Business Announcements Inmotion Ribbon Cutting

NRV a top 30 “Leading Location” for new and expanding businesses

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Date:  June 15, 2016

New River Valley, VA – The New River Valley is one of the hottest places in America for new and expanding business, according to Area Development. The magazine recently released its ranking of the top 100 Leading Locations in the U.S. for 2016.

The Blacksburg-Christiansburg-Radford metropolitan statistical area (MSA), encompassing the entire New River Valley, ranked No. 30 overall and No. 12 among mid-sized metros with populations between 160,000 to 600,000. The New River Valley was one of only two metros in Virginia designated a Leading Location. Richmond, VA made the list at No. 68 overall.

In its sixth year, the Leading Locations for 2016 rankings analyzed economic and workforce data for 394 MSAs to determine recent and long-term economic vitality as well as each metros capacity to support business growth. The four primary indicators used to compile the rankings included Prime Workforce, Economic Strength, Year-Over-Year Growth, and Five Year Growth.

Prime Workforce helped propel the New River Valley to its high overall ranking. The region ranked No. 4 overall; No. 2 among mid-sized metros. A high ranking in Prime Workforce was attributed to an area’s strong and growing nucleus of well-educated and qualified 18- to 44-year-olds in the workforce.

The availability of a qualified workforce was one of the leading indicators included in the Leading Locations ranking. Area Development indicated that when choosing a place to locate or expand, executives generally prefer to pick a place with a solid pipeline of potential employees that will allow the company to hit the ground running and support future growth.

College communities were well represented among the Top 10 Prime Workforce locations. Area Development found this to be “no surprise” because many graduates choose to join the workforce after graduation and college towns tend to be hotbeds of innovation.

Virginia’s New River Valley is no exception to this finding. The region benefits from not one, but two universities – Virginia Tech and Radford University – and an exceptional community college – New River Community College. With approximately 45,000 students, these institutions provide a steady pipeline of talent for companies in the New River Valley to draw from. Virginia Tech, a top 40 research university, is also a major catalyst for the region’s growing technology sector.

Blacksburg, Christiansburg among safest places in Virginia

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Date:  May 6, 2016

New River Valley Economic Development Alliance

New River Valley, VA – Two New River Valley towns are among the safest places in Virginia, according to BackgroundChecks.org. The public safety focused organization recently ranked the towns of Blacksburg and Christiansburg on its 2016 list of the 25 Safest Cities in Virginia. BackgroundChecks.org had this to say about Blacksburg and Christiansburg:

#6 Blacksburg “Located in Montgomery County, Blacksburg is a town that has a current population of 42,600 residents. Best known as the home of Virginia Tech, the town was named by Business Week as one of the best places in the U.S. to raise kids and by Southern Living as the Best College Town in the South. The violent crime rate here is 90.6, and residents of Blacksburg have a 1.1% chance of being involved in a property crime.”

#11 Christiansburg “A town in Montgomery County, Christiansburg is home to 21,000 residents. Also the county seat, the community was a stagecoach stop in the 1850’s and was the residence of such legends as Davy Crockett, Daniel Boone, and Booker T. Washington. The violent crime rate here is 141.1, and the chance of being affected by property crime in Christiansburg is 3.1%.”

BackgroundChecks.org is a public safety focused organization committed to increasing public safety, community involvement, transparent government and education. To compile the list of the 25 Safest Cities in Virginia, BackgroundChecks.org used FBI violent crime stats and its own proprietary research data.

To view the full list of the Top 25 Safest Cities in Virginia, visit http://backgroundchecks.org/25-safest-cities-in-virginia-2016.html 

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.

Floyd named a best small town by USA Today and Southern Living

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Date:  April 13, 2016

New River Valley, VA – Floyd continues to rack up third party recognitions as one of the best towns in the South. Over the past year, it has been featured on lists by USA Today and Southern Living.

In February, Southern Living Magazine named Floyd as one of the South’s Best Small Towns for 2016. Published since 1966, Southern Living highlights the beauty and culture of the growing South and has a reach of more than 23 million people each month. Floyd was among 20 small towns to be featured on its list.

Southern Living had this to say about Floyd:

“You’ve got the mountains rising from all sides of town, the Blue Ridge Parkway running north and south, and all of the old time, bluegrass music you could ask for. A stop on The Crooked Road, Virginia’s Heritage Music Trail, Floyd takes its farm-centric roots and adds a touch of artistic whimsy. Show up for the Friday Night Jamboree at the Floyd Country Store to see the town at its finest.”

In 2015, Floyd was ranked the No. 9 Best Southern Small Town in the nation by the USA Today 10Best Readers’ Choice Awards. The top 20 nominees were picked by a panel of experts with the top ten being chosen by popular vote of USA Today 10 Best readers. USA Today is a national news and information media company with eight million readers daily.

USA Today had this to say about Floyd:

“A popular stop along the famous Blue Ridge Parkway, Floyd is an artist’s enclave where the Friday Nite Jamboree is just one of the regular toe-tapping events that visitors enjoy. Galleries and studios abound and regular events allow buyers (and art-loving lookie-loos) to enjoy multiple venues on one visit with ease. Floyd’s lovely Mabry Mill, featuring a working blacksmith, wheelwright, grist mill and whiskey still, keeps history alive and interactive. Not to mention fun.”

To view the full lists, visit:

• Southern Living

• USA Today

Housing in Virginia's New River Valley

Pulaski Ranks No. 9 Best Place in VA for First-Time Homebuyers

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New River Valley, VA – NerdWallet.com has ranked the Town of Pulaski the No. 9 Best Place in Virginia for First-time Homebuyers. Here is what NerdWallet had to say:


Like the other western Virginia cities of Richlands, Abingdon and Galax, Pulaski has seen healthy growth in its home values in recent years. From 2010 to 2013, the median home value jumped 17.90% to $96,800.


However, Pulaski remains the most affordable of these communities, and it would take the shortest time in the top 10 — about seven years — to save for a 20% down payment.

Read more at Nerd Wallet.


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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.

Forbes Ranks Blacksburg Among the Top 25 Best Places to Retire, Again

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NEW RIVER VALLEY, VA – For the third consecutive year, the Town of Blacksburg has been ranked among the “25 Best Places to Retire,” by Forbes.com. To compile its list of the 25 Best Places to Retire 2016, Forbes considered several factors in the survey, including overall cost of living and home prices, as compared to national averages, and general tax climates for retirees. The ranking included more than 500 communities nationwide.


Blacksburg: A college town (Virginia Tech) of 44,000 in southwestern tail of Virginia.


PROS:

  • Economically robust.
  • Median home price $230,000.
  • Above average air quality.
  • Low crime rate.
  • High Milken aging rank.
  • Somewhat walkable.

    • NOTES:

  • Cost of living 2% above national average.
  • Average state tax climate for retirees and doctors per capita.
  • Mild climate.
  • On list last year.

    • TRIVIA: Named two centuries ago for town’s founder.


    The full list of the Best 25 Places to Retire 2016 can be viewed at: http://www.forbes.com/sites/williampbarrett/2016/04/04/the-best-places-to-retire-in-2016/#512d9f1c703e


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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 ranked a top job destination for college graduates

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    Date:  March 8, 2016

    New River Valley, VA – In its first annual Employment Destinations Index, the American Institute for Economic Research (AIER) ranked the most attractive places in the U.S. where young college graduates want to live and work. The Blacksburg-Christiansburg-Radford Metropolitan Statistical Area, encompassing the entire New River Valley, ranked No. 20 in the nation among metro areas with populations less than 250,000.


    The 2015 Employment Destinations Index is 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.


    “With the Employment Destinations Index, we identify what captures young people’s imagination and entices them to test the waters in cities large and small,” said Rosalind Greenstein, director of research and education at AIER. “After making the economic decision to move, the young and educated are looking for places where they can have a meaningful work/life balance.”


    Virginia’s New River Valley has a desirable blend of economic opportunity and lifestyle amenities. The diverse mix of businesses, ranging from small startups to large international corporations, provide meaningful career opportunities. Unlike larger metro areas, its small town atmosphere cultivates social interaction and community engagement. The region’s mountain setting is also ideal for enjoying the outdoors, with superb greenways, nature trails and waterways.


    AIER also found that many of the destinations ranking at the top of the smallest metro group “benefited from the presence of a university that anchors economic activity, attracts companies relying on high-skill workers, inspires researchers and entrepreneurs to leverage networks, and supports a lively social scene.”


    Virginia’s New River Valley is no exception to this finding. The region benefits from not one, but two universities – Virginia Tech and Radford University – and an exceptional community college – New River Community College. These higher education institutions contribute to the cultural and social offerings of the region and provide a steady pipeline of talent for area companies to draw from. Virginia Tech, a top 40 research university, is also a major catalyst for the region’s technology sector and has produced numerous spinout companies through alumni, faculty and researchers.


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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 named Best of the Mountains, FloydFest

    Floyd Fest a “Hottest Musical Festival”

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    “[Floyd Fest is] Five days filled with music, plus outdoor adventure, brews and activities for kids. Set aside some time to go hiking and tubing down the nearby river…”

    Read more from Fox News or www.floyfest.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.

    Why Some Say Towns Like Blacksburg Could be the Next Silicon Valley

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    “When it comes to innovation, place matters. Not necessarily because of proximity to facilities or investors (though those are lovely to have, of course), but because creativity is almost always a group endeavor — big ideas are the product not of one big brain, but of many ideas pinging between several smart people.”

    Read more from Jessica Stillman at Inc.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.

    Governor McAuliffe Announces $2.125 Million Camrett Logistics Investment in Pulaski County

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    Camrett Logistics to expand its operation in Pulaski, add 38 new jobs in New River Valley

     

    FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

    Date: December 11, 2015

    Commonwealth of Virginia Office of Governor Terry McAuliffe

    RICHMOND – Governor Terry McAuliffe announced today that Camrett Logistics Inc., a full service third party logistics (3PL) company that serves Virginia and the surrounding region, will invest $2.125 million to expand its operation in Pulaski County. The project will create 38 new jobs.

    Speaking about today’s announcement, Governor McAuliffe said, “Camrett Logistics is a valued Virginia business established in 1995 that has grown to six locations in the Commonwealth. This impressive company offers material solutions to manufacturers and distribution companies, a vital service to help us grow our advanced manufacturing industry.  Growing this important sector will help us diversify and build a new Virginia economy, and this expansion will bring much-needed jobs to Pulaski County.”

    “We are very encouraged by the addition of new jobs in Pulaski County,” said Secretary of Commerce and Trade Maurice Jones.  “Advanced manufacturing continues to be one of the industries with great growth prospects in the Commonwealth.  This expansion is a testament to the superior workforce, business climate and infrastructure in Southwest Virginia, and we look forward to continuing this great partnership with Camrett.

    Started by Collin Peel in 1995 with one straight truck and a 10,000-square-foot warehouse in Rural Retreat, Virginia, Camrett has expanded to warehouses and over-the-road transportation in more than three states. Camrett Logistics offers warehousing, distribution, consolidation, kitting, transportation, and a handful of other logistics services.

    “We are excited to be expanding into the Radford community,” said Collin Peel, President of Camrett Logistics Inc. “The old AT&T building (as it was known) is a well-built facility that needs some tender loving care. We have started replacing parts of the roof, removing all the old lighting and duct work and replacing them with the latest high-efficiency lighting and gas powered heaters. The employees that have joined us here in Radford have been truly amazing—start-up operations are often chaotic, and these new employees did what was necessary to keep the customer happy. Our goal is to have the full facility 100 percent warehouse-ready by March 2016. We will seek local manufactures and new ones wishing to expand their operations into the south side of the building. The full facility has nearly 600,000 square feet of space, 27 dock doors and an abundance of offices available. Camrett, as a whole, manages over 1.4 million square feet in Southwest Virginia.”

    The Virginia Economic Development Partnership (VEDP) worked with Pulaski County to secure the project for Virginia. The company is eligible to receive state benefits from the Virginia Enterprise Zone Program, administered by the Virginia Department of Housing and Community Development. Camrett will also receive benefits from the Port of Virginia Economic and Infrastructure Development Zone Grant Program. Additional funding and services to support the company’s employee training activities will be provided through the Virginia Jobs Investment Program, administered by VEDP.

    “It is exciting for our county to have a once-closed manufacturing facility open and employing Pulaski County residents, and even better is that it will be occupied by a company that is already in Pulaski County—Camrett Logistics,”said Joe Sheffey, Chairman of the Pulaski County Board of Supervisors. “We are excited that Camrett will expand their operations in our county and add to our local economy. The 38 jobs that will be created in Pulaski County represent 38 families that will contribute in a positive way to our community.”

    “A strong logistics network requires many partners working together to support the import and export needs of Virginia’s manufacturers and distributors,” said John Reinhart, CEO and executive director of the Virginia Port Authority.“This strategic decision by Camrett Logistics to reinvest in Virginia strengthens the Commonwealth’s international logistics network, reinforces Virginia’s position as business location, creates jobs for Pulaski County and contributes to the growth of The Port of Virginia. Camrett is expanding and we are pleased that the port has a role in the company’s future.”

    I am pleased to learn that Camrett Logistics’ investment in Pulaski County will result in 38 much-needed jobs and a vital boost to our local economy,” said Delegate Nick Rush. “I commend the Virginia Economic Development Partnership and the local government representatives of Pulaski County for their efforts in making this project possible. I am grateful for Camrett Logistics’ commitment to the New River Valley and hope for its continued success for years to come.

    Office of the Governor

    Contact: Brian Coy

    Email: Brian.Coy@governor.virginia.gov 

    Virginia Economic Development Partnership

    Contact: Suzanne Clark

    Phone: (804) 545-5806

    Email: sclark@yesvirginia.org

    Camrett Logistics

    Contact: Collin Peel

    Phone: (276) 625-8103

    E-mail: cpeel@camrett.com

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    Governor McAuliffe Announces $38.1 Million Volvo Group Investment in Pulaski County

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    Volvo to upgrade truck plant, develop Customer Experience Center, add 32 jobs in New River Valley

    DUBLIN – Governor Terry McAuliffe announced today that the Volvo Group will invest $38.1 million at the New River Valley (NRV) assembly facility in Pulaski County, where all Volvo Trucks models for North America are assembled. The investment will allow Volvo to make several plant upgrades and build a 36,000-square-foot Volvo Trucks Customer Experience Center on the NRV grounds. In addition to the investment, Volvo will add 32 new jobs at NRV.

    Speaking about today’s announcement, Governor McAuliffe said, “Growing the advanced manufacturing industry is a key part of our efforts to create jobs, diversify and build a new Virginia economy. This is the largest Volvo truck manufacturing facility in the world, and we are pleased that the Volvo Group chose Virginia for this significant expansion that will ensure its success and longevity in Pulaski County for years to come.” “This announcement is a testament to the great workforce and best-in-class business environment in Pulaski County and the Commonwealth,” said Secretary of Commerce and Trade Maurice Jones. “The advanced manufacturing industry in Virginia continues to gain momentum, and we are proud that Volvo is a leader in this key sector.” Volvo Trucks provides complete transport solutions for professional and demanding customers, offering a full range of medium to heavy-duty trucks. Customer support is secured via a global network of 2,200 dealers and workshops in more than 120 countries. Volvo trucks are assembled in 16 countries across the globe. In 2014, more than 117,000 Volvo trucks were delivered worldwide. Volvo Trucks is part of the Volvo Group, one of the world’s leading manufacturers of trucks, buses and construction equipment, and drive systems for marine and industrial applications. The Group also provides solutions for financing and service. Volvo’s work is based on the core values of quality, safety and environmental care. “Volvo’s investment in the NRV facility and in the development of a Customer Experience Center is evidence of our commitment to our employees and the Pulaski County community,” said Gӧran Nyberg, president of Volvo Trucks North America. “Our competitive advantage stems from our innovative products and services, and also from our dedicated employees.” The Virginia Economic Development Partnership (VEDP) worked with Pulaski County to secure the project for Virginia. Governor McAuliffe approved a $100,000 grant from the Commonwealth’s Opportunity Fund to assist Pulaski with the project.The Governor also approved a $2 million performance-based grant from the Virginia Investment Partnership program, an incentive available to existing Virginia companies. The company is eligible to receive state benefits from the Virginia Enterprise Zone Program, administered by the Virginia Department of Housing and Community Development. Additional funding and services to support the company’s employee training activities will be provided through the Virginia Jobs Investment Program, administered by VEDP. “The Pulaski County Board of Supervisors and County staff are pleased to have assisted Volvo with this effort,” said Joe Sheffey, Chairman, Pulaski County Board of Supervisors. “We are extremely proud of what Volvo has accomplished over the past 40 years. Volvo continues to be a leader in the local economy, in our quality of life and in the environmental care for the community we call home.” “This is fantastic news for Pulaski County and the New River Valley,” said Delegate Nick Rush. “Volvo Trucks is one of the best manufacturers in the world, and their commitment to the New River Valley is a testament to the hard work of its employees and the County’s continued efforts to bring good-paying jobs to our community.” “The Volvo Group has been a valuable community partner in Pulaski County and the New River Valley Region,” said Senator Ben Chafin. “It is great to see Volvo continuing to invest in Virginia. These new jobs are a positive step forward in building a stronger economy in Southwest Virginia.” Since the beginning of the McAuliffe administration, 471 economic development deals have been closed in Virginia with more than $7.799 billion in capital investment, more than any previous governor in his first 20 months in office. 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 Volvo Trucks North America Contact: John Mies (336) 543-9094 John.Mies@volvo.com

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