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Floyd Tourism Receives $10,000 VTC Grant for “50 Years of Love”

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~The Virginia Tourism Commission established a grant fund to help celebrate 50th anniversary of the “Virginia is for Lovers” tourism slogan~

FLOYD COUNTY, VA — the Floyd County Tourism Development Council (FCTDC) announced that it has received a $10,000 grant from the Virginia Tourism Corporation (VTC) “50 Years of Love” grant fund. “50 Years of Love” is part of VTC’s efforts to celebrate the 50th anniversary of the “Virginia is for Lovers” tourism slogan, which was created in 1969 by Richmond-based advertising agency Martin & Woltz.

Floyd Tourism

The Floyd Tourism Office has partnered with over 30 Floyd businesses and organizations to create special experiences and promotions in Floyd in celebration of the 50th anniversary.

Initial partners include: Floyd County Chamber of Commerce, the Town of Floyd, Floyd Country Store, County Sales, Dogtown Roadhouse, Chantilly Farm, Red Rooster Coffee, Floydfest , Floyd Yoga Jam, Living Light River Studio, Cocoa Mia, Five Mile Mountain Distillery, Floyd County Historical Society, Floyd EcoVillage, On The Water, Studio 221 Yoga Center, Apple Ridge Farm, Floyd Thyme, Pine Tavern Lodge, Hotel Floyd, Floyd County Fair, Chateau Morrisette Winery, Cabins Off The Parkway, Healthy Floyd, Oak Haven Lodge, Stonewall B&B, Floyd Center for the Arts, New Mountain Mercantile, Bell Gallery, Floyd Parks and Recreation, and the Floyd Press.

“‘Virginia is for Lovers’ is one of the most iconic tourism slogans in the world, and we are thrilled to be celebrating fifty years of LOVE with partners from around the Commonwealth in 2019,” said Rita McClenny, president and CEO of Virginia Tourism Corporation. “This grant program provides an engaging opportunity for destinations across the state to showcase what makes a vacation in Virginia so special, and helps to show travelers why Virginia is for Lovers still rings true fifty years later.”

“We are so excited to celebrate this year with VA Tourism Corporation ”, and we are more than grateful to receive grant funds from VTC, “ shared Floyd tourism director, Pat Sharkey. “Virginia truly is for Lovers- of life, of family and friends, of authentic rich music, art, food, history, and outdoor fun. And our Floyd celebration will remind folks why so many Love Floyd.”

VTC will be celebrating this year by having special experiences that last for 50 days with a 50 Years of Love presence at wineries, breweries, festivals, restaurants and small businesses across the state.

Floyd’s 50 Days of Love Celebration will kick off at Floydfest on Saturday, July 27 and run through September 14 with our finale at the Floyd County Fair, with special exhibits, events, products, promotions and giveaways throughout the town and county during this 50-day period.

In total, VTC awarded $300,000 to 30 tourism marketing programs across the Commonwealth to help increase visitation and revenue. Each grant recipient received a $10,000 grant for its 50 Years of Love project, with the requirement of engaging 10 or more tourism partners in order to receive grant funding.

The Virginia Tourism Corporation is the state agency responsible for marketing Virginia to visitors and promoting the “Virginia is for Lovers” brand, which is celebrating 50 years in 2019. Tourism is an instant revenue generator in Virginia. In 2017, visitors spent $25 billion, which supported 232,000 jobs and contributed $1.73 billion in state and local taxes.

About Virginia is for Lovers

50 years after its creation, “Virginia is for Lovers” continues to be one of the most recognizable and iconic tourism slogans of all time. “Virginia is for Lovers” was inducted into the Madison Avenue Advertising Walk of Fame on September 21, 2009. The slogan was included in the Advertising Icon Museum alongside fellow 2009 inductees, the AOL Running Man, the Budweiser Clydesdales, and State Farm’s “Like a Good Neighbor, State Farm is There.” This recognition came on the heels of Forbes.com tapping “Virginia is for Lovers” as one of the top ten tourism marketing campaigns of all time. Today, a new generation is discovering love for Virginia’s mountains, beaches, history, theme parks, vibrant cities, outdoor activities, sports and hospitality.

For more information about 50 Years of Love, please visit https://www.vatc.org/50YEARSOFLOVE/.
For more information and to plan your next vacation in Virginia, please visit www.virginia.org.
For more information about Floyd County and Floyd’s 50 Years of Love celebration and promotions, visit www.VisitFloydVA.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.”

Pulaski County New Development

$100 Million Housing Development Coming to Pulaski County

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PULASKI COUNTY, VA – WSLS Channel 10 reports that Pulaski County’s new $100 million housing development plans to bring homes for 1,200 residents. It is the largest planning and development project in county history.

WSLS Channel 10

The new development is planned for behind the new Pulaski County Middle School, which is now under construction. Utilities are being put in place now and then whole project could take up to ten years to be fully complete.

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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.”

Amazon HQ2

Amazon HQ2’s Effect on the NRV

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VIRGINIA’S NEW RIVER VALLEY – While Northern Virginia may feel far away, Amazon’s new HQ2 locating in Crystal City will have a major effect on Blacksburg and the entire New River Valley.

Not only will Virginia Tech increase undergraduate enrollment, but it will also add over 100 jobs in Blacksburg.

The entire Commonwealth of Virginia will be affected as the General Assembly looks to increase the “tech talent pipeline” by increasing computer science undergraduate degrees by 25,000 across Virginia by 2039.

Radford University is slated to help in this initiative as well, especially with the IMPACT program, which is part of the Artis College of Science and Technology.

Read the full coverage of Amazon’s impact from Robby Korth at the Roanoke Times: https://www.roanoke.com/news/education/higher_education/virginia_tech/amazon-s-impact-hundreds-of-new-jobs-higher-enrollment-at/article_103e28e5-e03c-5a24-b28f-5a7e5479e320.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.”

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.”

Downtown Narrows

Roanoke Times: $1 Million in Revitalization Work Slated for Downtown Narrows

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FROM ROANOKE TIMES – “Narrows is banking on Giles County’s abundance of outdoor recreation assets and just over $1 million in grant funding to bring vitality back to its downtown.

Project planning began in 2015, said Susan Kidd, director of strategic development. ‘We’d like to become a little more vibrant in our community and revive Narrows like it used to be — or maybe it’ll be something better.’

Downtown Narrows

Narrows received $699,346 from Virginia’s portion of the federal Community Development Block Grant program to do several public infrastructure improvements, from parking lots to trails to property acquisition. The grant will also offer owners of downtown commercial buildings up to $15,000 for facade improvements, if they do an equal amount of other qualifying work on their properties. Kidd said that at least seven such projects would be funded.”

To read the full article by Tonia Moxley for the Roanoke Times, visit: https://www.roanoke.com/business/news/giles_county/million-in-revitalization-work-slated-for-downtown-narrows/article_c4e5dced-42b0-5050-a02a-c8e92a29c5f9.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.”

Blacksburg Commute

Blacksburg Has the Shortest Commute in VA

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BLACKSBURG, 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.

The shortest commutes in neighboring states include:

  • Murray, Kentucky — 12.4
  • Fruitland, Maryland — 15.7
  • Boone, North Carolina — 13.3 minutes
  • Paris, Tennessee — 13.2 minutes
  • Elkins, West Virginia — 11.4

    • Blacksburg Commute

    Business Insider used data from the American Community Survey from the Census Bureau. Data from 2013 to 2017, Business Insider identified cities/towns with at least 1,000 workers over the age of 16. It also excludes college campuses and military bases.

    For full list of shortest commute times in the state, visit Business Insider.

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

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

    Blacksburg Mountain Bike Park

    Blacksburg Mountain Bike Skills Park Now Under Construction

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    FROM TOWN OF BLACKSBURG – 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.

    The Blacksburg Rotary Mountain Bike Park is a community effort, led by Blacksburg Parks and Recreation, with funding provided in part by the Blacksburg Rotary Club and over 150 individuals and area businesses. The primary purpose of the project is to establish an off-road experience in a structured setting that provides various riding opportunities and experiences to the public. The park will include 3560 feet of downhill trails with obstacles to give beginners and intermediate riders the opportunity to learn how to maneuver on the terrain; while more advanced riders can work on perfecting their skills.

    “We’re very excited to begin construction on the mountain bike skills park,” said Blacksburg Town Manager Marc Verniel. “The park will provide an additional outdoor recreation amenity for area residents and will add to our wider region’s appeal as a mountain biking and outdoor recreation destination. This project is possible because of the community members and organizations that have contributed their ideas and funding to support the park’s construction.”

    For more information on the park visit http://blacksburgmtbpark.org/ or contact Dean Crane, Director of Parks and Recreation at dcrane@blacksburg.gov or 540-443-1101.

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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.”

    Nest Realty Publishes 2018 NRV Annual Report

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    VIRGINIA’S NEW RIVER VALLEY – Nest Realty has officially published their 2018 annual report for Virginia’s New River Valley, which may indicate the start of a re-balanced housing market in the region.

    There is nothing to suggest that the real estate market will crash, as it did in 2008, but buyers might be re-gaining some leverage. Overall, the median housing price went up, and the number of sales went down.

    Nest Realty says the NRV housing market is “slow and steady,” which can help both buyers and sellers avoid mistakes. Read more about why Nest says the real estate market in Virginia’s New River Valley remains strong: https://www.nestrealty.com/blog/wp-content/uploads/2019/01/2018AnnualReport_NRV-web.pdf

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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.”

    GO Virginia Region 2

    GO Virginia “Brain Drain” Survey Gauges Local Student Perception

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    Onward NRV, in partnership with the Roanoke and Lynchburg regions, is looking to gauge perceptions and preferences of students and recent grads in the New River Valley, Roanoke, and Lynchburg regions.

    As a part of the GO Virginia funded study “Project Brain Drain: Talent Attraction and Retention,” the regions launched the survey to better understand what makes the greater region a good place to live, work, and study. It will also help discover where improvements can be made or programs can be put in place.

    The survey will help uncover why students from 15 higher education institutes often leave the greater region after graduation. It will also identify ways to attract and retain college-educated professionals.

    If you are a student or recent graduate, share your input by taking the survey: https://www.surveymonkey.com/r/GoVAStudentSurvey.

    The survey is anonymous and takes 5-10 minutes. Those who complete the survey can enter a giveaway to win a $100 Amazon gift card.

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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 of Blue Ridge

    NRV Has 5 Best of Blue Ridge Award Winners

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    BLUE RIDGE MOUNTAINS – Virginia’s New River Valley is home to 5 of the winners from the Best of Blue Ridge 2018 Awards. Plus, an additional 14 finalists call the NRV home!

    The 8th annual Best of the Blue Ridge Awards have over 100 categories for voters to input their favorites. Thousands of readers voted for the best food, drinks, business, places, and more.

    Check out the mentions in the NRV:

    VA Best of the Blue Ridge

    Winners

    Mill Creek, Best Biking Trail
    FloydFest, Rowdiest Festival
    FloydFest, Bust Music Festival
    Floyd YogaJam, Best Retreat
    Emily Satterwhite (Associate Professor of Appalachian Studies at Virginia Tech), Best Environmental Educator

    VA Best of Blue Ridge

    Finalists

    Cascade Falls, Waterfall
    Pembroke Pond, Standup Paddleboard Spot
    Kairos, Camp Site
    Jefferson National Forest, National Forest
    Mountain Lake Lodge, Luxury Destination
    Mill Creek Nature Park, Pet-Friendly Adventure
    Virginia’s Mountain Playground, Place to Play Hooky from Work
    FloydFest, Weirdest Festival
    FloydFest, Family-Friendly Festival
    Mountains of Misery, Bike Race
    Five Mile Mountain, Blue Ridge Booze
    Walkabout Outfitters, Outdoor Store
    In Balance Yoga, Yoga Studio
    Tree Tops Adventures at Mountain Lake Lodge, Zip Line

    For a complete list of winners, visit Blue Ridge Outdoors.

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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.