Fox News: Operation Face Mask with the Blue Ridge Fudge Lady

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By Emily DeCiccio | Fox News

Robin Burdette, also known as the Blue Ridge Fudge Lady, has been bringing people together at her Pulaski, Va., fudge shop since 2015. That very sense of community is what led officials at Virginia Tech to tap Burdette to coordinate a coronavirus mask-making operation for local hospitals and first responders.

Read more at:

https://www.foxnews.com/media/america-together-from-making-fudge-to-coronavirus-face-masks

Pulaski County’s Red Sun Farms continues to produce amid pandemic

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April 17, 2020 via Roanoke Times

Red Sun Farms hasn’t seen a decline in its production despite various reports that some of the U.S.’s largest farms are having to destroy millions of pounds of food due to the economic disruptions caused by the COVID-19 pandemic.

A recent article by the New York Times reported that the closing of many restaurants, hotels and schools across the country has left farms without buyers for a sizable portion of their crops. Even though retailers are seeing an increase in sales from shoppers who are cooking at home more frequently, the spike hasn’t been enough to soak up the crops planted weeks ago intended for the aforementioned groups.

However, the indoor farm in Dublin is “operating business as usual” as far as its output is concerned, according to company spokeswoman Leona Neill.

Read more at:

https://www.roanoke.com/news/nrv/pulaski-countys-red-sun-farms-continues-to-produce-amid-pandemic/article_15fc5dca-6861-5401-8cd4-f505f2e27571.html

Pulaski County Led Virginia in Economic Development Performance in 2019

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Pulaski County, VA – Pulaski County once again tops the state in economic development, finishing 1st in the Commonwealth for new job creation and 2nd in the Commonwealth for new capital investment per capita.

According to data compiled by the Virginia Economic Development Partnership on announcements of employment creation and capital investment for 2019, Pulaski County finished 1st overall in Job Creation, 2nd overall in New Capital Investment and 17th overall in the Number of Projects Announced per capita for the Calendar Year 2019, out of all 95 counties and 38 independent cities within the Commonwealth of Virginia.

The ranking outcomes were the result of Pulaski County’s two (2) qualified projects in CY-2019, both of which were officially announced in concert with the Governor’s office. These two (2) basic industry sector projects will collectively create more than 790 new jobs and more than $401 million in new capital investment. The two projects referenced consisted of Volvo Trucks North America and BimmerWorld.

“The Board of Supervisors is very gratified to receive the number one spot in economic development for the second time in three years. This continuing success is certain to have significant long-term benefits to the people of our county and to the economy of the entire New River Valley. We have one of the best economic development teams in Virginia, and they have been working very effectively with the previous and current Board of Supervisor members and other local leaders to support our existing businesses and industries to create jobs and encourage investment here in Pulaski County.” – Joseph Guthrie, Chair of the Pulaski County Board of Supervisors

Pulaski County also ranked number 1 in the Commonwealth in 2017 for Overall Economic Development Performance per capita having facilitated the creation of more than 600 new jobs and $57 million in new capital investment derived from five (5) qualified basic industry sector projects in CY-2017. Since January of 2017, Pulaski County has enjoyed seven (7) qualified announcements that have resulted in nearly $475 million in new capital investment and more than 1,460 new jobs created. One of the seven announcements recently occurred on January 21, 2020, when Patton Logistics, LLC was welcomed as the newest member of Pulaski County’s business community.

“We knew Pulaski County had another impressive year of announcements, but did not anticipate we would end up on top again out of all 133 jurisdictions considering Virginia’s #1 business ranking and how strong the economy was in 2019. We are thankful to have world-class companies such as Bimmerworld and Volvo who call Pulaski County home and are willing to invest millions and even hundreds of millions into their operations, their people and their future.” – Jon Wyatt, Chair of the Pulaski County Economic Development Authority

According to the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics, Pulaski County’s unemployment rate remained at the 20-year low of 2.8% in November of 2019, reaching the third lowest monthly rate in more than 30 years. “The availability of good jobs is foundational to the health of our local economy and achieving our goal of 40,000 people by 2030, and it takes leadership from our elected officials, a skilled workforce, a talented economic development team and trust, confidence and commitment from our businesses to make this possible,” stated Jonathan D. Sweet, County Administrator. “Our culminated successes in the past three years is not by accident, but rather the results of a lot of hard work, strategy, creativity and risk taking by our economic development team, the unwavering support of our Board of Supervisors and EDA, a deep talent pool and without a doubt, God’s favor.”

Pulaski County, located in the New River Valley of Virginia, is home to eight (8) international companies that represents more than 5,000 advanced manufacturing jobs. The County is considered to be Southwest Virginia’s Center for International Business and the New River Valley’s Advanced Manufacturing Hub.

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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.

Volvo Trucks Hosts STEM Students

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Dublin, VA – Volvo Trucks opened its doors to middle school students from across the New River Valley to expose them to the variety of opportunities within advanced manufacturing.

More than 100 students had the opportunity to see the 1.6 million-square-foot plant, however the focus of the conversations was how to use creativity and work as part of a team to bring innovation to the job. From virtual reality to robotics, students were able to see the ideas of Volvo Group come to life.

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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.

NRV Commerce Park Welcomes Patton Logistics Group

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Dublin, VA – Governor Ralph Northam today announced that The Patton Logistics Group will invest $12 million to establish a new logistics and warehousing operation in the New River Valley Commerce Park in Pulaski County.

Patton provides integrated supply chain solutions for clients throughout the United States and Canada. The facility will also serve as a hub for motor carrier freight services to reach major clients in Eastern United States markets. Virginia successfully competed with North Carolina for the project, which will create 33 new jobs.

“The Patton Logistics Group is a significant addition to Pulaski County’s New River Valley Commerce Park. This project will bring 33 new jobs and strengthen Virginia’s supply chain management sector. We are confident that the region’s top-notch workforce and access to expanding markets along I-81 and I-77 will help the company serve its growing client list.” -Governor Ralph Northam.

The Patton Logistics Group is comprised of three separate organizations employing 560 people throughout the United States. Watsontown Trucking Company is a family-owned and -operated asset-based motor carrier founded in 1941. They operate a fleet of 400 trucks and 1,150 trailers with a workforce of 475. Patton Logistics, LLC was organized in 2013 as an affiliated entity of Watsontown Trucking Company to provide transportation brokerage and third-party logistics services for its expanding customer base. Patton Warehousing, LLC was formed in 2015 and currently manages 1.6 million square feet of warehouse space in Pennsylvania, Ohio, and New Jersey. The Patton Logistics Group management team has over 150 years of combined transportation and logistics knowledge and can provide integrated supply chain solutions ranging from motor carrier transportation, warehousing, distribution services, logistics, and brokerage sourcing. Watsontown Trucking Company has received numerous service and safety awards from clients and business partners.

“Virginia’s unparalleled transportation infrastructure and access to domestic and global markets continue to attract high-caliber retail supply chain companies like The Patton Logistics Group,” said Secretary of Commerce and Trade Brian Ball. “With interstate access and a cross-dock terminal located nearby, Pulaski County’s proximity to population clusters and easily navigable logistics options played a role in the company’s decision to expand its operations in Virginia. The New River Valley location will enable Patton Logistics to serve major nearby clients and grow its presence in Eastern United States markets, and we thank Patton for its significant investment.”

“Over the past several years we have developed a motor carrier transportation and logistics presence in Southwest Virginia and throughout the Southeastern United States,” said Steve Patton, President of Watsontown Trucking Company and Patton Warehousing and Logistics, LLC. “We chose to further expand in Dublin, Virginia, for several reasons: first, this location provides access to a superior workforce that is dedicated to help us develop a reliable logistics system for our clients. Also, the close proximity to the interstate highway system gives us the ability to provide daily service to population centers in North Carolina, Pennsylvania, Maryland, and Tennessee. Finally, Southwest Virginia is home to two of our largest clients and having a location near them will only enhance our ability to serve their logistics needs in the future.”

The Virginia Economic Development Partnership worked with Pulaski County, Virginia’s First Regional Industrial Facility Authority (VFRIFA), and Onward New River Valley to secure this project for Virginia. Governor Northam approved a $150,000 grant from the Commonwealth’s Opportunity Fund to assist Pulaski County with the project. Patton Logistics is eligible to receive state benefits from the Virginia Enterprise Zone Program, administered by the Virginia Department of Housing and Community Development.

“Our economic development team worked hard to compete for and secure Patton Logistics’ site location decision, and we are delighted to welcome them as the newest member of our business community,” said Chair of the Pulaski County Board of Supervisors Joseph Guthrie. “Even better, since they are a highly capable 3PL resource, they will further support Pulaski County’s diverse advanced manufacturing sector. This announcement is a great way to begin 2020 as it continues the success the county has had recently in economic development, bringing Pulaski County’s new capital investment totals to nearly $475 million and more than 1,460 new jobs created in the past three years.”

“VFRIFA is excited to welcome Patton Logistics Group as the latest business to locate in the 1,000-acre NRV Commerce Park,” said VFRIFA Board Chair Mary Biggs. “This amazing project would not have been possible without the support from the 11 localities that make up VFRIFA: the counties of Bland, Craig, Giles, Montgomery, Pulaski, and Roanoke; cities of Radford and Roanoke; and the towns of Dublin, Pearisburg, and Pulaski. In addition, financial assistance from the Virginia Small Business Financing Authority and an ARC Grant administered by Virginia DHCD helped make this project a reality.”

“It’s good to see Pulaski County beginning a new decade with a continued growing economy,” said Delegate Nick Rush. “The addition of Patton Logistics will provide a double benefit to the New River Valley with expanded commerce and capital. We look forward to welcoming the Group to Southwest Virginia with our strong support and best wishes for success.”

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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.

pulaski; cheapest place to live; new river valley; cost of living

Pulaski is the Most Affordable Place to Live in Virginia

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Pulaski, VA – For the second year in a row, the town of Pulaski is the number one cheapest place to live in Virginia in 2020 according to HomeSnacks.net.

Housing in Pulaski is super cheap when taken as a proportion of income, whether you’re renting or buying. The median home price in Pulaski is $107,900 and the median rent is $628. With Pulaski residents earning a median income of $46,312, the mortgage or rent payments are a barely noticeable dent in the budget. If you move to Pulaski, you won’t know what people are talking about when they say that Virginia is one of the most expensive states in America. The median income in Pulaski comes in at $46,312 and the median home value is $107,900 for 2020.

HomeSnacks has been ranking the cheapest places to live in Virginia for six years considering the cost of living index along with housing affordability. Find out what other cities were ranked cheapest places to live in Virginia.

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.”

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.

The New River Valley Business Center is at 100% Occupancy

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Fairlawn, VA – The NRV Business Center is a regional business incubator for small businesses and business startups and is at 100% capacity for the first time in its history.

The New River Valley Development Corporation that owns and manages the New River Valley Business Center announces today that they have successfully filled every available space in the building. The 55,000 square foot facility, established in the late 1990’s to support small businesses and serve as an incubator for business startups in the New River Valley, is now full for the first time. Over the past 20 years, the Business Center has been an economic driver for private enterprise in the New River Valley.

“The New River Valley Development Board has worked very hard over the years to provide a platform for people to start businesses of all types,” stated Christiansburg Mayor Mike Barber, Chair of the New River Valley Development Board.  “What pleases me the most is that 32 different organizations have their offices here and are providing employment to over 85 people.”

The Center, which was founded in 1998 and located in Fairlawn, VA (Pulaski County), is supported by Pulaski and Floyd Counties, the Towns of Christiansburg, Pulaski and Blacksburg, and the City of Radford.  “The Business Center provides more than office incubation space, offering up over 20,000 square feet of mixed-use manufacturing space that can also accommodate small manufacturers that are looking for a place to launch,” stated Michael Solomon Business Center Manager.”

“This is about so much more than simply reaching a milestone, it is about celebrating the diversification and number of jobs that exist because of this regional resource. The most exciting part of all of this is the growth potential for these companies that exists beyond the walls of the Business Center and the impact they will ultimately have in continuing to grow the New River Valley economy.”
– Jon Wyatt, Chair, Pulaski County EDA

The Business Center is located in the New River Valley of Virginia, and hosts 32 different organizations that represent many different business sectors that include advanced manufacturing, government services, the New River Valley Regional Commission, financial services, hemp processing and engineering services to name a few.

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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

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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.

Top Ten Posts of 2019

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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.

virginia business; new river valley

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

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

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

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

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

Luke Allison, Entrepreneur, Pulaski

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

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

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

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

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

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