New River Valley Video

Onward NRV Releases New Regional Video

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NEW RIVER VALLEY, VA – Onward New River Valley is proud to release a brand new video showcasing the unique culture and assets of Virginia’s New River Valley.

The New River Valley video, which was created with Nightfire Productions, is a culmination of input from people and companies all over the NRV. It encompasses the culture of our area, while showcasing some of the unique assets in the region.

The video features the Virginia’s New River Valley branding created with Eddy Alexander, which Onward NRV has been working to rollout over the past year. The video is the latest effort to cultivate and nurture the brand.

“We’re incredibly proud to release the New River Valley video,” said Onward NRV Executive Director Charlie Jewell. “This video expresses and adds to the emotional attachment that people have to the NRV. It was created as a concerted effort to effectively brand Virginia’s New River Valley. We hope you enjoy what we believe is an excellent representation of the NRV and that you share it with everyone you know.”

Like the video? Make sure everyone sees it by sharing on Facebook, Twitter, or LinkedIn!

For a complete list of locations in the video, or to embed it on your site, visit the video web page.

For more information, contact Onward NRV Marketing Manager, Abigail Hammack at abigail@onwardnrv.org.

New River 500 Kairos Giles County VA

The New River 500 Event Returns at Kairos in Giles County, Virginia

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FROM GILES COUNTY, VA– The New River 500 will be held October 19-21 at Kairos Resort in Giles County, Virginia and encompass over 500 kilometers of riding. This event is an all-inclusive dual sport adventurer’s dream. A multiple day opportunity to ride, socialize, and participate in on and off-road courses- you will want to mark your calendars for this. Bring your bike and experience rides through the mountains of the New River Valley. Come for the riding, stay for the fellowship and enjoy good eats, all at the New River 500. Dual sport bike rentals available for participants too, from GearHead Junction in Pearisburg.

The New River 500 motorsport event will held at Kairos, an outdoor adventure haven located in the western part of Giles County. This property features an amphitheater, RV and tent camping sites, luxury yurts, scenic overlooks, and over 45 miles of trails to enjoy. Established in 2016 and opening its gates early 2017, Kairos has prepared a venue and space that pursues not just a place but a feeling.

What is included in the registration: Access to Kairos property on Friday evening or Saturday morning, primitive tent camping for two nights, bathhouses, and necessary facilities, dinner on Saturday evening, souvenir t-shirt, and route charts for dual sport routes through the region. You are welcome to bring your RV as there is a well-appointed campground. Camping is included for primitive sites for both nights. If you want an upgrade you can do so. Throw in your camping chairs for the dinner and fun on Saturday evening.

Want to participate but don’t have a valid motorcycle license? Kairos Resort has onsite trails and day passes every day of the year! They also have Polaris UTV rentals for onsite riding. Visit their website or call any day to take advantage of the property amenities.

Stay up-to-date with event announcements by following the event on Facebook, by searching ‘The New River 500’ or visiting GilesCounty.org. To RSVP for the New River 500 call 540-235-2777 or register at the link on Facebook.

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For more information about planning your visit to Giles County or about activities and events, please visit www.gilescounty.org or contact us at tourism@gilescounty.org.

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

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

Virginia Tech Football Entrance

Virginia Tech Ranked the #1 Most Electric Entrance in College Football

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VIRGINIA’S NEW RIVER VALLEY – Locals know how rowdy Lane Stadium gets, but the news has gotten out. The Virginia Tech Hokies stadium entrance to Metallica’s Enter Sandman was ranked the #1 Most Electric Entrance in College Football by Fanbuzz.

The entire stadium, from the band, to the student section, to people who are probably too old to do it, jump in unison to as the song builds to its climax. The Hokies’ football team walks from their locker room to the stadium, files into the narrow tunnel, and bursts onto the Lane Stadium field. It’s electric, it’s crazy, and it’s our favorite entrance in all of college football.

Other universities mentioned include Miami, South Carolina, and Clemson, but Virginia Tech took home the number one spot.

To see the full ranking, visit Fanbuzz.

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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.

Unmanned Systems Conference Blacksburg NRV VA

National Unmanned Systems Symposium to Take Place in NRV

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BLACKSBURG, VA – The Ridge & Valley chapter of the Association for Unmanned Vehicle Systems International (AUVSI) will host their second annual conference on October 9-10 in Blacksburg, VA to explore the state of unmanned systems technology, education, and research.

Peter Kunz, Ph.D., the Chief Technologist at Boeing HorizonX, will be the keynote speaker at the symposium.

The event will focus on the theme, “At the Intersection.” Main event programming will occur on the Virginia Tech campus in Blacksburg at the Inn at Virginia Tech. Local tours and other activities will be off-campus in the Blacksburg area.

The theme represents the progress in unmanned systems technology and the challenges and opportunities increasingly appearing at the intersections of fundamental areas: human with machine; sensing with control; open architecture with secure software and communication; air with land and sea.

“I’m so excited for ‘At the Intersection,’” said Nanci Hardwick, CEO of Aeroprobe and President of AUVSI Ridge & Valley. “Our second annual event is coming after the extreme success of our first event, which brought attendees and speakers from all over the country and was regarded as a highly organized event that delivered a lot of value to participants. ‘At the Intersection’ is another great opportunity for unmanned systems professionals to learn more about the current state of the industry. Plus, it calls attention to all the fantastic companies and assets we have here in the New River Valley.”

The event will feature plenary speakers, interactive panels, and demonstrations by leaders from industry, government, and education. Activities will include networking, recruiting opportunities, and tours of area unmanned systems facilities.

Abstract submissions and registration for the event are still open.

Contact

For more information visit www.auvsiridgeandvalley.org/events or contact Abigail Hammack at abigail@onwardnrv.org. Follow AUVSI Ridge & Valley on Facebook and Twitter.

About AUVSI Ridge & Valley

The Ridge & Valley chapter of AUVSI seeks to advance unmanned systems at the regional level, and to help drive publicity and awareness for the region as a resource for technical expertise. Additionally, the chapter seeks to bring more unmanned systems companies and jobs to the area, while working with local colleges and universities to develop educational and workforce development needs.

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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.

Onward NRV Receives 3 Awards for Regional Marketing

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Onward NRV SEDC Awards

VIRGINIA’S NEW RIVER VALLEY – Onward New River Valley is proud to have received three awards from the Southern Economic Development Council through their 2018 Communication Awards Competition. All submissions featured the river stone branding for Virginia’s New River Valley created with Eddy Alexander.

“We are so thankful to receive three SEDC awards this year,” said Onward NRV Executive Director Charlie Jewell. “The Virginia’s New River Valley branding was, and still is, a huge initiative to raise the visibility of our region as a great place to live, work and do business. We’re very glad to be recognized by our peers in this way. I want to thank our Marketing Manager Abigail Hammack and Eddy Alexander for ensuring the projects were a success.”

Onward NRV SEDC Awards

Awards

Best of Class, Small Division, for the Virginia’s New River Valley rebranding
Certificate of Excellence for the Targeted Industry Brochures
Certificate of Excellence for the Virginia’s New River Valley Website

The rebranding submission included the brand book explaining the meaning and messaging behind the Virginia’s New River Valley river stone brand. It also included other implementations of the brand such as promotional material and documents.

The brochures, which were created in-house, were submitted in the series of four, one for each targeted industry: Advanced Manufacturing, Food Processing & Agribusiness, Information Technology, and Unmanned Systems. The series in total received the award.

The website submission included the entirety of the Virginia’s New River Valley website.

SEDC

The Communication Awards are announced during SEDC’s annual conference. Submissions are evaluated in four divisions. Virginia’s New River Valley is in the “Small Division,” which includes all communities or regions with populations of less than 500,000.

The judges for the awards are economic development professionals from the Southern U.S. The awards are only given to economic development organizations.

The Southern Economic Development Council is a non-profit membership organization and the oldest and largest regional economic development association in North America.

View the full list of award winners here.

Contact Information

For more information, contact Onward NRV Marketing Manager Abigail Hammack.

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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 Top Posts of 2018

Town of Narrows Receives VA Main Street Grant

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FROM GILES COUNTY, VA– The Town of Narrows has been awarded a 2019 Virginia Main Street Commercial District Affiliate grant in the amount of $7,000. These funds will be used to develop a collaborative approach to implement commercial district development among the five towns in Giles County, and increase the ability of each town to develop and implement their own strategies following the Virginia Main Street approach. The ultimate outcome of the grant is to create a “Hometowns of the New River Valley” initiative in Giles County, building on the successful ‘Hometowns of the Clinch’ model that towns along the Clinch River have developed for their communities. The Town of Narrows is partnering with the Giles County Tourism Office and the New River Valley Regional Commission for the implementation of this grant.

The Commercial District Affiliate grant is offered by the Virginia Department of Housing and Community Development through the Virginia Main Street Program, the state’s coordinating program for Main Street America. The grants are designed to provide funding for projects or services that will assist communities or organizations in achieving their downtown revitalization goals. These grants are available to more than 80 Commercial District Affiliates that have registered with Virginia Main Street.

This year’s grants total $35,000 and were awarded to the Columbia Pike Revitalization Organization in Arlington County, Russell County on behalf of the Dante Community Association, the city of Galax, and the towns of Narrows, Glade Spring, and Stanardsville.

“Downtown revitalization is key to creating stronger entrepreneurial ecosystems in our Main Street Commercial District Affiliate communities,” said Erik Johnston, director for the Virginia Department of Housing and Community Development. “Though small in size, these projects will have a lasting impact in the communities they will be serving.”

Virginia Main Street Grant Program

Virginia Main Street has been helping revitalize older and historic commercial districts in Virginia for more than 30 years. As of today, the program is a network of 28 designated communities and more than 80 affiliate communities who share both a commitment to place and to building stronger communities through preservation-based economic development. Since 2012, communities participating in the program have leveraged more than $272 million in private investment, generated more than 3,000 net new jobs, and garnered more than 406,000 volunteer hours.

Giles County

Giles County, Virginia is located in Southwest Virginia approximately 40 minutes south of Roanoke and just west of Blacksburg and Virginia Tech. With easy access to the New River, world class dining and lodging properties, and historical attractions for the entire family, Giles offers adventure in Virginia’s Mountain PlaygroundTM. Come find your playground at our Visitors Center located at 203 N Main Street, Pearisburg, VA 24134 or find us online at gilescounty.org or by calling 540-921-2079. For interviews or onsite visits, please contact Cora Gnegy, Tourism Marketing Director. We can arrange and assist with any media needs. For more information about planning your visit to Giles County or about activities and events, please visit www.gilescounty.org or contact us at tourism@gilescounty.org.

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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.

Downtown Radford

Radford Starts Downtown Revitalization

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Downtown Radford Theater

VIRGINIA’S NEW RIVER VALLEY – The city of Radford was accepted into the Virginia Main Street Program as a Department of Housing and Community Development (DHCD) District Affiliate to help revitalize downtown Radford.

This means Radford has access to revitalization grants and training programs. The city hopes to become a Designated Virginia Main Street Community in the future.

The city of Radford is a great place to live and work. Home to Radford University, it’s also a great place to receive a world-class education. Radford is consistently named a great place to live and downtown Radford can only improve by partnering with the DHCD.

About the DHCD

The Virginia DHCD aims to better communities in the commonwealth by developing economic potential, regulating codes, and investing millions of dollars each year into housing and community development projects. The DHCD partners with governments, nonprofits, and other groups to make life better for Virginians.

The Virginia Main Street Program is an economic and community development program that assists communities to revitalize historic commercial districts. The program mainly focuses on small to mid-sized downtown areas.

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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.

BAE Systems DARPA

BAE Systems Is Pioneering Defense Autonomy

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VIRGINIA’S NEW RIVER VALLEY – Autonomous technologies are a lot more visible in 2018 than they were decades ago, but they were definitely still around. In fact, NRV Company BAE Systems was (and still is) leading the charge.

BAE Systems has been working on advanced automated technologies for over 20 years. It is the top provider for almost every significant U.S. Department of Defense program. BAE was even the first developer of the technology used in the Defense Advanced Research Projects Agency (DARPA) Join Unmanned Combat Air System (J-UCAS) program.

Now BAE has expanded to other areas and continues to make great strides in the unmanned systems industry.

For more information, check out “BAE Systems A Pioneer of Autonomy Technologies for More Than 20 Years” on the BAE Systems website.

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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.

Love Sculpture Pearisburg

‘LOVE’ Sculpture Completed in Pearisburg

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FROM GILES COUNTY, VA – The story begins during the 2017 Giles Summer Feeding Program. The story continues through the 2017-2018 school year. The story is about to make its permanent mark on the landscape of Giles County. On August 21 at 2pm a brand new LOVE sculpture will be unveiled in Pearisburg with special guests and a short ceremony.

But what makes this ‘LOVE’ so special? This public art installation features over 3,500 rocks, from Giles County, painted by every child age 4 through 12 in public, private, and home school. This ambitious project is a joint effort between the Giles County Public Schools, Giles Early Education Project (GEEP), the Summer Feeding Program, county employees, volunteers, and residents. For the last year, volunteers and faculty members have been working with young people to express their creative side by painting rocks that in some way, represents who they are or what makes them special.

New LOVE Sculpture

Love Sculpture Pearisburg

Work has been underway near the Giles County Courthouse since early July supported by local masons and ACCE student volunteers. The concept and design work was completed by a local group of teachers and volunteers. Funding for the LOVE sculpture has come from gracious donations from The Palisades Restaurant and community organizations. The Virginia Tourism Corporation, who markets state-wide LOVEWorks, also awarded a mini grant to support the construction costs. The finished project will stand approximately 6 foot high and 12 foot long, with all 3,500 rocks uniquely representing Giles. It will be located along Main Street between the Courthouse and Treasurer’s Office.

On August 21st guests are invited to the unveiling of Virginia’s newest LOVE and a true celebration of travel, people, and community. Special guests include The Honorable Governor Ralph Northam, representatives from Virginia Tourism Corporation, Giles County School Board members, project leaders, and the students themselves. There will be plenty of parking in the municipal parking lot at the Courthouse.

Contact

Cora Gnegy
Giles County Tourism Marketing Department
540-921-2079
cgnegy@gilescounty.org
203 N. Main Street, Pearisburg, VA 24134

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Giles County, Virginia is located in Southwest Virginia approximately 40 minutes south of Roanoke and just west of Blacksburg and Virginia Tech. With easy access to the New River, world class dining and lodging properties, and historical attractions for the entire family, Giles offers adventure in Virginia’s Mountain PlaygroundTM. Come find your playground at our Visitors Center located at 203 N Main Street, Pearisburg, VA 24134 or find us online at gilescounty.org or by calling 540-921-2079. For interviews or onsite visits, please contact Cora Gnegy, Tourism Marketing Director. We can arrange and assist with any media needs. For more information about planning your visit to Giles County or about activities and events, please visit www.gilescounty.org or contact us at tourism@gilescounty.org.

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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.

first residential drone delivery

First Residential Drone Delivery Completed in Montgomery County

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Virginia’s New River Valley – Two-year-old Jackson Smith from Montgomery County received a very special delivery last Tuesday: a popsicle. But this popsicle was inside what is considered the most advanced drone package delivery in America.

After the Smith family clicked “Confirm Order” on an app, a drone flew 1.4 miles from a simulated “store” to deliver the goods. Instead of the drone touching back down in a residential area, it lowered the package using a tether. According to Bloomberg the whole process took about six minutes.

The demonstration was conducted by Wing, a subsidiary of Google, a Virginia Tech’s Mid-Atlantic Aviation Partnership. It was an FAA-approved test under the U.S. government’s Integration Pilot Program.

Wing hopes to commercially launch this kind of program in the future.

For more information, check out coverage from Bloomberg or the Roanoke Times.

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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.