Torc Robotics Expansion Among Virginia’s Top 10 Projects in 2020

Torc Robotics Expansion Among Virginia’s Top 10 Projects in 2020

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Montgomery County, VA – Area Development magazine recognized the recent Torc Robotics expansion as one of Virginia’s top 10 economic development projects in 2020. Torc came in ninth on the list, with 350 jobs and $8.5 million in investment.

Torc’s expansion project in Blacksburg helped Virginia win Area Development’s 2021 Silver Shovel Award for states with a population of 8+ to 12 million. The “annual Gold and Silver Shovel Awards recognize states for their achievements that will create a significant number of new jobs in the communities.”

Here’s what Area Development had to say about the Torc Robotics expansion:

“Virginia’s job activity was diverse… including 350 jobs in self-driving vehicle software development at a TORC Robotics expansion in Montgomery County.”

Learn more about the Gold & Silver Shovel Awards and see Area Development’s list of the top ten economic development projects in Virginia here.

Read about the Torc Robotics expansion here.

Learn more about unmanned systems 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.

NRV Tech Companies Make Inc. 5000 List of America’s Fastest-Growing Companies

NRV Tech Companies Make Inc. 5000 List of America’s Fastest-Growing Companies

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Montgomery County, VA – Two NRV tech companies made the Inc. 5000 list for 2021. These annual rankings by Inc. magazine list the “fastest-growing private companies in the United States” and are a “hallmark of entrepreneurial success”. According to Virginia Business, only 310 companies across the state of Virginia were included on this prestigious list.

Here are the two NRV companies that made the 2021 Inc. 5000 list along with their rankings:

#4,606 Modea: 56% 3-Year Growth
#4,712 Harmonia Holdings Group: 51% 3-Year Growth

This is the third time Modea has been ranked on the Inc. 5000 list since 2010. Harmonia Holdings Group has made the Inc. 5000 list eleven times since 2009.

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

See the full Inc. 5000 list for 2021 here.

Learn more about the fast-growing tech sector 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.

Patton Logistics Group to Expand and Create 63 New Jobs in Pulaski County

Patton Logistics Group to Expand and Create 63 New Jobs in Pulaski County

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~ The Patton Logistics Group to invest $11 million to expand trucking, logistics, and warehousing operation ~

RICHMOND — Governor Ralph Northam today announced that The Patton Logistics Group will invest $11 million to expand its trucking, logistics, and warehousing operation in the New River Valley Commerce Park in Pulaski County. The company will expand its newly-constructed 250,000-square-foot logistics center by an additional 150,000 square feet. This expansion will include a trucking operations and maintenance center that will provide the infrastructure to support a future investment in electric trucks. Virginia successfully competed with Pennsylvania for the expansion project, which will create 63 new jobs. Secretary of Commerce and Trade Brian Ball attended the announcement today in Dublin, Virginia.

“The Patton Logistics Group has become a significant employer in Pulaski County and the New River Valley since they came to Virginia two years ago,” said Governor Northam. “The Commonwealth’s extensive infrastructure networks, business-friendly environment, and dependable and skilled workforce provide companies like Patton with the tools they need to succeed and are just a few of the reasons why Virginia is the best state for business. We are excited to support Patton’s growth in Southwest Virginia.”

The Patton Logistics Group is comprised of three affiliate companies employing over 150 people in Virginia, where its Pulaski County facility serves as a critical hub for major clients in the Eastern United States markets. Watsontown Trucking Company is a family-owned-and-operated asset-based motor carrier founded in 1941. Nationwide, they operate a fleet of 450 trucks and 1,400 trailers. Patton Logistics, LLC was organized in 2013 as an affiliated entity of Watsontown Trucking Company to provide transportation brokerage and third-party logistics services for its expanding customer base. Patton Warehousing, LLC was formed in 2015 and currently manages 2.5 million square feet of warehouse space in Pennsylvania, Ohio, New Jersey, and Virginia. The Patton Logistics Group management team has over 200 years of combined transportation and logistics knowledge and provides integrated supply chain solutions ranging from motor carrier transportation, warehousing, distribution services, logistics, and brokerage sourcing.

“Patton Logistics Group’s substantial investment to expand its operation in the New River Valley is welcome news for Southwest Virginia,” said Congressman Morgan Griffith. “I applaud the efforts of all those involved to make this possibility a reality, resulting in more jobs and a boost to Pulaski’s economy.”

“The Patton Logistics Group’s second major expansion to its Pulaski County facility after only four months in operation demonstrates how highly companies value Virginia’s strategic location and sophisticated transportation infrastructure,” said Secretary of Commerce and Trade Brian Ball. “Patton’s reinvestment solidifies the Commonwealth’s position as a premier supply chain destination and is a testament to the New River Valley’s strengths in this sector. We look forward to continuing our partnership with the company as they grow in the region.”

“Our major expansion into Pulaski County in 2020 was the result of our confidence in the people of Southwest Virginia to perform various supply chain solutions for our clients at a new logistics center,” said Steve Patton, President of The Patton Logistics Group. “That confidence has only grown, and just four months into this endeavor, we have decided to expand. I thank my coworkers in Dublin for their hard work in getting this operation off the ground. The close proximity to major Interstates 81 and 77 has proven invaluable to our trucking company and has spurred this significant investment for a new trucking operations center. We are excited about our future in Southwest Virginia.”

The Virginia Economic Development Partnership worked with Pulaski County, Virginia’s First Regional Industrial Facility Authority, and Onward New River Valley to secure this project for Virginia. Governor Northam approved a $225,000 grant from the Commonwealth’s Opportunity Fund to assist Pulaski County with the project. Patton Logistics is eligible to receive state benefits from the Virginia Enterprise Zone Program, administered by the Virginia Department of Housing and Community Development. Funding and services to support the company’s job creation will be provided through the Virginia Jobs Investment Program.

“Patton Logistics is one of the newest members of our esteemed business community, so to see the company rapidly expand operations in Pulaski County gives us great confidence in its strong commitment to serve the logistics needs of the region,” said Joseph Guthrie, Chairman of the Pulaski County Board of Supervisors. “We are honored to be the home of the New River Valley Commerce Park within the County, and will continue to work with the Commonwealth and our fellow member jurisdictions to help shape the New River Valley into a premier manufacturing and distribution region by supporting the expansion plans of key industrial partners like Patton Logistics.”

“On behalf of the 11 localities that participate in Virginia’s First Regional Industrial Facility Authority, we want to once again welcome Patton as they embark on their second expansion in two years,” said Mary Biggs, Chair of Virginia’s First Regional Industrial Facility Authority. “We believe that there is no better place in the world to build and expand than the New River Valley Commerce Park. Patton, in a short amount of time, has become an important part of the industrial infrastructure of our region.”

“Patton Logistics Group’s continued investment in the New River Valley signifies the confidence companies have in our region’s workforce, business climate, and infrastructure,” said Scott Blankenship, Chairman of Onward NRV. “The substantial investment and job creation will not only positively impact Pulaski County, it will ripple throughout the regional economy. We look forward to Patton Logistics’ continued growth and success.”

“This expansion by Patton Logistics Group is great news for Pulaski County, and a tremendous example of the competitive value that Southwest Virginia offers to new and existing companies,” said Senator Travis Hackworth. “I congratulate the company on their investment and wish them great success.”

“The Patton Logistics Group’s expansion in Pulaski is not just an investment in the New River Valley, but an investment in Southwest Virginia,” said Delegate Nick Rush. “I extend my personal well-wishes to their entire team and look forward to the Group’s continued success.”

Office of the Governor
Contact: Alena Yarmosky
Email: Alena.Yarmosky@governor.virginia.gov

Virginia Economic Development Partnership
Contact: Suzanne Clark
Email: sclark@vedp.org

Patton Logistics, LLC
Contact: Thierry Lindor
Email: tlindor@pattonwarehousing.com
Phone: (215) 203-2105

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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 Graduates from VALET

NanoSonic Graduates from VALET Trade Accelerator Program

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Giles County, VA – NanoSonic is one of the new graduates of the Virginia Economic Development Partnership’s VALET trade accelerator program. It was announced in July that eight companies from across Virginia had graduated from the program.

VALET stands for Virginia Leaders in Export Trade. According to VEDP, “VALET is a two-year international business acceleration program that offers resources provided by the Commonwealth [of Virginia] and professional services from private-sector partners. Following a very thorough evaluation process, only 25 companies per year are accepted into the VALET program.”

NanoSonic was originally accepted into the VALET program in 2019. They have spent the last two years participating in the program, which “provides participating companies with international sales plan development services, assistance from a team of experienced international service providers, international business meetings with potential partners, educational events, and customized market research.”

Read the press release about NanoSonic’s graduation from the VALET program here. Learn more about NanoSonic here.

Learn more about VEDP’s VALET program and international trade in Virginia here.

Explore 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.

Xaloy Reopens Pulaski Manufacturing Facility and Creates 35 Jobs

Xaloy to Reopen Pulaski Manufacturing Facility and Create 35 Jobs

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~ Manufacturer to move bimetallic barrel manufacturing operation from Ohio back to Virginia and create 35 new jobs ~

RICHMOND—Governor Ralph Northam today announced that Xaloy, a leading manufacturer of plastic processing components for injection and extrusion machinery, will move its barrel manufacturing operation from Ohio back to Virginia and reopen its former facility in Pulaski County. The company will invest $1.75 million in its 100,000-square-foot, 30-acre site at 102 Xaloy Way in the Town of Pulaski to produce bimetallic barrels for a wide range of applications in the plastics manufacturing industry. Virginia successfully competed against Ohio for the project, which will retain seven jobs and create 35 new jobs.

In 2016, Xaloy closed its Pulaski plant and moved the majority of the facility’s manufacturing and positions to Austintown, Ohio. With the return of its barrel manufacturing functions to Pulaski County, the company will rehire a number of former employees familiar with Xaloy’s specific machinery.

“Our workforce is one of the key reasons Virginia is America’s Top State for Business and the return of Xaloy is proof positive that our pipeline of skilled talent is unmatched,” said Governor Northam. “It was a priority to regain this important employer in Pulaski, and securing this important project demonstrates the value of collaboration in driving economic opportunity and building long-term corporate partnerships.”

Founded in 1929, Xaloy is a global leader in high-performance machinery components and equipment for the plastics industry. The company has one of the largest screw and barrel design portfolios, world-class manufacturing capabilities, and a global sales and customer support team. Xaloy’s deep technological and engineering expertise has helped improve quality and throughput for plastics processors. Among the company’s accomplishments is inventing the first tungsten carbide barrel to withstand extreme wear and corrosive environments. Xaloy was acquired by Altair Investments in February 2021.

“One of Virginia’s greatest business assets is our exceptional workforce, and we are proud to support Xaloy’s return to Pulaski County,” said Secretary of Commerce and Trade Brian Ball. “The company’s investment will strengthen the Commonwealth’s position as a leader in advanced manufacturing, and we are committed to facilitating Xaloy’s success here any way we can.”

“With the increase in demand we were reaching capacity with our twin-barrel line in Austintown, and moving that business back to Pulaski was contingent on being able to hire the right people and do it quickly,” said Xaloy CEO Kamal K. Tiwari. “When we decided to reopen the Pulaski site, we turned to former employees to get the facility back in operation. Nearly all 20 of the initial workforce consists of former Pulaski Xaloy workers, bringing with them decades of experience. To have a group of people who could bring this level of knowledge and experience and loyalty to the table was critical. With the support of the Governor, state and local officials, and everyone who wanted to see manufacturing in this community back on its feet, we’re happy to have been able to bring those hopes to fruition.”

“The Pulaski plant reopening reunites Xaloy with a highly skilled, hard-working, and dedicated workforce with decades of experience making the complex products we offer,” said Altair Investments partner Andrew Brickman. “The plant provides good access to many major thoroughfares. We intend to grow our presence in the end markets this plant serves, so we hope this is only a first step in further expansion of the workforce and the facility.”

The Virginia Economic Development Partnership worked with Pulaski County, the Town of Pulaski, and Onward New River Valley to secure the project for Virginia. The company is eligible to receive state benefits from the Virginia Enterprise Zone Program, administered by the Virginia Department of Housing and Community Development, as well as local incentives from Pulaski County and the Town of Pulaski.

“This project is especially meaningful to Pulaski County because of what the return of Xaloy fully represents,” stated Pulaski County Administrator Jonathan D. Sweet. “For this world-class manufacturer to return to Pulaski County and restart their operations here, it effectively demonstrates that our workforce is second-to-none and that there is no better community for this industry leader to call home. We are extremely grateful for Xaloy’s renewed commitment to the County, and the Board of Supervisors and Economic Development Authority look forward to a strong and successful partnership for many years to come.”

“We are overwhelmingly excited to welcome Xaloy back to our community and are proud of the recognition the local workforce in the Town of Pulaski has received through this process,” said Town of Pulaski Mayor Shannon Collins.

“Xaloy has decades of rich history in the Town of Pulaski and we are thrilled they are returning home,” said Pulaski Town Manager Darlene Burcham. “We applaud the dedication, loyalty, and responsiveness of the citizens in the Town who were formerly employed at the plant and were key factors in the decision-making process. The Town of Pulaski is committed to fully supporting Xaloy as they restart operations and is excited for the future success generated from this catalyst.”

“The New River Valley welcomes Xaloy back to Pulaski,” said Charlie Jewell, Executive Director of Onward New River Valley. “Their decision to bring manufacturing back to the New River Valley speaks volumes about the quality of our workforce and the supportive community they have in Pulaski County and the Town.”

“When I delivered for FedEx a number of years ago, I warmly remember a sign that greeted everyone who entered Xaloy: ‘Through these doors walk the world’s greatest barrel makers,’” said Delegate L. Nick Rush. “The return of Xaloy to Pulaski County means that barrel manufacturing professionals and Southwest Virginia will benefit greatly from having this specialty trade return to our region. I send my warmest congratulations to Xaloy on its exciting news and to the Virginia Economic Development Partnership, Pulaski County, Town of Pulaski, and Onward New River Valley, whose collaborative efforts made this initiative possible. And, most importantly, I look forward to the world’s best barrel makers walking through those doors once again.”

Office of the Governor
Contact: Alena Yarmosky
Email: Alena.Yarmosky@governor.virginia.gov

Virginia Economic Development Partnership
Contact: Suzanne Clark
Email: sclark@vedp.org

Xaloy
Contact: Babita Sharma
Email: bsharma@altairinvestmentsinc.com
Phone: (860) 990-8521

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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 Featured in Business View Magazine

Pulaski County Featured in Business View Magazine

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Pulaski County, VA – Pulaski County was recently featured in a Business View Civil and Municipal magazine article titled, “Ready, Set, Grow!”.

In the article, Pulaski County’s Chief Administrative Officer Jonathan Sweet shared what makes it a special place. Here’s what Sweet had to say about Pulaski County:

“It’s an amazing place full of amazing people, a rural community that offers everything you would expect a rural community to offer, and so much more.”

The article also describes Pulaski County’s plans for growth over the next decade. According to the article, “the County intends to grow the community by 5,000 people over the next decade. Sweet explains, ‘We don’t have to build more schools or bigger libraries, hire more law enforcement, or add more infrastructure to accommodate 40,000 people. We currently have the capacity. It would mean more people sharing the overhead and contributing to the local economy without being a burden. . . . We are creating new jobs, building the housing stock, and shaping a community for that generation of working professionals. We are even putting in certain amenities such as dog parks to accommodate what we think is going to be a wave of young professionals discovering Pulaski County.’”

Read the full article here.

Learn more about Pulaski County, a community 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.

Red Sun Farms #7 Fresh Produce Greenhouse Grower in U.S.

Red Sun Farms #7 Fresh Produce Greenhouse Grower in U.S.

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Pulaski County, VA – Red Sun Farms was recently ranked the #7 fresh produce greenhouse grower in the United States by Greenhouse Grower. The 2021 list was “Greenhouse Grower’s inaugural list of the top greenhouse operations growing produce for the fresh market.”

Greenhouse Grower ranked the operations by the amount of known square footage each company had operating in the United States. According to the article, Red Sun Farms’ greenhouse in Dublin has 2,090,880 square feet.

See the full rankings of U.S. greenhouse growers here.

Learn more about Red Sun Farms here.

Learn more about the Food Processing & Agribusiness 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.

Wing Makes National News

Wing Makes National News for Innovative Deliveries

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Photo courtesy of Wing

Montgomery County, VA – Want Girl Scout cookies or hot coffee delivered to your door by drone? Wing’s got you covered! The company made national news several times in recent weeks for their innovative deliveries. Wing has been delivering to Christiansburg customers by drone since they completed the first U.S. commercial drone delivery in 2019, but they recently expanded their offerings.

In April, Wing began a partnership with Virginia Skyline Troop 224 to deliver Girl Scout cookies to customers by drone. They will be offering cookie delivery through May 31st. According to the Associated Press, “Wing said it began talking to local Girl Scout troops because they’ve been having a harder time selling cookies during the pandemic, when fewer people are out and about.”



More recently, NBC Nightly News’s Jacob Ward visited Christiansburg and received the first hot coffee delivered drone in U.S. history. The coffee came from local coffee roaster Brugh Coffee, who has been working with Wing to deliver cans of cold brew coffee since the COVID-19 pandemic began in 2020. Hot coffee is a new addition to Wing’s drone delivery menu in Christiansburg.



Christiansburg is the only place in the United States where commercial drone deliveries are available. Residents who live within Wing’s delivery area can order a wide variety of things including Girl Scout cookies, hot and cold coffee, library books, baked goods, chocolates, Mexican food, and pharmacy items.

Virginia’s New River Valley is a hub for the unmanned systems industry. Learn more about the NRV unmanned systems industry here.

Learn more about Christiansburg, a town 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.

Passenger Rail Expanding to New River Valley

Passenger Rail Expanding to New River Valley

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Montgomery County, VA – Passenger rail will be expanding to the New River Valley by 2025. Governor Ralph Northam announced this week that Virginia has reached an agreement with Norfolk Southern Railway to extend passenger rail service to the region. This will be the first time since 1979 that the NRV will have passenger rail service.

The current service, which stops in Roanoke, will be expanded to Christiansburg in 2025 after Norfolk Southern finishes rail infrastructure improvements. The route will be part of the Amtrak Northeast Corridor service. It will travel between Washington, D.C. and Christiansburg with stops in Alexandria, Burke, Manassas, Culpeper, Charlottesville, Lynchburg, and Roanoke.

Passenger rail in the NRV will help make the region more accessible. According to Governor Northam, “Bringing passenger rail service back to the New River Valley will fuel tourism, drive economic growth, and create new opportunities for the region’s 180,000 residents and 40,000 college students.”

Read the full press release about the Western Rail Initiative here.

Learn more about Christiansburg, a town 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.

NRV Tech Industry Highlighted in Virginia Economic Review

NRV Tech Industry Highlighted in Virginia Economic Review

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Montgomery County, VA – The Virginia Economic Review recently highlighted the NRV tech industry in an article titled “Virginia’s Smaller Metros Prove Fertile Ground for Tech Headquarters”. The article features some of the tech companies headquartered in Virginia’s New River Valley, such as Modea, Torc Robotics, and Ozmo, and why they chose to base their businesses in the region.

The article also highlights the business advantages that the New River Valley has to offer tech companies. As Ozmo’s CEO David Catalano stated when the company’s expansion was announced in 2019, “Our proximity to Virginia Tech provides us with a unique advantage of access to top talent, while also being able to offer exceptional quality of life for our employees.”

Click here to read the Virginia Economic Review’s article about the tech industry in Virginia’s smaller metros.

Click here to learn more about the tech industry 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.