Radford #9 Best Place to Raise a Family in VA

Radford #9 Best Place to Raise a Family in VA

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Radford, VA – Radford was ranked the ninth best place to raise a family in Virginia for 2021 by HomeSnacks.com. According to the website, “to narrow down the most family friendly cities in Virginia, [HomeSnacks.com] looked at several factors: crime, education, family friendly activities and percent of households that currently have children. The cities also had to have a population of at least 12,000.”

Radford’s data show that the city has a lower cost of living and lower crime rates than the national average. Since the city is affordable and safe, it is no wonder that it ranked as one of the most family-friendly places to live in Virginia!

Learn more about Radford, 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.

NRV Companies Support Mars Rover Mission

NRV Companies Support Mars Rover Mission

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Photo credit: NASA/JPL-Caltech

New River Valley, VA – Four companies in Virginia’s New River Valley supported NASA’s recent Mars 2020 Perseverance Rover mission by manufacturing components used in various stages of the mission. The mission launched on July 30, 2020 and landed on Mars on February 18, 2021. It will spend at least one Mars year, which is 687 Earth days, “search[ing] for signs of ancient microbial life, which will explore the past habitability of Mars.”

Learn more about the specific components from each NRV company that helped with the mission:

Learn more about the Mars 2020 Perseverance Rover mission.

Learn more about advanced manufacturing and unmanned systems 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.

Millstone Kitchen Food Program

Millstone Kitchen Food Program Receives Funds to Serve 10,000 Meals

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Montgomery County, VA – Millstone Kitchen Food Program recently received a COVID-19 Response Community Development Block Grant (CDBG) which will help the program serve “approximately 10,000 additional meals through June 2021”. Millstone Kitchen is a commercial kitchen located in the recently revitalized Old Prices Fork Elementary School. It is “the region’s premier resource for food entrepreneurs, who receive access to expert equipment and guidance to start or grow their businesses”.

Here is more detailed information about the project and the grant:


Millstone Kitchen Food Program
Montgomery County
$135,433 (CDBG COVID-19 Response)
Montgomery County will receive funding to continue operations of the Millstone Kitchen Food Program through June 2021. The county, in partnership with the local community drive nonprofit Live Work Eat Gather, has been utilizing the Millstone Kitchen to bolster and expand meal delivery services in the community. The Millstone Kitchen is a commercial shared-use kitchen that is a part of the Old School at Prices Fork. The funding will provide a managing director for this operation, reliable contract work for caterers, and the delivery of meals to vulnerable populations in the area. This program has organized local caterers operating out of the Millstone Kitchen to prepare and deliver at least 600 meals per week, serving approximately 10,000 meals since July 2020. The new funding will provide approximately 10,000 additional meals through June 2021.


Read the full Community Development Block Grant press release here.

Learn more about Millstone Kitchen here.

Learn more about food processing and agribusiness 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.

2020 NRV Announcements Highlighted in Virginia Business

2020 NRV Announcements Highlighted in Virginia Business

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New River Valley, VA – Three major 2020 NRV business announcements were recently highlighted in Virginia Business magazine. The article, titled “A Diversified Portfolio”, describes the announcements and their impact on the region. The article also discussed the state of the manufacturing and tech sectors in Virginia’s New River Valley during the COVID-19 pandemic using data from Onward New River Valley’s recent Industry Competitiveness Surveys.

Learn more about three 2020 NRV business announcements included in the article below:

Read the full article from Virginia Business here.

See more business announcements from 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.

Moog Inc. to Expand and Create 75 New Jobs in Christiansburg

Moog Inc. to Expand and Create 75 New Jobs in Christiansburg

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~ Company to invest $10.7 million to relocate operations to larger facility in Christiansburg ~

RICHMOND—Governor Ralph Northam today announced that Moog Inc. (NYSE: MOG.A and MOG.B), a designer and manufacturer of high-performance motion control products and solutions, will invest $10.7 million to transfer existing jobs and equipment from one of its Blacksburg facilities to a larger building in the Falling Branch Corporate Park in Montgomery County. The company will have an additional 80,000 square feet at its new operation in Christiansburg to accommodate increased customers and demand and focus on production of its slip ring products for the industrial marketplace. Virginia successfully competed with multiple states for the project, which will create 75 new jobs.

“Moog is an important partner in the Commonwealth, and it is exciting to see the company grow its capabilities in Montgomery County,” said Governor Northam. “The New River Valley has outstanding institutions of higher education and a world-class workforce, and Moog’s continued investment is a testament to these assets. We are confident that this expansion will propel the company and the Commonwealth’s aerospace industry forward.”

“The New River Valley has outstanding institutions of higher education and a world-class workforce, and Moog’s continued investment is a testament to these assets. We are confident that this expansion will propel the company and the Commonwealth’s aerospace industry forward.”
-Governor Ralph Northam

Headquartered in East Aurora, New York, Moog Inc. is a worldwide designer, manufacturer, and integrator of precision control components and systems. The company’s high-performance systems control military and commercial aircraft, satellites and space vehicles, launch vehicles, missiles, automated industrial machinery, and marine and medical equipment. Founded over 65 years ago with only a few employees, Moog now operates in 26 countries. Moog maintains a large presence in Virginia, with multiple locations totaling more than 1,200 employees.

“Virginia’s aerospace sector is strong, and Moog is a valuable contributor to our leadership position in this sector,” said Secretary of Commerce and Trade Brian Ball. “We are proud that the company develops revolutionary aerospace technology from its growing operations in Montgomery County. This announcement, and the creation of 75 high-quality jobs, represents an important step forward as we work to rebound from this global health crisis.”

“Moog is excited to be expanding in Virginia and Montgomery County, in particular,” said Janet Byrne-Safier, Vice President of Moog’s Power and Data Sector. “As we look to support our growing business in established and new markets, the focus has been on developing geographic centers of excellence with ready access to a diverse talent pool. Moog places emphasis on retaining and developing its current workforce and new employees. Moog appreciates the assistance and cooperation of Montgomery County and the Virginia Economic Development Partnership and its Virginia Jobs Investment Program in this endeavor.”

“Moog is excited to be expanding in Virginia and Montgomery County, in particular. As we look to support our growing business in established and new markets, the focus has been on developing geographic centers of excellence with ready access to a diverse talent pool. Moog places emphasis on retaining and developing its current workforce and new employees.”
-Janet Byrne-Safier, Vice President of Moog’s Power and Data Sector

The Virginia Economic Development Partnership (VEDP) worked with Montgomery County to secure the project for Virginia and will support Moog’s job creation through the Virginia Jobs Investment Program (VJIP). VJIP 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.

Moog was recently selected to participate in VEDP’s award-winning Virginia Leaders in Export Trade (VALET) Program. VALET is an application-based, two-year global export acceleration program that provides participating companies with assistance from a team of experienced international service providers to help meet their export goals.

“When an existing company not only decides to stay in our community, but also flourishes to the point of expansion, well, that’s when we know that we are all doing something right,” said Chair of the Montgomery County Board of Supervisors Steve Fijalkowski. “Moog is a growing global company with a strong history in developing advanced technologies. We’re proud that they are a part of Montgomery County.”

“Moog’s exciting news of expansion into Christiansburg is a great example of economic achievement through the hard work of a talented and committed workforce,” said Delegate Nick Rush. “I extend my personal congratulations and appreciation to Moog for its local, regional, and global contributions, along with best wishes for continued success.”

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

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

Moog Inc.
Contact: Cynthia White
Email: cwhite@moog.com
Phone: (540) 443-4730

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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.

Mountain Lake Lodge Wins The Knot’s Best of Weddings 2021 Award

Mountain Lake Lodge Wins The Knot’s Best of Weddings 2021 Award

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Giles County, Virginia – Mountain Lake Lodge is one of the winners of The Knot’s Best of Weddings 2021 award for wedding venues. The venue, located in Pembroke, is considered one of the top-rated vendors of the year by the leading wedding website. According to The Knot, the Best of Weddings “recognizes top wedding vendors across the country. This prestigious honor represents the highest rated vendors on The Knot who are trusted, dependable, and deliver quality service. Only the best wedding vendors (top 5%) receive this award!” This is the second time that Mountain Lake Lodge has won a Best of Weddings award from The Knot. Not only is Mountain Lake Lodge a well-known wedding venue, it is also where much of the iconic 80s movie Dirty Dancing was filmed. Learn more about Mountain Lake Lodge here. Learn more about The Knot’s Best of Weddings 2021 awards here. Explore Giles County, a Virginia’s New River Valley community, here. Photo credit: Photo courtesy of Mountain Lake Lodge.
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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.
Qualtrax One of Best Places to Work in VA

Qualtrax One of Best Places to Work in VA

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Montgomery County, VA – According to Virginia Business magazine, Blacksburg-based Qualtrax is one of the best places to work in Virginia. The tech company was featured on the magazine’s 11th Annual Best Places to Work in Virginia List. This is the fourth consecutive year that Qualtrax was included in the “Small Employers (up to 99 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 2021 Best Places to Work in Virginia list here.

Learn more about Qualtrax’s previous honors on the Best Places to Work in Virginia list from 2020, 2019, and 2018.

Learn more about Qualtrax and the information technology 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.

FloydFest Wins Four Best of the Blue Ridge 2021 Awards

FloydFest Wins Best of the Blue Ridge 2021 Awards

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Floyd County, VA – FloydFest won two Best of the Blue Ridge 2021 awards from Blue Ridge Outdoors magazine and was a runner-up in two more categories. FloydFest was the winner or runner-up in the following categories:

  • Music Festival (Overall): Winner
  • Music Festival Missed Most in 2020: Winner
  • Family Friendly Festival: Runner-Up
  • Rowdiest Festival: Runner-Up

Blue Ridge Outdoors had this to say about FloydFest:

“It doesn’t get much better than 100 bands on nine stages over five days. FloydFest is a celebration of all things music and mountains, also featuring outdoor adventures, delicious food, and activities just for kids.”

Missed FloydFest in 2020 and looking forward to attending this year? Blue Ridge Outdoors states, “[t]he festival producers are optimistic about 2021 and already announced the lineup for July 2021, which includes the Avett Brothers, Sturgill Simpson, and Old Crow Medicine Show.”

Read more about FloydFest and all the other Best of the Blue Ridge award winners here.

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

Explore more accolades won by NRV counties, city, towns, and universities 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 Communities Among Top 20 Safest Cities in VA

NRV Communities Among Top 20 Safest Cities in VA

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New River Valley, VA – Three communities in the NRV are among the top 20 safest cities in Virginia for 2021. The National Council for Home Safety and Security found that Blacksburg, Radford, and Christiansburg are some of the safest places in the Commonwealth.

Here are the rankings for the three NRV communities who made the list:

#5: Blacksburg
#11: Radford
#20: Christiansburg

According to Alarms.org, the Blacksburg-Christiansburg-Radford MSA, better known as the New River Valley, is “one of the fastest growing metropolitan statistical areas in the country, with low crime being one of the main draws for many moving into the area.”

To compile the rankings, Alarms.org reviewed the most recent FBI Uniform Crime Report Statistics for Virginia cities with populations over 10,000. Learn more about the methodology and see the full rankings list for the safest cities in Virginian for 2021 here.

Learn more about the safe communities and excellent quality of life in Virginia’s New River Valley here.

Explore more accolades won by NRV counties, city, towns, and universities 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.

Long Way Brewing Opens in Radford

Long Way Brewing Opens in Radford

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Radford, VA – Long Way Brewing, the first brewery located within the City of Radford, opened in December 2020. The brewery is uniquely housed in a preserved former Seventh-day Adventist Church. The brewery shares the space with Radford Fairlawn Daily Bread, a non-profit organization that provides free meals to local people in need.

A recent article in The Roanoke Times, described the journey that the owners took to opening the brewery as well as the hopes that they have for the brewery. According to the article, “[Co-owner Keith] Weltens said he hopes the brewery adds to the revitalization of the city’s west end and can be a gathering place people in the neighborhood can walk to and enjoy a few brews.”

Read the full article about Long Way Brewing from The Roanoke Times here.

Learn more about Long Way Brewing here.

Learn more about the food processing and 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.