Montgomery County Launches U.S. Flag Etiquette Program, Partners with Boy Scouts, Cub Scouts

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MONTGOMERY COUNTY, VA – There are some traditions that are inherent to America: our national anthem, respecting the men and women who dedicate their lives in service to our country, the right to vote, and perhaps most predominant – our American flag.


When we pledge allegiance to our American flag, feelings of respect, pride, and duty often resonate. However, do you ever wonder what happens to an American flag that is damaged or tattered and worn and is no longer being displayed?


Pictured left to right are Montgomery County Board of Supervisors Vice Chair Todd King, District D and County Administrator, Craig Meadows.

Thanks to a new U.S. Flag Etiquette Program by the National Association of Counties, the National Flag Foundation, and the National Sheriffs Association, there are two locations in Montgomery County where citizens can properly dispose of any damaged or worn American flags.


One flag disposal box is located in the lobby of the Government Center on Roanoke Street in Christiansburg, and the other is located at the Riner Fire Department on Riner Road in Riner. If you have an American flag that needs to be properly disposed of, please consider placing your folded flag in one of the flag disposal boxes like the one pictured here.


Periodically, Montgomery County will coordinate with Boy Scout Troop 141 and Cub Scout Pack 141 of Christiansburg and the Boy Scout Troop 348 and Cub Scout Pack 348 of Riner to empty the flag disposal boxes and retire the flags properly and respectfully through a flag retirement ceremony that abides by the United States Flag Code.


Currently, Montgomery County is one of 294 counties throughout the United States participating in the U.S. Flag Etiquette Program.


To learn more about the U.S. Flag Etiquette Program visit www.naco.org/articles/disposal-boxes-flags-ready.


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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 both 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.

The Southwest Times: Pulaski Co. Launches Pride Project

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PULASKI COUNTY, VA – Pulaski County recently released a new video as a part of their #PulaskiCountyIs… campaign. Read more about how partners in the county are working to help residents fall in love with Pulaski County all over again via the Southwest Times article by Brooke J. Wood.


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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 both 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.

Pulaski County Unveils New Video for #PulaskiCountyIs… Campaign

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PULASKI COUNTY, VA- Pulaski County, in collaboration with the Pulaski County Chamber of Commerce, unveiled a new video to help launch the “Pulaski County Is…” campaign last night at the Chamber’s 65th Annual Dinner. The dinner was hosted at the Volvo Trucks Customer Experience Center in Dublin, VA and drew a audience of about 240 people.


The goal of the campaign is to help communicate the assets in Pulaski County and encourage people to share what #PulaskiCountyIs… to them. Check out the video below.


Pulaski County is… from Nightfire Productions on Vimeo.


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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 both 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.

SWVA’s Newest Mountaintop Event Venue

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GILES COUNTY, VA- The proprietors, Britt & Leigh Stoudenmire, proudly announce their newest venture in Giles County, Walker Creek Barn. Opening in June 2018, Walker Creek Barn offers a unique event venue space, lodging, and agritourism opportunities for the community and region. This new development is located in the southeastern portion of Giles, along the Route 100 corridor. The Stoudenmires have worked in the hospitality industry as owners of New River Outdoor Co. and Walker Creek Retreat for the last 14 years and see endless potential for Walker Creek Barn. Their mission is larger than this new business venture, it’s also a community development project. “Giving back has always been a foundation of our business. We want to help change lives and use this barn to create good in Giles County,” says Leigh.


Walker Creek Barn is a spacious, 5,600 square-foot meeting and event space. Situated on the crest of a 10-acre picturesque mountaintop with long-range and panoramic views of Walker Mountain, Sugar Run, Angel’s Rest, and Cloyd’s Gap, among others. Walker Creek Barn provides a truly breathtaking and one-of-a-kind location for any wedding or event. Some of its unique features include a spacious bridal loft that can convert to 2 guestrooms, a groom’s lounge, a large, well-equipped catering prep kitchen, adequate wattage for sound & AV equipment, and multiple ceremony sites. “The barn was developed with ease of access – from vendors to guests – in mind. We offer ample parking, restrooms, and we’re handicap accessible,” added Britt.


Designed and decorated with a perfect balance of rustic, elegance, and natural beauty, Walker Creek Barn can be utilized as both an open-air or fully enclosed facility. The large, plentiful windows allow natural light to filter inside while your guests can admire the impressive views outside. The barn is fully heated and air-conditioned making weddings & events comfortable in all seasons. Walker Creek Barn can accommodate weddings, receptions, retreats, conferences, and meetings up to 295 people, making it one of the largest in the New River Valley. Walker Creek Barn is easily located a half-mile off VA Route 100, a four-lane highway between Pearisburg and Dublin in Giles County, VA. Walker Creek Barn features on-site and local lodging options and eateries, yet is only 30 min from Blacksburg and Radford, 1 hour from Roanoke Regional Airport, and 2 to 5 hours from most major cities on the east coast.


This tourism development project announcement is made with the full support of the Giles County Tourism Office. Walker Creek Barn is now booking for 2018/2019 weddings, events, and associated lodging at Walker Creek Retreat. Please call New River Outdoor Co. at 540-921-7438 for more info or visit the barn’s website at www.walkercreekbarn.com.


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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 both 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.

Business Advantages Networking

NRV Among Top Affordable Metros Attracting YPs

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NEW RIVER VALLEY, VA- Virginia’s New River Valley (The Blacksburg-Christiansburg-Radford MSA) ranks among the top metros that are attracting young professionals while maintaining an affordable cost of living. According to PEW, the NRV is among 10 metros that are growing almost as quickly as other well-known, attractive cities for young people like Silicon Valley or Austin, TX, but have more affordable costs of living.  

Still Affordable, But Attracting Young Professionals

These metro areas ranked high for affordability, education, and growth in young professionals.
Columbus, INBismarck, ND
Midland, MIMorgantown, WV
Bloomington, ILCedar Rapids, IA
Idaho Falls, IDNew River Valley, VA
Sioux Falls, NDRochester, MN
The data comes from the American Community Survey and was analyzed by Stateline.
Virginia’s New River Valley, has a unique opportunity for young professionals. Our region enjoys the upscale amenities residents might find in larger urban areas (like public transit and fine dining), while maintaining the perks of low-cost living and small-town charm (like low traffic, and access to outdoor recreation).   The presence of Virginia Tech, Radford University, and New River Community College elevate the importance of education in the region and provide excellent amenities in arts and culture and opportunities for young people and businesses alike to interact with the universities and benefit from their services.  
The NRV was also ranked a top destination for college graduates based on eight economic and quality-of-life factors that AIER found to influence migration patterns of college grads ages 22-35 among 260 metro areas, large and small. A few of the factors contributing to the New River Valley’s high ranking included its favorable labor market conditions, affordable housing rents, ability to get around without a car, and density of people with a college degree.
YPs can find plenty of support in the NRV with clubs and networking opportunities such as Up on the Roof, Blacksburg YPs, The Newcomers Club, and more.   Plus, the NRV is home to a myriad of festivals and burgeoning local music scenes that keep up with the times while remembering the roots of SWVA throughout history. For more activities and insight on what it’s like to live in the NRV, check out the Live Here tab!  
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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 both 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.

Painted Rock Project in Giles County

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GILES COUNTY, VA- The past two weeks in Giles County have been a flurry of fun, creative activity. The Giles Early Education Project (GEEP), Giles County School Board, and faculty and students have engaged in a massive and ambitious public art project. Lynn Hill of GEEP shared in an email that their plans are to have every child ages 4 through the 7th grade participate in the “Rock-Paper-Wizards” initiative.

Since November 2 GEEP has delivered buckets of rocks to all three elementary/middle schools in Giles as well as the early learning centers. The students and teachers, along with family and supporters have been creatively painting the rocks. The task from GEEP was to “paint a rock that in some way represents who they are.” The collective creative energy has inspired the School Board, staff, volunteers and others to join in the painting.


The GEEP members will collect all rocks on November 10 and shellac them for longevity. The group, made up of a cross section of the Giles community who hope to improve and provide avenues for positive development for young children in Giles will then install the rocks in a massive public art project sometime in the near future.


Those involved anticipate 2,000 students being involved from all parts of Giles County. The Superintendent of Schools along with the librarians and art teachers were supportive and influential in helping to spread the collective approach to the Rock-Paper-Wizards project. In the larger picture GEEP wanted to encourage positive habits through this project and they’ve added a literary component and have shared a list of books that will encourage creativity as youth paint their rocks about them. They’ve also encouraged youth to write something that shares their ‘uniqueness’ but also “how they might share their talents with others in their community.”


All partners hope that the project will meet an outcome of not only celebrating ‘me’ but also ‘us’ as a community. The Giles County community and educational providers continue to inspire learning and creative solutions for educating our youth. For more information on this project please feel free to reach out to Lynn Hill at 540-921-0001. You are also welcome to reach out to the Giles County Tourism Office at 540-921-2079.


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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.


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Virginia’s New River Valley: For those searching for a beautiful 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 both 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.

Onward NRV Works to Reach Radford Alumni

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Onward NRV Executive Director Charlie Jewell, joined by Award-Winning IT Professor Jeff Pittges, took a 2-day trip to Northern Virginia last week to help Radford University alumni reconnect to Virginia’s New River Valley.

By partnering with the RU Alumni Association, Jewell was able to deliver a 2-minute pitch in front of guests at the RU alumni networking event held at The Goal in Reston, VA. This event was an excellent opportunity to launch and give away some of the NRV branded boxes, which were handcrafted by St. Pierre Woodworking in Floyd, VA and contained goodies representing the NRV. Jewell also scheduled meetings with alumni business leaders to educate them on Onward’s work to attract and grow the four targeted industries for the region.

The goal was to help communicate the business advantages, job opportunities, and lifestyle amenities in the region to RU alumni. The outbound marketing was also meant to increase awareness of the advantages specifically in Information Technology, Advanced Manufacturing, Food & Beverage Processing, and Unmanned Systems.

The idea to reach out to alumni was born of the research on the four targeted industries. Many business leaders noted that they are satisfied with their current employees, but harbor some concerns about finding enough employees when it comes time to expand their businesses. Therefore, Onward wants to reconnect with alumni living outside the area that may want to move back in the future in order to communicate what the region has to offer them.

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Virginia’s New River Valley: For those searching for a beautiful 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 both 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.

Roanoke Times: Virginia Tech Food Sensory Lab Helps Researchers Read Emotions

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BLACKSBURG, VA– Virginia Tech has a food sensory lab and technology that allows researchers to see and better understand facial expressions, which provide a unique way to study how foods make people feel and how they might perform in the commercial market.

Hear from local leaders like John Provo and Charlie Jewell how the food sensory lab benefits the New River Valley region as whole and why it’s good for economic development in the area in the full Roanoke Times Article.

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Virginia’s New River Valley: For those searching for a beautiful 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 both 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.

Advanced Manufacturing welder

NRV Receives Top Rankings in Virginia in the ‘Best of the Southern Auto Corridor’

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NEW RIVER VALLEY, VA– Virginia’s New River Valley is mentioned as some of the best spots in Virginia by Southern Business & Development magazine’s Best of the Southern Auto Corridor list.

In four out of the ten categories, the NRV was mentioned 7 times. Businesses and assets mentioned include: Volvo, Federal Mogul, Corning, VTTI, and NRCC.

The Volvo Trucks assembly plant is located in Dublin, VA in Pulaski County. The plant is Volvo’s largest hub for manufacturing and employs approx. 2,000 people.

The Virginia Tech Transportation Institute has a 2.2 mile Smart Road that can simulate weather like rain, snow, or fog, and is used to advance transportation and autonomous technology.

New River Community College has one of the best programs for automotive worker training. There is even a dedicated staff member at NRCC that works to support Volvo’s training needs.

In general, Virginia is an excellent place to locate a business in the automotive or advanced manufacturing industry. The law structure and central location to South, Northeast, and Midwest markets make it a very strategic location. Specifically, I-81 runs through the heart of the New River Valley and the region in close proximity to interstates 77 and 64 via I-81, making interstate access easy and convenient.

Falling Branch Corporate Park

Montgomery and Pulaski counties were also mentioned as some of the best places for automotive parts suppliers. There are sites in both counties that would make an excellent fit for businesses in the automotive or advanced manufacturing industries. In Montgomery County, the Falling Branch Corporate Park is an excellent option. The park has graded sites ranging from 3 to 16.7 acres and the county recently acquired an additional 124 acres to develop larger sites. Just off I-81 and highway 460, this park is ready for a new tenant.

NRV Commerce Park

Pulaski County also offers the New River Valley Commerce Park, this site is certified by McCallum Sweeney as an American Electric Power (AEP) Quality Site. The park has robust infrastructure and boasts sites up to 120 acres.

SheaDawn Park Rail

SheaDawn Park, a private development in Pulaski County, also boast excellent infrastructure and a rail spur. Twenty-two miles of the Crescent and Heartland rail corridors converge in Virginia’s New River Valley, which is easily accessible at ShaeDawn.

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Virginia’s New River Valley: For those searching for a beautiful 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 both 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 Homecoming Tailgate Wrap Up

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Virginia’s New River Valley had a blast tailgating the Virginia Tech homecoming football game. The set up was visited by an estimate of over 2,000 people, plus there were an innumerable amount of impressions of the new NRV brand. Branded materials included the tent, table cover, stickers, t-shirts, spinner wheel, signs, corn hole boards, and more.

The purpose of the tailgate was to increase visibility of the new NRV regional brand and to help attendees understand that the NRV is more than just a college town. Onward NRV sought to specifically reach Virginia Tech alumni who are aware of VT campus, Blacksburg, and the immediate surrounding area and expand their attention to the entire region. We want to connect with alumni so they know more about the broader spectrum lifestyle amenities and business opportunities in an area they already love, and they know who to contact for more information.

The Tailgate was located on Cassell Drive off Beamer Way — the perfect spot to stop by on the way to Lane Stadium. Onward staff and volunteers gave away 500 pom-poms, 450 t-shirts, and tons of candy and NRV stickers. Over 350 people signed up for the New River Raffle after spinning our mini wheel of fortune to win extra NRV goodies like t-shirts, pom-poms, and candy.

Thanks again to all of our volunteers and allies who stopped by to support Virginias New River Valley and the mission of Onward NRV. A special thank you to our partners from Montgomery County, Town of Christiansburg, Floyd County, Giles County, and the Virginia Tech Corporate Research Center. Thank you to Obis One, Spindrift Local Wear, Holiday Inn NRV, The Blacksburg Partnership, and Phoenix Hardwoods.

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Virginia’s New River Valley: For those searching for a beautiful 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 both 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.