Cardinal News Highlights Unique NRV Electric Truck Partnership

Cardinal News Highlights Unique NRV Electric Truck Partnership

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Pulaski County, VA – Cardinal News has published an article detailing how two NRV companies, Camrett Logistics and Volvo Trucks North America, are operating in an unusually effective symbiotic manner.

According to the article, “Camrett… provides third-party warehousing and distribution services for clients including the Volvo Trucks North America plant in Dublin.”

Since July 2022, Camrett has been using VNR electric truck it bought from Volvo to move parts from their warehouses, located in Fairlawn and Dublin, to Volvo’s plant. This allows Camrett to share with Volvo how the trucks are preforming in real time and in real-world usage scenarios. In return, Camrett gets to beta test the new technology in a rather safe manner.

Collin Peel, founder and CEO of Camrett Logistics, says in the article,

“This is a near-perfect scenario to test the electric trucks. The current truck is running probably a 10-mile loop. So if something were to ever happen, it’s only 10 miles from the shop. And it’s working very well. We actually have it running roughly 20 hours a day.”

Though unofficial, the unique partnership between Camrett Logistics and Volvo is just one example of the innovative and collaborative business culture that exists in Virginia’s New River Valley.

Read the full article from Cardinal News here.

Learn more about Pulaski County, a community in Virginia’s New River Valley, here.

Learn more about doing business in the 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.

SWVA BioChar to Expand and Create 15 New Jobs in Floyd County

SWVA Biochar to Expand and Create 15 Jobs in Floyd County

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SWVA Biochar to invest $2.6 million, create 15 jobs in Floyd County

Governor Glenn Youngkin today announced that SWVA Biochar, a leading producer of premium biochar in the Southwest Virginia region, will invest $2.6 million to increase capacity at its operation in Floyd County. Biochar is a highly absorbent, specially produced charcoal with unique properties originally used as a soil amendment and is thought to be the key component in a carbon-negative strategy to resolve several current ecological challenges. The company will make updates to its facility at 209 Sams Road Southeast and add new equipment, including several new kilns. The project will create 15 new jobs.

“SWVA Biochar is creating an innovative product from biomass that has the potential to be applied to multiple industries while also making a positive impact on the environment,” said Governor Glenn Youngkin. “Startups and small businesses are critical to job creation, and this young company is benefitting from Virginia’s entrepreneurial ecosystem. We are doubling down to ensure an economy that encourages innovation and look forward to supporting SWVA Biochar’s future success in Floyd County.”

“Startups and small businesses are critical to job creation, and this young company is benefitting from Virginia’s entrepreneurial ecosystem. We are doubling down to ensure an economy that encourages innovation and look forward to supporting SWVA Biochar’s future success in Floyd County.”
– Governor Glenn Youngkin

“Virginia’s collaborative environment and skilled workforce bolster newer businesses like SWVA Biochar that are creating jobs for the future,” said Secretary of Commerce and Trade Caren Merrick. “As we work to catalyze the growth of startups across the Commonwealth, we celebrate SWVA Biochar’s success and are proud to support the company through the Virginia Jobs Investment Program.”

“Virginia’s collaborative environment and skilled workforce bolster newer businesses like SWVA Biochar that are creating jobs for the future.”
– Caren Merrick, Secretary of Commerce and Trade

“SWVA Biochar worked with expert partners at James Madison University and in Colorado to determine that demand for quality biochar is high along the East Coast and overseas in Great Britain and other European countries,” said Jack Wall, SWVA Biochar Manager. “Virginia’s plentiful, high-quality biomass resources to make biochar and biochar-infused compost, as well as the markets for biochar products around the Commonwealth, are unlimited. These resources, along with a vibrant agriculture environment and a skilled and available workforce, were an obvious recipe for a successful business made possible through the support and cooperative relationships we have in Virginia.”

Founded in 2021, SWVA Biochar produces highly absorbent, specially produced charcoal with a wide variety of environmentally positive applications and carbon sequestering properties. SWVA Biochar is committed to making a positive impact on the environment and playing a role in the reversal of climate change and utilizes a specialized manufacturing process that converts biomass into premium biochar material used for filtration systems and as a soil conditioner. The company’s biochar is produced using biomass obtained from Virginia companies.

The Virginia Economic Development Partnership will support SWVA Biochar’s job creation through the Virginia Jobs Investment Program (VJIP), which provides consultative services and funding to companies creating new jobs in order to support employee recruitment and training activities. As a business incentive supporting economic development, VJIP reduces the human resource costs of new and expanding companies. VJIP is state-funded, demonstrating Virginia’s commitment to enhancing job opportunities for citizens.

Read the Governor’s press release 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.

BAE Systems Extends Contract for Radford Army Ammunition Plant Through 2026

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Radford, VA – Virginia Business recently published an article detailing that the Radford Army Ammunition Plant has secured an extended contract for operations through 2026. The contract is managed by BAE Systems, which is one of the largest Department of Defense contractors in the world.

In the article, Brian Gathright, vice president and general manager of BAE Systems Ordnance Systems Inc. explains the economic importance of the Radford plant to New River Valley residents saying,

“The Radford Army Ammunition Plant means a lot to our BAE Systems workforce, but also to the generations of families in our community that have kept the site running since World War II.”

BAE oversees about 3,000 employees in the region and has been the prime contractor for the operation of the Radford plant for the last decade. Through economic ups and downs, BAE has been able to keep a stable and consistent labor force throuought that time by showing employees the money. Brian Hamilton, Montgomery County’s director of economic development is quoted in the atricle saying,

“Radford Army Ammunition Plant employees receive higher than average manufacturing wages, which has a substantial economic impact on the region.”
The article refers to a report by the Virginia Employment Commission, which states that “BAE ranks seventh among largest employers in the New River Valley behind powerhouses such as Virginia Tech, Volvo Group North America Inc., Radford University and Carilion New River Valley Medical Center.”

The City of Radford would likely look much different if it was there at all if not for the large impact of the ammunition plant.  Kimberly D. Repass, the city’s director of economic development  elaborates saying:

“Historically, the ammunition plant has been instrumental in developing and establishing neighborhoods and infrastructures here in Radford dating back to the 1950s.”

Learn more about advanced manufacturing in Virginia’s New River Valley here.

Learn more about the benefits of living and working in the NRV 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.

The Future of Trucking Arrives in Pulaski

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Pulaski County, VA – Cardinal News recently featured an article titled “In Pulaski, Driving Toward the Future,” highlighting a local electric vehicle manufacturer in the NRV. Trova Commercial Vehicles is making history with a process that enables the transformation of existing diesel trucks to electric.

In the article, Patrick Collignon, Trova Founder and CEO, explains the process in easy-to-understand detail saying,

“We take all the components that age well, the cab, the hood, the body, the front axle, the rear axle, all those components that will survive you and me, and we transplant them onto our chassis. So what we have done is we redesigned from scratch a new chassis, a chassis that we believe … is more tailored to the specific components that are critical to an electric drive line.”

According to the article, the process described above means that there is a signifigant savings both from a environmental and cost standpoint. “If you talk about reducing greenhouse gasses, it’s not only at the vehicle’s tailpipe, but now we start reducing that at the tailpipe of the factory,” Collignon said.

The conversion process is still being refined, but Collignon hopes to offer a one-week turnaround saying,

“That means you bring in your diesel truck on Monday, and the next Monday, you drive away with a brand new electric driveline. So that’s a different story than waiting 18 months for a vehicle to come. So lead time is drastically shorter. The cost is drastically less.”

Read the full article about Trova’s advances to electric fleet vehicles here.

Learn more about the advanced manufacturing industry 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.  em>

NRV Manufacturer Earns Coveted Spot on the Inc. 5000 List for 2022

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Radford, VA – Oransi Inc., an NRV manufacturing company, made the Inc. 5000 list for 2022. The annual rankings by Inc. magazine list the “fastest-growing private companies in the United States” and are a “hallmark of entrepreneurial success”.

Oransi is a veteran-owned air purification company, that opened shop in the City of Radford in 2021. The project brought significant investment and over 100 new jobs to the region.

Only 258 companies across the state of Virginia were included on this prestigious list for 2022. Oransi’s ranking is below.

#3,797 Oransi: 132% 3-Year Growth

Read more about the history of the Inc. 5000 rankings here

See the full Inc. 5000 list for 2022 here.

Learn more about the advanced manufacturing 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.

Cardinal News Covers Blacksburg-Based Company Aiming for the Stars

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New River Valley, VA – Cardinal News recently published an article detailing a role that VPT, a Blacksburg-based company, plays in a planned future mission to space. VPT is no stranger to out-of-this-world projects. They also supplied components for the 2020 Mars Rover Perseverance Mission.

“Psyche” is the name of the aircraft currently in development by NASA that could launch as early as 2023. According to the article, “If all goes well, Psyche will rendezvous with an asteroid also called Psyche.”

Psyche (the asteroid) is comprised mainly of metal. The mission is estimated to take 3.5 years and will include a sling-shot type of gravity assist from Mars. Upon reaching the asteroid, the spacecraft will remain in orbit for approximately 21 months.

Dan Sable is the president of Blacksburg’s VPT, Inc. The article states that Sable, 64, “has been involved in the space industry since 1978 when he was a co-op student at RCA Astro-Electronics”. Sable then earned his Ph.D. in electrical engineering from Virginia Tech.

“To succeed, like Sable has, as an engineer/entrepreneur, it takes a visionary who is not afraid to put in the long hours to realize a dream”.

– Brett Malone, president and CEO of the Virginia Tech Corporate Research Center.

Learn more about the Psyche mission here.

Learn more about advanced manufacturing in 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.

 
Two NRV Companies Graduate from VEDP's VALET Program

Two NRV Companies Graduate from VEDP’s VALET Program

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Montgomery County, VA – Two companies from Virginia’s New River Valley recently graduated from the Virginia Leaders in Export Trade (VALET) program. The VALET program, which is run by the Virginia Economic Development Partnership (VEDP), “assists Virginia exporters that have firmly established domestic operations and are committed to international exporting as a growth strategy.”

Governor Glenn Youngkin announced this year’s VALET graduates in a press release earlier this month. The two NRV graduates, Aeroprobe Corporation and Phoenix Integration, were among 11 Virginia companies that completed the VALET program in 2022. Both companies are located in Montgomery County.

Here is what Governor Youngkin had to say about the VALET program:

“The VALET program equips companies in Virginia with the resources they need to enter today’s global marketplace and increase trade opportunities for Virginia products. I congratulate these 11 graduating Virginia companies on their impressive export sales and am confident that their international success will contribute to the economic vitality of our Commonwealth in the years to come.”

Read the full press release about this year’s VALET graduates here.

Learn more about VEDP’s VALET program here.

Learn more about other NRV companies that have participated in the VALET program 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.

Photo credit- Habitat for Humanity

World’s Largest 3D Printing Project Finds a Home in Pulaski County

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Pulaski County, VA – 3D Printing Industry.com recently published a piece designating Pulaski County as home to the “world’s largest 3D printing project”. Project owner, Alquist 3D has dubbed the groundbreaking initiative “Project VA”. The project will be a multi-phase 200-unit housing development that is proposed to be constructed over a three-year period using only 3D printing technology.

Per the article, Alquist CEO Zachary Mannheimer explains why Pulaski was the perfect fit for the historic project.

“With migration patterns shifting due to the pandemic, climate, and economic concerns, smaller communities like Pulaski have a huge need and an amazing opportunity to develop affordable housing for new residents. By 3D printing these homes, Alquist and our partners will be accelerating Pulaski’s ability to harness current trends and attract new workers to this wonderful community in southwestern Virginia.”
Alquist 3D is in a perfect position to attract workers in industry-rich Pulaski County. Pulaski is situated in the heart of Virginia’s New River Valley, one of the fastest-growing regions in the US for tech jobs.

Alquist, in a partnership with Virginia Tech, completed 2 homes in Pulaski earlier this year as a proof of concept. The first phase of the project officially kicked off on April 29, 2022, with a tech demo in Pulaski near the site of the 2 previously constructed spec homes.

With a top speed of up to 9.8″ per second and 12-hour continuous operation capabilities, the state-of-the-art 3D printer can build 1,000 sq. foot structures in under 20 hours!

Per the article, Mannheimer alluded to future collaborations with the goals of producing the most cost-effective and sustainable homes utilizing green technologies.

“Concrete 3D printing reduces the amount of waste that is typically found on a job site, and our energy savings are significant. Still, concrete is far from the most environmentally friendly material, and we are working with partners to create a greener material in the next year. We also hope this new technology will be another way to build more affordable homes for families.”

Learn more about advanced manufacturing in Virginia’s New River Valley here.

Learn more about 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.

MELD Manufacturing Receives Award at 2022 AMUG Conference

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CHRISTIANSBURG, VA – MELD Manufacturing was presented with the Advanced Concepts Award at the 2022 Additive Manufacturing Users Group (AMUG) Conference. The annual conference, held in Chicago, “recognizes individuals and their companies for outstanding work in additive manufacturing technology”. The first-place award was a result of MELD’s involvement with the U.S. Army’s Jointless Hull Program.

In 2021 the U.S. Army announced that the MELD technology will be used in a new machine to print vehicle hulls. This solves a long-standing vulnerability in welded aluminum-hulled combat vehicles. It was found that the hulls consistently failed at the same point, which is the welds. The Army needed a way to build the hulls without the faulty welds. With the MELD technology, they can build the hull in one piece. The machine will be the world’s largest metal 3D printer, capable of printing parts as large as 20 feet x 30 feet x 12 feet tall.

For the First Place Advanced Concepts Award, the technology was selected due to its novel nature. MELD Manufacturing is the inventor of the patented, award-winning MELD® process. It is a solid-state process for 3D printing metal.

Read the full press release from MELD here.

Learn more about advanced manufacturing in the NRV 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.

Pulaski County Companies Collaborate for Innovative Logistics Solutions

Volvo VNR Wins 2022 Green Truck of the Year Award

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Pulaski County, VA – Green Car Journal recently featured an article awarding the Volvo Trucks VNR model the 2022 Green Truck of the Year.

The VNR Electric Truck, released in 2020, originated from Volvo’s Electric Lights Program and has taken the big rig EV market by storm. The VNR was able to edge out competitor EV models from major manufacturers including the Freightliner eCascadia, Kenworth T680E, and Peterbilt 579EV. With a top speed of 68 miles per hour, the 455 horsepower electric big rig can also cover serious ground featuring a 275-mile range and 5 separate configurations to suit a multitude of commercial uses.

Learn more about how Volvo and other companies in the New River Valley are leading the industry’s electric vehicle evolution here.

Learn more about the advanced manufacturing industry 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.