RU Planetarium

Seeing Stars at the RU Planetarium

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In 1970, a unique 24-foot diameter planetarium dome found it’s home in the New River Valley. Planetaria exist all over the world, but not many are like the one inside The Center for the Sciences at Radford University.

The perfectly smooth semi-circular dome was constructed by Harold Lester and Ken Hall using a handmade 90 degree trowel. They added a thick layer of hard plaster to suspended wire mesh frame, which eliminated the presence of any seams in the special dome.

Most planetarium ceilings are created with prefabricated panels, which have seams, and often allow light to “leak through” and create a minor distraction.

The only break in the seamless dome at RU is the a small cap covering a sprinkler for required fire extinguisher system that was later installed. Now the planetarium staff often use it to help visitors locate things in the sky.

The planetarium underwent an update and reopened in 2016 with 55 theater-style seats, a new projection system, and Dolby surround sound.

For many years, the RU Planetarium has served as a great asset for science education in Virginia’s New River Valley. Frequent visitors include school groups, Scouts, community groups, and more. It makes education fun and entertaining for any audience.

The Planetarium also participates in Science Days, which will relaunch in 2019 after the renovations of Reed and Curie Halls are complete. Science Days are day-long field trips that also feature activities with the Physics, Geology, Chemistry, Biology, and Forensics Departments.

If you missed the latest show at the RU Planetarium, “Seeing! A Photon’s Journey Across Space, Time, and Mind,” this week, watch out for Upcoming Shows in the future.

For more information visit the RU Planetarium Website.

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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.

Telling the Story of Mary Draper Ingles

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VIRGINIA’S NEW RIVER VALLEY – In the mid 1700s, Mary Draper Ingles was captured near her home in what is modern-day Blacksburg. Taken all the way to Kentucky, Ingles managed to escape her Shawnee captors and journey over 500 miles back home to Southwest Virginia by following the New River.

Mary Draper Ingles

It is said that Ingles, who represents many women who survived and escaped capture during this time, managed to climb the cliffs above the New River in what is now Eggleston to complete her journey home. Ingles trekked through Ohio, Kentucky, West Virginia, and finally Virginia, to make her way home to Radford.

Ingles and her husband William Ingles established Ingles Ferry on the New River. The land and farm there is still owned by the family today.

The City of Radford revived a long-standing tradition of hosting performances of a play that tells Mary Draper Ingles’s story. The play, titled “The Long Way Home” ran from 1971-1999. A group of Ingles’s descendants worked to revive a version of the play, which started up again last summer.

“Walk to Freedom: The Mary Draper Ingles Story” will open at Nesselrod Bed and Breakfast starting this weekend. Showtimes will run on June 22nd-24th, July 13th-15th, and July 27th-29th.

The dedication to telling the story of Mary Draper Ingles is a look into the rich history of the area and the desire to make the history of a such a well-loved region entertaining for all generations. People who grew up in Virginia’s New River Valley have memories of watching or participating in the play and can now pass those memories on to their own children.

For tickets, visit www.nesselrod.com.

Visit www.MaryDraperInglesTrail.com for more information.

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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.

Nanosonic, NRV job market, NRV top job market in US

The NRV Named a Top 10 Job Market by USA Today

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VIRGINIA’S NEW RIVER VALLEY – The Blacksburg-Christiansburg-Radford MSA (also know as Virginia’s New River Valley or the NRV) was named the #6 Top Job Market in the U.S. according to USA Today, yesterday.

NRV Job Market a top job market in the US

The ranking was created by Zippia, a job search site that used data from the Bureau of Labor Statistics. Zippia looked at wages, unemployment, and current jobless rates.

“These metro areas are home to growing, well-paying jobs,” said Chris Kolmar, Zippia’s head of marketing. “These are the metros that have seen bigger decreases in unemployment and increases in wages than competing metros.”

Virginia’s New River Valley is an excellent place to live and work and has been consistently recognized as such. Other recent acknowledgments include:

  • “Best of the Mountains” 16 Times
  • #11 Best Place to Work in Manufacturing
  • Top Affordable Metro Attracting YPs
  • #10 in High Tech Employment Concentration

    • The NRV has an excellent workforce that is fueled by great higher education institutions like Virginia Tech, Radford University, and New River Community College. Plus, the endless lifestyle amenities make it an excellent place to live.

    For more information, visit Virginia’s New River Valley.

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

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

    10 Things to Do in the NRV This Summer

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    Note:
    July 8, 2021: This blog post, which was originally published in May 2018, was updated to reflect current information about the summer activities on this list.

    New River Valley, VA – Whether you’re a student, a long-term resident, or anything in between, Virginia’s New River Valley has no shortage of summer activities. Explore every part of the region and check out these 10 things to do in the NRV this summer.

    1. Adventure at Mountain Lake Lodge

    Mountain Lake Lodge - Things to do in the NRV

    Check out the Adventure Center at Mountain Lake Lodge in Giles County for endless summer fun. Zip through the Appalachian mountains on a Treetop Adventure, test your survival skills with an Escape Room challenge, or play Archery Tag with your closest family and friends. (photo by Alissa Moody)

    2. Chateau Morrisette

    Chateau Morrisette - Things to do in the NRV

    Enjoy the grounds of this third-generation winery with friends, family, and even your pup (dogs are welcome!). Order a flight to explore new wines or sip a favorite blend while enjoying the outdoor seating and beautiful views of Floyd County.

    3. Claytor Lake

    Claytor Lake – Things to do in the NRV

    Swim, boat, or fish at Claytor Lake State Park in Pulaski County this summer. Enjoy the beach and seasonal snack bar, the full-service marina, picnic spots, hiking trails, and more.

    4. Float the New River from Bissett Park

    Bisset Park - Things to do in the NRV

    You can float, boat, paddle, or fish the New River from many spots in the NRV, but Bisset Park in the City of Radford is a good place to start. Bring your own equipment or rent from a local outfitter when you arrive. Float awhile and they’ll pick you up to start again.

    5. Floyd Country Store Friday Night Jamboree

    Floyd Country Store - Things to do in the NRV

    The Floyd Country Store is a nationally renowned country store and music venue in Floyd. It “has become a traditional gathering place for musicians, dancers, and visitors from all over the world.” The Jamboree happens every Friday night at 6:30 pm with different featured musicians.

    6. Hahn Horticulture Garden

    Hahn Horticulture Garden - Things to do in the NRV

    The Hahn Horticulture Garden is almost six acres of beautiful gardens on the Virginia Tech campus in Montgomery County. Experience tranquil water gardens, shade gardens, and plants galore! You can even check out special events and exhibits like Art in the Garden.

    7. Hike the Cascades

    The Cascades - Things to do in the NRV

    A classic hike in Virginia’s New River Valley, Cascade Falls is a moderate hike with amazing views. The 69-foot falls are flanked by even taller cliff walls. This Giles County treasure was recently listed among the top five scenic family hikes in Virginia.

    8. Moss Arts Center

    Moss Arts Center - things to do in the NRV

    The Moss Arts Center at Virginia Tech welcomes performances that range from classical music to dance to stand-up comedy. The art galleries are open Wednesday – Saturday and feature various art exhibitions to explore. Click here to see the calendar of upcoming events.

    9. Pulaski River Turtles Game at Calfee Park

    Pulaski Yankees - things to do in the NRV

    Head over to historic Calfee Park in Pulaski for a family-friendly River Turtles baseball game. Newly renamed in 2021, the River Turtles are part of the Appalachian League. This is an action-packed NRV experience you don’t want to miss.

    10. Radford University Planetarium

    RU Planetarium - Things to do in the NRV

    Beat the heat and still experience nature! School is out, but the Radford University Planetarium is still up and running. Please note that as of Summer 2021, the Planetarium is in a “wait-and-see mode” due to COVID-19 case numbers and vaccination rates. Refer to the upcoming show times list here to see when the planetarium will be open.

    Find more things to do each day on our Community Calendar powered by Next3Days.

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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.

    New NRV Community Pages Now Live

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    NEW RIVER VALLEY, VA – Onward NRV has officially published new NRV community pages that showcase each county and city in the region. Each page can be accessed by hovering over the “Our Region” tab or visiting the “Our Region” page.

    “The new and improved community pages on our regional website do a great job communicating the uniqueness of each community in our region,” said Onward NRV Marketing Manager Abigail Hammack. “We’re excited to release another resource full of information about what makes Virginia’s New River Valley an inspiring place to live, work, and do business.”

    Onward NRV staff worked closely with local government, chamber, and tourism staff to ensure that each community was accurately represented.

    The five pages are linked below:

  • Floyd County
  • Giles County
  • Montgomery County
  • Pulaski County
  • City of Radford

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    Virginia’s New River Valley: For those searching for an inspiring place to live and do business, Virginia’s New River Valley provides both an eclectic small town atmosphere and an innovative, collaborative business community with a loyal, highly skilled, and educated workforce. Offering the best of all worlds – magnificent mountains, cutting-edge research, arts, entertainment, and education – it’s 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.

    Governor Northam Nominates Opportunity Zones, Six Located in NRV

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    NEW RIVER VALLEY, VA – Governor Northam announced the nomination of Virginia Opportunity Zones yesterday to the U.S. Department of Treasury. The Governor nominated a total of 212 sites (the maximum number allowed). There are 6 nominated Opportunity Zones in the NRV.

    Opportunity Zones in the NRV

    Click for full, interactive map. (via esri)

    “Opportunity zones are an important federal tool to spur vitality in economic growth in communities across Virginia and we are committed to using them fully in this administration,” said Governor Northam. “By focusing on local and regional strategies, as well as Virginia’s diverse geography and economic opportunities, we selected a balance of zones that align with other state and local economic development and revitalization efforts. This ensures that Virginia is at the forefront of attracting new Opportunity fund investments.”

    The Virginia Department of Housing and Community Development assisted in coordinating nomination process alongside the Virginia Economic Development Partnership.

    For more information regarding the opportunity zones, visit the Governor’s website.

    Click here for a full, interactive map of Virginia’s nominated zones. (via esri)

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    Virginia’s New River Valley: For those searching for an inspiring place to live and do business, Virginia’s New River Valley provides both an eclectic small town atmosphere and an innovative, collaborative business community with a loyal, highly skilled, and educated workforce. Offering the best of all worlds – magnificent mountains, cutting-edge research, arts, entertainment, and education – it’s 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 Top Posts of 2018

    RU Highlander Ranked #1 Mascot by USA Today

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    RADFORD, VA – USA Today named the Radford University Highlander mascot the no. 1 mascot. Out of the 68 teams in the NCAA Tournament, the Highlanders came out on top.

    “AMAZING” said the article author Charles Curtis. “Between the beard, the costume, the muscles, the headband and all the ‘THERE CAN BE ONLY ONE!!!’ jokes, this deserves the No. 1 spot.”

    Radford University is a huge asset to our communities. It doesn’t hurt that Highlander sports teams keep winning. Radford Men’s Soccer clinched the 2016 Big South Tournament Championship. Golf, Cross Country, Tennis, and more are consistent winners, and Men’s Baseball is unstoppable. Learn more at www.radford.edu.

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    Virginia’s New River Valley: For those searching for an inspiring place to live and do business, Virginia’s New River Valley provides both an eclectic small town atmosphere and an innovative, collaborative business community with a loyal, highly skilled, and educated workforce. Offering the best of all worlds – magnificent mountains, cutting-edge research, arts, entertainment, and education – it’s 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 Tech versus North Carolina basketball, ACC sports, Cassell Coliseum

    Virginia Tech and Radford University Men’s Basketball Make it to the NCAA Tournament

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    NEW RIVER VALLEY, VA – The men’s basketball teams in the NRV are headed to the NCAA Tournament.

    nrv teams ncaa tournament

    The Virginia Tech Hokies (no. 8 seed in the East Region) received an at-large bid and will face Alabama (no. 9 seed) this Thursday, March 15.

    After winning the Big South Championship last week, the Radford Highlanders will be play in the “First Four games today. They’re opponents are LIU-Brooklyn and the winner will be the no. 16 seed against no. 1 seed Villanova on Thursday.

    Read more from Mark Berman at The Roanoke Times.

    UPDATE (March 16)

    The Radford University Highlanders beat LIU-Brooklyn to make it to the first round. Radford was then defeated by Villanova. Virginia Tech also lost by 3 points to Alabama in the first round.

    While the Hokies and the Highlanders didn’t make it past Round 1 this year, there was a lot of love for these NRV teams. Radford alumnus and ESPN commentator Marty Smith showed his support, even letting Reggie Miller know he’d help him get to town for a game.

    RU Coach Mike Jones was glad Virginia’s New River Valley had the opportunity to be seen:

    The NRV is such a special place. Not just because of our universities, but because of the people who attend them and populate the rest of the region. Whether you’re an alumnus, a long-time resident, or a new professional, it doesn’t take long to see Virginia’s New River Valley is A Natural Fit.

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    Virginia’s New River Valley: For those searching for an inspiring place to live and do business, Virginia’s New River Valley provides both an eclectic small town atmosphere and an innovative, collaborative business community with a loyal, highly skilled, and educated workforce. Offering the best of all worlds – magnificent mountains, cutting-edge research, arts, entertainment, and education – it’s 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.

    Women laughing and enjoying one of the outside events in the NRV.

    There’s No Excuse for Being Bored in the NRV

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    While Virginia’s New River Valley may be a collection of small towns, the amount of things to do here is anything but small. There are tons of events in the NRV.

    In fact, there are tons of events in the NRV daily. Whether it’s large, nationally acclaimed annual festivals, or weekly happy hours, these small towns are more bustling than ever.

    According to Jami Ryan of NextThreeDays.com, a regional website featuring nearly all the events in the NRV, there were 4,927 Featured Events in our region in 2017. That means these events don’t reoccur weekly.

    That’s right. Almost 5,000 one-time events for residents in the NRV.

    That comes to 13.5 big events each day.

    “I used to hear ‘there’s nothing to do’ all the time from my friends in college who grew up in the city or in more populous areas and came to the NRV for school,” said Ryan. “In fact, this is one of the reasons why I created NextThreeDays because, having spent most of my life in our region, I knew it wasn’t true. And, since I’ve been running NextThreeDays, I can say emphatically that ‘there’s nothing to do’ in the New River Valley is completely false.”

    To fight the misconception of lack of events in the NRV, Ryan uses NextThreeDays.com as a place where those events can be easily found: an ever-changing database of fun for all residents of the NRV.

    It’s about more than just the amount of events in the NRV too; there is a solid variety as well. Because he sees almost all the events in the NRV, Ryan understands the diversity of activities offered here.

    “I would like people to know that there is truly something for everyone,” said Ryan. “Whether it’s looking for live music, finding a local festival, a craft brewery, fun for the kids, the dogs or whomever or whatever your interests are, the NRV has something fun to offer. For example, two years ago I heard about the NRV Historic Dance Society. This group of local residents was formed to teach and celebrate English country dancing in the 17th, 18th & 19th centuries. We also regularly include outdoor games for the Laser Tag Club at Virginia Tech on NextThreeDays and just this week there was a Root Beer Tasting and Sommelier Certification. And, these are just three of the many events that are happening in the NRV. So my point is, there is truly something for everyone no matter your interests.“

    On top of that, there’s also plenty to do that’s free. Who doesn’t love free?

    “There are so many events that have either free admission or the ticket cost is very low,” said Ryan. “Sure, there are a number of dinners, galas and events that are expensive, but there are many, many more events that have free admission. In 2014, I created and completed the 31 Days of NRV Fun Challenge where I had to attend 31 or more events at 31 unique venues and spent no more than $7.00 a day. I was able to accomplish the feat and still had $12.00 leftover at the end.”

    “And, this summer I did a 50 Events in 50 Days Challenge and most of the events I attended were free or very inexpensive. Both Radford University and Virginia Tech have wonderful arts, theatre and music programs and many of their performances are free as are many of the universities’ educational activities. Numerous restaurants offer free live music throughout the week and many of our area towns and bigger organizations hosts free festivals throughout the year.”

    “And, that doesn’t even count the non-football and basketball collegiate athletics and our public libraries where all events are free. So it’s fairly easy to get out of your home and to find an event to enjoy for a couple of hours and spend $10.00 or less.”

    Woman shimmies across rope at Muddy ACCE Race, an adventure race. One of the many events in the NRV, specifically Giles County.

    The Muddy ACCE Race in Giles County is one of the many events in the NRV. The sign up fee for this muddy adventure race help fund local students’ community college tuition.

    If you’re looking for something to do or specific events in the NRV, check out what’s going on at NextThreeDays.com. The same information also populates to the Live Here page.

    For more information about Virginia’s New River Valley, check out Our Region and what it’s like to Live Here.

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    Virginia’s New River Valley: For those searching for an inspiring place to live and do business, Virginia’s New River Valley provides both an eclectic small town atmosphere and an innovative, collaborative business community with a loyal, highly skilled, and educated workforce. Offering the best of all worlds – magnificent mountains, cutting-edge research, arts, entertainment, and education – it’s 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.

    Couple walks arm in arm in Downtown Blacksburg

    Radford #1 and Blacksburg #6 Best Places for Singles in Virginia

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    NEW RIVER VALLEY, VA – If you’re looking for love in the NRV, then you’re in the right place. Radford (#1) and Blacksburg (#6) were ranked some of the best places for singles in Virginia, according to homesnacks.net.

    Couple walks arm in arm in Downtown Blacksburg

    Best Places for Singles in VA:
    1. Radford
    2. Charlottesville
    3. Richmond
    4. Alexandria
    5. Harrisonburg
    6. Blacksburg
    7. Norfolk
    8. Fredericksburg
    9. Hampton
    10. Winchester

    The ratings are based on information from the 2011-2015 American Community Survey Census data.

    Looking for things to do in the NRV on V-Day? Check out the special event at the Radford Theater, or the Valentine’s Charity Vinyasa Yoga Class for the Big Heart Foundation at In Balance Yoga in Blacksburg.

    For a larger list of all things Valentine’s Day happening in Virginia’s New River Valley, check out this list from Next 3 Days.

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    Virginia’s New River Valley: For those searching for an inspiring place to live and do business, Virginia’s New River Valley provides both an eclectic small town atmosphere and an innovative, collaborative business community with a loyal, highly skilled, and educated workforce. Offering the best of all worlds – magnificent mountains, cutting-edge research, arts, entertainment, and education – it’s 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.