Virginia Business Features NRV Leaders in ‘Top 100 People to Meet in 2024’

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New River Valley, VA – Several leaders from across the New River Valley were listed in the 5th annual list from Virginia Business of “Top 100 People to Meet in 2024”. According to the article, this list includes a wide range of professions from novelists and podcasters to up-and-coming entrepreneurs, influential attorneys, nonprofit leaders, educators, go-getters and innovators.

The top leaders from the NRV to meet in 2024 are:

Educators:
  • Enric Ruiz-Geli | Montgomery County | Professor of practice, Virginia Tech Honors College; principal and founding architect, Cloud 9
  • Bevlee A. Watford | Montgomery County | Associate dean of equity and engagement; executive director, Center for the Enhancement of Engineering Diversity, Virginia Tech

Go-Getters:
  • Peter Mann | City of Radford | Founder and CEO, Oransi

Innovators:
  • Nanci Hardwick | Montgomery County | Aeroprobe and MELD Manufacturing
  • Yuhao Zhang | Montgomery County | Assistant professor, Virgnia Tech

The New River Valley is at once organic and innovative. Technical and agricultural. Artistic and scientific. Step into a place filled with creativity, culture, and community, a place where you are surrounded with profound beauty, an eclectic mix of small-town life, and world-class universities. Discover how the New River Valley is “A Natural Fit” 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.”

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 Accolades and Awards for 2023

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New River Valley, VA – The New River Valley is proudly celebrating a year of triumphs and accolades that showcases how the region is filled with thriving communities and innovation. Below are just a few of the accomplishments and awards won this past year by the NRV’s counties, city, towns, schools, businesses, and universities.

Regional Awards:

Higher Education Rankings:

Business Accolades:

The Virginia Commonwealth Placements:

Explore more NRV accolades and awards here.

Photo by Anna-Louise

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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.

Radford University and Virginia Tech Among Best Student Cost of Living in VA

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New River Valley, VA – Radford University and Virginia Tech are among the top 10 best colleges for student cost of living in Virginia according to SmartAsset.com Radford University is ranked #6 for 2023 and Virginia Tech is ranked #7 for 2023.

According to SmartAsset’s methodology, the company “compares schools based on a variety of financial factors and data sets, including starting salary, tuition, living expenses, student retention rate, and scholarships awarded”.

See SmartAsset’s Best Student Cost of Living in Virginia rankings list and the methodology for their placements here.

Learn more about higher education in Virginia’s New River Valley here.

Photo: Radford University on the right and Virginia Tech on the left

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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 Leaders Listed in 4th Annual Virginia 500 By Virginia Business

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New River Valley, VA – Four leaders across the New River Valley were recently listed in the 4th annual “Virginia 500 – The 2023-24 Power List” published by Virginia Business Magazine. With a long tradition of leadership in the Commonwealth, Virginia Business Magazine created the Power List “to be an insightful and helpful resource on leaders in Virginia”. Read more about how Virginia Business created the list here.

The NRV leaders that made the Virginia 500 are:

  • Brent Pry | Sports | Football Head Coach, Virginia Tech
  • Tim Sands | Education | President, Virginia Tech
  • Koen Knippenberg | Manufacturing | Executive Vice President and General Manager, Volvo Group Trucks Operations North America
  • Elizabeth McClanahan | Nonprofits | Chief Executive Officer, Virginia Tech Foundation

Learn more about the leaders, industries, and communities in Virginia’s New River Valley 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.”

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.

2 NRV Locations Featured in Southern Living for Best Fall Foliage in Virginia

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New River Valley, VA –Southern Living recently highlighted two locations in the New River Valley on their “15 Virginia Parks Where You Can Catch the Best Fall Foliage” list.

Claytor Lake State Park in Pulaski County was #4 on the fall foliage list. The article said, “enjoy a day on the water at the 4,500-acre Virginia lake, and be sure to take in the scenic shoreline with its seasonal hues too.”

Mabry Mill on the Blue Ridge Parkway in Floyd County was #9. The article encourages people to “pull out your camera for snapshots of the original Mabry family mill, sawmill, and blacksmith shop in full fall color.”

The Appalachian Trail, which runs through Giles County, also received an honorable mention as “offering unparalleled access to the most dramatic fall sights”.

Read the full article here.

Fall is a beautiful time to be in Virginia’s New River Valley. The mountains and valleys offer a bountiful selection of opportunities for “leaf peeping.” Discover some of the NRV’s fall activities 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.”

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.

Radford University Ranks #2 on Forbes VA’s Best Online Colleges 2023

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Radford, VA – Forbes recently ranked Radford University’s online programs as some of the best in Virginia. Forbes stated that “Virginia is a state to watch as its technology sector becomes one of the most diverse and fast-paced in the nation.” They ranked online colleges in Virginia that can provide hands-on learning for people to build their ideal profession. Radford University was second on the Best Virginia Online Colleges of 2023 list. Forbes picked Radford University because students can “choose from standard bachelor’s degrees, bachelor’s completion programs, and accelerated bachelor’s-to-master’s degrees. Some are available in a hybrid format for learners who prefer in-person instruction.” Forbes’ rankings were based on learning, affordability, and student outcomes. Learn more about their methodology here. Read the full article here. Discover more about the City of Radford and Radford University 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.” 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.

New River Community College Ranks #4 for Best College Tuition in Virginia

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Pulaski County, VA– New River Community College ranks fourth for Best College Tuition in the state of Virginia by SmartAsset. SmartAsset determined the rankings for Best College Tuition by looking at five different categories: student retention rate, tuition, student cost of living, scholarships and grant offerings, and starting salary for new graduates.

New River Community College (NRCC) is a comprehensive community college, with locations in Pulaski County and Montgomery County, that has earned a reputation for their first-class instruction. NRCC has a wide selection of courses that can help prepare any student for various occupational programs or the opportunity for college transfer courses.

NRCC also participates in the Access to Community College Education (ACCE) program. ACCE is an economic development public/private partnership in the New River Valley that makes college available debt-free to high school and home-school students by funding NRCC tuition for two years. Graduates of the ACCE program are prepared to join the workforce or transfer to a four-year college without any debt.

Learn more about the ACCE program here.

Discover more about New River Community College and higher education in the NRV here.

See the full rankings of colleges 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.”

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.

Four NRV Businesses Named Best Employers in Virginia by Forbes

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New River Valley, VA – Forbes recently released their 5th annual list of America’s Best Employers by State. Several New River Valley (NRV) companies made the list for Virginia. Forbes surveyed 70,000 workers in all 50 states in partnership with research firm Statisa. The survey covered questions such as working conditions, company image, potential for development, compensation packages, diversity, and more. Virginia had 90 companies selected as America’s Best Employers.

The NRV companies are:

Read the full list here.

Virginia’s New River Valley is the perfect location to let your business flourish. The area is affordable, innovative, and enjoyable. The NRV has easy access to talent, a strategic location, and an innovative business community. Discover why the NRV is a natural fit for your business 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.”

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 Organizations Recognized as Top Virginia Employers for Interns

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New River Valley, VA – The Virginia Talent + Opportunity Partnership (V-TOP) recently recognized 100 organizations as the 2023 Top Virginia Employers for Interns. Multiple organizations throughout Virginia’s New River Valley (NRV) were included on this list. The region continues to be recognized as a top location to live, work, and do business.

The award is a collaboration between V-TOP, the State Council of Higher Education for Virginia (SCHEV) in partnership with the Virginia Chamber of Commerce Foundation and the Virginia Business Higher Education Council. V-TOP is funded by the General Assembly’s Commonwealth Innovative Internship Fund and Program.

The NRV recipients are:

The 2023 Top Virginia Employer Intern award recipients were recognized for the quality of their internship programs. Those who received the award were evaluated based on efforts to include training for industry certifications, housing allowance, paid time off, security clearance, structured mentorship programs, and exposure to senior leadership.

Review the full list of recipients here.

Companies in Virginia’s New River Valley have the added benefit of the opportunity to enroll their interns in the NRV Experience hosted by Onward NRV. The seven-week long summer program features a series of community excursions, professional development trainings, and networking opportunities for your summer interns. These events connect them with other interns in the region while showcasing lifestyle amenities the New River Valley has to offer. Find out why you should enroll your interns in the NRV Experience 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.”

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 Wins Multiple Southwest Virginia Tourism Awards

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New River Valley, VA – Tourism professionals from across Southwest Virginia recently gathered in Wytheville for the fourth annual Celebrate Tourism Summit. The tourism directors in Virginia’s New River Valley won several awards across a variety of categories. The awards are presented by Friends of Southwest Virginia “to celebrate the outstanding work within the tourism industry in Southwest Virginia.” Friends of Southwest Virginia is a non-profit that helps artists, craftspeople, localities, nonprofits, and entrepreneurs mobilize and succeed.

Thirty-eight Southwest Virginia Tourism Awards were given in categories that ranged from tourism leadership, tourism marketing, special events, to visitor services.

The New River Valley won the following awards:

Congratulations to all those who won this year! And to all those who continue to showcase the beauty of Virginia’s New River Valley through their tourism efforts.

View the full list of winners here.

In the NRV, the mountains call you and the New River floods you with peace. The scenery inspires, the people connect, and the work feels easy. Discover why the region is a natural fit 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.”

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.