Chef T

Chef T’s Journey to Radford University

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Chef T

RADFORD, VA – When you think of Virginia’s New River Valley, “Hell’s Kitchen” or “Celebrity Chef” may not be the first thing you think of, but the NRV is the proud home of Chef Torrence Gregoire.

Gregoire, who goes by “Chef T” was featured on “Hell’s Kitchen” twice, even coming in as runner up in Season 14.

Chef T now serves as the Executive Chef at Radford University. She previously served as the Director of Culinary Operations at the Draper Mercantile.

Read more about Chef T’s journey to the NRV from Sam Wall at the Roanoke Times:
https://www.roanoke.com/news/education/higher_education/radford/from-hell-s-kitchen-to-radford-university/article_7d598ca3-2a2a-50b4-a3b4-b0cbc2d0d54f.html

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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.”

Downtown Narrows

Roanoke Times: $1 Million in Revitalization Work Slated for Downtown Narrows

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FROM ROANOKE TIMES – “Narrows is banking on Giles County’s abundance of outdoor recreation assets and just over $1 million in grant funding to bring vitality back to its downtown.

Project planning began in 2015, said Susan Kidd, director of strategic development. ‘We’d like to become a little more vibrant in our community and revive Narrows like it used to be — or maybe it’ll be something better.’

Downtown Narrows

Narrows received $699,346 from Virginia’s portion of the federal Community Development Block Grant program to do several public infrastructure improvements, from parking lots to trails to property acquisition. The grant will also offer owners of downtown commercial buildings up to $15,000 for facade improvements, if they do an equal amount of other qualifying work on their properties. Kidd said that at least seven such projects would be funded.”

To read the full article by Tonia Moxley for the Roanoke Times, visit: https://www.roanoke.com/business/news/giles_county/million-in-revitalization-work-slated-for-downtown-narrows/article_c4e5dced-42b0-5050-a02a-c8e92a29c5f9.html

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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.”

NRV Among Best of Virginia Aerospace

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VIRGINIA’S NEW RIVER VALLEY – Several assets and locations in Virginia’s New River Valley have made the cut as some of the best of Virginia’s Aerospace industry. The accolades were published in the Fall 2018 Edition (current issue) of the Southern Business & Development Magazine.

Virginia Aerospace Rankings

The best places in Western Virginia for Aerospace included Montgomery County-Blacksburg and Radford.

Virginia Tech was also named one of the Best Colleges for Aerospace Worker Training. The Virginia Tech Aerospace and Ocean Engineering is the #5 program in the world according to the center for World University Rankings (2018).

The Virginia Space Grant Consortium, which Virginia Tech is a part of, was also mentioned as one of the best in Aerospace R&D in Virginia.

Click to enlarge the photo on the right to view all rankings in Virginia.

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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.”

Blacksburg Commute

Blacksburg Has the Shortest Commute in VA

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BLACKSBURG, VA – The numbers are in and according to Business Insider, Blacksburg has the shortest commute time in Virginia.

The average commute in Blacksburg is 13.9 minutes.

The shortest commutes in neighboring states include:

  • Murray, Kentucky — 12.4
  • Fruitland, Maryland — 15.7
  • Boone, North Carolina — 13.3 minutes
  • Paris, Tennessee — 13.2 minutes
  • Elkins, West Virginia — 11.4

    • Blacksburg Commute

    Business Insider used data from the American Community Survey from the Census Bureau. Data from 2013 to 2017, Business Insider identified cities/towns with at least 1,000 workers over the age of 16. It also excludes college campuses and military bases.

    For full list of shortest commute times in the state, visit Business Insider.

    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.”

    NRV job fair

    NRV Job Fair Expo

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    DUBLIN, VA – If your company is looking for new employees, the New River Valley Job Fair Expo is a great place to look. The NRV job fair will help connect companies to highly-skilled workers in the following industries:

  • Healthcare
  • Manufacturing
  • Information Technology
  • Service Industries

    • NRV Job Fair

    Click to enlarge

    The event will be held at New River Community College in Dublin (Edwards Hall, Room 117) from 9am to Noon on April 3, 2019.

    Register at www.surveymonkey.com/r/NRVExpo19.

    For more information contact:
    Kimber Simmons
    540-357-1651
    kimber.simmons@vcwnmr.com.

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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.”

    Blacksburg Mountain Bike Park

    Blacksburg Mountain Bike Skills Park Now Under Construction

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    FROM TOWN OF BLACKSBURG – On February 18, Lynchburg-based Native Landworks began construction on the Blacksburg Rotary Mountain Bike Skills Park located on the back four acres of Brush Mountain, off Meadowbrook Drive. The park is expected to be finished by mid-April.

    The Blacksburg Rotary Mountain Bike Park is a community effort, led by Blacksburg Parks and Recreation, with funding provided in part by the Blacksburg Rotary Club and over 150 individuals and area businesses. The primary purpose of the project is to establish an off-road experience in a structured setting that provides various riding opportunities and experiences to the public. The park will include 3560 feet of downhill trails with obstacles to give beginners and intermediate riders the opportunity to learn how to maneuver on the terrain; while more advanced riders can work on perfecting their skills.

    “We’re very excited to begin construction on the mountain bike skills park,” said Blacksburg Town Manager Marc Verniel. “The park will provide an additional outdoor recreation amenity for area residents and will add to our wider region’s appeal as a mountain biking and outdoor recreation destination. This project is possible because of the community members and organizations that have contributed their ideas and funding to support the park’s construction.”

    For more information on the park visit http://blacksburgmtbpark.org/ or contact Dean Crane, Director of Parks and Recreation at dcrane@blacksburg.gov or 540-443-1101.

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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.”

    Meld training program

    MELD Manufacturing Announces New Operator Training Course

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    CHRISTIANSBURG, VA – MELD Manufacturing Corporation has launched a new training program that will give participants certification in operating MELD machinery. The 4-day courses will be hosted at MELD’s headquarters in Christiansburg, VA and attendees will receive both hands-on machine training and classroom instruction led by experts in the technology.

    MELD training course

    MELD Manufacturing Corporation’s patented and award-winning technology is a unique no-melt process for the additive manufacturing, repairing, coating, and joining of metals and metal matrix composites. The training course will review the history of how MELD was developed and provide participants with a deeper understanding of its material compatibility, application capabilities, and other properties.

    Participants will also be instructed on identifying required machine settings for the wide range of metals compatible with the technology and be taken through each step of the MELD process, from digital print file creation to deposition.

    “This program creates certified MELDers and delivers the capacity to integrate and innovate with MELD,” said MELD Manufacturing Corporation CEO Nanci Hardwick. “Our customers have raved about the elegance of the MELD process and the ease of training. We’re excited to offer more of these opportunities.”

    Class sizes will be very limited to ensure the maximum amount of hands-on machine time for each attendee. At the end of the sessions, participants will receive a certificate demonstrating their ability to operate MELD machinery.

    Visit http://meldmanufacturing.com/meld-operator-training/ for class details and registration for remaining openings.

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    MELD Manufacturing Corporation holds more than a dozen patents for MELD™ technology, an innovative process for additive manufacturing, coating, joining, and repairing metals and metal matrix composites. MELD™ offers the power to build parts in solid state, thereby avoiding the issues associated with melting. The technology is also open-atmosphere, meaning no special vacuums or chambers are needed for operation. The MELD™ equipment is scalable and can produce parts much larger than similar processes. MELD Manufacturing Corporation offers MELD machines sales, contract manufacturing, and consulting services. Learn more at www.meldmanufacturing.com.

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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.”

    1901 Group and Radford University

    Three-Year Partnership Prepares IT Students for Jobs of the Future

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    ~ 1901 Group and Radford University Join Forces with Hands-on Education in Cyber Security and Cloud Technologies ~

    RESTON, VA – Industry leading companies and universities must work together to develop students with the right skills to face the challenges and needs of the global economy. To support the growth of tomorrow’s workforce, 1901 Group announces its partnership with Radford University’s (RU) Artis College of Science and Technology through its Applied Research Center (ARC) to help students achieve their academic goals and create broader career opportunities.

    To enhance the student’s educational experience and provide them with hands-on projects, Radford University’s ARC, an industry consortium, brings together students with industry partners to explore emerging enterprise technologies. The consortium provides real-world learning experiences and encourages students to interact with industry professionals thereby gaining the skills to communicate solutions effectively.

    “Attracting, developing, and retaining premium talent is crucial for our industry and we are excited to join Radford University to support this mission, said Sonu Singh, CEO 1901 Group. “Our long-standing relationship with Radford University provides students with a meaningful work experience and educational opportunities through mock interviews, internships, real-world projects, and permanent positions. Hands-on industry experience with cloud technologies increases job opportunities as it reduces the time, expense, and risk of hiring new graduates.”

    For the past year, 1901 Group has been a founding sponsor with Radford University (RU) to support the future generation of tech students. Currently, 1901 Group is engaged with the University to add ServiceNow development skill-based projects to the undergraduate class curriculum, offering real-world experience within the 1901 Group environment.

    “1901 Group is an outstanding partner,” said Dr. Jeff Pittges, ARC Director. “They are giving our students valuable experiences they cannot obtain in the classroom.”

    About 1901 Group, LLC: 1901 Group is a leading FedRAMP authorized managed service provider in the public sector market and delivers innovative IT solutions by leveraging our Enterprise IT Operations Center to provide 24×7 support of end users, complex IT infrastructure environments, and mission critical systems. We deliver cloud, cyber security, and enterprise scale managed services to transition customers from traditional on-premise IT infrastructure and support models to hybrid cloud solutions that improve performance and reduce costs. We proudly support customers that span federal, state, and local governments, including law enforcement and criminal justice agencies, and commercial markets. Customers benefit from our 24×7 Cloud Factory with FedRAMP authorization, ISO 9001 certification, and CMMI Maturity Level 3 appraisals. Visit our newsroom and simplify IT with 1901 Group.

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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.”

    Nest Realty Publishes 2018 NRV Annual Report

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    VIRGINIA’S NEW RIVER VALLEY – Nest Realty has officially published their 2018 annual report for Virginia’s New River Valley, which may indicate the start of a re-balanced housing market in the region.

    There is nothing to suggest that the real estate market will crash, as it did in 2008, but buyers might be re-gaining some leverage. Overall, the median housing price went up, and the number of sales went down.

    Nest Realty says the NRV housing market is “slow and steady,” which can help both buyers and sellers avoid mistakes. Read more about why Nest says the real estate market in Virginia’s New River Valley remains strong: https://www.nestrealty.com/blog/wp-content/uploads/2019/01/2018AnnualReport_NRV-web.pdf

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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.”

    GO Virginia Region 2

    GO Virginia “Brain Drain” Survey Gauges Local Student Perception

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    Onward NRV, in partnership with the Roanoke and Lynchburg regions, is looking to gauge perceptions and preferences of students and recent grads in the New River Valley, Roanoke, and Lynchburg regions.

    As a part of the GO Virginia funded study “Project Brain Drain: Talent Attraction and Retention,” the regions launched the survey to better understand what makes the greater region a good place to live, work, and study. It will also help discover where improvements can be made or programs can be put in place.

    The survey will help uncover why students from 15 higher education institutes often leave the greater region after graduation. It will also identify ways to attract and retain college-educated professionals.

    If you are a student or recent graduate, share your input by taking the survey: https://www.surveymonkey.com/r/GoVAStudentSurvey.

    The survey is anonymous and takes 5-10 minutes. Those who complete the survey can enter a giveaway to win a $100 Amazon gift card.

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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.”