The NRV Alliance is Now Onward NRV

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The New River Valley Economic Development Alliance has now officially changed its name to Onward NRV. Information about Onward NRV and its mission can now be found at www.OnwardNRV.org.


The name change and rebranding will excite many of those who want to join in Onward’s efforts for strategic and beneficial growth in the New River Valley. 


The name Onward NRV responds to a trend among other Economic Development Organizations leaning toward more action-oriented names and messages. “Onward” helps the organization convey a continuation of success and a proactive approach to marketing and development. The Onward logo is highly symbolic: the cursive “O” acts as a lasso, helping to pull the region together to move onward and upward in further economic prosperity.


Onward New River Valley new logo

The refocus on our Tagline, “All Together. Better.,” represents the organization perfectly. It’s a movement of local advocates. It’s at once a group of like-minded professionals who are passionate about their community and a place where smart, thoughtful people gather to weigh risk and create opportunity. Onward NRV is where leaders from a wide variety of backgrounds in business, government, and higher education unite to pursue a shared economic vision for the New River Valley. 


 

While there are visual changes for the organization, the goal remains the same:


(a) Collective Visioning & Collaboration


(b) Branding the New River Valley


(c) Business Attraction


(d) Support for Existing Companies


If you or someone you know would like to join the movement and help contribute to the mission of Onward NRV, contact Investor Relations and Operations Manager Tabitha Hodge at thodge@onwardnrv.org or 540-267-0007.


 

For additional information about the branding of Onward NRV or Virginia’s New River Valley, contact Marketing Manager Abigail Hammack at abigail@onwardnrv.org or 540-267-0007.


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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.

COO of Qualtrax, and IT Company in Blacksburg, VA, in Virginia's New River Valley.

NRV 3rd Among Metros with High Ratio of IT Graduates to Jobs

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NEW RIVER VALLEY, VA- The Blacksburg metro, known locally as the New River Valley, recently ranked 3rd out of 25 among metros with high ratio of IT graduates to IT jobs. This ranking was published in the July/August edition of Expansion Solutions Magazine based on information in 2015 when the New River Valley had 1,000 IT graduates, putting the ratio of graduates to jobs at 1:1.


The New River Valley is home to three higher education institutions that offer a range of degrees in IT, including:

  • Virginia Tech: Department of Computer Science, Bradley Department of Electrical and Computer Engineering, and the Business Information Technology Department
  • Radford University Artis Information Technology Department
  • New River Community College Information Technology Department

The New RIver Valley has a growing IT industry. According to data from The Bureau of Labor and Statistics, from 2011-2016 the New River Valley as a whole has nearly 2,000 IT employees, marking a significant increase of 35% since 2011, which is well above both the state (3%) and national (12%) averages.


Bike with Rackspace logo for employees to ride around the Virginia Tech Corporate Research Center

This puts IT companies in a place to thrive in Virginia’s New River Valley. Currently with 154 IT establishments, the NRV is becoming an IT hub that benefits from a lower cost of living and better quality of life for employees. Onward NRV, the region’s economic development organization has identified IT as a target industry for the New River Valley and is collaborating with leaders from business, government, and higher education to support and grow the sector in the region.


Overall, the IT industry offers a range of occupations and high average earnings. The presence of multiple higher education institutions, which offer programs and graduates in various technology related subjects provides a regional advantage. Based on recent job growth, industry presence, and related criteria, the IT sectors of focus for the region are Software Development, Cyber Security, IT Support Services, and Digital Creative Firms.


Female 1901 Group employee at computer with a mountainous backdrop.

Some current IT companies and major employers in the New River Valley include Qualtrax, Rackspace, FoxGuard Solutions, Citizens Cooperative, and Modea.


For more information about IT in the NRV visit the Targeted Industry Page on our website. For any additional questions, feel free to contact Onward NRV.


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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.

Downtown Store fronts in radford virginia a safest city virginia

Radford the #18 Safest City in Virginia

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Radford is the no. 18 safest city in Virginia, according to SafeWise.

According to safewise, Virginia has the 3rd lowest violent crime rate in the country, making it overall a safe state. Many of the communities in the NRV rank as some of the safest in the commonwealth.

These rankings were based on the FBI Crime Report from 2015 and population. Cities with less than 3,000 residents were eliminated. Read more about the rankings from Safewise.

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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.

The New River Valley’s New Brand

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NEW RIVER VALLEY, VIRGINIA: The New River Valley Economic Development Alliance has adopted a new brand for the region, which was partially launched last Wednesday, June 21, 2017 at the Quarterly Investor Luncheon to a crowd of almost 90 investors and allies. The new website reflecting the refreshed branding will launch in August.

The new logo for Virginia’s New River Valley is a stack of five river stones that each represent a significant aspect of the region: applied technology, collaboration, connection to nature, topography, and adaptability.

Compiled together, they become the portal to a unique brand that stands out among other communities and economic development organizations.  Just like the NRV, the river stones logo and collateral imagery are highly adaptable, and work to spotlight the people and the targeted industries of the region.

View Brand Book Here!

The further-developed messaging this imagery will reflect is the New River Valley’s: eclectic and intentional small town living; loyal, highly skilled and educated workforce; and diverse and innovative business community with a collaborative culture.

In order to highlight the region effectively, Eddy Communications recommended that, based on research, the Alliance should also change its name and adopt a distinct organizational brand as well. Thus, the New River Valley Economic Development Alliance will become Onward NRV in August of this year. The new website will go live at the same time.

Onward NRV follows a trend of Economic Development Organizations leaning toward more action-oriented names and messages.

“Onward” helps the organization convey a continuation of success and a proactive approach to marketing and development. Just like the NRV river stone logo, the Onward logo is highly symbolic. The cursive “O” acts as a lasso, helping to pull the region together to move onward and upward in further economic prosperity.

For more information about the new regional and organization branding efforts, contact Marketing Manager Abigail Hammack at abigail@nrvalliance.org

For all other questions, or if you’re interested in joing the NRV Alliance (soon to be Onward NRV) to support its mission, contact Investor Relations and Operations Manager Tabitha Hodge at thodge@nrvalliance.org.

View Investor Brochure Here!

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About Us:

Virginia’s New River Valley is a vibrant community that’s home to two state universities, Virginia Tech and Radford University, and a diverse industry base ranging from large international corporations to small technology startups. The region is designated the Blacksburg-Christiansburg Radford Metropolitan Statistical Area and encompasses the counties of Floyd, Giles, Montgomery, Pulaski and the city of Radford.

The New River Valley Economic Development Alliance is a public/private, not-for-profit organization whose mission is to attract and retain world-class jobs, investment and talent in the New Rivery Valley by marketing the region as a premier destination to live and do business by building collaborative partnerships that promote economic vitality in the region.

Virginia Tech Ranked #11 Best Tailgate Experience in the South

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NEW RIVER VALLEY–  Hospitality—and Hokie football—isn’t simply a pastime in the New River Valley, it’s a way of life.  It comes as no surprise, then, that Southern Living ranked Virginia Tech’s tailgates as eleventh best in the South.

Blacksburg’s tailgating atmosphere embodies the New River Valley, a region defined by welcoming and inclusive small towns.  In fact, in 2016, Virginia Tech and Blacksburg were ranked #6 for having great town-gown relations by the Princeton Review in response to their annual survey which asked students whether they got along with their local community.

At a Tech tailgate, meandering between parking lots and making new friends is the name of the game—and, as any Hokie fan will tell you, it’s this good-natured spirit of the sport that brings everyone together, from college Freshmen to local retirees.  In 2016, Bleacher Report ranked Lane Stadium and its atmosphere as the #20 College Football Stadium in America, and, that same year, USA Today called it a “hidden gem” with “one of the best team entrances in sports” when it ranked the Hokie experience as #10 in the nation.  While it may be true that Hokie fans bleed orange and maroon, their enthusiasm for creating a warm and friendly game-day experience is what sets Tech fans apart from the crowd.

To read more about how Virginia Tech stacked up against the competition, visit Southern Living’s article on The South’s Best Tailgates 2017.

Governor McAuliffe Announces Spectrum Brands to Retrain Employees in Montgomery County

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Company invests nearly $7.3 million in Pet, Home & Garden Division; Upgrades Equipment

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

Date: April 19, 2017

Commonwealth of Virginia Office of Governor Terry McAuliffe

RICHMOND– Governor Terry McAuliffe today announced that Spectrum Brands, Inc., a global consumer products company offering an expanding portfolio of leading brands, is investing $7.28 million over the next couple years in its Montgomery County operation to purchase equipment and upgrade its production processes. Spectrum Brands will receive funding from the Virginia Jobs Investment Program (VJIP) to support the retraining of existing employees on the new machinery.

“Spectrum Brands has been a vital corporate partner to Montgomery County for 25 years, and it is exciting to see this international company reinvest in its operation and workforce here in the Commonwealth,” said Governor Terry McAuliffe. “The advanced manufacturing industry is evolving rapidly, and retraining employees to learn new skills and processes is critical to keeping jobs in Virginia. We thank Spectrum Brands for its commitment to the New River Valley and for helping us diversify and build the new Virginia economy.”

“Spectrum Brands’ decision to invest in its Montgomery County operation and to retrain more than half of its workforce on new equipment is a great testament to the region’s business climate and talented workforce,” said Secretary of Commerce and Trade Todd Haymore. “Existing businesses are the heart of every successful economy, which is why retraining efforts are so significant. In Virginia’s ever-changing, over $100 billion manufacturing industry, ensuring that the workforce has the skills of the 21st century is paramount. We are confident that with this investment, Spectrum Brands will continue to thrive in the Commonwealth.”

Spectrum Brands – Pet, Home & Garden Division is a leading supplier of well-recognized consumer products for pet supply markets globally, and for the home, lawn and garden, insect and weed control markets nationally. Its companion animal products include treats, clean-up and training aid products, health and grooming aids, and bedding marketed under brands such as 8-in-1®, Dingo®, Digesteeze™, Healthy-Hide®, FURminator® and Nature’s Miracle®, and in pet food in Europe, IAMS® and Eukanuba®. In aquatics, Tetra® is the premium brand name with products including fish food and water treatments, aquariums, filters, heaters and other supplies. The division’s home & garden product portfolio includes highly recognized and trusted brands such as Spectracide®, Garden Safe®, Hot Shot®, Cutter®, Repel®, Black Flag® and Liquid Fence®.

“Blacksburg has been central to the success of our aquatics brands for more than 20 years, and our manufacturing center there has grown into a major production facility for our entire division,” said John Schostek, Vice President, Global Operations – Spectrum Brands Pet, Home & Garden Division. “Our company continues to grow, and we plan to invest in the Blacksburg plant to upgrade and expand its capabilities. The Virginia Jobs Investment Program supports our commitment to provide our employees with the skills and knowledge they need to be successful.”

The Virginia Economic Development Partnership will support Spectrum Brands’ job retraining through its Virginia Jobs Investment Program (VJIP). VJIP provides consultative services and funding to companies creating new jobs or experiencing technological change to support employee training activities. As a business incentive supporting economic development, VJIP reduces the human resource costs of new and expanding companies. VJIP is state-funded, demonstrating the Commonwealth’s commitment to enhancing job opportunities for its citizens.

“Programs like VJIP benefit the company, its employees, and the community as a whole,” said Montgomery County Board of Supervisors Chair Chris Tuck. “Montgomery County is growing and our Board and staff is doing its part to help our businesses and their employees stay relevant in this ever-changing industry and local, thriving economic landscape. Reinvesting in local businesses like Spectrum Brands and enabling their employees to have the training and resources they need to be successful is one major key to the continued growth of our County’s economy.”

“Retraining for the jobs of the 21st Century is vital to our economy,” said Senator John Edwards. “I would like to congratulate Spectrum Brands as it invests in the new economy by retraining its employees through Virginia Jobs Investment Program to stay ahead of the competition. This is great news for the New River Valley.”

“Spectrum Brands has been a vital part of Blacksburg and the New River Valley for over two decades,” said Delegate Joseph Yost. “The company’s decision to invest $7.28 million and retrain their employees on new equipment is great news for Montgomery County. I want to thank Spectrum Brands for its continued trust in and commitment to the Commonwealth and enhancing job opportunities for our citizens.”

About Spectrum Brands Holdings, Inc.

Spectrum Brands Holdings (NYSE: SPB), a member of the Russell 1000 Index, is a global and diversified consumer products company and a leading supplier of consumer batteries, residential locksets, residential builders’ hardware, plumbing, shaving and grooming products, personal care products, small household appliances, specialty pet supplies, lawn and garden and home pest control products, personal insect repellents and auto care products. For more information, visit www.spectrumbrands.com.

Office of the Governor

Brian Coy

(804) 225-4260

Brian.Coy@governor.virginia.gov

Virginia Economic Development Partnership

Suzanne Clark

(804) 545-5806

Sclark@yesvirginia.org

Spectrum Brands

Connie Caldwell

(314) 683-2460

connie.caldwell@spectrumbrands.com

About Us:

Virginia’s New River Valley is a vibrant community that’s home to two state universities, Virginia Tech and Radford University, and a diverse industry base ranging from large international corporations to small technology startups. The region is designated the Blacksburg-Christiansburg Radford Metropolitan Statistical Area and encompasses the counties of Floyd, Giles, Montgomery, Pulaski and the city of Radford.

The New River Valley Economic Development Alliance is a public/private, not-for-profit organization whose mission is to market the New River Valley, to foster job creation, facilitate new investment and to improve the quality of life in the region.

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Governor McAuliffe Announces Grupo Phoenix to Create 145 New Jobs in Pulaski County

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Company to invest $48.7 million to expand manufacturing operation for third time

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

Date: April 12, 2017

Commonwealth of Virginia Office of Governor Terry McAuliffe

PULASKI – Governor Terry McAuliffe today announced that Grupo Phoenix, a manufacturer of rigid packaging containers for the global food and beverage industry, will invest $48.7 million to expand its subsidiary manufacturing operation, Phoenix Packaging Operations, LLC, in Pulaski County. Virginia successfully competed against Arizona and Mexico for the project, which will create 145 new jobs. Governor McAuliffe and other Virginia officials met with the Grupo Phoenix leadership during an August 2016 trade and marketing mission to Colombia. Grupo Phoenix established its first U.S. manufacturing facility in Pulaski County in 2010. This project represents the company’s third expansion, bringing its investment in the operation to $106.2 million and a total of 585 new jobs.

“Grupo Phoenix is a valuable employer that is creating new, quality jobs that necessitate critical skills of the 21st century, and we are honored to boast this global business on our corporate roster,” said Governor McAuliffe, speaking at the announcement. “Strengthening the advanced manufacturing sector is a key component of our mission to diversify and build a new Virginia economy, and when a high-caliber manufacturer like Grupo Phoenix continues to invest in the Commonwealth, it is evidence that our efforts are working.”

“After meetings and discussions both here and in Bogotá, I am pleased to congratulate Grupo Phoenix and Pulaski County on another outstanding expansion,” said Secretary of Commerce and Trade Todd Haymore. “Grupo Phoenix’s investment is strengthening Virginia’s standing in the growing packaging industry which has created more than 6,600 jobs and over $3.9 billion in capital investment in Virginia since 2007. The New River Valley provides an incredibly strong labor pool, competitive business climate and strategic access to major interstates—all factors that will undoubtedly promote Phoenix’s continued success in the Commonwealth.”

Phoenix Packaging Operations, LLC, is a subsidiary of Grupo Phoenix. Headquartered in Bogotá, Columbia, Phoenix Packaging was established in 1999 through the integration of several industry-leading companies in Colombia, Mexico, the Southern Cone, and Venezuela. With sales in over 30 countries, Grupo Phoenix is one of the largest packaging manufacturing conglomerates in Latin America, dedicated to the creation, design and manufacturing of rigid packaging and food service disposable products.

“Grupo Phoenix evaluated various location options to build upon its future in the United States and chose Virginia due to a variety of factors, including a central location that allows us to be within 400 miles of 80 percent of the U.S. East Coast population; the ability to negotiate electricity at a competitive rate; access to rail transport, which reduces our logistics; a motivated labor force; support from the local colleges and universities to assist us with training specialized technical jobs; and the accessibility and unwavering support of the government to work together within the industry to create jobs,” said Grupo Phoenix CEO Alberto Peisach.

The Virginia Economic Development Partnership worked with Pulaski County and the New River Valley Economic Development Alliance to secure the project for Virginia. Governor McAuliffe approved a $600,000 grant from the Commonwealth’s Opportunity Fund to assist the County with the project. The Governor also approved a $1 million performance-based grant from the Virginia Investment Partnership (VIP) program, an incentive available to existing companies. Grupo Phoenix will also receive benefits from the Port of Virginia Economic and Infrastructure Development Zone Grant Program, and is eligible to receive funding from the Rail Industrial Access Program, administered by the Virginia Department of Rail and Public Transportation. The company is eligible to receive state benefits from the Virginia Enterprise Zone Program, administered by the Virginia Department of Housing and Community Development, and funding and services to support the company’s employee training activities will be provided through the Virginia Jobs Investment Program. “Pulaski County is proud to be home to Phoenix Packaging and its cutting-edge manufacturing processes, and we are so very thankful for its demonstrated commitment to this community and its workforce through its sustained growth of new jobs and capital investments,” stated Jonathan Sweet, County Administrator. “The Board of Supervisors has made it a priority for Pulaski County to become the center of international business and the advanced-manufacturing hub of Southwest Virginia, and with the success of this project, continued assistance and support from the Commonwealth, and further results from our world-class economic development team, we are well on our way to realizing this county’s full potential.”

“It is always good news when a Virginia-based company chooses to reinvest here and does so, in part, because of the benefits it gets by moving its cargo across The Port of Virginia,” said John Reinhart, CEO and Executive Director of the Virginia Port Authority. “Phoenix Packaging is unique because it is a current port user that supplies packaging for other port customers as well. We welcome the opportunity to grow our partnership with this company by serving as its international trade gateway. Phoenix Packaging is growing and the Commonwealth will benefit as a result.”

“The expansion of Phoenix Packaging is a Southwest Virginia success story and is a reflection of the economic potential in our region,” said Congressman Morgan Griffith. “I am proud of Phoenix Packaging Operations, LLC, and its local workforce, for their commitment to Southwest Virginia and their contributions to our local economy.”

“I’m glad to see the expansion of Phoenix Packaging Operations in Pulaski,” said Delegate Nick Rush. “Job growth like this in Southwest Virginia is greatly appreciated.”

  Office of the Governor Contact: Brian Coy (804) 225-4260 Brian.Coy@governor.virginia.gov   Virginia Economic Development Partnership Contact: Suzanne Clark (804) 545-5806 Sclark@yesvirginia.org   Grupo Phoenix Carlos Tapias (540) 307-4050 carlos.tapias@grupophoenix.com

About Us:

Virginia’s New River Valley is a vibrant community that’s home to two state universities, Virginia Tech and Radford University, and a diverse industry base ranging from large international corporations to small technology startups. The region is designated the Blacksburg-Christiansburg Radford Metropolitan Statistical Area and encompasses the counties of Floyd, Giles, Montgomery, Pulaski and the city of Radford.

The New River Valley Economic Development Alliance is a public/private, not-for-profit organization whose mission is to market the New River Valley, to foster job creation, facilitate new investment and to improve the quality of life in the region.

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Stephen Moret Visits Virginia’s New River Valley

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New River Valley, VA – Stephen Moret, the new President and CEO of the Virginia Economic Development Partnership, visited Virginia’s New River Valley earlier this month to better understand the area’s economic development assets. 

Over a two-day visit hosted by the New River Valley Economic Development Alliance, Moret dined with eight business executives; visited major employers in the manufacturing and technology sectors; held a round table with officials from Virginia Tech, Radford University and New River Community College;  met with local economic development officials from eight localities; and shared his vision for economic development with almost 100 regional stakeholders at the Alliance’s quarterly luncheon.

One of the major employers Moret visited was the Volvo Trucks USA assembly plant in Dublin, Virginia.  The 1.6 million-square-foot manufacturing facility is not only the largest Volvo truck manufacturer in the world, but is also the largest employer in Pulask County.  Marcus Thompson, “Inspiration Manager” and senior leader on the Volvo Trucks North America team, led the tour and introduced Moret to several workers who had all been with the company for 15+ years.

Rounding out the tour, Thompson led Moret around the nearly-complete Customer Experience Center and explained that crafting both a perfect employee experience—employees have implemented 30,000+ new ideas at the plant and weekly food carts offer rotating perks like liege waffles or Italian ice—and top-notch customer experience is key for this Volvo facility.

Moret also met with Meghan Goodman, Senior HR Manager, University Recruiting, at Rackspace in Blacksburg, Virginia.  Goodman led Moret on a tour of the company’s satellite office in the Virginia Tech Corporate Research Center, pointing out climbing walls, latte stations, and natural landmark-themed break-out rooms, and explained that Rackspace’s key to success lies in its recruiting wins at Virginia Tech and Radford University.

With highly competitive IT programs at both Virginia Tech and Radford, Goodman explained, the New River Valley is an easy fit for Rackspace.  Additionally, employees at the Blacksburg office tend to be long-tenured, with many transferring out of Blacksburg to San Antonio or San Francisco for a few years, but returning to establish their families and careers in the New River Valley.

At the end of his visit, Moret addressed almost 100 regional stakeholders at the Alliance’s quarterly luncheon and shared his vision for economic development in the Commonwealth.  “Since 2009, when Virginia was the #1 Best State for Business, we’ve fallen steadily in the rankings,” he admitted.  “Now,” he explained, “it’s time to bounce back.”  Moret’s plans include  increasing the Commonwealth’s marketing and adverting budget, focusing on bringing new jobs to Virginia in the technology and advanced manufacturing sectors, and building better partnerships between localities, regions, and VEDP.

Regarding his time in the New River Valley, Moret was highly complimentary.  “This region is perfectly situated for a big IT or manufacturing project,” he told the luncheon attendees.  Between an excellent quality of life, excellent higher education assets, and a collaborative business community, he explained, the region is a perfect fit for companies looking to expand their offices to smaller metro areas.

Looking to the future for both the Commonwealth and the New River Valley, Moret reminded the group, “Economic development is a team sport” – and we’re all key players in winning the game.

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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.

AIER Ranks the New River Valley a 2017 Top College Destination

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Date:  February 15, 2017

New River Valley, VA – The New River Valley is among the top college destinations in the country, according to the American Institute for Economic Research (AIER).  The Institute recently ranked the Blacksburg-Christiansburg-Radford Metropolitan Statistical Area (MSA) as the #17 college destination in the U.S. among other college town MSAs with populations less than 250,000.  The New River Valley’s Cost of Living (No. 5) and Economic Activity (No. 4) were two factors that contributed to its high ranking.

AIER’s annual College Destinations Index analyzed 269 MSAs with colleges and universities around the country and ranked them based on several factors related to social and cultural life, as well as post-graduation work opportunities.  According to AIER:

“The ‘college experience’ is about more than simply attending a top-notch university.  The city or town where the school is located also is important.  The people the students meet, the places they go, and the jobs they may hold are essential supplements to formal education.”

This “college experience” is what makes the New River Valley such a unique place for students to study, work, and play.  Home to four different colleges and universities—Edward Via College of Osteopathic Medicine (VCOM), New River Community College, Radford University, and Virginia Tech—the region mixes small town charm and unparalleled outdoor amenities with world-class research and work-study opportunities.

Collaboration and partnership with local industries are the hallmarks of New River Valley colleges and Universities.  Some of these partnerships include:

*  Radford University’s ARTIS Lab enables Information Technology students to work hand-in-hand with local business partners to solve real-life problems in IT, data management, and cybersecurity each semester.

*  New River Community College partners with local companies in both its Machine Technology program and its Instrumentation and Control Automation program to work with the materials and machines that are most in-demand for graduates of its programs.

*  Virginia Tech’s successful Cooperative Education Program enables undergraduate students to gain real-world, full-time, career-related work experience during college.  The College of Engineering’s program allows students to pursue co-ops at local, New River Valley employers like Luna Innovations, Wolverine Advanced Materials, Corning, Polymer Solutions, Aeroprobe, and among others.

*  VCOM’s Appalachian Outreach program pairs students with allied healthcare professionals to provide wellness screenings, free clinics, and other programs to provide both practical experiences for students and much needed medical care for underserviced communities.

Outside of the classroom, students can hike over fifty miles of the Appalachian Trail, bike over eighty miles of singletrack or greenways, boat at Claytor Lake, or canoe or kayak the second oldest river in the world—all within the New River Valley.

The region is also a hub for arts and cultural events.  Virginia Tech’s Moss Arts Center showcases talent like the Munich Symphony Orchestra or the Philip Glass Ensemble, and the Floyd Country Store upholds the history and evolution of Appalachian music at its weekly Friday Night Jamboree.  Numerous restaurants like 622 North, pictured above, provide intimate performance venues for local or regional musicians.

With ten towns and one city forming the backbone of the New River Valley, popular shops, restaurants, and coffee houses serve any number of regional students, faculty, and staff.  Nestled in the college downtowns of Blacksburg and Radford, two historic, independent theaters—The Lyricand the Radford Theater—offer movie buffs an ever-changing selection of independent movies, documentaries, special screenings, and film festivals throughout the year.

With resources like these, it’s easy to see why the New River Valley was ranked one of the top college destinations in the U.S.  To learn more, visit the AIER College Destinations Index 2017.

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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.

NRV Towns Ranked Among Best Places in Virginia to Raise a Family

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WalletHub.com has ranked three New River Valley towns among the 50 places in Virginia to Raise a Family.


WalletHub’s data team compared communities in Virginia across 21 key indicators of family-friendliness. Their data set ranges from “median family income” to “school-system quality” to “housing affordability.”  Based on their analysis, Christiansburg (No. 15), Blacksburg (No. 33) and Radford (No. 47) all made the list.


Read more at WalletHub.


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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.