Oransi to Establish First Manufacturing Facility and Create 101 New Jobs in Radford

Oransi to Establish First Manufacturing Facility and Create 101 New Jobs in Radford

~ Oransi will invest $5.6 million to develop and manufacture new product line ~

RICHMOND — Governor Ralph Northam today announced that Oransi, a veteran-owned air purification company, will invest $5.6 million to establish its first manufacturing facility in the Plymouth Building at 113 Corporate Drive in the City of Radford. The operation will focus on developing and manufacturing the company’s best-in-class air purifiers for consumers, businesses, and professionals in the health, dental, and medical fields. Virginia successfully competed with North Carolina for the project, which will create 101 new jobs.

“Our focus on developing a well-trained, reliable workforce continues to yield new jobs and investment as innovative companies like Oransi choose to grow their companies in Virginia,” said Governor Northam. “The New River Valley boasts higher education institutions and training programs that will ensure a steady talent pipeline for Oransi now and into the future. We are thrilled to welcome this veteran-owned company to our Commonwealth and remain confident that we have the infrastructure and business environment to support their success here.”

“The New River Valley boasts higher education institutions and training programs that will ensure a steady talent pipeline for Oransi now and into the future. We are thrilled to welcome this veteran-owned company to our Commonwealth and remain confident that we have the infrastructure and business environment to support their success here.”
– Governor Ralph Northam

Founded in 2009 as an engineer’s quest to find a better indoor air quality solution for the founder’s young asthmatic son, Oransi has evolved to become a leading air purification company designing some of the most efficient and intuitive products on the market. Based in Raleigh, North Carolina, the business is managed by a team of executives and engineers with decades of experience in the air quality industry.

“We are excited that Oransi has decided to put down roots in the New River Valley,” said Secretary of Commerce and Trade Brian Ball. “The Plymouth Building provided an infrastructure-ready solution that will allow the company to be up and running quickly, and we are certain the region’s renowned workforce will meet Oransi’s needs from development to manufacturing.”

“Oransi is very pleased to establish its first manufacturing facility in the City of Radford to develop and manufacture our best-in-class air purifiers,” said Peter Mann, CEO and Founder of Oransi. “We selected the location because of the exceptional local engineering talent pool that will support our continued growth, while inspiring innovation, creativity, and collaboration. We hope to provide one of the best employee experiences in the New River Valley.”

“Oransi is very pleased to establish its first manufacturing facility in the City of Radford to develop and manufacture our best-in-class air purifiers. We selected the location because of the exceptional local engineering talent pool that will support our continued growth, while inspiring innovation, creativity, and collaboration. We hope to provide one of the best employee experiences in the New River Valley.”
– Peter Mann, CEO and Founder of Oransi

The Virginia Economic Development Partnership worked with the City of Radford and Onward New River Valley to secure the project for Virginia. Governor Northam approved a $50,000 grant from the Commonwealth’s Opportunity Fund to assist the City of Radford with the project. Oransi 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 employee recruitment and training activities will be provided through the Virginia Jobs Investment Program.

“We are pleased to welcome Oransi’s first manufacturing facility to the City of Radford,” said Kim Repass, Economic Development Director for the City of Radford. “We look forward to supporting the company’s growth as it provides quality jobs and significant investment. Radford continues to be a leader in the manufacturing industry for our region and the Commonwealth.”

“We are pleased to welcome Oransi’s first manufacturing facility to the City of Radford. We look forward to supporting the company’s growth as it provides quality jobs and significant investment. Radford continues to be a leader in the manufacturing industry for our region and the Commonwealth.”
– Kim Repass, Economic Development Director for the City of Radford

“This is great news for our region and the continued growth of its advanced manufacturing sector,” said Charlie Jewell, Executive Director of Onward New River Valley. “On behalf of our region, we congratulate Oransi on locating its first manufacturing facility in the City of Radford, and we look forward to supporting its long-term success here in Virginia’s New River Valley.”

“I am beyond thrilled that Oransi chose Radford to open its first manufacturing facility,” said Delegate Chris Hurst. “The veteran-owned manufacturing facility is exactly the type of business the New River Valley attracts. Offering a diverse range of resources, exceptional educational opportunities, and a qualified workforce, this not only a great place for businesses to thrive, but also for their employees to live.”

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

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

RPR Public Relations, Inc.
Contact: Ria Romano
Email: rromano@romanopr.com
Phone: (786) 290-6413

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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.

J.H. Bards Spirit Co.

Microdistillery J.H. Bards Spirit Co. Opens in Fairlawn

Pulaski County, VA – J.H. Bards Spirit Co., a new microdistillery in Virginia’s New River Valley, will open in Fairlawn on March 27, 2021. The grand opening event will include scheduled tasting sessions, the Bluegrass BBQ food truck, and live music.

J.H. Bards Spirit Co., founded by Blacksburg natives Jayson Hudson and Jason Hardy, produces its whiskies and vodka from ingredients grown or sources in Southwest Virginia. The distillery is located in an industrial space in the Pulaski County Innovation Center and features a tasting room made of a reconstructed barn originally located in Blacksburg. “We wanted our tasting room to have the ‘in-the-woods’ feel of the Appalachian Mountains, and we were very fortunate to have come across this barn wood,” said Hardy.

Visit the J.H. Bards website to get more details about the grand opening and to sign up for tastings.

Learn more about local distilleries, breweries, and wineries, part of the thriving 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.

VT Drone Park Helps Students Earn Remote Pilot Certificates

VT Drone Park Helps Students Earn Remote Pilot Certificates

Montgomery County, VA – The Virginia Tech Drone Park is helping students obtain their FAA Remote Pilot Certificates through a new grant program. This certificate is also known as a Part 107 license, and it is required to fly drones on Virginia Tech’s campus.

A recent article from Virginia Tech Daily explains how Drone Park Manager Sarah Macey started a grant program to defray the costs of the exam fee for students. In the Spring 2021 semester, grants will be awarded to up to 15 undergraduates. According to Macey, “One of my goals at the drone park is to look for new ways to support students here, both through opportunities that can build their resume and help them in the future, like getting their Part 107.”

The Drone Park is a resource for students to advance their learning about drones and the unmanned systems field. According to Stephen Duma, the Harry Wyatt Professor of Engineering and the Director of Virginia Tech’s Institute for Critical Technology and Applied Science, “the drone park is a conduit for students to… develop skills they can apply in their own careers. This program is another way we can help create opportunities for the students who are going to shape the evolution of this technology.”

Read the entire article about how the Drone Park Grants will help Virginia Tech students prepare for careers in unmanned systems here.

Learn more about the unmanned systems 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.

NRV Companies Support Mars Rover Mission

NRV Companies Support Mars Rover Mission

Photo credit: NASA/JPL-Caltech

New River Valley, VA – Four companies in Virginia’s New River Valley supported NASA’s recent Mars 2020 Perseverance Rover mission by manufacturing components used in various stages of the mission. The mission launched on July 30, 2020 and landed on Mars on February 18, 2021. It will spend at least one Mars year, which is 687 Earth days, “search[ing] for signs of ancient microbial life, which will explore the past habitability of Mars.”

Learn more about the specific components from each NRV company that helped with the mission:

Learn more about the Mars 2020 Perseverance Rover mission.

Learn more about advanced manufacturing and unmanned systems 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.

2020 NRV Announcements Highlighted in Virginia Business

2020 NRV Announcements Highlighted in Virginia Business

New River Valley, VA – Three major 2020 NRV business announcements were recently highlighted in Virginia Business magazine. The article, titled “A Diversified Portfolio”, describes the announcements and their impact on the region. The article also discussed the state of the manufacturing and tech sectors in Virginia’s New River Valley during the COVID-19 pandemic using data from Onward New River Valley’s recent Industry Competitiveness Surveys.

Learn more about three 2020 NRV business announcements included in the article below:

Read the full article from Virginia Business here.

See more business announcements from 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.

Moog Inc. to Expand and Create 75 New Jobs in Christiansburg

Moog Inc. to Expand and Create 75 New Jobs in Christiansburg

~ Company to invest $10.7 million to relocate operations to larger facility in Christiansburg ~

RICHMOND—Governor Ralph Northam today announced that Moog Inc. (NYSE: MOG.A and MOG.B), a designer and manufacturer of high-performance motion control products and solutions, will invest $10.7 million to transfer existing jobs and equipment from one of its Blacksburg facilities to a larger building in the Falling Branch Corporate Park in Montgomery County. The company will have an additional 80,000 square feet at its new operation in Christiansburg to accommodate increased customers and demand and focus on production of its slip ring products for the industrial marketplace. Virginia successfully competed with multiple states for the project, which will create 75 new jobs.

“Moog is an important partner in the Commonwealth, and it is exciting to see the company grow its capabilities in Montgomery County,” said Governor Northam. “The New River Valley has outstanding institutions of higher education and a world-class workforce, and Moog’s continued investment is a testament to these assets. We are confident that this expansion will propel the company and the Commonwealth’s aerospace industry forward.”

“The New River Valley has outstanding institutions of higher education and a world-class workforce, and Moog’s continued investment is a testament to these assets. We are confident that this expansion will propel the company and the Commonwealth’s aerospace industry forward.”
-Governor Ralph Northam

Headquartered in East Aurora, New York, Moog Inc. is a worldwide designer, manufacturer, and integrator of precision control components and systems. The company’s high-performance systems control military and commercial aircraft, satellites and space vehicles, launch vehicles, missiles, automated industrial machinery, and marine and medical equipment. Founded over 65 years ago with only a few employees, Moog now operates in 26 countries. Moog maintains a large presence in Virginia, with multiple locations totaling more than 1,200 employees.

“Virginia’s aerospace sector is strong, and Moog is a valuable contributor to our leadership position in this sector,” said Secretary of Commerce and Trade Brian Ball. “We are proud that the company develops revolutionary aerospace technology from its growing operations in Montgomery County. This announcement, and the creation of 75 high-quality jobs, represents an important step forward as we work to rebound from this global health crisis.”

“Moog is excited to be expanding in Virginia and Montgomery County, in particular,” said Janet Byrne-Safier, Vice President of Moog’s Power and Data Sector. “As we look to support our growing business in established and new markets, the focus has been on developing geographic centers of excellence with ready access to a diverse talent pool. Moog places emphasis on retaining and developing its current workforce and new employees. Moog appreciates the assistance and cooperation of Montgomery County and the Virginia Economic Development Partnership and its Virginia Jobs Investment Program in this endeavor.”

“Moog is excited to be expanding in Virginia and Montgomery County, in particular. As we look to support our growing business in established and new markets, the focus has been on developing geographic centers of excellence with ready access to a diverse talent pool. Moog places emphasis on retaining and developing its current workforce and new employees.”
-Janet Byrne-Safier, Vice President of Moog’s Power and Data Sector

The Virginia Economic Development Partnership (VEDP) worked with Montgomery County to secure the project for Virginia and will support Moog’s job creation through the Virginia Jobs Investment Program (VJIP). VJIP 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.

Moog was recently selected to participate in VEDP’s award-winning Virginia Leaders in Export Trade (VALET) Program. VALET is an application-based, two-year global export acceleration program that provides participating companies with assistance from a team of experienced international service providers to help meet their export goals.

“When an existing company not only decides to stay in our community, but also flourishes to the point of expansion, well, that’s when we know that we are all doing something right,” said Chair of the Montgomery County Board of Supervisors Steve Fijalkowski. “Moog is a growing global company with a strong history in developing advanced technologies. We’re proud that they are a part of Montgomery County.”

“Moog’s exciting news of expansion into Christiansburg is a great example of economic achievement through the hard work of a talented and committed workforce,” said Delegate Nick Rush. “I extend my personal congratulations and appreciation to Moog for its local, regional, and global contributions, along with best wishes for 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

Moog Inc.
Contact: Cynthia White
Email: cwhite@moog.com
Phone: (540) 443-4730

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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.

Long Way Brewing Opens in Radford

Long Way Brewing Opens in Radford

Radford, VALong Way Brewing, the first brewery located within the City of Radford, opened in December 2020. The brewery is uniquely housed in a preserved former Seventh-day Adventist Church. The brewery shares the space with Radford Fairlawn Daily Bread, a non-profit organization that provides free meals to local people in need.

A recent article in The Roanoke Times, described the journey that the owners took to opening the brewery as well as the hopes that they have for the brewery. According to the article, “[Co-owner Keith] Weltens said he hopes the brewery adds to the revitalization of the city’s west end and can be a gathering place people in the neighborhood can walk to and enjoy a few brews.”

Read the full article about Long Way Brewing from The Roanoke Times here.

Learn more about Long Way Brewing here.

Learn more about the food processing and 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.

NRV Autonomous Vehicle Industry Featured in Virginia Economic Review

NRV Autonomous Vehicle Industry Featured in Virginia Economic Review

Montgomery County, VA – The Virginia Economic Review recently featured an article titled, “Autonomous Vehicle Companies Build Foundation of Trust,” which highlighted two members of the NRV autonomous vehicle industry. The article shared how Torc Robotics and the Virginia Tech Transportation Institute (VTTI) are both working to research, test, and advance the field of self-driving technology.

The article also highlighted the business advantages that the New River Valley has to offer to companies in the autonomous vehicle industry. As the article states,

“The New River Valley provides Torc [Robotics] with an ideal location to operate, [CEO Michael] Fleming believes, with a pool of talent willing to work hard, proximity to a major university, and a low cost of living, especially when compared to the Northeast or California’s Silicon Valley.”

Read the full article about the advances that Torc Robotics and VTTI are making to autonomous vehicles here.

Learn more about unmanned systems 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.

VT Food Science & Technology Ranked #9 Bachelor’s Program in US

VT Food Science & Technology Ranked #9 Bachelor’s Program in US

Montgomery County, VA – Successful Student ranked Virginia Tech’s Department of Food Science and Technology #9 on a list of the top ten bachelor’s programs in Food Science and Nutrition. In addition, the master’s degree program was ranked eighth on Successful Student’s list of best programs in Food Science. The lists were originally published in November 2019 and updated in May 2020.

Virginia Tech’s Department of Food Science and Technology clearly has some of the best programs in the country, and their students go on to be very successful after graduation. According to Department Head Joseph Marcy, “Each year, nearly 100 percent of our students either have a job or are in graduate school within six months of graduation. We have always been aware of the success of our students and their rise to national prominence, but it is very rewarding to have this ranking bring independent evaluation to that. We are delighted at what our students continue to achieve.”

The ability to recruit such highly qualified food scientists from within the region is an asset for the food processing and agribusiness industry in Virginia’s New River Valley. Learn about all the business advantages the NRV has to offer the industry here.

Read an article from Virginia Tech about the Successful Student accolades here.

See the rankings from Successful Student for bachelor’s degrees and master’s degrees.

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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 in 2020

NRV Accolades and Awards in 2020

New River Valley, VA – Throughout 2020, the New River Valley was frequently recognized for its outstanding lifestyle amenities, business growth, and educational opportunities. The region is truly a premiere destination to live, work, and do business. Below is a list of just a few of the accolades won in 2020 by the counties, city, towns, and universities that comprise Virginia’s New River Valley. Pulaski is 2nd Most Affordable Place to Buy a Home in VA High Quality of Life Floyd Voted Top Tiny Adventure Town 2020 Abundant Outdoor Amenities Harmonia Recognized as one of Virginia's "Fantastic 50" Expanding and Developing Businesses Exelaration Ranked #3 Best Tech Internship by Vault Educating Tomorrow’s Talent RU Ranked #33 Southern Regional University by U.S. News & World Report Top Tier Colleges & Universities Explore more accolades won by NRV counties, city, towns, and universities here.

Correction: September 1, 2021: This blog post was corrected to reflect that Pete Dye River Course was ranked #19 in the top 50 golf courses in Virginia for 2020. A previous version of this article incorrectly stated the course was ranked #18.

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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.