and Forestry

The company saws, planes, and finishes local hardwood logs and lumber to handcraft fine live edge furniture and accessories. Their mission is to create high end generational pieces that become more valuable once they leave the shop. Their product assortment ranges from custom tables of all kinds beds, stools, chests, live edge mirrors, desks, kitchen goods, and home accessories. Moving the retail gallery to town will increase customer exposure and broaden their reach. Wholesale products, such as laser cut custom logo cutting boards, is a new and growing part of the business.

“As a lifelong conservationist, I’m overwhelmed and elated to receive this AFID grant,” said Phoenix Hardwoods President Jeff Armistead. “This will allow Phoenix Hardwoods to expand and continue our work with Virginia’s sustainable natural and human resources, trees, and jobs.”

The Virginia Department of Agriculture and Consumer Services (VDACS) worked with Floyd County and the Floyd County Economic Development Authority to secure this project for the Commonwealth. Governor Northam approved a $10,000 grant from the Governor’s Agriculture and Forestry Industries Development (AFID) Fund, which Floyd County will match with local funds.

“The Floyd County Board of Supervisors and the Floyd County EDA are excited about the expansion of Phoenix Hardwoods in the County,” said Floyd County Board of Supervisors Chairman Joe Turman. “This expansion by local entrepreneurs is bringing good job creation to our community and capitalizing on local craftsmanship and hardwoods.”

“This expansion by local entrepreneurs is bringing good job creation to our community and capitalizing on local craftsmanship and hardwoods.”
– Joe Turman, Floyd County Board of Supervisors Chairman

Office of the Governor
Contact: Alena Yarmosky
Email: Alena.Yarmosky@governor.virginia.gov

Virginia Department of Agriculture and Consumer Services
Contact: Michael Wallace
Email: michael.wallace@vdacs.virginia.gov

Phoenix Hardwoods, Inc.
Contact: Jeff Armistead
Email: jeff@phoenixhardwoods.net

###

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.

2021 Accolades and Awards for the NRV

2021 Accolades and Awards for the NRV

/0 Comments/in , , , , , , , , , , , /by

New River Valley, VA – Virginia’s New River Valley was frequently recognized during 2021 as a premier place to live, work, and do business. Below is a list of just a few of the accolades won this year by the NRV’s counties, city, towns, schools, and universities.

Radford #9 Best Place to Raise a Family in VALife is Wonderful in Virginia’s New River Valley

FloydFest Wins Four Best of the Blue Ridge 2021 AwardsThe NRV is Known for Its Unique Festivals, Destinations, and Businesses

Lane Stadium Voted Best Football Stadium in ACCEnjoy Sports and Recreation Across the NRV

NRV Tech Companies Make Inc. 5000 List of America’s Fastest-Growing CompaniesCompanies in the Virginia’s New River Valley are Thriving and Growing

VT and Radford Among Best Value Colleges in VirginiaThe NRV Offers High Quality Educational Opportunities

Explore more NRV accolades and awards 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.