NRV Commerce Park Wins Grant for Site Development

NRV Commerce Park Wins Grant for Site Development

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Pulaski County, VA – New River Valley Commerce Park recently won a $300,000 grant for site development. The grant was awarded to Pulaski County through VEDP’s Virginia Business Ready Sites Program (VBRSP). The purpose of this program is to “identify, assess, and improve the readiness of potential industrial sites, which must contain a minimum of 100 contiguous, developable acres.”

Here is additional information about VBRSP from the press release about the grants:

“The program has two components: 1) site characterization – to assess and designate a site’s level of development, and 2) site development – to further develop a pool of potential sites across the Commonwealth. Localities can apply for grants to assist with the costs associated with the initial assessment and the development required to upgrade a particular site.”

Read the full press release about the 2022 VBRSP grant award winners here.

Learn more about NRV Commerce Park and other available sites 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.

Enjoy Craft Beer at These NRV Breweries

Enjoy Craft Beer at These NRV Breweries

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Note:
September 24, 2021: This blog post, which was originally published in April 2021, was updated to reflect current information about the breweries on this list.

New River Valley, VA – Virginia’s New River Valley has an ever-expanding assortment of breweries throughout the region.  Try these eleven breweries and explore everything the NRV’s craft beer scene has to offer!

Beliveau Farm Brewery – Blacksburg, VA

Just outside Blacksburg, Beliveau Farm Brewery is a truly unique experience because it is the only gluten-free brewery in Virginia.  Beliveau Farm also features a winery, bed and breakfast, and wedding/event space.

 

Buffalo Mountain Brewery – Floyd, VA

Buffalo Mountain Brewery and McDaniel’s Tavern is a small batch brewery in Floyd County. It opened in April 2018 and features tavern fare alongside pretzels, flatbread, and cookies from local Grateful Bread Bakery.

 

Bull & Bones – Blacksburg, VA

Bull & Bones Brewery Bull & Bones brews six craft beers on site in a ten-barrel brewhaus.  While the Christiansburg location is temporarily closed, the Blacksburg location in First & Main is serving brews such as the ever-popular Lunch Pale Ale.

 

Eastern Divide Brewing Company – Blacksburg, VA

Eastern Divide Brewing Company Eastern Divide Brewing Company is located in the Blacksburg Industrial Park.  The building has a modern feel and features a tasting room, event space, and a large outdoor area.  Eastern Divide serves unique brews and delicious food.

 

Iron Tree Brewing Company – Christiansburg, VA

Iron Tree Brewing Company is the NRV’s newest brewery. It opened in May 2021 on Roanoke Street in Downtown Christiansburg. The tasting room is a former furniture store!

 

Long Way Brewing – Radford, VA

Long Way Brewing

Photo courtesy of Long Way Brewing

Named after Mary Draper Ingles’ long journey home to the NRV in the 1700s, Long Way Brewing is the first brewery located within the city limits of Radford.  It opened in December 2020 in a preserved former church.

 

The Maroon Door / Off the Mall Brewing – Blacksburg, VA

The Maroon Door / Off the Mall Brewing

Photo courtesy of The Maroon Door / Off the Mall Brewing

The Maroon Door / Off the Mall Brewing is a gastropub and brewery located just across from Virginia Tech’s campus in Downtown Blacksburg.  It is one of the NRV’s newest breweries and opened to the public in October 2020.

 

Moon Hollow Brewing Company – Blacksburg, VA

Moon Hollow Brewing Company is located in the revitalized Old Prices Fork Elementary School.  In addition to beer, Moon Hollow also features a selection of non-alcoholic brews. Make sure to bring Fido with you since the patio is pet friendly!

 

Right Mind Brewing – Blacksburg, VA

Right Mind Brewing Located in Lefty’s Main Street Grille on South Main Street in Blacksburg, Right Mind Brewing is temporarily closed.  While you wait for Right Mind Brewing to reopen, the brewery’s creations can still be enjoyed while dining at Lefty’s.

 

Rising Silo Farm Brewery – Blacksburg, VA

Rising Silo Farm BreweryRising Silo Farm Brewery is located in a barn on the farm of Glade Road Growing.  The brewery uses green energy to help brew their beers and non-alcoholic drinks; the barn has 113 solar panels and a solar hot water system.

 

The River Company Restaurant & Brewery– Radford, VA

Located in Pulaski County just across the New River from the City of Radford, The River Company Restaurant & Brewery offers a selection of seasonal and year-round beers.  Enjoy a brew and a view while watching the beautiful sunsets from the balcony overlooking the river.

 

Breweries like these are just some of the specialty beverage makers that contribute to the growing Food Processing & Agribusiness Industry in Virginia’s New River Valley.  Learn more 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.

J.H. Bards Spirit Co.

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

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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.

Millstone Kitchen Food Program

Millstone Kitchen Food Program Receives Funds to Serve 10,000 Meals

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Montgomery County, VA – Millstone Kitchen Food Program recently received a COVID-19 Response Community Development Block Grant (CDBG) which will help the program serve “approximately 10,000 additional meals through June 2021”. Millstone Kitchen is a commercial kitchen located in the recently revitalized Old Prices Fork Elementary School. It is “the region’s premier resource for food entrepreneurs, who receive access to expert equipment and guidance to start or grow their businesses”.

Here is more detailed information about the project and the grant:


Millstone Kitchen Food Program
Montgomery County
$135,433 (CDBG COVID-19 Response)
Montgomery County will receive funding to continue operations of the Millstone Kitchen Food Program through June 2021. The county, in partnership with the local community drive nonprofit Live Work Eat Gather, has been utilizing the Millstone Kitchen to bolster and expand meal delivery services in the community. The Millstone Kitchen is a commercial shared-use kitchen that is a part of the Old School at Prices Fork. The funding will provide a managing director for this operation, reliable contract work for caterers, and the delivery of meals to vulnerable populations in the area. This program has organized local caterers operating out of the Millstone Kitchen to prepare and deliver at least 600 meals per week, serving approximately 10,000 meals since July 2020. The new funding will provide approximately 10,000 additional meals through June 2021.


Read the full Community Development Block Grant press release here.

Learn more about Millstone Kitchen here.

Learn more about food processing and agribusiness 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.

Long Way Brewing Opens in Radford

Long Way Brewing Opens in Radford

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Radford, VA – Long 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.

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

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

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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.

Red Rooster Coffee Blends Ranked in Top 30 Coffees of 2020

Red Rooster Coffee Blends Ranked in Top 30 Coffees of 2020

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Floyd County, VA – Two of Red Rooster Coffee Roaster’s coffee blends were ranked in the Top 30 Coffees of 2020 by Coffee Review. Coffee Review is “the world’s most widely read and influential coffee buying guide” with a goal “to point readers to the best coffees in the world.”

Here are the two blends from Red Rooster that made the list:

#8 Ethiopia Shantawene Washed
Coffee Review described this Ethiopia Shantawene Washed blend as “an exceptional washed-process Sidama cup evoking a garden in the spring, vivid with complex sweet-spicy florals.” Read their full review here.




#20 All Rise (in Collaboration with RND Coffee)
Red Rooster collaborated with RND Coffee in Roanoke to create the All Rise blend. Proceeds from All Rise “benefit Dream Corps and the work they do driving criminal justice reform, building a greener economy, and creating equity in the tech industry.” Coffee Review thought All Rise was “bright, sweet, tart, chocolaty and floral – delicious and worthy.” Read their full review here.


Read the full list of the Top 30 coffees for 2020 from Coffee Review here.

Explore currently available coffee from Red Rooster here.

Learn more about the thriving food processing and agribusiness industry in Virginia’s New River Valley here.

Explore more accolades won by NRV counties, city, towns, and universities 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.

VEDP Highlights Phoenix Packaging’s Growth in NRV

VEDP Highlights Phoenix Packaging’s Growth in NRV

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Pulaski County, VA – A case study by the Virginia Economic Development Partnership (VEDP) highlighted the growth of Phoenix Packaging’s U.S. operation in Virginia’s New River Valley over the past ten years. In 2010, the company established their North American headquarters in Pulaski County and expanded operations there in 2011, 2012, and 2017. The total investment in the region since 2010 by Grupo Phoenix, Phoenix Packaging’s parent company, has been “$106.2 million and 585 new jobs for the citizens of the New River Valley.”

VEDP’s case study describes the many business advantages that the NRV has to offer Phoenix Packaging. These include accessibility to major interstates and the talent pipeline coming from the region’s high-quality, local education institutions.

Alberto Peisach, the CEO of Grupo Phoenix, had this to say about locating in the region:

“Grupo Phoenix evaluated various location options to build upon its future in the United States and chose [Virginia’s New River Valley] due to a variety of factors, including a central location that allows us to be within 400 miles of 80 percent of the U.S. East Coast population; the ability to negotiate electricity at a competitive rate; access to rail transport, which reduces our logistics; a motivated labor force; support from the local colleges and universities to assist us with training specialized technical jobs; and the accessibility and unwavering support of the government to work together within the industry to create jobs.”

Read the entire VEDP case study on Phoenix Packaging 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.

Try These NRV Coffee Roasters

Try These Five NRV Coffee Roasters

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Note: September 29 2022: This blog post, which was originally published in 2020, was updated to reflect current information about the coffee roasters on this list.  

New River Valley, VA – Virginia’s New River Valley is home to high-quality, world-class coffee roasters. Whether you are a caffeine connoisseur or new to the brew, make sure to try these five coffee roasters in the NRV.

Red Rooster Coffee – Floyd, VA

Red Rooster Coffee NRV Coffee Roasters

Red Rooster was founded in Floyd in 2010 and has received national attention for its coffee ever since. In 2018, Red Rooster was named a Top 12 Coffee Roaster in the U.S. by Forbes.

 

Chipped Mug – Christiansburg, VA

Photo courtesy of Chipped Mug Coffee

Chipped Mug Coffee is the newest addition to Christiansburg’s burgeoning coffee shop scene. It occupies the same space as the former local favorite Brugh Coffee. Longtime roaster Phillip Martin owns the Chipped Mug. Martin, who roasts all his beans in-house, brings years of experience in coffee brewing and was the former head roaster of the Radford Coffee Co.
 

Radford Coffee Co. – Radford, VA

Radford Coffee Co NRV Coffee Roasters

Radford Coffee Co., located on West Main Street in Radford, has a socially conscious business model and benefits a small town in Nicaragua.

 

Strange Coffee Company – Riner, VA

Try These NRV Coffee Roasters

Strange Coffee Company is a micro-roaster of specialty coffee based in Riner. While they don’t have a storefront, you can order coffee directly from their website or find it at one of their local retail partners across the region.

 

Mill Mountain Coffee & Tea – Blacksburg, VA

Mill Mountain Coffee & Tea NRV Coffee Roasters

The Blacksburg location of Mill Mountain Coffee & Tea has been a favorite of Virginia Tech students and Blacksburg residents for many years.

 

Coffee roasters like these are just some of the specialty beverage makers that contribute to the expanding Food Processing & Agribusiness industry in Virginia’s New River Valley. Learn more 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.