Efforts to Retain NRV Talent Featured in Virginia Business Magazine

New River Valley, VA Virginia’s New River Valley was recently featured in a Virginia Business article on talent retention in the area.

The article spoke about how both the New River Valley and the Roanoke region are working to retain students and tap into remote workers looking for a better quality of life that the larger metropolitan areas don’t offer.

John Provo, executive director of Virginia Tech’s Center for Economic and Community Engagement was quoted as saying that “students are the largest export” of the region because of universities like Radford and Virginia Tech.

Students don’t typically stay in the region because they don’t know all that it has to offer. Programs like Onward NRV’s NRV Experience were created to educate and show off the New River Valley to summer interns working in the area. The program features five community excursions and professional development trainings throughout the summer. Onward NRV hosts the program in collaboration with local tourism directors and economic developers in the region. The livability of the region is a huge asset for talent recruitment and retention with access to the Blue Ridge Mountains and a cost of living that makes life easier. The NRV has a lot to offer to those who choose to live and work in the area.

Read the article here.

Learn more about the NRV Experience here.

Discover why Virginia’s New River Valley is a natural fit for anyone looking for a place to call home and do business here.

###

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 Led Coalition Receives GO Virginia Grant

Montgomery County, VA Virginia Tech recently reported that they received a GO Virginia Grant for the Automated-Connected-Electrified (ACE) coalition. The coalition, which is led by Virginia Tech, was awarded $500,000 in state aid and $251,300 in matching non-state funding. According to the article, the resources will be used “to advance Southwest Virginia’s manufacturing, transportation, and autonomous vehicles sector by scaling up the talent pipeline to train and retain workers.”

The ACE partnership includes companies like Torc Robotics and Volvo as well as community leaders and higher education partners. With this collaboration, the expectation is that the program will fill much needed workforce gaps in the manufacturing sector and allow companies to have an education platform that will fit their requirements.

The grant will help the team to develop hands on training for the skills necessary to be successful in a manufacturing landscape that uses smart technology to enhance the industrial process.

Read the full article here.

Virginia’s New River Valley offers outstanding educational opportunities, with world-class universities and colleges throughout the region. This creates a natural pipeline of talent for any company that chooses to do business in the NRV. Explore all the NRV has to offer here.

###
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.

TechLab is Scaling up NRV Manufacturing

New River Valley, VA – Valley Business FRONT recently did a cover story on TechLab, who has locations in both the City of Radford and Montgomery County. The story highlighted TechLab’s recent merger with Nordic company SSI Diagnostica.

TechLab’s specialty is in rapid single use tests that enable health care providers to identify issues more effectively. TechLab currently produces devices for intestinal diagnostics and, with the merger, will add manufacturing respiratory rapid devices to their Radford facilities. This will expand their product offerings and open new doors for a larger client base.

The merger highlights the thriving and growing presence of international companies in the New River Valley. COO of TechLab Rob Day said, “it reinforces the idea that you can perform high tech manufacturing in southwest Virginia.”

TechLab will become a part of an international group of businesses that help over eighty million patients. They anticipate adding up to fifty jobs in the NRV over the next three years ranging from research and development, quality control, administration, to manufacturing.

Read the full Valley Business FRONT article here.

The NRV is a natural fit for any business. From manufacturing to technology, the NRV has both a small-town atmosphere and an innovative, collaborative, and business-friendly culture. Find out how your company can become a part of the business landscape in the NRV here.

###

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 Joins Northeast University Semiconductor Network

Montgomery County, VAVirginia Tech recently reported that they have joined the Northeast University Semiconductor Network formed by Micron Technology Inc. The Northeast University Semiconductor Network was established to focus on developing a pipeline of talent in the semiconductor industry.

The Northeast University Semiconductor Network members were selected based on their strong engineering programs and other STEM degrees. The collaboration of 21 universities spans seven states and brings together thousands of technology students with access to state-of-the-art facilities.

Virginia Tech is looking forward to working with Micron and the other members of the network. Virginia Tech President Tim Sands said, “Innovative partnerships among institutions of higher education and industry will be essential to meeting the needs of the national semiconductor industry and memory manufacturing.”

The Northeast University Semiconductor Network hopes to combine traditional and non-traditional access for individuals to enter the semiconductor workforce.

Read more about the Northeast University Semiconductor Network here.

Discover more about Montgomery County, a community of the New River Valley here.

The NRV produces some of the most in-demand IT professionals in the country. Home to several world-class colleges and universities, the NRV has a natural talent pipeline that feeds both the manufacturing and tech industries. Learn more about living and working in the NRVhere.


Photo by Jeremy Waterhouse


###

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.

NRV Schools Receive Grants to Upgrade CTE Equipment

New River Valley, VA – Cardinal News recently reported that Giles County Public Schools and Montgomery County Public Schools were each awarded $37,000 of a $600,000 Career and Technical Education (CTE) Grant to purchase new equipment or make improvements to existing technical education facilities. Sixteen school divisions were selected by the Virginia Department of Education to receive equal amounts of the CTE Equipment Grant.

The CTE Equipment Grant program was established by the Virginia General Assembly in 2016 and has given over $4.2 million to help schools enhance learning experiences for students.

Virginia Superintendent of Public Instruction Lisa Coons said,

“These grants continue to allow our school divisions to develop robust and innovative CTE programs that are up to date technologically and help prepare students for the realities and expectations of today’s workforce.”

Giles County will be purchasing a “machining lathe and software for Giles County Technology Center’s precision machining technology program”.

Montgomery County will “purchase virtual reality and mixed reality hardware and software technology for the Governor’s STEM Academy’s program for designing and building using virtual reality”.

Read more of the Cardinal News article here.

View a full list of the CTE grant recipients here.

Virginia’s New River Valley offers outstanding educational opportunities ranging from public schools, private schools and several world-class higher education institutions. To learn more about education in the NRV, click here.


Photo by MChe Lee




###

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.

Inmotion Recognized as One of Top Virginia Employers for Internships

Montgomery County, VAInmotion received an award for Top Virginia Employers for Interns in 2022. This inaugural award was a collaboration between The Virginia Talent + Opportunity Partnership (V-TOP), the State Council of Higher Education for Virginia (SCHEV) and the Virginia Chamber of Commerce . The award recognized 32 recipients who were selected for their work-based learning opportunities.

Interns at Inmotion ‘get immersed in real role activities they would actually see in their careers’.

The recipients’ programs were picked based on a variety of factors, including “a minimum 8-13 week-long internship; exposure to senior leadership, structured mentorship programs, and team lunches, social events and learning opportunities”.

Review the full list of award recipients here.

Does your company have interns for the summer? Enroll them in the NRV Experience program hosted by Onward NRV. The seven-week program features a series of community engagements, professional development, and networking opportunities for your summer interns. These events connect them with other interns in the region while showcasing lifestyle amenities the New River Valley has to offer. Find out why you should enroll your interns with the NRV Experience here.

###
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 Brings Cybersecurity to Dairy Farms

Montgomery County, VAVirginia Tech recently reported that they are teaming up with the Virginia Military Institute to address cybersecurity problems on dairy farms. Researchers and students have combined a wide range of fields (cybersecurity, computer science, agriculture, and dairy science) for the project with the support of the Commonwealth Cyber Initiative in Southwest Virginia.

Gonzalo Ferreira, Associate Professor of Dairy Management in the Virginia Tech College of Animal and Life Sciences, stated that, “because there is an increasing reliance on automation and smart technologies in dairy farms, resilient cybersecurity of the technologies is paramount.”

While assessing the cybersecurity networks for enhancements, researchers are also creating a classroom-based platform that will simulate real world farm tasks. This reality platform will help train dairy farm workers on how to identify and manage cyberattacks.

Read the full article about the initiative here.

Agriculture has been a staple of the NRV economy for centuries. With a bountiful water source and affordable land, Virginia’s New River Valley proves “A Natural Fit” for companies in Food Processing & Agribusiness. To learn why your Agribusiness belongs in the NRV, visit here.

The IT culture in Virginia’s New River is like no other. The industry thrives here with our collection of unique downtown areas and a large presence of community groups that have a passionate industry focus. To discover why the NRV is a “Natural Fit” for your IT business, click here.

The NRV produces some of the best personnel in the country, from highly sought-after Food Science graduates to in-demand IT professionals. Home to several world-class colleges and universities, The NRV has a natural workforce pipeline that feeds both the Agribusiness and IT industries. To learn more about education in the NRV, click here.

Photo by melle

###

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 Founder Wins Virginia Business Women in Leadership Award

Montgomery County, VA – Pallabi Saboo, Founder of Harmonia Holdings Group LLC, was among 30 women selected for the inaugural Virginia Business Women in Leadership Award awarded in 2021. The award recognized those who have demonstrated outstanding leadership in their field and made significant contributions to their community.

Virginia Business reported that Harmonia, a software company headquartered in Blacksburg, VA, grew “from 10 employees and less than $2 million in revenue to 400 workers and $90 million in revenue” under the direction of Pallabi Saboo. Harmonia has also received numerous awards and recognitions under her leadership.

Discover more about the winners of the Virginia Business Women in Leadership Award here.

Virginia’s New River Valley is a natural fit for companies in the Information Technology industry. With exceptional education programs from local colleges and universities, the NRV is producing some of the best IT workforce in the country.

Discover why Virginia’s New River Valley is a Natural Fit for you and your business here.

###

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.

NRV Company Selected for Johnson and Johnson Innovation Virtual Residency

Montgomery County, VA Qentoros , headquartered in Blacksburg, Virginia, was one of three companies recently selected to participate in a virtual mentorship program by The Virginia Tech Research Center and Johnson and Johnson Innovation (JLABS) . This program has been established to help emerging biotech and life science startups.

Brett Malone, President and CEO of the Virginia Tech Corporate Research Center, had this to say about the collaboration:

“These companies will have a much greater chance of getting their potentially-life saving innovations to patients because of the quality of global services and mentorship that JLABS brings to the table. We’re also excited to provide lab space in Blacksburg based on the companies’ needs.”
Read the full announcement of the Virtual Residency here.

Explore more about Montgomery County, a community in Virginia’s New River Valley here.

###
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.  
Homegrown NRV Companies Highlighted in Virginia Economic Review

Homegrown NRV Companies Highlighted in Virginia Economic Review

New River Valley, VA – Companies that were founded in Virginia’s New River Valley and continue to flourish in the region were highlighted in a recent issue of the Virginia Economic Review. The Q4 2022 issue focused on homegrown Virginia companies throughout the Commonwealth.

Here is a list of the NRV companies highlighted in this issue:

The New River Valley has many advantages for starting and growing your business. It has an innovative business community and access to a loyal, highly skilled workforce. It is affordable with a low cost of living. The strategic location with easy access to I-81 and I-77 makes travel and distribution convenient.

Explore all the NRV’s business advantages here.

Read the full “State of Success” issue of the Virginia Economic Review here.

###

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.