Radford Receives Grant for VCI Site

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Radford, VA – The City of Radford was recently awarded a $3.5 million grant from the Virginia Business Ready Site Program for their VCI property located on West Main Street.

According to the Governor of Virginia’s press release, the program is administered by the Virginia Economic Development Partnership in collaboration with localities, utilities, and state agencies “to fund infrastructure improvements that build operations-ready sites for employers and manufacturers ready to expand in the Commonwealth”.

Radford’s VCI site is an 80-acre property that is rail served and strategically accessible to both the East Coast and Midwest markets. With the ability to accommodate a 500,000 square foot building, this grant will help prepare the property for future growth.

Read the Virginia Governor’s press release here.

Learn more about the VCI site 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.

Giles County Awarded Federal Grant for Glen Lyn Plant

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Giles County, VA – Cardinal News recently reported that Giles County was awarded a U.S. Economic Development Administration grant to support a reuse study of the decommissioned Appalachian Power coal fired Glen Lyn Plant. The power plant has been in Giles County since 1919.

Giles County and Appalachian Power are partnering together to discover new ways to use the 45,000 square foot building. They hope that the brick building can be repurposed and brought back to life. Its location and access to infrastructure make the building an excellent location for any business looking for new space.

The county and Appalachian Power administrators will use the $200,000 federal grant as well as $50,000 from the local industrial development authority to determine next steps for the property.

Read the full article here.

Photo from Cardinal News

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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.

Blacksburg Resident Wins Gold in Paris Olympics

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Montgomery County, VA – Cardinal News reported that Cole Hocker, a track and field athlete, won gold in the 1500 meter run at the Paris Olympics. His powerful finishing kick helped him to beat the two favorites, one from Great Britian and the other from Norway, and break the Olympic record.

Embed from Getty Images

Cole Hocker moved to Blacksburg in 2023 to work with Virginia Tech track and field coach Ben Thomas and train in the New River Valley. This move put him on the gold medal stand. He first attempted to win a gold medal in the Tokyo Olympics but came in 6th place.

Read the full article here.

Watch Cole Hocker’s gold medal run here.

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Virginia’s New River Valley: Virginia’s New River Valley is an eclectic mix of interconnected small towns that each offer their own unique vibe and appeal. The region provides an abundance of cultural and social offerings due to the presence of three world-class universities, while retaining the charm and benefits of small town living. The NRV is home to a diverse and innovative business community with companies that range from high-tech startups to foreign-based corporations to specialty agribusiness. These organizations benefit from the collaborative spirit of our region and a loyal, highly-skilled, and educated workforce. The scenic beauty of the region also fosters a deep connection to nature, which is deepened by access to outdoor recreation and the preservation of our natural environment. It’s clear why Virginia’s New River Valley is “A Natural Fit.”

Onward NRV: Onward NRV is a public/private, regional economic development organization whose mission is to attract and retain world class jobs, investment, and talent in Virginia’s New River Valley. It’s also a movement where leaders from business, government, and higher education work together to promote the economic vitality of the region.

Radford University Receives Grant for Workforce Development

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Radford, VA – Radford University recently reported that they have received a $202,872 grant from the GO Virginia State Board to support the Developing IT & Cybersecurity Certification Pipeline (ITCCP) initiative.

According to Radford University’s press release, the ITCCP, “a partnership between the Radford University Division of Economic Development and Corporate Education and the Commonwealth Cyber Initiative Southwest Virginia, is a collaborative project with Radford University, Virginia Tech and New River Community College designed to increase the number of professionals with IT and cybersecurity certifications.” The partnership seeks to address regional talent gaps by creating a pipeline of students and graduates with IT and cybersecurity professional certifications.

The press release also stated that “a regional testing center will be established at The HUB at Radford for Economic Development to increase accessibility to certification testing for IT and cybersecurity certifications for students at partnering institutions and incumbent workers in the New River Valley.”

Virginia’s New River Valley is “A Natural Fit” for businesses in software development, cybersecurity, IT support, digital creative, and other Information Technology subsectors. Thanks to outstanding education programs from local universities, the NRV is cultivating one of the nation’s top IT workforces. This skilled talent can thrive in a region that boasts an excellent quality of life and a low cost of living. Learn more about Information Technology in the NRV here.

Read Radford University’s press release here.

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Virginia’s New River Valley: Virginia’s New River Valley is an eclectic mix of interconnected small towns that each offer their own unique vibe and appeal. The region provides an abundance of cultural and social offerings due to the presence of three world-class universities, while retaining the charm and benefits of small town living. The NRV is home to a diverse and innovative business community with companies that range from high-tech startups to foreign-based corporations to specialty agribusiness. These organizations benefit from the collaborative spirit of our region and a loyal, highly-skilled, and educated workforce. The scenic beauty of the region also fosters a deep connection to nature, which is deepened by access to outdoor recreation and the preservation of our natural environment. It’s clear why Virginia’s New River Valley is “A Natural Fit.”

Onward NRV: Onward NRV is a public/private, regional economic development organization whose mission is to attract and retain world class jobs, investment, and talent in Virginia’s New River Valley. It’s also a movement where leaders from business, government, and higher education work together to promote the economic vitality of the region.

NRV Companies Awarded 2024 Top Virginia Employers for Interns

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New River Valley, VA – The Virginia Talent + Opportunity Partnership (V-TOP) recently honored 136 organizations as the 2024 Top Virginia Employers for Interns, including several from Virginia’s New River Valley (NRV). This recognition not only highlights the amazing internship opportunities at these NRV employers but also calls attention to the NRV as a premier location to live, work, and conduct business.

The award is a partnership between V-TOP, the State Council of Higher Education for Virginia (SCHEV), the Virginia Chamber of Commerce Foundation, and the Virginia Business Higher Education Council. V-TOP is supported by the General Assembly’s Commonwealth Innovative Internship Fund and Program.

The NRV recipients are:

The 2024 Top Virginia Employer Intern award recognized employers who provide students with high-quality internships. Recipients of the award were evaluated based on efforts to include housing allowance, training for industry certifications, paid time off, security clearance, exposure to senior leadership, and structured mentorship programs.

Review the full list of recipients here.

Companies in Virginia’s New River Valley have the added benefit of the opportunity to enroll their interns in the NRV Experience hosted by Onward NRV. The seven-week long summer program features a series of community excursions, professional development trainings, and networking opportunities for your summer interns. These events connect them with other interns in the region while showcasing lifestyle amenities the New River Valley has to offer. Find out why you should enroll your interns in the next NRV Experience 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.

Inorganic Ventures Acquires PURE Analytical Laboratories

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Montgomery County, VA – IV Labs Inc., parent company of Inorganic Ventures, reported that they have acquired PURE Analytical Laboratories located in Pennsylvania.

According to the press release “Inorganic Ventures, a manufacturer of certified reference materials (CRMs), provides some of the highest levels of accuracy, certainty, and traceability, for quality control and analysis of impurities—along with a robust education and training program for scientists in the field. PURE produces ultra-high purity starting materials, while Inorganic Ventures uses the materials to formulate precise custom standards and produce precision custom materials.”

Combing these companies will help produce materials with higher purities than are currently available in the market and enable IV Labs to enhance their research and development of ultra-high purity products for emerging technologies. The acquisition will also reduce processing requirements in a wide range of industries that include electronics, transportation, pharmaceuticals, and food and beverage.

Virginia’s New River Valley is a place where pioneering businesses can thrive and grow. Learn why the NRV is a natural fit for expanding companies here.

Read IV Labs’ 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.

Southern Living Names Floyd Country Store Top 20 Friendliest Places in the South

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Floyd County, VA – Southern Living magazine recently ranked The Floyd Country Store among their “20 Friendliest Places in the South”. The Floyd Country Store was selected as “Most Inviting Front Porch” due to the “centuries-old songs” that spill out from the store on a weekly basis. The Floyd Country Store is known for its Friday Night Jamboree and impromptu jam sessions. The Friday Night Jamboree is currently celebrating its 40th anniversary.

According to the article, Southern Living selections were based on “a list of reader-submitted nominations that numbered into the thousands and included all types of places from hotels to restaurants to shops to entire towns.”

Read the full 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.

New River Community College Announces Economic Impact

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Pulaski County, VA – WSLS recently reported on New River Community College’s economic impact study for the Fiscal Year 2021-2022. The report shows that the community college is having a large influence in the region, contributing more than $121 million to the NRV’s economy in 2022.

According to the Economic Value of New River Community College Report, “for every dollar invested in the college, students gain $4.50 in higher future earnings and taxpayers see a net benefit of $2.20 in added tax revenue stemming from students’ higher lifetime earnings and increased output by businesses and public sector savings.”

The study also profiles the college’s operations spending impact, student spending impact, and the alumni impact in Virginia’s New River Valley for the 2021-2022 fiscal year.

Watch the WSLS Story here.

Read New River Community College’s full economic impact study here.

Virginia’s New River Valley offers exceptional educational opportunities, featuring several world-class universities and colleges within the region. Learn more about the educational landscape of 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.

Falling Branch Corporate Park Receives Site Improvements

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Montgomery County, VA – WDBJ7 recently reported that Falling Branch Corporate Park in Christiansburg, Virginia is receiving some site improvements. Its location off I-81 has made the corporate park a success, bringing in 600 new jobs and over $300 million in investment.

“Virginia is really lacking in prepared sites”, said Montgomery County Economic Development Director Brian Hamilton, “And the pre-graded pad takes out a lot of the unknown for the company.”

According to Montgomery County’s website, the improvements on Phase II Lot 2 will result in a 20-acre graded pad directly beside FedEx Ground. The pad will have utilities and a paved access road. The site improvements are expected to make Phase II Lot 2 of Falling Branch shovel ready by the end of the year.

Watch WDBJ7’s story here.

Virginia’s New River Valley is the perfect location to let your business flourish. Explore available sites and buildings in the NRV that are “A Natural Fit” here.

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Virginia’s New River Valley: Virginia’s New River Valley is an eclectic mix of interconnected small towns that each offer their own unique vibe and appeal. The region provides an abundance of cultural and social offerings due to the presence of three world-class universities, while retaining the charm and benefits of small town living. The NRV is home to a diverse and innovative business community with companies that range from high-tech startups to foreign-based corporations to specialty agribusiness. These organizations benefit from the collaborative spirit of our region and a loyal, highly-skilled, and educated workforce. The scenic beauty of the region also fosters a deep connection to nature, which is deepened by access to outdoor recreation and the preservation of our natural environment. It’s clear why Virginia’s New River Valley is “A Natural Fit.”

Onward NRV: Onward NRV is a public/private, regional economic development organization whose mission is to attract and retain world class jobs, investment, and talent in Virginia’s New River Valley. It’s also a movement where leaders from business, government, and higher education work together to promote the economic vitality of the region.

Radford University Releases Economic Impact Study

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Radford, VA – Radford University recently published their 2022 Economic Impact Study, which outlines the university’s contributions to Virginia’s New River Valley and the Commonwealth of Virginia. The study reveals that Radford University generated a total economic impact of $421.7 million for the state of Virginia and $390 million for the NRV in the 2022 Fiscal Year. For every $1 Virginia invested in Radford University, the university returned $6.35 to the state’s economy.

The report also emphasizes the university’s impact on employment, student spending and volunteerism, visitor spending, alumni spending, and human capital improvements during the 2022 Fiscal Year.

Read Radford University’s full economic impact study here.

Virginia’s New River Valley boasts outstanding educational opportunities, with several world-class universities and colleges located in the region. Learn more about the educational landscape of 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.