NRV Manufacturing Industry Featured in Valley Business FRONT

NRV Manufacturing Industry Featured in Valley Business FRONT

New River Valley, VA – The August 2020 issue of Valley Business FRONT featured an article titled, “Not Your Father’s Manufacturing Industry”. The article showcased the manufacturing industry in Virginia’s New River Valley.

The region is a hub for the manufacturing industry, with, according to the article, “140 manufacturers… located in the New River Valley. The sector employs 12,000 people, making it one of the top five employment industries.”

The article discussed current trends and challenges in manufacturing globally, nationally, and locally. One such challenge is training the workforce to adapt to the increased automation in the industry. Local institutions, such as New River Community College, have implemented programs for students to ensure that qualified employees are available to meet the changing needs of manufacturers in the region.

Read the entire article from Valley Business FRONT here. Learn more about manufacturing in Virginia’s New River Valley here.

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Virginia’s New River Valley: Virginia’s New River Valley is an eclectic mix of interconnected small towns that each offer their own unique vibe and appeal. The region provides an abundance of cultural and social offerings due to the presence of three world-class universities, while retaining the charm and benefits of small town living. The NRV is home to a diverse and innovative business community with companies that range from high-tech startups to foreign-based corporations to specialty agribusiness. These organizations benefit from the collaborative spirit of our region and a loyal, highly-skilled, and educated workforce. The scenic beauty of the region also fosters a deep connection to nature, which is deepened by access to outdoor recreation and the preservation of our natural environment. It’s clear why Virginia’s New River Valley is “A Natural Fit.”

Onward NRV: Onward NRV is a public/private, regional economic development organization whose mission is to attract and retain world class jobs, investment, and talent in Virginia’s New River Valley. It’s also a movement where leaders from business, government, and higher education work together to promote the economic vitality of the region.

Popular NRV Water Spots Win Awards from Blue Ridge Country Magazine

Popular NRV Water Spots Win Awards from Blue Ridge Country Magazine

New River Valley, VA – Popular water spots across Virginia’s New River Valley won awards in the 2020 Mountain Blue reader poll from Blue Ridge Country magazine. The poll asked magazine readers to vote on the best water-related locations and businesses for each state in the Blue Ridge Mountains. Five locations and businesses in the NRV were included among the winners.

Best Virginia Waterfall
Cascade Falls (Giles County)– Platinum Winner

Best Virginia Water-Related State Park
New River Trail State Park (Pulaski County) – Silver Winner
Claytor Lake State Park (Pulaski County) – Honorable Mention

Best Virginia Swimming Hole
Dismal Falls (Giles County) – Honorable Mention

Best Virginia River & Fishing Outfitter
Tangent Outfitters (Giles County)– Silver Winner

These poll winners are just some of the many unique outdoor amenities that Virginia’s New River Valley has to offer. Learn more about the outdoors across the NRV here.

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Virginia’s New River Valley: Virginia’s New River Valley is an eclectic mix of interconnected small towns that each offer their own unique vibe and appeal. The region provides an abundance of cultural and social offerings due to the presence of three world-class universities, while retaining the charm and benefits of small town living. The NRV is home to a diverse and innovative business community with companies that range from high-tech startups to foreign-based corporations to specialty agribusiness. These organizations benefit from the collaborative spirit of our region and a loyal, highly-skilled, and educated workforce. The scenic beauty of the region also fosters a deep connection to nature, which is deepened by access to outdoor recreation and the preservation of our natural environment. It’s clear why Virginia’s New River Valley is “A Natural Fit.”

Onward NRV: Onward NRV is a public/private, regional economic development organization whose mission is to attract and retain world class jobs, investment, and talent in Virginia’s New River Valley. It’s also a movement where leaders from business, government, and higher education work together to promote the economic vitality of the region.

Virginia Living Magazine Recognizes NRV Destinations and Businesses in Best of Virginia 2020 Awards

Virginia Living Magazine Recognizes NRV Destinations and Businesses in Best of Virginia 2020 Awards

New River Valley, VA – Fifteen destinations and businesses across Virginia’s New River Valley won Best of Virginia 2020 Awards for the Southwest Virginia region.  Virginia Living magazine published the annual list of winners in their special Best of Virginia 2020 issue.  The magazine tallied over 55,000 ballots to determine this year’s winners.

The NRV’s winners and runners-up are listed below by category.

Restaurants
India Garden Restaurant – Winner – Best Indian Restaurant
Sal’s Italian Restaurant & Pizzeria – Winner – Best Italian Restaurant
Cabo Fish Taco – Winner – Best Seafood Restaurant
Gillie’s – Winner – Best Restaurant for Vegans or Vegetarians
Macado’s – Winner – Best Sandwich Shop
The Farmhouse – Winner – Best Outdoor Dining
Due South BBQ – Barbecue Restaurant
Dogtown Roadhouse – Pizzeria
Palisades Restaurant – Restaurant
Our Daily Bread Bakery & Bistro – Restaurant for Vegans and Vegetarians, Dessert
Red Rooster Coffee Roasters – Coffee Shop or Roaster
Mill Mountain Coffee & Tea – Coffee Shop or Roaster
Thai This Food Truck – Food Truck

Food Shopping
Our Daily Bread Bakery & Bistro – Bakery
Blacksburg Farmers’ Market – Farmer’s Market
Harvest Moon Food Store – Specialty/Gourmet Food Shop
Vintage Cellar – Wine Shop

Drink
Five Mile Mountain Distillery – Winner – Best Distillery
Chateau Morrisette Winery – Winner – Best Winery
Buffalo Mountain Brewery – Brewery
Iron Heart Winery – Winery

Entertainment & Events
Wine & Design – Winner – Best Entertainment Center for Adults
Floyd Center for the Arts – Art Gallery
Floyd Country Store – Music Venue

Travel
Mountain Lake Lodge – Resort

Outdoors & Active
Cascade Falls – Hiking or Biking Trail

Home
Warm Hearth Village – Retirement Community

Services
Brown Edwards – Winner – Best Accounting Firm
Shelor Motor Mile – Winner – Best Car Dealer

Pets
Blacksburg Dog Park – Winner –  Best Dog Park
Off Leash K9 Training – Winner – Best Dog Training Company
Sparky’s Run Dog Park – Dog Park

Kids
Xtreme Springz Trampoline Park – Winner – Best Birthday Party Place
Alta Mons Summer Camp and Retreat Center – Summer Camp

Health
New River Dermatology – Winner – Best Dermatology Practice
Medical Associates of Southwest Virginia – Primary Care Practice
River Ridge Dermatology – Dermatology Practice
Sideline Orthopedic & Sports Medicine – Orthopedic Practice
Tuck Chiropractic Clinic – Chiropractic Clinic

Beauty
Nail Envy – Nail Salon

Weddings & Special Events
Chantilly Lace Bridals, Formals, & Tuxedos – Bridal Boutique

Shopping
Finders Keepers – Antiques
East Coasters – Bicycle Shop
Whistle Stop Books – Bookstore
The Upscale Attic – Consignment Shop
New River Valley Mall – Shopping Mall
Hey Helen – Women’s Clothing Store

The winners and runners-up of the Best of Virginia 2020 Awards are just some of the unique destinations and businesses that make Virginia’s New River Valley a great place to live, work, and do business.

Learn more about the Best of Virginia 2020 Awards 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.

Job Board Launched on Virginia's New River Valley Website

Job Board Launched on Virginia’s New River Valley Website

New River Valley, VA – Many employers in Virginia’s New River Valley are hiring amid the COVID-19 pandemic. Onward NRV, a public/private, regional economic development organization, launched an online Job Board in March 2020 to help connect employees looking for work with employers that have job openings.

The job board can be found on the Virginia’s New River Valley website. It features a section for job listings from featured employers in the region.

Job seekers can also use the job board to search for new career opportunities in specific industries. Listings are available in eight different job categories:

  • Technology
  • Manufacturing
  • Healthcare
  • Accounting and Finance
  • Construction and Architecture
  • Education
  • Human Resources
  • Marketing and Sales
  • In addition to searching by industry, potential employees can also search and filter through all jobs available in Virginia’s New River Valley. Over 100 available jobs have been posted to the job board within the last two weeks. All sections of the job board are powered by Indeed, the #1 job site in the world.

    Onward NRV’s mission is to attract and retain world class jobs, investment and talent in Virginia’s New River Valley. Onward promotes economic vitality in the region through supporting the growth of four targeted industries: Information Technology, Advanced Manufacturing, Food Processing & Agribusiness, and Unmanned Systems. The job board is one way the organization is working to connect employees with employers in these targeted industries. Learn more about Onward NRV here.

    Click here to browse the job board and learn more about career opportunities currently available 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.

    Giles County matching gift card program supports restaurants in time of need

    Pearisburg, VA – In an effort to immediately support local restaurants and lodging properties impacted by the economic slow down caused by COVID-19, Giles County has launched a “matching” gift certificate program to support these business where customers will receive 50% more value than the purchase price!  The purpose of the program is to help these business in Giles County generate revenue quickly to support their operations through this very difficult time.

    The gift certificates are available to purchase online in $20 increments and are matched by 50%. This means that a gift certificate purchased for $20 will actually be worth $30. A gift certificate purchased for $40 will be worth $60. You get the gist. The 50% increase in value is subsidized by dollars generated from meals taxes and other tourism related revenues. One-hundred percent the funds are sent to the restaurants or lodging properties immediately after purchase.

    The program launched on March 25, 2020 and has been a hit! In just over one week, the community rallied to generate over $40,000 of revenue for local businesses through the program.

    Gift certificates through the program for Giles County restaurants and lodging establishments can be purchased on-line at www.virginiasmtnplayground.com/shop. Customers will receive an email after your purchase with order details to print the “gift certificate.”

    romantic getaway; new river valley; giles county; inn at riverbend

    Romantic Escapes in the New River Valley

    Giles County, VA – The Inn at Riverbend is featured in Virginia Living as a top romantic getaway.

    Seemingly perched on the side of a bluff in Pearisburg is the Inn at Riverbend, a two-story bed and breakfast with wraparound porches and incredible views of the New River. Each room at Riverbend brings the outside in with large windows and sweeping views. However, the plum-shaded “Palisades” room has been dubbed the most romantic by previous guests. Posh bath amenities, cushy robes, and an oversized whirlpool tub provide a luxurious, restful experience. A farm-fresh meal awaits at The Palisades Restaurant in Eggleston and there are small town shopping opportunities, artisans to discover, and historical sites to explore, like Historic Smithfield Plantation in Blacksburg.

    Explore everything Giles County has to offer for your romantic weekend away!

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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 of blue ridge; new river valley; readers choice awards

    NRV Wins Best of Blue Ridge Reader’s Choice Awards

    New River Valley, VA – In the ninth annual Best of Blue Ridge Awards, readers voted on a variety of places in the New River Valley and several were featured as top picks.

    Overall Winners

    Chateau Morrisette – Best Vineyard/Winery
    The Black Dog from Chateau Morrisette – Best Wine
    FloydFest – Best Festival Overall
    FloydFest – Best Kid-Friendly Festival

    Runners-Up

    Muddy ACCE Race – MudRun/Adventure Race
    Floyd Yoga Jam – Retreat
    Gillie’s Cuisine – Vegetarian Restaurant
    FloydFest – Kid Friendly Adventure
    Claytor Lake – Flatwater
    In Balance Yoga Studio – Yoga Studio
    FloydFest – Instagram Account
    Cascade Waterfalls – Cascade
    Shaena Muldoon, The Palisades Restaurant – Personality
    Buffalo Mountain Ziplines – Zipline
    Hotel Floyd – Budget Friendly Lodging
    Blacksburg Pilates – Mind Body Studio

    Find a full list of the Best of Blue Ridge categories and winners here.

    Photo by Best of the Blue Ridge photographer winner Leslie Restivo.

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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.

    work here; business plan; jumpstart giles

    Giles County is Hosting a Business Plan Competition

    Giles County, VA – Giles County, Virginia is encouraging small businesses to locate and expand within its borders. Applications are now open for Jumpstart Giles, a business plan competition that guides applicants through a series of professional and business development workshops. The final jump will be a Business Plan Competition where up to $33,000 in cash prizes and more in professional services will be donned out to successful applicants.

    Businesses with a retail component or based in tourism and hospitality are invited to compete for prize packages, and all small businesses are encouraged to participate in the workshops, scheduled to start in February 2020. The deadline to apply is January 23, 2020. All information is currently accessible at GilesCounty.org under Jumpstart or by calling the Giles Tourism Office for a paper application.

    Jumpstart Giles is one of four localities that received funding through the Community Business Launch, a community development program of the Department of Housing and Community Development (DHCD). Funds will be used to host workshops and provide materials for all applicants, advertise and support the series, and award funds to successful competitors to grow, launch, and enhance their small businesses in Giles.

    New (operating for less than two years) businesses as well as businesses wishing to expand have the opportunity to participate. Those entrepreneurs who have yet to launch their idea are also encouraged to apply as all winners have until later in 2020 to show their business plan implementation successes.

    The purpose of Jumpstart Giles is to provide a platform and network to support entrepreneurs within the New River Valley. Creating a space that is welcoming to business, enables our communities to continue to be places we want to live, play, recreate, and grow. Jumpstart Giles is an opportunity to jumpstart a business, an idea, and 2020!

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    Giles County, Virginia is located in Southwest Virginia approximately 40 minutes south of Roanoke and just west of Blacksburg and Virginia Tech. With easy access to the New River, world class dining and lodging properties, and historical attractions for the entire family, Giles offers adventure in Virginia’s Mountain Playground™. Come find your playground at our Visitors Center located at 203 N Main Street, Pearisburg, VA 24134 or find us online at gilescounty.org or by calling 540-921-2079.

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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.

    Top Ten Posts of 2019

    A lot of exciting things happened in Virginia’s New River Valley in 2019! Here are the top ten posts from the year. The following posts had the most page views online.

    10.Virginia’s New River Valley Claims Top Trending Mountain Destinations

    Two counties in the NRV were selected as the “Top Trending Virginia Mountain Destinations 2019” by Blue Ridge Country Magazine.

    9.Blacksburg Mountain Bike Skills Park Now Under Construction

    On February 18, Lynchburg-based Native Landworks began construction on the Blacksburg Rotary Mountain Bike Skills Park located on the back four acres of Brush Mountain, off Meadowbrook Drive. The park is expected to be finished by mid-April.

    8.1901 Group Officially Breaks Ground on Blacksburg Expansion

    The VTCRC will be building 1901 Group’s 45,000 square foot EITOC to provide a state-of-the-art Operations Center to support 1901 Group’s continued growth of cloud, cybersecurity, and managed services business.

    7. Blacksburg Named Top Ten Safest College Town

    SafeWise names Blacksburg ninth safest college town in America.

    6.Pulaski Has 8th Lowest Cost of Living in Virginia

    Pulaski comes in with the 8th lowest Cost of Living Index (COLI) at 86 in the state of Virginia.

    5.Volvo Group to Create 777 New Jobs in Pulaski County Expansion

    Governor Ralph Northam today announced that the Volvo Group will invest nearly $400 million to expand its Volvo Trucks North America New River Valley (NRV) assembly operation in Pulaski County.

    4.NRV to Be Home of First Commercial Drone Deliveries in US

    Christiansburg is the first town in the U.S. where residents can have drone deliveries to their homes.

    Drone Deliveries

    3.Blacksburg Has the Shortest Commute in VA

    The numbers are in and according to Business Insider, Blacksburg has the shortest commute time in Virginia. The average commute in Blacksburg is 13.9 minutes.

    2.The Palisades Wins Restaurateur of the Year Award

    Shaena Muldoon, owner and manager of The Palisades, received the Jim Wordsworth Award for Restaurateur of the Year from the Virginia Restaurant, Lodging & Travel Association (VRLTA).

    1.Christiansburg is 2nd Best City to Live in Virginia

    Christiansburg is ranked as the second best city to live in Virginia by creditdonkey.com.

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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.

    peppermint hot chocolate; new river valley; mountain lake lodge

    HGTV Features Stony Creek Tavern at Mountain Lake Lodge

    Giles County, VA – HGTV features Stony Creek Tavern at Mountain Lake Lodge in Boozy Hot Cocoa is What You Need for the Holidays article.

    The article showcases hotels and restaurants across the country that are taking their hot chocolate drinks to the next level. Stony Creek Tavern’s Peppermint Hot Chocolate made the list! Their delicious drink is made with peppermint-infused vodka and topped with an old fashioned peppermint ribbon candy and sprinkles for “maximum nostalgic holiday spirit”. To try this holiday beverage and more, visit Mountain Lake Lodge!

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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.