Obis One LLC Announces Ninety Percent Expansion in VT CRC

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Blacksburg, VA – Obis One LLC, North America’s largest and most inventive manufacturer of organic black garlic, announces a 90% expansion to operations and R&D at their Virginia Tech Corporate Research Center headquarters in Blacksburg, Virginia.

In June of 2016, Dr. Patrick and Lisa Lloyd moved their residence to Jefferson National Forest and expanded business operations in Blacksburg, Virginia. The new facility at the Virginia Tech Corporate Research Center afforded a unique opportunity to increase research and development in food innovation and continue creating impeccable highest-quality, artisan products. What’s more, they are securing local organic farmers to continue the growth and quality of their premium garlic crop.

Obis One has 100% control over every ounce of well water irrigation, organic fertilization, planting, harvest, curing, aging, packaging and distribution. In addition, they plant a myriad of specialty plants and edible flowers in rotation with their premium garlic and deliver the freshest, hard to find specialties. Obis One actively supports culinary teaching and learning, especially to K-12, supporting their motto “Sharing the Goodness.”

With their customer base expanding from coast to coast by 23% in 2019, the operation is expanding production and R&D by 90%.

“This might seem to be a risky time to expand because garlic markets are at an all-time high due to present world health concerns, but that’s exactly why we’re marching forward. More importantly, we cannot and will not let down our valued customer base in America as they always come first. At Obis One we have an obligation to all people to get our healthy products in their hands, especially now.”
– Patrick W. Lloyd, Ph.D., founder and CEO of Obis One LLC.

In February 2020, Obis One attended Gulfood, the largest food show of its kind in the World.

“Thankfully, health, reputation and pristine quality always wins, and we received rave interest in Dubai, Jordan, India and Saudi Arabia”, said Patrick Lloyd, Founder and & CEO. “These responses are very similar to the love we’ve always received in the USA. This is a very organic and strategically sound venture by a small company proud to be in Virginia. Looking at risk and the bottom line becomes less scary when you know that your company creates products that are ultra-wholesome and makes us all better people. Yeah, let’s do that.”

The Virginia Tech Corporate Research Center’s Chief Operating Officer, Dawn Myers, CPM, said, “We are thrilled to hear about the success of Patrick Lloyd, Ph.D., an innovative food entrepreneur, and are so proud he calls our research park home. When we hear about these achievements it solidifies that what we are doing, does makes a difference.”

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Obis One LLC is the leading producer of certified organic black garlic in the U.S. Located at the Virginia Tech Corporate Research Center in Blacksburg, VA, this family-owned business in centered on innovation, having developed over 17 original black garlic products in under 5 years. Owner and founder Patrick W. Lloyd, Ph.D. developed an extension of black garlic use when he invented Black CrackÒ. Pure cracked black garlic, the product was named in their Top 100 as Best Condiment by Saveur Magazine. It has become a launchpad for various other products over the past few years.

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 Company Floyd County, VA

Red Rooster Coffee Ranked Top 50 Coffee Shops in the United States in 2020

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Floyd, VA – Big Seven Travel ranks Red Rooster Coffee at number 46, among best coffee houses across the United States.

From super Instagrammable cafes to those catering to digital nomads and straight through to the coffee shops serving up some world-class affogatos and nitro brew, you’ll find that the best coffee shops in the United States are just as wonderfully eccentric and unique as each state you’ll find them in.

The best coffee shops in the United States in 2020 are the ones committed to not only just the perfect pour but also ensuring that their processes benefit farmers at the source. Red Rooster is a company dedicated to roasting exquisite coffee while making an impact at origin and at home. And, it truly shows in their cafe culture and the quality of the beans they produce. In other words, the cafe’s trendy, the staff is friendly, and the coffee’s top-notch.

Find out who else made the 50 Best Coffee Shops list.

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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.

virginia business; new river valley

Virginia Business Features NRV Leaders in ‘100 People to Meet in 2020’

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New River Valley, VA – Virginia Business released its inaugural list of Virginians you should get to know this year including innovators, builders, and educators in the NRV.

Innovators
Virginia has no dearth of creative, visionary entrepreneurs and businesspeople. Representing industries ranging from hemp farming to autonomous vehicles and blockchain, they’re moving the needle.

Steven Critchfield, President and CEO, MOVA Technologies; owner, West Main Development, Pulaski
Matt Hagan, Owner and farmer, Truharvest Farms, Christiansburg
Dan Larimer, Chief technology officer, Block.one, Blacksburg

Builders
Be it residential or commercial, historic renovation or new construction, from small-scale, mixed-use developments to massive interstate highway projects, these are some of the many professionals who are leaving their imprint on Virginia’s landscape.

Luke Allison, Entrepreneur, Pulaski

Educators
When Virginia regained the No. 1 ranking on CNBC’s annual Top States for Business list this year, one of the factors that put the Old Dominion over the top was our “wealth of colleges and universities,” lauded by CNBC as “the best in the nation.” These are some of the educators, researchers and administrators who helped the commonwealth earn that reputation.

Mark Blanks, Director, Virginia Tech Mid-Atlantic Aviation Partnership, Blacksburg
Tom Dingus, Executive director, Virginia Tech Transportation Institute, Blacksburg
Brandy Salmon, Managing director, Virginia Tech Innovation Campus; associate vice president for clinical and translational research, Virginia Tech, Blacksburg and Alexandria

Rainmakers
Through their outreach, marketing and incentives, these are people who attract and grow businesses, making the commonwealth wealthier.

Donna Gambrell, President and CEO, Appalachian Community Capital, Christiansburg

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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.

food business; food processing; new river valley; virginia

Food Competition Aims to Support Food Processing & Agribusiness in the NRV

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Blacksburg, VA – Millstone Kitchen, the NRV’s only shared use kitchen, is hosting a Business Competition with $20,000 to give away in prizes and is seeking small food business participants. These could be aspiring or current business owners of small bakeries, catering businesses, value-added processing, food trucks, and more.

The business competition is scheduled to take place this January through April and seeks to prepare small food businesses to operate at shared kitchen facilities and to encourage socially- and environmentally-conscious entrepreneurship among them. The competition will prepare aspiring entrepreneurs to not only succeed financially, but to also recognize their roles in building sustainable communities.

Participants will be required to attend 6 workshops, deliver a pitch and product/menu samples, and submit a business plan. In addition to workshops, participants will have access to mentors: successful local business owners who want to help new entrepreneurs in the start-up process.

Awards will be based on the pitches, business plans, marketing strategies, and potential impact from social and environmental perspectives. There is $20,000 to award to winning businesses.

Applications are due December 16, 2019 by 5pm and can be downloaded on Millstone Kitchen’s website. It is FREE to apply and participate. Questions can be directed toward Jessica Schultz, Millstone Kitchen Manager at millstonekitchen@gmail.com.

Other partners include the Roanoke Regional Small Business Development Center, Virginia Community Capital, Virginia Cooperative Extension, VT Food Innovations Center, Floyd County Planning and Economic Development, and the NRV Regional Commission. The competition is made possible through a Department of Housing and Community Development Vibrant Communities Initiative Grant.

Millstone Kitchen is a shared use commercial kitchen located in Blacksburg, VA, and operated by the nonprofit Live Work Eat Gather, Inc. The mission of Live, Work, Eat, Gather, Inc. is to cultivate and nourish community through the support of local food and farms, the creation and growth of jobs, the security of a home, and the gathering of friends and neighbors.

More information on both projects can be found at our websites: www.millstonekitchen.org and www.oldschoolpricesfork.org.

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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.

brewery

Blacksburg’s Oldest Brewery Plans to Open Second Location

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Montgomery County, VA – Bull & Bones, the longest running brewery in the region, is opening a second location on Peppers Ferry Road. Jon Coburn, owner, plans to remodel the former Blackstone Grill, with hopes of opening the first brewery in Christiansburg, in August. Coburn says they plan to brew the same beers as the Blacksburg location, however they will be adding in some experimental additions as well. Bull & Bones first opened their brewpub almost 10 years ago, and has continue to evolve its beer selection to meet the needs of the consumers. The new location is about half the size and once renovated will have the look and feel of a sports bar.They are also planning to hire between 60 and 70 workers, from managers to cooks and servers. While they will officially be the first brewery to open in Christiansburg, two others, Iron Tree Brewing Company and Blackbarrel Brewery, have already announced their plans to locate in the downtown area and right outside the town limits, respectively. The New River Valley continues to offer unlimited opportunities to thrive in agribusiness.
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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.
brewery; new river valley; beer

Downtown Christiansburg Brewery Coming Soon

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VIRGINIA’S NEW RIVER VALLEY – The first microbrewery in Christiansburg will soon be located downtown. Seth Locklear, Jansen Lee, and Stephen Peter, three friends who went to Virginia Tech, founded Iron Tree Brewing Company, which will be located on Roanoke Street. The brewery will focus on a wide range of beers so there is something for everyone. There will not be food made in-house, but the goal is to have delivery from food trucks and other local restaurants. The founders hope to open in the beginning of 2020. Stay up to date with the brewery’s progress on the Iron Tree Brewing Company Facebook page. Read more information from Jacob Demmitt at the Roanoke Times.  

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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.”
Chef T

Chef T’s Journey to Radford University

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Chef T

RADFORD, VA – When you think of Virginia’s New River Valley, “Hell’s Kitchen” or “Celebrity Chef” may not be the first thing you think of, but the NRV is the proud home of Chef Torrence Gregoire.

Gregoire, who goes by “Chef T” was featured on “Hell’s Kitchen” twice, even coming in as runner up in Season 14.

Chef T now serves as the Executive Chef at Radford University. She previously served as the Director of Culinary Operations at the Draper Mercantile.

Read more about Chef T’s journey to the NRV from Sam Wall at the Roanoke Times:
https://www.roanoke.com/news/education/higher_education/radford/from-hell-s-kitchen-to-radford-university/article_7d598ca3-2a2a-50b4-a3b4-b0cbc2d0d54f.html

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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.”

VA Best State

Virginia Is Business Facilities’ 2018 State Of The Year

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~The Commonwealth secures BF’s top annual honor with a diversified and successful high-tech growth strategy.~

TINTON FALLS, NJ – Virginia has been named Business Facilities magazine’s 2018 State of the Year.

“Virginia snared more than $5.5 billion in capital investment for its top two projects, and its top five job-creation efforts netted nearly 28,000 new jobs in a diverse and well-executed growth strategy that has made VA a high-tech force to be reckoned with,” said BF Editor-in-Chief Jack Rogers.

Rogers noted that VA has been a perennial contender for BF’s top honor due to its proximity to Washington DC, making it an attractive location for major corporate headquarters. In recent years, the Commonwealth has invested in fiber-optic networks that have made Northern Virginia the nation’s leading data center hub.

“The 21st-century infrastructure that Virginia has meticulously installed will serve as a fertile root system that will nurture a lush forest of high-tech enterprises in the Commonwealth for years to come,” Rogers said. “Virginia not only is ready to compete in the emerging high-tech battleground—it shows every intention of dominating the field.”

Crystal City, VA emerged last fall as a winner of the most coveted economic development project of the young century when Amazon awarded the city half of its $5 billion, 50,000-job HQ2 project (Long Island City in Queens, NY got the other half of the HQ2 mega-project, which was bisected by Amazon boss Jeff Bezos shortly before the site selections were announced).

The ultra-high-profile HQ2 victory was the second volley in an impressive one-two punch that also saw Micron announce in August a $3-billion expansion of its semiconductor complex in Manassas, VA. Micron CEO Sanjay Mehrotra told Reuters the expansion would meet the burgeoning demand for more powerful computer chips that run collision-avoidance systems and other semi-autonomous automotive systems, a global market expected to reach $6 billion by 2021.

“Our State of the Year honorees usually have one thing in common,” Rogers said. “They can walk and chew gum at the same time—which in this case means they’re upgrading traditional industries while accelerating emerging growth sectors.”

New investments in traditional industries in VA in 2018 included paper and packaging leader WestRock’s decision to put $248 million into its paper mill and extrusion facilities in Alleghany County.

Virginia also excelled as a prime destination for foreign direct investment, including an announcement from Press Glass, the largest independent flat glass processing operation in Europe, to establish its first Virginia manufacturing facility in Henry County.

Virginia posted a strong showing in BF’s 2018 State Rankings Report, earning top-10 results in our Best Business Climate, Cybersecurity Employment Leaders, Drone Leaders, and Workforce Training Leaders categories, among others.

Business Facilities is a national publication that has been the leading location source for corporate site selectors and economic development professionals for more than 50 years.

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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.

Beliveau Brewery

Roanoke Times: Beliveau Estate to Launch New Brewery

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FROM THE ROANOKE TIMES — Beliveau Estate Winery will launch a new brewery next year as the popular New River Valley destination looks to broaden its appeal beyond date nights and wine enthusiasts.

Owner Yvan Beliveau said he’ll start small with enough beer to accommodate guests at the 60-acre farm. He hopes to offer large canned beers — known as crowlers — for customers to take home, but the goal is not to become a major beer distributor.

Instead, the business wants to experiment with small batches to tap into the local beer culture and draw a larger crowd to the estate about 30 minutes from downtown Blacksburg. The winery is known for its events, including a lavender festival and weekly live music.

“We’re a destination place and we’ve got to remember that,” Beliveau said. “Right now we want to satisfy the people who would like to come out here to enjoy the place.”

Read more from Jacob Demmitt at The Roanoke Times.

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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.

Best Coffee Roaster Red Rooster Coffee

Red Rooster Coffee Named A Top 12 Coffee Roaster in the U.S. by Forbes

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FLOYD, VA – Floyd, Virginia is a small but mighty town full of artisans and inventors. A couple of those makers started Red Rooster Coffee in 2010, “with the simple notion of roasting excellent coffee.”

Since then, Red Rooster has won numerous awards, including a shout out from Forbes naming Red Rooster one of the 12 best coffee roasters in the U.S. in a holiday gift guide.

From Forbes:

Red Rooster is in a most improbable spot for a world-class coffee roaster: Floyd, Virginia, population 438. Now eight-years-old and with a brand new roastery and cafe down the street from their original space, Red Rooster not only sources and roasts with thoughtfulness and precision, they also take the time to commission original art for their bags.

Virginia’s new River Valley is no stranger to quality, artisan coffee. Other local roasters include Brugh Coffee, Radford Coffee Co., and Open Road Roastery.

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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.