Virginia Earns #1 Business Climate Spot From Site Selection Magazine

New River Valley, VA – Virginia Business has announced that the state has earned the top spot in Site Selection magazine for best business climate. Virginia has catapulted nine places from its number ten ranking last year and has unseated Georgia, which has had an eight-year streak at the top.

The head of the Virginia Economic Development Partnership, CEO and President Jason El Koubi, is quoted in the article citing specifics,

“In 2021, the Virginia Economic Development Partnership announced 130 projects in Virginia, expected to bring more than 18,000 jobs and $2.1 billion in investment. And since January, VEDP has announced 65 more projects. Virginia has been most successful attracting projects in advanced materials, supply chain management, data centers, and life sciences.”

Site selectors were surveyed and responded that their number one criteria for site selection is workforce skills, followed by tax climate and workforce development.

Virginia is ahead of the curve with major workforce programs and partnerships. The Virginia Tech Talent Pipeline Program “aims to produce 31,000 in-demand computer science graduates during the next two decades through a cooperative program with 11 Virginia universities”. Additionally, the Virginia Talent Accelerator Program, the result of collaboration between VEDP and the Virginia Community College System, provides “customizable job training and other support to qualifying companies at no cost,” per the article.

The New River Valley also has several exciting talent development initiatives, including a recent announcement regarding a GO Virginia grant to fund workforce development in Floyd and Pulaski counties.

Find out more about the robust business climate in Virginia’s New River Valley here.

###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.