Virginia Tech Ranked the #15 Best College Tailgate

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BLACKSBURG, VA – Virginia Tech was named the #15 Best College Tailgate in the U.S. by INSIDER with the help of Scott Backstrom, founder of Tailgate Master.

“The Hokies know how to give a Virginia Tech game day experience. Arrive early and check out the Hokie Walk and the Hokie Village for music and more!”

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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.

Blacksburg Farmers Market Ranked #9 in Virginia

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BLACKSBURG, VA – The Blacksburg Farmers Market was ranked number 9 in Virginia by HomeSnacks.net. The ranking was created by looking at data from the U.S. Department of Agriculture. Criteria included number of amenities, technology improvements, variety of items, population, and organic vendors.

Top Farmers Markets in Virginia (HomeSnacks):


1. The Virginia Beach Farmers Market, Virginia Beach, VA
2. Lynchburg Community Market, Lynchburg, VA
3. The South Of The James Farmers Market, Richmond, VA
4. Harrisonburg Farmers Market, Harrisonburg, VA
5. Sunday Brunch Market, Glen Allen, VA
6. Charlottesville City Market, Charlottesville, VA
7. Danville Farmers’ Market, Danville, VA
8. Grandin Village Farmers Market, Roanoke, VA
9. Blacksburg Farmers Market, Blacksburg, VA
10. Williamsburg Farmers Market, Williamsburg, VA

There are many active farmers markets in the New River Valley, serving each unique community in the region.

The Blacksburg Farmers Market takes place all year long in the middle of Downtown Blacksburg. For more info visit www.blacksburgfarmersmarket.com.

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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.

Nanosonic, NRV job market, NRV top job market in US

The NRV Named a Top 10 Job Market by USA Today

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VIRGINIA’S NEW RIVER VALLEY – The Blacksburg-Christiansburg-Radford MSA (also know as Virginia’s New River Valley or the NRV) was named the #6 Top Job Market in the U.S. according to USA Today, yesterday.

NRV Job Market a top job market in the US

The ranking was created by Zippia, a job search site that used data from the Bureau of Labor Statistics. Zippia looked at wages, unemployment, and current jobless rates.

“These metro areas are home to growing, well-paying jobs,” said Chris Kolmar, Zippia’s head of marketing. “These are the metros that have seen bigger decreases in unemployment and increases in wages than competing metros.”

Virginia’s New River Valley is an excellent place to live and work and has been consistently recognized as such. Other recent acknowledgments include:

  • “Best of the Mountains” 16 Times
  • #11 Best Place to Work in Manufacturing
  • Top Affordable Metro Attracting YPs
  • #10 in High Tech Employment Concentration

    • The NRV has an excellent workforce that is fueled by great higher education institutions like Virginia Tech, Radford University, and New River Community College. Plus, the endless lifestyle amenities make it an excellent place to live.

    For more information, visit Virginia’s New River Valley.

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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.

    GO Virginia Region 2

    Blacksburg the #4 Best Affordable College Town for Recent Grads – And Everyone Else

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    BLACKSBURG, VA – The Town of Blacksburg was ranked the #4 Best Affordable College Town for Recent Grads (And Everyone Else) by Realtor.com. Their data team looked at 700 markets with at least 1 four-year university and 10,000 undergraduates in the area. The rankings were done considering percentage of students, unemployment rates, home appreciation, and median income.

    Looking down main street in downtown Blacksburg in Montgomery County, VA

    “After receiving their diplomas, Virginia Polytechnic Institute and State University (Virginia Tech) graduates often head to cities such as Washington, DC, or Charlotte, NC.”

    But those who prefer the great outdoors over big-city life are choosing to stick around. For starters, the Appalachian Trail is just a short drive out of town.

    “Claytor Lake State Park is the go-to for fishing and boating, and New River Trail State Park is a fantastic place for horseback riding.”

    Read more from Realtor.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.

    NRV Top Posts of 2018

    Blacksburg a Top 100 Best Place to Live

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    BLACKSBURG, VA – The Town of Blacksburg is a Top 100 Best Place to Live according to Livability.com. Blacksburg came in at number 63 out of almost 2,300 cities.

    The small and mid-sized towns and cities were ranked using 40 data points that analyzed economics, education, housing, and more.

    “The college town atmosphere in Blacksburg has helped foster affordable housing options along with a robust downtown district, fantastic restaurants, boutiques, and entertainment venues…”

    Read more from Livability.

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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 at Koinonia Announcement at Pete Dye River Course in Pulaski County, VA 2017

    Pulaski County Economic Development Performance on Top in 2017

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    ~Pulaski County economic development performance is on top in 2017.~

    FROM PULASKI COUNTY, VA – According to the Virginia Economic Development Partnership’s Virginia Announcements of Employment Creation and Capital Investment – ‘2017 End of Year Report,’ Pulaski County finished 2nd in Job Creation, 4th in New Capital Investment and 2nd in the Number of Projects Announced per capita for the Calendar Year 2017 out of all 95 counties within the Commonwealth of Virginia. According to the report, Pulaski County was the only county that finished 4th or better in all three categories, respectively placing the County in the top spot overall in economic development performance.

    “The Board of Supervisors is extremely thankful for our success in 2017 and the true benefit of our accomplishments is the more than 600 new jobs that will become available to our citizens,” stated Andy McCready, Chair of the Pulaski County Board of Supervisors.

    “We have one of the most dedicated and creative economic development teams working hard to advance our existing industries and to recruit new foreign and domestic investments to the County.”

    According to the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics, Pulaski County’s unemployment rate dipped below 4.0% in December of 2017 for the first time since April 2006 (3.5%). The unemployment rate improved from 9.3% in January of 2017, down to 3.9% in December of 2017.

    “We are starting to see the positive effects of new jobs being created in the County, and a 140-month low unemployment rate at the end of 2017 was further affirmation that our economic development efforts are beginning to pay dividends,” stated Jonathan D. Sweet. “I am so thankful to the Board of Supervisors, Michael Solomon, our EDA and the entire County Administration Team, but I am most grateful to our business community for their trust and confidence to invest in Pulaski County and our world-class workforce.”

    The ranking outcomes were the result of Pulaski County’s five (5) qualified projects in CY-2017, two of which were officially announced in concert with the Governor’s office. These five (5) basic industry sector projects will collectively create more than 600 new jobs and $57 million in new capital investment. The projects referenced consisted of Phoenix Packaging Operations, LLC, MicroXact, Koinonia Ltd., MTM Inc., and Volvo Trucks North America.

    “We knew Pulaski County had a banner year, but until you compare our numbers to the rest of the counties in Virginia, it’s hard to appreciate just how strongly we performed,” stated Jon Wyatt, Chair of the Pulaski County Economic Development Authority. “Kudos to our Economic Development Team for their ability to structure and close so many deals and subsequently manage and service all of these projects.”

    Pulaski County, located in Virginia’s New River Valley, is home to eight (8) international companies that represents more than 4,000 advanced manufacturing jobs. The County is considered to be Southwest Virginia’s Center for International Business and the New River Valley’s Advanced Manufacturing Hub.

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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.

    NRV Top Posts of 2018

    RU Highlander Ranked #1 Mascot by USA Today

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    RADFORD, VA – USA Today named the Radford University Highlander mascot the no. 1 mascot. Out of the 68 teams in the NCAA Tournament, the Highlanders came out on top.

    “AMAZING” said the article author Charles Curtis. “Between the beard, the costume, the muscles, the headband and all the ‘THERE CAN BE ONLY ONE!!!’ jokes, this deserves the No. 1 spot.”

    Radford University is a huge asset to our communities. It doesn’t hurt that Highlander sports teams keep winning. Radford Men’s Soccer clinched the 2016 Big South Tournament Championship. Golf, Cross Country, Tennis, and more are consistent winners, and Men’s Baseball is unstoppable. Learn more at www.radford.edu.

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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.

    Floyd Country Store in Floyd most underrated city in VA

    Floyd Named Most Underrated City in Virginia

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    FLOYD, VA – Thrillist named Floyd the most underrated city in Virginia. Due to its outdoor recreation opportunities and creative culture, Floyd made the list of underrated cities in all 50 states.

    Matthew Meltzer writes:

    This hippie town set atop the Blue Ridge Plateau is the state’s best outdoor recreation destination outside Shenandoah, with hiking, biking, and camping in the nearby Buffalo Mountain Natural Area Preserve. It houses 40 miles of the Blue Ridge Parkway, which during the fall boasts a whole lotta eye-pleasing foliage but few tourists. This happens to be Virginia wine country, so hit either the Villa Appalaccia and Chateau Morrisette for fantastic food paired with the state’s best vino. Music lovers should swing though the Floyd Country Store for weekly performances and jam sessions; Floyd is also a stop on Virginia’s Crooked Road music trail, and home of the Blue Ridge Music Festival.

    Floyd Country Store in Floyd most underrated city in VA

    The town of Floyd has also been ranked a Best Small Town, one of the Happiest Towns in the Blue Ridge, and a Great Small Town Near D.C.

    Floyd County is one of the many inspiring small towns in Virginia’s New River Valley. Our eclectic communities and world-class universities make for an excellent place to live. Learn more about what Floyd and the NRV has to offer here.

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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.

    Murals in Blacksburg, VA

    Blacksburg Named #1 Safest City in Virginia for 2018

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    BLACKSBURG, VA – Blacksburg is the no. 1 Safest City in Virginia for 2018 according to alarms.org and the National Council for Home Safety and Security.

    According to alarms.org, Blacksburg averages just 0.97 violent crimes per 1,000 inhabitants. With rates like that, it’s no wonder why Blacksburg is the safest city in Virginia.

    This ranking was based off the latest FBI Uniform Crime Report statistics, population data, and other research. Towns and cities with populations under 10,000 were eliminated for this ranking.

    Crime Rate Comparisons

    chart comparing crime rates in Blacksburg, VA, Virginia, and the U.S. Blacksburg is the Safest City in Virginia

    Other communities in Virginia’s New River Valley also have high safety rankings. Niche rated Narrows, which is a community in Giles County, as the #4 Safest Town in Virginia.

    For more information read the alarms.org article or WSET news report.

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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.

    Couple walks arm in arm in Downtown Blacksburg

    Radford #1 and Blacksburg #6 Best Places for Singles in Virginia

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    NEW RIVER VALLEY, VA – If you’re looking for love in the NRV, then you’re in the right place. Radford (#1) and Blacksburg (#6) were ranked some of the best places for singles in Virginia, according to homesnacks.net.

    Couple walks arm in arm in Downtown Blacksburg

    Best Places for Singles in VA:
    1. Radford
    2. Charlottesville
    3. Richmond
    4. Alexandria
    5. Harrisonburg
    6. Blacksburg
    7. Norfolk
    8. Fredericksburg
    9. Hampton
    10. Winchester

    The ratings are based on information from the 2011-2015 American Community Survey Census data.

    Looking for things to do in the NRV on V-Day? Check out the special event at the Radford Theater, or the Valentine’s Charity Vinyasa Yoga Class for the Big Heart Foundation at In Balance Yoga in Blacksburg.

    For a larger list of all things Valentine’s Day happening in Virginia’s New River Valley, check out this list from Next 3 Days.

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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.