Torc Robotics Headquarters

Torc Robotics Plans to Grow Company 50% by End of 2020

/0 Comments/in , , , /by
Press Release from Torc Robotics Blacksburg, VA– Torc Robotics, a leader in self-driving vehicle systems, continues its strong recruiting efforts even under social distancing and safer-at-home orders. Torc has steadily added new employees since January and plans to increase the company size by more than 50 percent before year end. Torc’s recruiting process has changed to accommodate personal safety during the pandemic. “We are very fortunate that most of us can work from home – and our team has been using this time to scale up our virtual testing and future fleet infrastructure,” said Michael Fleming, Torc’s CEO. “Over the past 10 years, we’ve built our culture on winning teams and find that Torc’rs are great at solving problems – including bringing on new team members during a pandemic,” he said. Adaptations for full-time hiring have included video panel interviews and additional relocation assistance for full-time employees. Until the Torc offices reopen, new hires are working from home and being onboarded remotely. A new cohort of team members started this week, and all are quickly learning the ropes, according to Fleming. Torc is hiring across multiple software engineering areas, including infrastructure and tools, web development, Linux, and cloud technology. Torc also remains committed to summer internships and co-op positions, which have been transformed to remote work opportunities for summer 2020. Students in these positions are fully embedded into technical teams and interact with Torc’rs across the company via coffee chats, lunch & learns, and other collaboration opportunities. The company’s continued growth supports Torc’s automated truck development in partnership with Daimler Trucks North America, the market leader in trucking. “Over the next several years, we will continue to hire aggressively,” said Fleming. “Commercializing automated trucks on public roads is complex and we will need additional talent to get us there,” he said. “This is a marathon, not a sprint and our team is committed to the long-term.” To accommodate its growing team, Torc is completing a new headquarters expansion later this year, which will add nearly 16,000 square feet and is designing additional future expansion projects. Torc develops Level 4 self-driving technology, which does not require human intervention, but operates within specific areas or use cases, such as locations, or types of roads. Torc partners with original equipment manufacturers (OEMs) and mobility companies to integrate the technology on their vehicle platforms. In 2019, Torc joined the Daimler Trucks family to partner on commercializing self-driving truck technology. “At Torc, our mission is to save lives through self-driving technology,” Fleming said. “The fastest path to commercialized is through OEMs and the strongest business case is in trucking.” To learn more about employment opportunities at Torc Robotics, visit their Careers page. About Torc Robotics: Torc Robotics, headquartered in Blacksburg, Virginia, is a member of the Daimler Trucks family. Torc offers a complete self-driving vehicle software and integration solution and is currently focusing on commercializing self-driving trucks. Torc has more than 10 years of experience in automating heavy equipment for safety-critical applications.
###
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.
Harmonia Recognized as one of Virginia's "Fantastic 50"

Harmonia Recognized as One of Virginia’s “Fantastic 50”

/0 Comments/in , , /by

Montgomery County, VA – The Virginia Chamber of Commerce recognized Harmonia Holdings Group on it 2020 Fantastic 50 list, a ranking of the 50 fastest-growing companies in Virginia. It was the only company from Virginia’s New River Valley to make the list.

Harmonia Holdings Group was born in 2006 at Virginia Tech’s Corporate Research Center in Blacksburg to bring innovation and change to the federal IT sector. It believes that with federal budgets shrinking, there was a huge opportunity to bring more efficiency to government through innovative technology solutions. From the start, Harmonia focused on two simple foundational ideas, recruit top talent to the team and provide world-class benefits and an environment to succeed, as well as develop innovative solutions for the government.

To be eligible for the Fantastic 50 list, a company must be privately held with headquarters in Virginia, show revenues between $200,000 and $200 million, and demonstrate positive revenue growth and positive net income in its most recent fiscal year over the previous year. Companies are judged on four-year revenue history.

Harmonia Holding Group is one of over 80 technology companies located in the New River Valley. Collectively, the sector employs over 1,1600 professionals that are helping define and advance cutting-edge technologies of tomorrow in blockchain, unmanned systems, cybersecurity, software, and digital creative.

To learn more more about Harmonia Holdings Group, including current job openings, visit: www.harmonia.com

Radford University Cyber Defense Club Places Third

/0 Comments/in , , , , /by

Radford, VA – The Cyber Defense Club at Radford University placed 3rd at the Virginia Cyber Cup Capture the Flag Competition held at Virginia Military Institute on February 21st and 22nd. George Mason University was in first place and the University of Virginia came in second.

The team included: Kyle Higginbotham, Victoria Williamson, Alex Largen, John Laws, Nolan Ierardi and Sean Anderson. Amanda Tolman was an observer student. Dr. Chen-Chi Shing accompanied the team at the contest as the coach.

In the Virginia Cyber Cup Capture the Flag Competition, competing teams tackle problems in scenarios designed to model real-world computer security challenges across a range of categories that includes cryptography, network traffic analysis, reverse engineering, steganography, and more. An understanding of historical and modern security vulnerabilities is helpful to gain the most of this experience. With challenges ranging from introductory to advanced, this competition is designed to both test skills and teach concepts.

The Virginia Cyber Cup Capture-the-Flag (CTF) competition is a Jeopardy-style CTF in which teams solve individual challenges of various point values across different categories to score points. The competition uses a web-based CTF engine hosted by the Virginia Cyber Range.

The competition is developed and hosted by the Virginia Cyber Range and is part of Commonwealth Cyberfusion, an invitation-only event combines a collegiate cyber competition with learning and career opportunities that emphasize Cyber Fusion. This event is co-hosted by Virginia Military Institute, Senator Mark R. Warner and the VirginiaCyber Range.

This is the 4th iteration of the contest. In the past, Radford teams placed 2nd in 2017, 3rd in 2018, 6th in 2019, and this time 3rd.

###

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.

Radford and Floyd County Public Schools Received a Total of $227,000 for Computer Science

/0 Comments/in , , , , /by

New River Valley, VA — Governor Ralph Northam today announced more than $1.3 million in state grants to support the implementation of Virginia’s Computer Science Standards of Learning. In 2016, the Virginia General Assembly passed legislation requiring that the Standards of Learning include computer science and coding. The standards, which were adopted by the state Board of Education in 2017, are the nation’s first mandatory K-12 computer science standards. Funding will help increase access to K-12 computer science programs a prepare students for high-demand jobs

“Knowing the basics of computer science can open doors to virtually any career in our fast-growing 21st-century economy,” said Governor Northam. “We are working to expand career-connected learning and integrate computer science into the curriculum at every grade level. With these grants, we have a tremendous opportunity to put today’s students on a path to developing the key computer science and coding skills they need to compete for the jobs of tomorrow.”

The 2019 General Assembly authorized up to $1.35 million in grants to provide professional development for teachers, create computer science curriculum, instructional resources, and assessments, support summer and after-school programs, and provide career exposure and work-based learning opportunities for high school students. The legislature directed that underserved students and schools performing below state standards receive priority in the awarding of the grants.

“Computer science is a core competency Virginia students need to succeed in the workforce, but educational inequities too often limit access to the resources schools can provide for students to receive a world-class STEM education. Through funding work-based learning, after-school programs, and other hands-on learning opportunities, with an emphasis on equity, these grants will catalyze a love of computer science within students across the Commonwealth.” – Atif Qarni, Secretary of Education

The grants were awarded as follows:

Floyd County Public Schools — $77,166 to provide interdisciplinary professional development in computer science and to integrate the Computer Science Standards of Learning into instruction with an emphasis on underrepresented student groups.
Radford Public Schools — $149,983 to integrate computer science in K-8 instruction and to create simulated work environments in partnership with Radford University and area businesses.
Virginia Beach Public Schools — $148,678 to create college-level computer science courses, extra-curricular computer science clubs, career labs, and regional partnerships to provide work-based learning opportunities for students.
Charlottesville Public Schools — $124,000 to create a partnership with the University of Virginia, Tech-Girls, and Computers4Kids to develop resources, train teachers, and engage K-8 students in computer science.
Cumberland County Public Schools — $99,800 to provide professional development in computer science for K-8 teachers in Region 8 and to create a career connections course incorporating robotics and unmanned aerial vehicles.
George Mason University — $125,000 to create a partnership between educational agencies and school divisions to improve the pedagogical practices and content knowledge of teachers and undergraduates in computer science and computational thinking.
Old Dominion University — $125,000 to develop a regional partnership between Old Dominion University, school divisions, and educational organizations to broaden teacher and student access to and participation in computer science learning by training teachers, developing classroom resources, increasing knowledge of computer science career pathways, and developing computer science micro-credentials.
Prince William County Public Schools — $125,000 to form partnerships with local institutions of higher education and local and state agencies, providing professional development opportunities for teachers and increasing awareness of the importance of computer science skills in a variety of careers.
Stafford County Public Schools — $118,481 to form a regional consortium to develop, disseminate, and evaluate computer science resources for grades 3-8 and create a partnership with other school divisions, institutions of higher education, military agencies, and educational organizations that will develop curricular resources, performance assessments, and lead professional development in effective computer science pedagogy.
University of Virginia’s College at Wise — $125,000 to support a collaborative effort between Region 7 school divisions and education agencies offering professional development in computer science, including workshops, conferences, and coursework for teachers in the region.
Virginia Commonwealth University — $124,922 to create a collaborative that combines teams from CodeRVA Regional High School partner school divisions to transform existing computer science courses into thematic online modules coupled with locally relevant and authentic student challenges, and to equip teachers with culturally responsive strategies for working with diverse students.

“The funded projects will equip our teachers to present the content of the Computer Science Standards of Learning in the context of real-life challenges and create school-to-work partnerships to connect students with career opportunities,” said Superintendent of Public Instruction James Lane. “It is truly exciting to see school divisions, colleges and universities, and the private sector collaborate to implement the standards in ways that prepare students for postsecondary and career success.”

There is no applicable Standards of Learning test associated with computer science instruction. These academic standards were developed to provide students with a detailed understanding of the study of computers, their hardware and software designs, their applications, and their impact on society.

###

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’

/0 Comments/in , , , , , /by

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

###

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 Economic Review: Companies Find Tech Talent in the NRV

/0 Comments/in , /by

Richmond, VA – Virginia’s New River Valley was featured in a recent article titled, “A New Frontier for Tech Talent,” in the Q3 edition of the Virginia Economic Review. The article focuses on how IT companies are finding success locating in more rural small metros in Virginia, including the NRV.

Here is what the article had to say about Virginia’s New River Valley:

1901 Group CEO and founder Sonu Singh had a vision. Some 13 years ago, Singh began thinking about what the second Industrial Revolution would look like in IT; in other words, how an assembly-line philosophy might apply to enterprise IT services. “The origin of our company, the essence of our firm, is about automation, is about streamlining, is about continual improvement,” Brendan Walsh, senior vice president of partner relations for 1901 Group explains.

To run a company where such continual improvement would be possible, Singh needed a place that would satisfy a three-part equation: “access to talent, high quality of life, and low cost of operations,” said Walsh. Singh found it in Blacksburg, home of his alma mater, Virginia Tech.

In addition to Virginia Tech, the New River Valley serves as home to Radford University and New River Community College. These institutions contribute a steady pipeline of talent for innovative area companies. The region offers magnificent mountains, eclectic small-town vibes, arts and culture, and a business-friendly, academically enriched environment. Rich in outdoor activities and breathtaking views, residents of the region enjoy a high quality of life at a reasonable cost.

A decade after its founding, 1901 Group provides IT infrastructure monitoring and management, application migration to the cloud, and cybersecurity services for major clients, including federal agencies. While headquartered in Northern Virginia, it employs 200 people in Blacksburg, with plans to hire up to 580 people there over the next four years. The company recently broke ground on a 45,000-square-foot Enterprise IT Operations Center.

It joins nearly 200 other tech- and research-related companies in the Virginia Tech Corporate Research Center, collectively employing more than 3,000 people. Another is Block.one, a Hong Kong-based provider of high-performance blockchain solutions. Blacksburg is one of Block.one’s key global locations and has provided the company with a rich source of talent in software development, product management, information technology, and other areas. The company has built a close relationship with Virginia Tech, donating $3 million to the Department of Computer Science to help students build blockchain skills. Block.one’s co-founder and CTO, Dan Larimer, is a regular guest lecturer who advises the university on the emerging blockchain-focused curricula. Larimer is a Virginia Tech alumnus, too.

“It isn’t a hard sell at all to get people who grew up or went to school in this area to come back,” says Alec Siegel, managing partner of Blacksburg recruiting firm Siegel Link. He ticks off the advantages: affordable houses, fantastic schools, outdoor recreation, the energy from Virginia Tech and Radford University, and access to developable sites in charming downtowns in communities like Radford and Pulaski.

It’s easy to keep great people, too, Walsh says. “If you develop and grow the talent, if you invest in your people and develop that skillset, you want them to stay with you and stay in that area. It’s common-sense management.”

###

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.

Excella Extension Center Plans Expansion

/0 Comments/in , , , , /by

Blacksburg, VA – The old ‘Catch 22’ – you can’t get a job without experience, and you can’t get experience without a job. For the past ten years, the Excella Extension Center located in the Virginia Tech Corporate Research Center (VTCRC) has been training software engineering students to work on software development projects. Recently, Excella ranked #3 Best Tech & Engineering Internships and #6 Best Internships for Employment Prospects by Vault. Since 2009, approximately 80 students have already participated in their existing program, and 30 of them have accepted full-time employment within the company.

Excella co-founder and partner Steve Cooper will run a spinoff company, based on the Excella Extension Center model, set to open at the end of 2019. It will be located in the VTCRC and will provide talent and virtual workforce to Excella and other businesses. The program will benefit both businesses and students by allowing recent graduates to hit the ground running when they start working in the industry. Virginia Tech students will be the first to benefit, but Cooper has plans to expand the concept to other campuses, including Radford University.

###

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.

auvsi, new river valley, Virginia, unmanned systems, drones

AUVSI Ridge & Valley Stays at the Forefront of Unmanned Systems

/0 Comments/in , , /by

Blacksburg, VA – Unmanned system technologies are rapidly maturing into indispensable tools for civil service, commerce, science, and security. These tools are increasingly connected to one another, and to the human workers they support, creating partnerships that offer fantastic new opportunities — and new technical challenges. Other sorts of partnerships have emerged to address these challenges and opportunities – from industry/government/academic consortia to externally funded entrepreneurial ventures. Come meet with us this Fall in the beautiful New River Valley as we discuss the latest advances in unmanned systems.

Tuesday Morning Keynote: Ryan Eustice, PhD, Senior Vice President of Automated Driving, Toyota Research Institute (TRI)

In addition to his role as VP of Automated Driving at TRI, Dr. Eustice serves on Michigan Governor Rick Snyder’s “Council on Future Mobility,” a state government regulatory policy advisory board, and he directs the Perceptual Robotics Laboratory (PeRL) at the University of Michigan. Dr. Eustice received a Ph.D. from the MIT/WHOI Joint Program in Ocean Engineering in 2005 and was a Postdoctoral Research Scholar at Johns Hopkins University. Best known for his work in advancing large-scale simultaneous localization and mapping (SLAM), including the visual mapping of the RMS Titanic, Dr. Eustice is a past recipient of the prestigious NSF CAREER and ONR Young Investigator awards.

Tuesday Noon Spotlight: Catherine McGhee, PE, Director of Research and Innovation, VA Transportation Research Council

Cathy McGhee has been with the Virginia Transportation Research Council since 1993, where she has led VDOT’s research program on connected and automated vehicles and has worked with VDOT staff and university partners to develop, test, and deploy equipment and applications within the Virginia Connected and Automated Corridors to advance VDOT’s mission of delivering safe and efficient mobility. As a part of this effort, she has participated in the Virginia Secretary of Transportation’s Automated Vehicle Work Group and the Unmanned Aerial Systems Work Group. VDOT has supported a strong innovative research program for more than 65 years. Its Virginia Transportation Research Council continues to build on this strong tradition by increasing emphasis on implementation of research findings.

Wednesday Morning Keynote: Bala Ganesh, PhD, Vice President, Advanced Technology Group, UPS

Bala Ganesh leads the Advanced Technology Group at UPS, overseeing efforts to apply cutting edge technologies to create UPS’ Smart Logistics Network. Ganesh previously directed marketing strategy for UPS’s retail and consumer goods segment. He joined UPS in 2012 as product manager supporting UPS My Choice and social media/mobile integration within the company’s Customer Technology Management group. Prior to joining UPS, Ganesh was responsible for strategy development and mergers and acquisitions with the healthcare procurement company, MedAssets. From 2006 to 2010, he led consulting project teams for McKinsey & Co. Ganesh has also worked as a researcher at the Georgia Institute of Technology, where he earned a PhD in Aerospace Engineering and an MBA. Early in his career, Bala was a pilot in the Indian Air Force.

Wednesday Noon Spotlight: Brad Whitby, Managing Director, Center for Unmanned Aircraft Systems

Brad Whitby serves as the Managing Director of the Center for Unmanned Aircraft Systems (C-UAS), the only National Science Foundation-sponsored research center focused on unmanned aircraft. The C-UAS is an Industry/University Cooperative Research Center whose academic institutions include BYU, University of Colorado, Virginia Tech, and Michigan. Texas A&M and Penn State are expected to join the Center in the coming year. The C-UAS has over 25 industry and government members who select and support dozens of university-led UAS research projects each year.

REGISTER FOR THE POWER OF PARTNERSHIP

###

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.

technology, new river valley, Virginia

Blocksburg Summit: Block Chain and Beyond

/0 Comments/in , /by

Blacksburg, VA – For nearly 150 years, Virginia Tech has served as a connection hub of diverse-minded thinkers, leaders, technologists and inventors. In keeping with this tradition, Blocksburg Summit 2019 will bring blockchain thought leaders from around the world to the Virginia Tech Campus to engage in conversations at the intersection of technology, research, regulation, policy, and economics in commercial enterprises, government, and education.

Blockchain innovators, academic experts, and policy makers from across the globe will:

  • Lead and facilitate panel forums
  • Host fireside chats
  • Support breakout sessions to discuss the political, economic, and social implications of this disruptive technology

    • Attendees will hear from blockchain thought leaders while participating in an extraordinary networking event aimed at understanding the challenges and opportunities of a blockchain future.

    This event, part of the Virginia Tech Blockchain Initiative led by Computer Science, is designed to catalyze commonwealth, federal, and private collaboration on blockchain technologies in service to the international community. Early registration deadline is October 4th; with the final registration deadline on November 4.

    Speaker Lineup:
    Hester Peirce, Commissioner on the Securities and Exchange Commission
    Amy Davine Kim, Global Policy Director and General Counsel at the Chamber of Digital Commerce
    Dan Larimer, Chief Technology Officer of Block.one

    REGISTER TODAY

    ###

    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 Corporate Research Center Plans to Open Co-Working Workspace

    /0 Comments/in , , , /by
    BLACKSBURG, VA – The Virginia Tech Corporate Research Center (VTCRC) will soon be home to a unique and innovative co-working community, called COgro. COgro is a community of entrepreneurs, professionals, remote workers, early stage and startup companies, trailing spouses, temporary staff, and companies in transition to permanent spaces at the VTCRC to conduct business.
    “The research park serves as the perfect location for entrepreneurs and established business owners in an environment like no other. There isn’t a business or industry that we are targeting, but instead we want to house those who are passionate about what they do and looking for an environment that inspires.” says Dawn Myers CPM, Chief Operating Officer.
    COgro will offer a flexible workspace with many amenities such as free parking, Wi-Fi, 17 conference rooms, HUBZone designation, weekly snacks, unlimited coffee, tea, and flavored waters, networking and training events; access to copy, print, fax, and scan machines; recreation areas and leagues; and all the other amenities and benefits that employees of the research park receive. “We are excited about the grand opening, October 1, 2019 and the impact this will have on the region. The co-working community will house 64 members in unreserved and reserved workstations and two-and four-person offices. Leasing is now available for those looking to be part of a co-working environment that goes beyond the basic needs of a desk and chair.” Said Joe Meredith, Ph.D., President and CEO Construction is set to begin this month and after the October 1st opening, the VTCRC will host two celebrations: Private Media/Press Open House | Tuesday, October 8 at 2:00 p.m. Ribbon Cutting Ceremony | Wednesday, October 9 at 11:30 a.m.
      Hosted by the Montgomery County Chamber of Commerce
    Stop by to tour the space, check out the unique spaces, and meet others from the community.
    ###
    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.