Nanosonic, NRV job market, NRV top job market in US

The NRV Named a Top 10 Job Market by USA Today

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VIRGINIA’S NEW RIVER VALLEY – The Blacksburg-Christiansburg-Radford MSA (also know as Virginia’s New River Valley or the NRV) was named the #6 Top Job Market in the U.S. according to USA Today, yesterday.

NRV Job Market a top job market in the US

The ranking was created by Zippia, a job search site that used data from the Bureau of Labor Statistics. Zippia looked at wages, unemployment, and current jobless rates.

“These metro areas are home to growing, well-paying jobs,” said Chris Kolmar, Zippia’s head of marketing. “These are the metros that have seen bigger decreases in unemployment and increases in wages than competing metros.”

Virginia’s New River Valley is an excellent place to live and work and has been consistently recognized as such. Other recent acknowledgments include:

  • “Best of the Mountains” 16 Times
  • #11 Best Place to Work in Manufacturing
  • Top Affordable Metro Attracting YPs
  • #10 in High Tech Employment Concentration

    • The NRV has an excellent workforce that is fueled by great higher education institutions like Virginia Tech, Radford University, and New River Community College. Plus, the endless lifestyle amenities make it an excellent place to live.

    For more information, visit 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.

    Eggleston Featured in “Lost Communities of Virginia”

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    Eggleston, VA, once a bustling town in Virginia’s New River Valley, is still a regional destination, but for a different reason. The old general store turned gourmet restaurant, The Palisades Restaurant attracts visitors for miles, but Eggleston looks a lot different than it used to.

    Eggleston Lost Communities of Virginia

    Eggleston is considered a “Lost Community” in Virginia, according to “Lost Communities of Virginia,” a book that highlights towns in Virginia that lost a major mode of transportation, an economically driving industry, or a certain historic way of life.

    Authors Terri Fisher and Kirsten Sparenborg spent time uncovering and discovering towns in Virginia that lost something major, but refused to disappear.

    Fisher, an Outreach Coordinator for the Virginia Tech Community Design Assistance Center (CDAC), and Sparenborg, a former CDAC Architecture Intern, started the project by driving all over the Commonwealth of Virginia and following the little green signs on the highway pointing to different communities. That’s how the two ended up checking out 2,600 communities.

    Fisher joined PBS’s Write Around the Corner to share the story of the “Lost Communities of Virginia” and Eggleston:

    PBS Write Around the Corner

    Write Around the Corner – Terri Fisher | Write Around the Corner

    We’ll talk with the co-author of “Lost Communities of Virginia.”

    Fisher and Sparenborg narrowed down those 2,600 communities down to just 30 that are featured in the book. Eggleston is one of those 30.

    In fact, Eggleston is the first community where this project began.

    Eggleston

    Eggleston started as what Fisher categorizes as a “Resort Community.” Gunpowder Springs attracted visitors from all over to heal ailments and soothe the soul. Once rail transportation reached the area, tracks went down on both sides of the New River, turning this Resort Community into a “Transportation Hub.”

    Eventually when the need to travel by rail significantly decreased, Eggleston lost that mode of transportation, making it a Lost Community of Virginia.

    Fortunately, the community of Eggleston did not die. The General Store was revitalized and eventually turned into The Palisades Restaurant, which draw visitors from hours away.

    Next time you’re driving through Virginia’s New River Valley, pay attention to those little green signs. You never know where they might lead.

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    Virginia’s New River Valley: For those searching for an inspiring place to live and do business, Virginia’s New River Valley provides both an eclectic small town atmosphere and an innovative, collaborative business community with a loyal, highly skilled, and educated workforce. Offering the best of all worlds – magnificent mountains, cutting-edge research, arts, entertainment, and education – it’s 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.

    GO Virginia Region 2

    Blacksburg the #4 Best Affordable College Town for Recent Grads – And Everyone Else

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    BLACKSBURG, VA – The Town of Blacksburg was ranked the #4 Best Affordable College Town for Recent Grads (And Everyone Else) by Realtor.com. Their data team looked at 700 markets with at least 1 four-year university and 10,000 undergraduates in the area. The rankings were done considering percentage of students, unemployment rates, home appreciation, and median income.

    Looking down main street in downtown Blacksburg in Montgomery County, VA

    “After receiving their diplomas, Virginia Polytechnic Institute and State University (Virginia Tech) graduates often head to cities such as Washington, DC, or Charlotte, NC.”

    But those who prefer the great outdoors over big-city life are choosing to stick around. For starters, the Appalachian Trail is just a short drive out of town.

    “Claytor Lake State Park is the go-to for fishing and boating, and New River Trail State Park is a fantastic place for horseback riding.”

    Read more from Realtor.com.

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    Virginia’s New River Valley: For those searching for an inspiring place to live and do business, Virginia’s New River Valley provides both an eclectic small town atmosphere and an innovative, collaborative business community with a loyal, highly skilled, and educated workforce. Offering the best of all worlds – magnificent mountains, cutting-edge research, arts, entertainment, and education – it’s 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.

    VA Best of Blue Ridge

    A Whopping 16 NRV Favorites Named “Best of the Mountains”

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    Virginia’s New River Valley was not mentioned once or twice, but rather 16 times in Blue Ridge Country Magazine’s “Best of the Mountains.” From hiking trails to wineries, the NRV has some great places to visit… and readers agree. Check out how the NRV ranked:

    #1 Favorite Waterfall: The Cascades

    NRV Best of the Mountains, Favorite Waterfall, The Cascades

    This 70 ft. waterfall attracts almost 150,000 visitors each year. This easier hike has a beautiful payoff and visitors agree.

    #1 Best Hiking Trail (Non-AT): New River Trail

    #1 Best Biking Trail: New River Trail

    NRV Best of the Mountains, New River Trail Bridge

    This rail to trail system runs over 57 miles in Virginia’s New River Valley and is a favorite for locals and visitors alike.

    #1 Best Farm to Visit: Sinkland Farms

    #1 Best Place to Hear Mountain Music: FloydFest

    #1 Best Music Festival: FloydFest

    NRV Best of the Mountains, FloydFest

    For great music and free hugs, FloydFest is the place to be. It is consistently named a top music festival and won 3 “Best of the Mountains” awards.

    #1 Best Mountain Winery: Chateau Morrisette

    #2 Best Fishing Lake or River: New River

    #2 Best Rail to Trail System: New River Valley Trail

    #2 Best Country Store: Floyd Country Store

    #2 Best Quirky Festival: FloydFest

    #3 Town on My Bucket List: Floyd, VA

    #3 Best Fishing Lake or River: Claytor Lake

    #4 Favorite State Park: Claytor Lake State Park

    A Top Favorite Historic Theater: Lyric Theater

    NRV Best of the Mountains, The Lyric, Blacksburg

    The Lyric Theater is a restored hot spot for not only blockbuster and indie movies, but also live speakers and performers.

    Person Making a Difference in the Mountains: Woody Crenshaw

    NRV Best of the Mountains, Woody Crenshaw

    Crenshaw has done a lot for Floyd County including renovating the Floyd Country Store, and spearheading the Floyd Town Revitalization Project.

    Check out more of the rankings from Blue Ridge Country.

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    Virginia’s New River Valley: For those searching for an inspiring place to live and do business, Virginia’s New River Valley provides both an eclectic small town atmosphere and an innovative, collaborative business community with a loyal, highly skilled, and educated workforce. Offering the best of all worlds – magnificent mountains, cutting-edge research, arts, entertainment, and education – it’s 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.

    JBR Vineyards & Winery Opens New Tasting Room

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    ~ JBR Tasting Room Now Open! ~

    FROM GILES COUNTY, VA – Tucked in the mountains of Giles County, JBR Vineyards & Winery has been developing their grape vines since 2006. The first bottle of Giles County wine was sold on May 28, 2015. Two varieties of classic wine grapes (vitis vinifera) are exclusively grown: Pinot Noir for red wine and Riesling for white wine. Jessee Ring was born and raised in Narrows, Virginia He graduated from Narrows High School in 1965 and then attended the University of Virginia where he received a Bachelor’s Degree in Electrical Engineering with Distinction in 1969. He received a Master’s Degree in Electrical Engineering in 1971 from Rensselaer Polytechnic Institute. His work in the computer and software field took him to Pennsylvania where he lived for ten years, Salt Lake City, Utah, and finally to California where he lived for twenty years. He fulfilled various technical and management roles and ultimately became Vice President of a small software company in Silicon Valley. In 2005, he and his wife decided that all the conditions were right to fulfill a life-long dream of moving back east. Since moving back to Virginia in 2005, Jessee has changed careers. He left the high tech world and started a vineyard that is now in full production and is licensed as a Virginia Farm Winery (JBR Vineyards & Winery).

    In December 2017 Governor McAuliffe announced that JBR with the support of the Giles County Industrial Development Authority, would receive an Agricultural and Forestry Industries Development Fund award to expand the winery to 14 tons of grapes and build a tasting room onsite of their Staffordsville winery.

    “We are excited that VDACS and the Governor’s Office continue to promote and support new business opportunities like JBR Vineyards,” said Chris McKlarney, Giles County Administrator. “Giles County is pleased to join with our Commonwealth of Virginia partners in the effort to expand our economy and create new jobs for our citizens. Agriculture is important to Giles County and the addition of a vineyard and winery will provide additional tourism opportunities for visitors to Virginia’s Mountain Playground.”

    That work has been completed and the ribbon is ready to be cut at the Grand Opening on Wednesday, May 30th at 2pm. Congressman Morgan Griffith is scheduled to attend and make comments along with VDACS representatives and Giles County Administration speakers. The short ceremony will be followed by a toast and ribbon cutting. Live music will also be on hand to enjoy the afternoon in Giles County. Directions to the vineyard are as follows 1360 Springdale Rd — Route 100, Eggleston turn off, right on Bear Spring Rd, Right on Springdale Rd, go 3 miles. There will be signs directing traffic from Route 100. Please be advised this location is not GPSable.

    Other upcoming events at the winery include a Mountains of Music Homecoming Cultural Experience on June 9th. More details on JBR can be found on their Facebook page. Other releases on JBR can be found on our Giles County website.

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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 Playground™. 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: For those searching for an inspiring place to live and do business, Virginia’s New River Valley provides both an eclectic small town atmosphere and an innovative, collaborative business community with a loyal, highly skilled, and educated workforce. Offering the best of all worlds – magnificent mountains, cutting-edge research, arts, entertainment, and education – it’s 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.

    10 Things to Do in the NRV This Summer

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    Note:
    July 8, 2021: This blog post, which was originally published in May 2018, was updated to reflect current information about the summer activities on this list.

    New River Valley, VA – Whether you’re a student, a long-term resident, or anything in between, Virginia’s New River Valley has no shortage of summer activities. Explore every part of the region and check out these 10 things to do in the NRV this summer.

    1. Adventure at Mountain Lake Lodge

    Mountain Lake Lodge - Things to do in the NRV

    Check out the Adventure Center at Mountain Lake Lodge in Giles County for endless summer fun. Zip through the Appalachian mountains on a Treetop Adventure, test your survival skills with an Escape Room challenge, or play Archery Tag with your closest family and friends. (photo by Alissa Moody)

    2. Chateau Morrisette

    Chateau Morrisette - Things to do in the NRV

    Enjoy the grounds of this third-generation winery with friends, family, and even your pup (dogs are welcome!). Order a flight to explore new wines or sip a favorite blend while enjoying the outdoor seating and beautiful views of Floyd County.

    3. Claytor Lake

    Claytor Lake – Things to do in the NRV

    Swim, boat, or fish at Claytor Lake State Park in Pulaski County this summer. Enjoy the beach and seasonal snack bar, the full-service marina, picnic spots, hiking trails, and more.

    4. Float the New River from Bissett Park

    Bisset Park - Things to do in the NRV

    You can float, boat, paddle, or fish the New River from many spots in the NRV, but Bisset Park in the City of Radford is a good place to start. Bring your own equipment or rent from a local outfitter when you arrive. Float awhile and they’ll pick you up to start again.

    5. Floyd Country Store Friday Night Jamboree

    Floyd Country Store - Things to do in the NRV

    The Floyd Country Store is a nationally renowned country store and music venue in Floyd. It “has become a traditional gathering place for musicians, dancers, and visitors from all over the world.” The Jamboree happens every Friday night at 6:30 pm with different featured musicians.

    6. Hahn Horticulture Garden

    Hahn Horticulture Garden - Things to do in the NRV

    The Hahn Horticulture Garden is almost six acres of beautiful gardens on the Virginia Tech campus in Montgomery County. Experience tranquil water gardens, shade gardens, and plants galore! You can even check out special events and exhibits like Art in the Garden.

    7. Hike the Cascades

    The Cascades - Things to do in the NRV

    A classic hike in Virginia’s New River Valley, Cascade Falls is a moderate hike with amazing views. The 69-foot falls are flanked by even taller cliff walls. This Giles County treasure was recently listed among the top five scenic family hikes in Virginia.

    8. Moss Arts Center

    Moss Arts Center - things to do in the NRV

    The Moss Arts Center at Virginia Tech welcomes performances that range from classical music to dance to stand-up comedy. The art galleries are open Wednesday – Saturday and feature various art exhibitions to explore. Click here to see the calendar of upcoming events.

    9. Pulaski River Turtles Game at Calfee Park

    Pulaski Yankees - things to do in the NRV

    Head over to historic Calfee Park in Pulaski for a family-friendly River Turtles baseball game. Newly renamed in 2021, the River Turtles are part of the Appalachian League. This is an action-packed NRV experience you don’t want to miss.

    10. Radford University Planetarium

    RU Planetarium - Things to do in the NRV

    Beat the heat and still experience nature! School is out, but the Radford University Planetarium is still up and running. Please note that as of Summer 2021, the Planetarium is in a “wait-and-see mode” due to COVID-19 case numbers and vaccination rates. Refer to the upcoming show times list here to see when the planetarium will be open.

    Find more things to do each day on our Community Calendar powered by Next3Days.

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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.

    Mahindra Group Expands to the NRV in the VT Corporate Research Center

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    BLACKSBURG, VA – Mahindra Group, one of the world’s largest farm equipment production companies is expanding to Virginia’s New River Valley with an office at the Virginia Tech Corporate Research Center.

    Mahindra Group NRV: Mahindra group expands to Virginia's New River Valley in the VTCRC

    The expansion was announced yesterday on-site at the VTCRC. It is now the largest internationally headquartered tenant in the park.

    “Mahindra Group strives to be at the forefront of technology and innovation with a view to improve lives of our customers,” said Rajesh Jejurikar, President of Mahindra & Mahindra’s Farm Equipment Sector. “We believe that leveraging the ecosystem of a leading academic institution such as Virginia Tech will foster innovation and enable us to stay ahead globally.”

    “The Virginia Tech Corporate Research Center offers the perfect setting for both research and testing,” said Aravind S. Bharadwaj, CTO for Mahindra’s Farm Equipment Sector in Chennai, India. “The commonwealth’s rural communities married with Virginia Tech’s research expertise were the winning factors in narrowing down to Virginia Tech.”

    Read more from Virginia Tech.

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    Virginia’s New River Valley: For those searching for an inspiring place to live and do business, Virginia’s New River Valley provides both an eclectic small town atmosphere and an innovative, collaborative business community with a loyal, highly skilled, and educated workforce. Offering the best of all worlds – magnificent mountains, cutting-edge research, arts, entertainment, and education – it’s 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.

    MELD Manufacturing Corporation Awarded RAPID + TCT Innovation Award for Patented MELD Technology

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    The accolade recognizes technological advancement in the 3D printing and additive manufacturing industries

    FROM MELD, MONTGOMERY COUNTY, VA – On Thursday, April 26, 2018, MELD Manufacturing Corporation was selected from the more than 300 exhibitors at RAPID + TCT 2018 as the recipient of the Innovation Award. RAPID + TCT, a 3D printing and additive manufacturing event that draws industry leaders from around the globe, is North America’s preeminent event for 3D manufacturing. This year’s show, hosted in Fort Worth, Texas, saw live demonstrations and speakers representing a variety of recognizable institutions, from FIAT/Chrysler and Caterpillar to Lockheed Martin and the United States Army Research Laboratory. The Innovation Award recognizes the most groundbreaking new product or service with industry-changing potential.

    MELD Manufacturing Corporation, which was launched earlier this month as a subsidiary of Aeroprobe Corporation, was selected for the award for their patented MELD technology. MELD is a unique process for additive manufacturing that avoids melting the metal, thereby eliminating the weaknesses and other issues associated with melt-based processes. MELD’s open-atmosphere operation and scalable equipment also make it more efficient and capable of making larger parts than similar processes. In addition to additive manufacturing, MELD can be used to repair, coat, and join a wide range of materials, including some metals that cannot be welded with traditional processes.

    “The MELD technology is a revolution,” noted MELD Manufacturing Corporation CEO Nanci Hardwick. “To be recognized at RAPID by these industry leaders demonstrates just how much potential MELD has to change the way we think about manufacturing. We want to see MELD adopted across industries, so it’s exciting to see genuine interest from such a diverse crowd.”

    The winner of the Innovation Award is selected by a panel of industry experts. This year’s group included judges from industry, government, and academia.

    “To earn this award our first year at RAPID is an honor,” said MELD Additive Manufacturing Manager Chase Cox. “MELD is on its way to innovating a number of industries and this award is a great milestone.“

    After finishing up at RAPID + TCT, MELD will launch into a busy conference season, including participation in AeroMat in Florida and MegaRust in California in May alone. For customers anxious to learn more about the MELD technology, the company is currently offering machines sales, contract manufacturing, and a variety of other services.

    Visit www.meldmanufacturing.com for more information.

    CONTACT:
    Ryan Davis
    ryan.davis@meldmanufacturing.com
    200 Technology Drive
    Christiansburg, VA 24073
    Ph: +1-540-950-3980 x 4226

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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: For those searching for an inspiring place to live and do business, Virginia’s New River Valley provides both an eclectic small town atmosphere and an innovative, collaborative business community with a loyal, highly skilled, and educated workforce. Offering the best of all worlds – magnificent mountains, cutting-edge research, arts, entertainment, and education – it’s 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 NRV Community Pages Now Live

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    NEW RIVER VALLEY, VA – Onward NRV has officially published new NRV community pages that showcase each county and city in the region. Each page can be accessed by hovering over the “Our Region” tab or visiting the “Our Region” page.

    “The new and improved community pages on our regional website do a great job communicating the uniqueness of each community in our region,” said Onward NRV Marketing Manager Abigail Hammack. “We’re excited to release another resource full of information about what makes Virginia’s New River Valley an inspiring place to live, work, and do business.”

    Onward NRV staff worked closely with local government, chamber, and tourism staff to ensure that each community was accurately represented.

    The five pages are linked below:

  • Floyd County
  • Giles County
  • Montgomery County
  • Pulaski County
  • City of Radford

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    Virginia’s New River Valley: For those searching for an inspiring place to live and do business, Virginia’s New River Valley provides both an eclectic small town atmosphere and an innovative, collaborative business community with a loyal, highly skilled, and educated workforce. Offering the best of all worlds – magnificent mountains, cutting-edge research, arts, entertainment, and education – it’s 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 Company TORC Is Disrupting the Auto Industry

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    If you haven’t heard, automated and driverless technology is thriving in Virginia’s New River Valley.

    That’s right, NRV Company TORC and their revolutionary technology are disrupting the auto industry. Founded in 2005, TORC continues to create and refine self-driving technology for varying environments, from city street bustle to off-road adventure.

    TORC actively works with mining and defense parters to minimize risk, meaning companies like Caterpillar are able to eliminate liability in dangerous work environments thanks to TORC’s innovation.

    TORC Company Overview Video

    This inventive company, founded by Virginia Tech students, hit the cover of Virginia Business this month with their groundbreaking technology.

    “As the automotive industry moves us tantalizingly closer to a sci-fi future of roadways thrumming with such self-driving cars, Virginia has positioned itself as a hotbed for developing and testing autonomous vehicle technologies,” said Richard Foster, Virginia Business writer. “This is in large part due to innovative research work coming out of state universities such as Virginia Tech and the University of Virginia, as well as companies like Torc.”

    Resources in the NRV like Virginia Tech and VTTI, and companies like TORC, are making unmanned systems research and production possible.

    It looks like this disruptive technology is our future.

    “If you think about it,” said TORC CEO Michael Fleming, “automobiles have been designed around the driver for the last 100 years. And one of the things that really excites me is, over the next 100 years, we’re going to design cars around passengers, because the driver is going to be a computer…”

    Click here to read the full Virginia Business cover story.

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    Virginia’s New River Valley: For those searching for an inspiring place to live and do business, Virginia’s New River Valley provides both an eclectic small town atmosphere and an innovative, collaborative business community with a loyal, highly skilled, and educated workforce. Offering the best of all worlds – magnificent mountains, cutting-edge research, arts, entertainment, and education – it’s 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.