Community Health Center of the NRV Ranks Among Top 10% Nationally

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New River Valley, VA – The Community Health Center of the New River Valley (CHCNRV) recently reported that they have been recognized with five awards from the Health Resources and Services Administration (HRSA), including the Gold Leader in Health Center Quality status. This award highlights the clinical quality efforts of CHCNRV as being in the top ten percent of Federally Qualified Health Centers and similar entities.

The press release states that “the awards, which are based on calendar year 2022 data include:

  • Health Center Quality Leader indicating best overall clinical quality measure performance among all health centers nationally.
  • Access Enhancer recognizes the total number of patients and the patients who receive at least one comprehensive service.
  • Advancing Health Access Enhancer Technology for Quality and Advancing Healthcare Information Technology (HIT) for integrating high levels of technology to enhance patient care and access.
  • Health Disparities Reducer for improvements in areas such as low birth weight, hypertension control, and/or uncontrolled diabetes and/or meeting benchmarks for all racial/ethnic groups served.”

The criteria for badge recognition can be found here.

Read the press release from CHCNRV here.

Photo by RDNE Stock project


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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.

Sinkland Farms Ranks on USA Today’s 10Best

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Montgomery County, VA – Sinlkand Farms located in Christiansburg, VA, recently won third best pumpkin patch and sixth best corn maze in USA Today’s 10Best Readers’ Choice Awards. USA Today’s 10Best Reader’s Choice awards are independently selected by USA Today’s editors and readers.

Sinkland Farms is a beloved destination in Virginia’s New River Valley and has won numerous awards and accolades. From their pumpkin festival to their wedding event venues, Sinkland Farms is the perfect place to capture the essence of fall.

Read the 10Best Pumpkin Patch list here.

Read the 10Best Corn Maze list 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.

Virginia Tech Ranks as Top University

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Montgomery County, VA – Virginia Tech recently reported that they have been ranked as a top university by both the Wall Street Journal and the U.S. News & World Report.

The Wall Street Journal ranked Virginia Tech as the top university in Virginia the sixth best public school in the country, and nineteenth overall in their list of 2025 Best Colleges in the U.S. According to Virginia Tech’s article, the list was composed of 500 universities and ranked on how much a school improves students’ chances of graduating and their future earnings as well as the overall student experience.

The U.S. News & World Report ranked Virginia Tech as tying for twenty –first on the list of the country’s top public schools. U.S. News & World Report releases annual rankings of bachelor’s degree institutions in the United States, providing guidance to high school students seeking their ideal college match. The publication looks at over 1,400 schools and classifies them into a variety of different categories. The ranking methodology differs by category. In the Top Public Schools category, 19 factors of academic quality are evaluated, including graduation and retention rates, affordability, post-graduation degree value, faculty resources, expert opinions (from presidents, provosts, etc.), financial resources, and test scores.

Eight of Virginia Tech’s individual College of Engineering graduate programs also ranked in the top 25 in the U.S. News and World Report. They are as follows:

  • Environmental: Tied for No. 5
  • Industrial and Systems: No. 5
  • Civil: No. 9
  • Biological/Agricultural: Tied for No. 10
  • Aerospace: Tied for No. 11
  • Computer: No. 15
  • Mechanical: No. 17
  • Electrical: No. 20

    • According to Virginia Tech’s website, they are the most comprehensive university in the Commonwealth and a top research institution, providing around 280 undergraduate and graduate programs to over 38,000 students, including undergraduates, graduates, and professionals, while managing a research portfolio exceeding $556 million.

    Read Virginia Tech’s article on their Wall Street Journal rankings here.

    Read the Wall Street Journal 2025 Best College in the US list here. (pay wall)

    Read Virginia Tech’s U.S. News & World Report article here.

    See the U.S. News & World Report rankings 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.

NRV Companies Selected for RAMP 2024 Fall Cohort

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Montgomery County, VA – The Roanoke-Blacksburg Technology Council recently announced four innovative start-up companies that have been selected to participate in the Regional Accelerator and Mentor Program (RAMP). RAMP connects high-growth potential technology-based businesses with regional resources.

Of the four companies selected, three reside in Virginia’s New River Valley (NRV). They are listed below.
  • Drivingo (Blacksburg, VA) – Drivingo pioneers customer experience with touchless interfaces, conversational AI, and bespoke omnichannel retail systems. Drivingo boosts interactions across the hospitality and tourism industry from banks to grocery stores and airports, and the fast-food industry.
  • Accordium.AI (Blacksburg, VA) – Accordium.AI is developing a large language model platform to revolutionize the way users negotiate. This innovative application aims to assist sales, procurement professionals, executives, negotiators, and individuals involved in mergers and acquisitions by offering a comprehensive platform for negotiation preparation, role-playing, coaching, and execution. By creating a bounded universe embedded with a proprietary negotiation system, users will be able to enhance their negotiation skills effectively. The application will provide tailored role-play scenarios and coaching sessions to meet the unique needs of each user, ultimately empowering them to excel in complex sales, price negotiations, and various other high-stakes situations.
  • Portcullis Research (Blacksburg, VA) – Portcullis is developing techniques to improve supply chain and lifecycle security for physical documents, trusted supply sources, and other routine business processes. These techniques integrate existing technologies to give companies and government agencies better lifecycle management of documents and assured supply chain artifacts.

According to RAMP’s website, the companies will participate in a 12-week cohort program and “receive $20,000 in non-equity funding, expert mentoring, and free office space with high-speed internet in downtown Roanoke’s Gill Building. RAMP alumni also receive two years of free membership in the Roanoke-Blacksburg Technology Council; one year of membership in Virginia BIO; three years of membership in the Shenandoah Club; membership in Morrow; discounted office space; and three additional years of ongoing support through Exit RAMP – a suite of ever-growing and developing coaching and support services.”

Read RAMP’s press release here.

The NRV offers an ideal environment for businesses to thrive. With a rich pool of talent, a prime location, and a vibrant, forward-thinking business community, the NRV is the perfect place for businesses to call home. Learn more about doing business 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.

MELD Awarded $975 Million Air Force Contract

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Montgomery County, VA – MELD Manufacturing recently announced that they have been awarded a $975 million contract by the United States Air Force to support the Rapid Sustainment Office (RSO) in enhancing operational readiness of its deployed assets. MELD is among 67 companies awarded the contract by the RSO.

MELD’s innovative solid-state metal additive manufacturing process is at the heart of this partnership. With the ability to produce large-scale, flight-critical components, MELD delivers exceptional quality that meets the demanding standards of the aerospace industry. According to MELD’s press release “MELD is the only large scale, solid-state metal 3D printer chosen by the RSO and the only company with additive technology both invented and manufactured in the United States.”

MELD Manufacturing continues to push the boundaries of metal 3D printing. With this latest contract, MELD is poised to further its impact on the defense sector while advancing its commitment to disrupting traditional manufacturing processes.

Virginia’s New River Vally is proud to manufacture using the highest levels of technology and robotics. With a talented and loyal workforce, the NRV is a natural fit for advanced manufacturers looking to drive the future. Learn more about manufacturing in the NRV here.

Read MELD’s full press release here.

A complete list of the companies awarded the contracts can be found 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.

Citizens Telephone Completes Fiber Build in Floyd

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Floyd County, VA – Citizens recently reported that they have completed the fiber build in Floyd County as of August 2024. According to their recent press release, Citizens is the first company in Southwest Virginia to have connected every home in a single county to 1 Gbps fiber internet.

Citizens Telephone Cooperative began connecting Floyd County to fiber internet in 2017 with the assistance of federal and state funded grants and the Line Extension Customer Assistance Program. The press release goes on to say that “the extensive network spans 715 miles across Floyd County, passing over 10,000 homes. Nearly 4,500 residents and businesses have connected to the 1 Gbps service.” In a world where remote work, online banking, virtual education, and telemedicine are becoming the norm, this connectivity is an important infrastructure milestone for Floyd County and the region.

Read Citizens’ 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.

Lane Stadium Ranks Top 5 Toughest Places to Play

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Montgomery County, VA – Lane Stadium at Virginia Tech was recently ranked as one of the top five toughest stadiums to play in college football by Bruce Feldman in The Athletic article “What is college football’s toughest stadium to play in?”. The Athletic, the sports journalism department of the New York Times, stated that “Lane Stadium comes alive like no other venue” and the stadium can be “ominous”.

Virginia Tech’s Lane Stadium is known for its electric opening, “Enter Sandman” by Metallica, that has become synonymous with Hokie pride. The Hokies’ entrance is so impactful that it has been measured on a seismograph.

Read The Athletic article here.

Learn more about the Virginia Tech Hokies 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.

Forbes Ranks Radford University’s GIS Among Best of 2024

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Radford, VA – Forbes recently ranked Radford University’s geographic information systems (GIS) third on its list of Best GIS Certificates Online of 2024. GIS uses state-of-the-art technology to do computer-based mapping. According to Forbes, “well-paying GIS jobs can be found in all sorts of industries, including business, urban planning, agriculture, forestry, transportation, science and the military.”

Radford University’s geospatial intelligence online certification program (GEOINT) was selected by Forbes because it “aligned with national standards and the core competencies set by the U.S. Geospatial Intelligence Foundation. The program caters to working professionals and has no prerequisites beyond a high school diploma.” Forbes continues to say that “Radford’s GEOINT program consists of five self-paced courses. You have eight weeks to finish each course but can finish in as quickly as six months. The flexible, asynchronous coursework is delivered through competency-based instruction, and students practice their skills through virtual remote labs.”

Radford University’s GEOINT certification is available through their IMPACT lab. Learn more about the program here.

Read Forbes’ list of Best GIS Certificates Online of 2024 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.

Growing NRV Companies Recognized on Lunch Pail 100 List

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Montgomery County, VA – The Lunch Pail Ventures Community, a global network created by Virginia Tech alumni-entrepreneurs, recently recognized eight different companies in the NRV as businesses with significant growth in 2024 on their Lunch Pail 100 list.

Those businesses are:

View the full list of the Lunch Pail 100 list here.

From startups leveraging cutting-edge technologies like automation and 3D printing to established firms diversifying their product lines, Virginia’s New River Valley’s business landscape is thriving. A key factor contributing to this growth is the collaborative spirit among businesses, local government, and educational institutions in the NRV. Programs aimed at workforce development, innovation, and infrastructure improvement have provided companies with the resources they need to succeed. Learn more about business 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.

New River Valley Craft Beverage Tour

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New River Valley, VA – August is a special time for craft beer lovers in Virginia, as the state celebrates Craft Beer Month highlighting the best of local brewing. Virginia’s New River Valley, with its growing craft beverage scene, is the perfect destination to experience this celebration firsthand. Home to a variety of breweries and distilleries, the region offers a diverse selection of craft beers and spirits. Whether you’re into bold IPAs, refreshing lagers, or small-batch spirits, the New River Valley’s craft beverage scene has something for everyone to enjoy this August. Whether you’re a local or planning a trip, make sure to raise a glass in the New River Valley and experience the craft beer and spirits of the region.

Enjoy craft beer month in the New River Valley by visiting our breweries and distilleries:

With a commitment to quality and a passion for creativity, the New River Valley continues to inspire all that live and work here. The people have created a community that cherishes culture and connectivity. It’s a natural fit for those who like to craft and grow their skills. Discover more about the Food Processing and Agribusiness in the NRV here. And learn why the NRV is a great place to sip and savor life 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.