NRV Among Best of Virginia Aerospace

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VIRGINIA’S NEW RIVER VALLEY – Several assets and locations in Virginia’s New River Valley have made the cut as some of the best of Virginia’s Aerospace industry. The accolades were published in the Fall 2018 Edition (current issue) of the Southern Business & Development Magazine.

Virginia Aerospace Rankings

The best places in Western Virginia for Aerospace included Montgomery County-Blacksburg and Radford.

Virginia Tech was also named one of the Best Colleges for Aerospace Worker Training. The Virginia Tech Aerospace and Ocean Engineering is the #5 program in the world according to the center for World University Rankings (2018).

The Virginia Space Grant Consortium, which Virginia Tech is a part of, was also mentioned as one of the best in Aerospace R&D in Virginia.

Click to enlarge the photo on the right to view all rankings in Virginia.

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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.”

Blacksburg Commute

Blacksburg Has the Shortest Commute in VA

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BLACKSBURG, VA – The numbers are in and according to Business Insider, Blacksburg has the shortest commute time in Virginia.

The average commute in Blacksburg is 13.9 minutes.

The shortest commutes in neighboring states include:

  • Murray, Kentucky — 12.4
  • Fruitland, Maryland — 15.7
  • Boone, North Carolina — 13.3 minutes
  • Paris, Tennessee — 13.2 minutes
  • Elkins, West Virginia — 11.4

    • Blacksburg Commute

    Business Insider used data from the American Community Survey from the Census Bureau. Data from 2013 to 2017, Business Insider identified cities/towns with at least 1,000 workers over the age of 16. It also excludes college campuses and military bases.

    For full list of shortest commute times in the state, visit Business Insider.

    Explore more accolades won by NRV counties, city, towns, and universities here.

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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.”

    VA Best State

    Virginia Is Business Facilities’ 2018 State Of The Year

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    ~The Commonwealth secures BF’s top annual honor with a diversified and successful high-tech growth strategy.~

    TINTON FALLS, NJ – Virginia has been named Business Facilities magazine’s 2018 State of the Year.

    “Virginia snared more than $5.5 billion in capital investment for its top two projects, and its top five job-creation efforts netted nearly 28,000 new jobs in a diverse and well-executed growth strategy that has made VA a high-tech force to be reckoned with,” said BF Editor-in-Chief Jack Rogers.

    Rogers noted that VA has been a perennial contender for BF’s top honor due to its proximity to Washington DC, making it an attractive location for major corporate headquarters. In recent years, the Commonwealth has invested in fiber-optic networks that have made Northern Virginia the nation’s leading data center hub.

    “The 21st-century infrastructure that Virginia has meticulously installed will serve as a fertile root system that will nurture a lush forest of high-tech enterprises in the Commonwealth for years to come,” Rogers said. “Virginia not only is ready to compete in the emerging high-tech battleground—it shows every intention of dominating the field.”

    Crystal City, VA emerged last fall as a winner of the most coveted economic development project of the young century when Amazon awarded the city half of its $5 billion, 50,000-job HQ2 project (Long Island City in Queens, NY got the other half of the HQ2 mega-project, which was bisected by Amazon boss Jeff Bezos shortly before the site selections were announced).

    The ultra-high-profile HQ2 victory was the second volley in an impressive one-two punch that also saw Micron announce in August a $3-billion expansion of its semiconductor complex in Manassas, VA. Micron CEO Sanjay Mehrotra told Reuters the expansion would meet the burgeoning demand for more powerful computer chips that run collision-avoidance systems and other semi-autonomous automotive systems, a global market expected to reach $6 billion by 2021.

    “Our State of the Year honorees usually have one thing in common,” Rogers said. “They can walk and chew gum at the same time—which in this case means they’re upgrading traditional industries while accelerating emerging growth sectors.”

    New investments in traditional industries in VA in 2018 included paper and packaging leader WestRock’s decision to put $248 million into its paper mill and extrusion facilities in Alleghany County.

    Virginia also excelled as a prime destination for foreign direct investment, including an announcement from Press Glass, the largest independent flat glass processing operation in Europe, to establish its first Virginia manufacturing facility in Henry County.

    Virginia posted a strong showing in BF’s 2018 State Rankings Report, earning top-10 results in our Best Business Climate, Cybersecurity Employment Leaders, Drone Leaders, and Workforce Training Leaders categories, among others.

    Business Facilities is a national publication that has been the leading location source for corporate site selectors and economic development professionals for more than 50 years.

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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.

    Best Stat for Business 2018

    Virginia Named #4 Best State for Business

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    VIRGINIA’S NEW RIVER VALLEY – Forbes’s rankings are published for 2018 and Virginia is the number 4 best state for business.

    Virginia moved up one spot from number 5 in 2017.

    The ranking also puts Virginia as the number 1 state for quality of life and regulatory environment. The top 10 states feature locations all over the country.

    Top 10 Best States for Business:

    1. North Carolina
    2. Utah
    3. Texas
    4. Virginia
    5. Nebraska
    6. Georgia
    7. Florida
    8. Colorado
    9. Washington
    10. Minnesota

    The list is created by looking at cost of business, labor supply, regulatory environment, economic climate, growth prospects, quality of life, and population.

    For more information, visit Forbes.

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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.

    Best Coffee Roaster Red Rooster Coffee

    Red Rooster Coffee Named A Top 12 Coffee Roaster in the U.S. by Forbes

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    FLOYD, VA – Floyd, Virginia is a small but mighty town full of artisans and inventors. A couple of those makers started Red Rooster Coffee in 2010, “with the simple notion of roasting excellent coffee.”

    Since then, Red Rooster has won numerous awards, including a shout out from Forbes naming Red Rooster one of the 12 best coffee roasters in the U.S. in a holiday gift guide.

    From Forbes:

    Red Rooster is in a most improbable spot for a world-class coffee roaster: Floyd, Virginia, population 438. Now eight-years-old and with a brand new roastery and cafe down the street from their original space, Red Rooster not only sources and roasts with thoughtfulness and precision, they also take the time to commission original art for their bags.

    Virginia’s new River Valley is no stranger to quality, artisan coffee. Other local roasters include Brugh Coffee, Radford Coffee Co., and Open Road Roastery.

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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.

    Energy Star Rankings

    The NRV Ranked No. 8 Energy Star Small City

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    VIRGINIA’S NEW RIVER VALLEY – The Blacksburg-Christiansburg-Radford MSA (commonly known as Virginia’s New River Valley) was ranked the number 8 Energy Star small city of 2018.

    The NRV has a long history of being a good steward with natural resources and protecting the environment. The people of the NRV have a deep connection with nature and are committed to preserving the region, especially because the resources (like the New River) are so fun to use.

    Energy Star Rankings

    Top 10 Energy Star Cities of 2018 (Small MSAs)

    1. Midland, TX
    2. Odessa, TX
    3. Greenville, NC
    4. Jackson, MI
    5. San Angelo, TX
    6. Sioux City, IA
    7. Junction City, KS
    8. New River Valley, VA
    9. Santa Fe, NM
    10. Martinsville, VA

    The top cities were determined by looking at how many Energy Star certified buildings were in each MSA (metropolitan statistical area).

    Energy Star certified buildings are more energy efficient than most of other similar buildings in the U.S. Energy Star buildings have saved more than $4.5 billion since 1999.

    For more information about the rankings, visit Energy Star.

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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.

    NRV Top Posts of 2018

    NRV Ranked No. 6 Top Job Market of 2018

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    VIRGINIA’S NEW RIVER VALLEY – The Blacksburg-Christiansburg-Radford MSA (commonly known as Virginia’s New River Valley) keeps topping charts. The NRV was ranked the number 6 top job market of 2018 by Zippia.

    The rankings were determined by looking at unemployment rate, unemployment rate change, and wage change.

    Top 10 Job Markets of 2018:

    1. San Jose-Sunnyvale-Santa Clara, CA (Silicon Valley area)
    2. San Luis Obispo-Paso Robles-Arroyo Grande, CA
    3. Odessa, TX
    4. Midland, TX
    5. Charleston-North Charleston, SC
    6. New River Valley, VA
    7. Florence, SC
    8. Ann Arbor, MI
    9. Waterloo-Cedar Falls, IA
    10. Roanoke, VA

    The rankings considered 386 metro areas of varying sizes. For more information on the rankings, visit Zippia, “The Career Expert.”

    This ranking was also used by USA Today.

    Looking for work in the NRV? Start with the Job Opportunities tab under Live Here.

    Header photo: Excella, agile tech firm, Blacksburg

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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.

    virginia tech engineering

    Virginia Tech College of Engineering Moves Up to #13 in U.S.

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    BLACKSBURG, VA – The Virginia Tech College of Engineering rose one spot in the U.S. News & World Report Best College Rankings. The college is now number 13 among all national engineering programs.

    virginia tech engineering

    The college still holds the number 9 spot among public universities.

    “We continue to be sought after by the best and brightest future engineers, seeing a 20 percent increase in applications this year,” said Julia M. Ross, the Paul and Dorothea Torgersen Dean of Engineering. “The college is poised to fulfill our land-grant mission and responsibility to fuel the pipeline of a globally astute, diverse workforce and academic leaders. It all starts with shaping young minds.”

    Virginia Tech continues to be a huge asset in the NRV, helping to produce a steady pipeline of talent for our area.

    The U.S. News & World Report rankings are based on peer assessment, retention rates, faculty resources, student selectivity, financial resources, graduation rates, and alumni giving.

    For more information about the ranking, visit the Virginia Tech News post.

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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.

    Virginia Tech Football Entrance

    Virginia Tech Ranked the #1 Most Electric Entrance in College Football

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    VIRGINIA’S NEW RIVER VALLEY – Locals know how rowdy Lane Stadium gets, but the news has gotten out. The Virginia Tech Hokies stadium entrance to Metallica’s Enter Sandman was ranked the #1 Most Electric Entrance in College Football by Fanbuzz.

    The entire stadium, from the band, to the student section, to people who are probably too old to do it, jump in unison to as the song builds to its climax. The Hokies’ football team walks from their locker room to the stadium, files into the narrow tunnel, and bursts onto the Lane Stadium field. It’s electric, it’s crazy, and it’s our favorite entrance in all of college football.

    Other universities mentioned include Miami, South Carolina, and Clemson, but Virginia Tech took home the number one spot.

    To see the full ranking, visit Fanbuzz.

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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.

    NRV number 17 best college town

    NRV Named #17 Best College Town by AIER

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    VIRGINIA’S NEW RIVER VALLEY – The Blacksburg-Christiansburg-Radford MSA (known as the New River Valley) was ranked the number 17 best college town in America (2017) by the American Institute for Economic Research. The NRV is home to over 40,000 students thanks to Virginia Tech, Radford University, and New River Community College.

    NRV best college town
    “It should come as no surprise that Virginia Tech supplies Blacksburg with high levels of innovation. In terms of bars and restaurants, ask any Tech student and they’ll tell you to head downtown to T.O.T.S., Gillie’s, or Sharkey’s for some amazing brews and grub. The MSA of Blacksburg also includes Radford University, a key player in the regional economy.”

    AIER compiled the Best College Town results based on economic, demographic, and quality of life data points. Each “college town” has a population of less than 250,000.

    AIER also gave the NRV the number 3 ranking for bars and restaurants.

    Virginia Tech and Radford University often receive accolades and top rankings for their academic programs and fun atmospheres. Most recently, Virginia was ranked as the #15 Best College Tailgate in the U.S.

    For more info about the other college rankings, visit AIER.

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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.