Mountain Lake Among Top Sustainable Destinations in Virginia

Mountain Lake Among Top Sustainable Destinations in Virginia

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Giles County, VA – Mountain Lake was recently featured as one of the top stunning, sustainable destinations in Virginia by the Virginia Tourism Corporation. The blog article, titled “4 Stunning Destinations That Define Sustainability in Virginia”, highlighted destinations that are “leading the way in sustainable practices that preserve the land and waters of [the] vibrant state” of Virginia.


Here’s what the article had to say about Mountain Lake Lodge:

“The historic Mountain Lake Lodge – where the iconic movie “Dirty Dancing” was filmed – is part of the non-profit Mountain Lake Conservancy, protecting 2,600 acres of picturesque Appalachian highlands. The untamed forest ecosystem safeguards stream water quality while protecting lesser seen flora and fauna, including the wide lip orchid and sought-for bird species like the Northern saw-whet owl and yellow-bellied sapsucker. The land, laced with enticing hiking trails leading to overlooks such as Bald Knob and Butt Mountain, is also used for scientific research. After a rewarding hike on the conservancy property, enjoy locally sourced farm-to-table dining at the on-site restaurant, Harvest. Then you can overnight at the Main Stone Lodge, a rustic cabin or modern mountain home, all set at 4,000 feet on Virginia’s highest lake.”


Read about all the sustainable destinations highlighted in the article here.

Learn more about Mountain Lake Conservancy and Mountain Lake Lodge here.

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

Wing Makes National News

Wing Makes National News for Innovative Deliveries

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Photo courtesy of Wing

Montgomery County, VA – Want Girl Scout cookies or hot coffee delivered to your door by drone? Wing’s got you covered! The company made national news several times in recent weeks for their innovative deliveries. Wing has been delivering to Christiansburg customers by drone since they completed the first U.S. commercial drone delivery in 2019, but they recently expanded their offerings.

In April, Wing began a partnership with Virginia Skyline Troop 224 to deliver Girl Scout cookies to customers by drone. They will be offering cookie delivery through May 31st. According to the Associated Press, “Wing said it began talking to local Girl Scout troops because they’ve been having a harder time selling cookies during the pandemic, when fewer people are out and about.”



More recently, NBC Nightly News’s Jacob Ward visited Christiansburg and received the first hot coffee delivered drone in U.S. history. The coffee came from local coffee roaster Brugh Coffee, who has been working with Wing to deliver cans of cold brew coffee since the COVID-19 pandemic began in 2020. Hot coffee is a new addition to Wing’s drone delivery menu in Christiansburg.



Christiansburg is the only place in the United States where commercial drone deliveries are available. Residents who live within Wing’s delivery area can order a wide variety of things including Girl Scout cookies, hot and cold coffee, library books, baked goods, chocolates, Mexican food, and pharmacy items.

Virginia’s New River Valley is a hub for the unmanned systems industry. Learn more about the NRV unmanned systems industry here.

Learn more about Christiansburg, a town 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.

Passenger Rail Expanding to New River Valley

Passenger Rail Expanding to New River Valley

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Montgomery County, VA – Passenger rail will be expanding to the New River Valley by 2025. Governor Ralph Northam announced this week that Virginia has reached an agreement with Norfolk Southern Railway to extend passenger rail service to the region. This will be the first time since 1979 that the NRV will have passenger rail service.

The current service, which stops in Roanoke, will be expanded to Christiansburg in 2025 after Norfolk Southern finishes rail infrastructure improvements. The route will be part of the Amtrak Northeast Corridor service. It will travel between Washington, D.C. and Christiansburg with stops in Alexandria, Burke, Manassas, Culpeper, Charlottesville, Lynchburg, and Roanoke.

Passenger rail in the NRV will help make the region more accessible. According to Governor Northam, “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 press release about the Western Rail Initiative here.

Learn more about Christiansburg, a town 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.

NRV Tech Industry Highlighted in Virginia Economic Review

NRV Tech Industry Highlighted in Virginia Economic Review

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Montgomery County, VA – The Virginia Economic Review recently highlighted the NRV tech industry in an article titled “Virginia’s Smaller Metros Prove Fertile Ground for Tech Headquarters”. The article features some of the tech companies headquartered in Virginia’s New River Valley, such as Modea, Torc Robotics, and Ozmo, and why they chose to base their businesses in the region.

The article also highlights the business advantages that the New River Valley has to offer tech companies. As Ozmo’s CEO David Catalano stated when the company’s expansion was announced in 2019, “Our proximity to Virginia Tech provides us with a unique advantage of access to top talent, while also being able to offer exceptional quality of life for our employees.”

Click here to read the Virginia Economic Review’s article about the tech industry in Virginia’s smaller metros.

Click here to learn more about the tech industry in Virginia’s New River Valley.

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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.

Oransi to Establish First Manufacturing Facility and Create 101 New Jobs in Radford

Oransi to Establish First Manufacturing Facility and Create 101 New Jobs in Radford

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~ Oransi will invest $5.6 million to develop and manufacture new product line ~

RICHMOND — Governor Ralph Northam today announced that Oransi, a veteran-owned air purification company, will invest $5.6 million to establish its first manufacturing facility in the Plymouth Building at 113 Corporate Drive in the City of Radford. The operation will focus on developing and manufacturing the company’s best-in-class air purifiers for consumers, businesses, and professionals in the health, dental, and medical fields. Virginia successfully competed with North Carolina for the project, which will create 101 new jobs.

“Our focus on developing a well-trained, reliable workforce continues to yield new jobs and investment as innovative companies like Oransi choose to grow their companies in Virginia,” said Governor Northam. “The New River Valley boasts higher education institutions and training programs that will ensure a steady talent pipeline for Oransi now and into the future. We are thrilled to welcome this veteran-owned company to our Commonwealth and remain confident that we have the infrastructure and business environment to support their success here.”

“The New River Valley boasts higher education institutions and training programs that will ensure a steady talent pipeline for Oransi now and into the future. We are thrilled to welcome this veteran-owned company to our Commonwealth and remain confident that we have the infrastructure and business environment to support their success here.”
– Governor Ralph Northam

Founded in 2009 as an engineer’s quest to find a better indoor air quality solution for the founder’s young asthmatic son, Oransi has evolved to become a leading air purification company designing some of the most efficient and intuitive products on the market. Based in Raleigh, North Carolina, the business is managed by a team of executives and engineers with decades of experience in the air quality industry.

“We are excited that Oransi has decided to put down roots in the New River Valley,” said Secretary of Commerce and Trade Brian Ball. “The Plymouth Building provided an infrastructure-ready solution that will allow the company to be up and running quickly, and we are certain the region’s renowned workforce will meet Oransi’s needs from development to manufacturing.”

“Oransi is very pleased to establish its first manufacturing facility in the City of Radford to develop and manufacture our best-in-class air purifiers,” said Peter Mann, CEO and Founder of Oransi. “We selected the location because of the exceptional local engineering talent pool that will support our continued growth, while inspiring innovation, creativity, and collaboration. We hope to provide one of the best employee experiences in the New River Valley.”

“Oransi is very pleased to establish its first manufacturing facility in the City of Radford to develop and manufacture our best-in-class air purifiers. We selected the location because of the exceptional local engineering talent pool that will support our continued growth, while inspiring innovation, creativity, and collaboration. We hope to provide one of the best employee experiences in the New River Valley.”
– Peter Mann, CEO and Founder of Oransi

The Virginia Economic Development Partnership worked with the City of Radford and Onward New River Valley to secure the project for Virginia. Governor Northam approved a $50,000 grant from the Commonwealth’s Opportunity Fund to assist the City of Radford with the project. Oransi is eligible to receive state benefits from the Virginia Enterprise Zone Program, administered by the Virginia Department of Housing and Community Development. Funding and services to support the company’s employee recruitment and training activities will be provided through the Virginia Jobs Investment Program.

“We are pleased to welcome Oransi’s first manufacturing facility to the City of Radford,” said Kim Repass, Economic Development Director for the City of Radford. “We look forward to supporting the company’s growth as it provides quality jobs and significant investment. Radford continues to be a leader in the manufacturing industry for our region and the Commonwealth.”

“We are pleased to welcome Oransi’s first manufacturing facility to the City of Radford. We look forward to supporting the company’s growth as it provides quality jobs and significant investment. Radford continues to be a leader in the manufacturing industry for our region and the Commonwealth.”
– Kim Repass, Economic Development Director for the City of Radford

“This is great news for our region and the continued growth of its advanced manufacturing sector,” said Charlie Jewell, Executive Director of Onward New River Valley. “On behalf of our region, we congratulate Oransi on locating its first manufacturing facility in the City of Radford, and we look forward to supporting its long-term success here in Virginia’s New River Valley.”

“I am beyond thrilled that Oransi chose Radford to open its first manufacturing facility,” said Delegate Chris Hurst. “The veteran-owned manufacturing facility is exactly the type of business the New River Valley attracts. Offering a diverse range of resources, exceptional educational opportunities, and a qualified workforce, this not only a great place for businesses to thrive, but also for their employees to live.”

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

Virginia Economic Development Partnership
Contact: Suzanne Clark
Email: sclark@vedp.org

RPR Public Relations, Inc.
Contact: Ria Romano
Email: rromano@romanopr.com
Phone: (786) 290-6413

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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.

Enjoy Craft Beer at These NRV Breweries

Enjoy Craft Beer at These NRV Breweries

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Note:
September 24, 2021: This blog post, which was originally published in April 2021, was updated to reflect current information about the breweries on this list.

New River Valley, VA – Virginia’s New River Valley has an ever-expanding assortment of breweries throughout the region.  Try these eleven breweries and explore everything the NRV’s craft beer scene has to offer!

Beliveau Farm Brewery – Blacksburg, VA

Just outside Blacksburg, Beliveau Farm Brewery is a truly unique experience because it is the only gluten-free brewery in Virginia.  Beliveau Farm also features a winery, bed and breakfast, and wedding/event space.

 

Buffalo Mountain Brewery – Floyd, VA

Buffalo Mountain Brewery and McDaniel’s Tavern is a small batch brewery in Floyd County. It opened in April 2018 and features tavern fare alongside pretzels, flatbread, and cookies from local Grateful Bread Bakery.

 

Bull & Bones – Blacksburg, VA

Bull & Bones Brewery Bull & Bones brews six craft beers on site in a ten-barrel brewhaus.  While the Christiansburg location is temporarily closed, the Blacksburg location in First & Main is serving brews such as the ever-popular Lunch Pale Ale.

 

Eastern Divide Brewing Company – Blacksburg, VA

Eastern Divide Brewing Company Eastern Divide Brewing Company is located in the Blacksburg Industrial Park.  The building has a modern feel and features a tasting room, event space, and a large outdoor area.  Eastern Divide serves unique brews and delicious food.

 

Iron Tree Brewing Company – Christiansburg, VA

Iron Tree Brewing Company is the NRV’s newest brewery. It opened in May 2021 on Roanoke Street in Downtown Christiansburg. The tasting room is a former furniture store!

 

Long Way Brewing – Radford, VA

Long Way Brewing

Photo courtesy of Long Way Brewing

Named after Mary Draper Ingles’ long journey home to the NRV in the 1700s, Long Way Brewing is the first brewery located within the city limits of Radford.  It opened in December 2020 in a preserved former church.

 

The Maroon Door / Off the Mall Brewing – Blacksburg, VA

The Maroon Door / Off the Mall Brewing

Photo courtesy of The Maroon Door / Off the Mall Brewing

The Maroon Door / Off the Mall Brewing is a gastropub and brewery located just across from Virginia Tech’s campus in Downtown Blacksburg.  It is one of the NRV’s newest breweries and opened to the public in October 2020.

 

Moon Hollow Brewing Company – Blacksburg, VA

Moon Hollow Brewing Company is located in the revitalized Old Prices Fork Elementary School.  In addition to beer, Moon Hollow also features a selection of non-alcoholic brews. Make sure to bring Fido with you since the patio is pet friendly!

 

Right Mind Brewing – Blacksburg, VA

Right Mind Brewing Located in Lefty’s Main Street Grille on South Main Street in Blacksburg, Right Mind Brewing is temporarily closed.  While you wait for Right Mind Brewing to reopen, the brewery’s creations can still be enjoyed while dining at Lefty’s.

 

Rising Silo Farm Brewery – Blacksburg, VA

Rising Silo Farm BreweryRising Silo Farm Brewery is located in a barn on the farm of Glade Road Growing.  The brewery uses green energy to help brew their beers and non-alcoholic drinks; the barn has 113 solar panels and a solar hot water system.

 

The River Company Restaurant & Brewery– Radford, VA

Located in Pulaski County just across the New River from the City of Radford, The River Company Restaurant & Brewery offers a selection of seasonal and year-round beers.  Enjoy a brew and a view while watching the beautiful sunsets from the balcony overlooking the river.

 

Breweries like these are just some of the specialty beverage makers that contribute to the growing Food Processing & Agribusiness Industry in Virginia’s New River Valley.  Learn more 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.

Montgomery County Receives Grant to Expand Broadband

Montgomery County Wins Grant to Expand Broadband

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Montgomery County, VA – Montgomery County recently received a Virginia Telecommunication Initative (VATI) grant to expand broadband in the eastern parts of the county. Gigabeam will partner with Montgomery County to increase high-speed internet access in Allegheny Springs, Elliston, Lafayette, and Shawsville.

Governor Ralph Northam announced the grant in mid-March as part of $20.1 million in VATI funding awarded to 17 localities across the commonwealth. These grants are designed “to extend broadband service to areas that are unserved by an internet service provider.” According to Governor Northam, “Quality broadband service is key to growing our economy, and learning, competing, and succeeding in today’s digital world.” Expanding access to broadband in Montgomery County will benefit residents and businesses alike.

Here is more detailed information about the project:

Montgomery County and Gigabeam
$919,569
Montgomery County and Gigabeam will extend its broadband network. The new construction will bring fixed wireless broadband access to 1,292 serviceable units, including 44 businesses in Allegheny Springs, Elliston, Lafayette, and Shawsville.

Learn about other efforts to expand broadband access 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.

Lane Stadium Voted Best Football Stadium in ACC

Lane Stadium Voted Best Football Stadium in ACC

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October 14, 2022- This post from March 2021 highlights the electricity of Lane Stadium in Blacksburg, VA. We revisit as Virginia Tech prepares for its homecoming game against Miami this Saturday, 10/15. Go Hokies!!!

Montgomery County, VA – Virginia Tech’s Lane Stadium was voted the best football stadium in the ACC by College Football on FOX fans. The Home of the Hokies won with a clear majority of the votes, ahead of Clemson’s Death Valley and Florida State’s Doak Campbell Stadium.

CFB on Fox Best ACC Stadium Twitter Graphic

Attending a game at Lane Stadium is an experience like no other. Here are a few more reasons why Virginia Tech football is so special:

Learn more about Lane Stadium/Worsham Field at HokieSports.com.

Learn more about sports and recreation 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.

J.H. Bards Spirit Co.

Microdistillery J.H. Bards Spirit Co. Opens in Fairlawn

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Pulaski County, VA – J.H. Bards Spirit Co., a new microdistillery in Virginia’s New River Valley, will open in Fairlawn on March 27, 2021. The grand opening event will include scheduled tasting sessions, the Bluegrass BBQ food truck, and live music.

J.H. Bards Spirit Co., founded by Blacksburg natives Jayson Hudson and Jason Hardy, produces its whiskies and vodka from ingredients grown or sources in Southwest Virginia. The distillery is located in an industrial space in the Pulaski County Innovation Center and features a tasting room made of a reconstructed barn originally located in Blacksburg. “We wanted our tasting room to have the ‘in-the-woods’ feel of the Appalachian Mountains, and we were very fortunate to have come across this barn wood,” said Hardy.

Visit the J.H. Bards website to get more details about the grand opening and to sign up for tastings.

Learn more about local distilleries, breweries, and wineries, part of the thriving 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.

VT Drone Park Helps Students Earn Remote Pilot Certificates

VT Drone Park Helps Students Earn Remote Pilot Certificates

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Montgomery County, VA – The Virginia Tech Drone Park is helping students obtain their FAA Remote Pilot Certificates through a new grant program. This certificate is also known as a Part 107 license, and it is required to fly drones on Virginia Tech’s campus.

A recent article from Virginia Tech Daily explains how Drone Park Manager Sarah Macey started a grant program to defray the costs of the exam fee for students. In the Spring 2021 semester, grants will be awarded to up to 15 undergraduates. According to Macey, “One of my goals at the drone park is to look for new ways to support students here, both through opportunities that can build their resume and help them in the future, like getting their Part 107.”

The Drone Park is a resource for students to advance their learning about drones and the unmanned systems field. According to Stephen Duma, the Harry Wyatt Professor of Engineering and the Director of Virginia Tech’s Institute for Critical Technology and Applied Science, “the drone park is a conduit for students to… develop skills they can apply in their own careers. This program is another way we can help create opportunities for the students who are going to shape the evolution of this technology.”

Read the entire article about how the Drone Park Grants will help Virginia Tech students prepare for careers in unmanned systems here.

Learn more about the unmanned systems 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.