NRV Leaders Listed in the ‘Virginia 500’ by Virginia Business

NRV Leaders Listed in the ‘Virginia 500’ by Virginia Business

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New River Valley, VA – Eight leaders across the New River Valley were listed in the inaugural “Virginia 500 – The 2020 Power List” recently published by Virginia Business magazine. This list of influential people in Virginia was created by the magazine “to be an insightful and helpful resource on leadership in Virginia.” Read more about how Virginia Business created the list here.

The NRV leaders included in the Virginia 500 are:

  • Dan Larimer | Federal Contractors, Technology | Chief Technology Officer, Block.one
  • Franky Marchand | Manufacturing | Vice President and General Manager, Volvo Group Trucks Operations in Americas
  • Dan St. Martin | Manufacturing | President, Kollmorgen Corp.
  • John Dooley | Nonprofits, Philanthropy | CEO, Virginia Tech Foundation
  • Raymond Smoot | Economic Development | Chair, Go Virginia Region 2 Council
  • Justin Fuente | Arts, Entertainment, Sports | Head Football Coach, Virginia Tech
  • Brian Hemphill | Education | President, Radford University
  • Tim Sands | Education | President, Virginia Tech

    Learn more about the leaders, industries, and communities in Virginia’s New River Valley 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.

    • NRV Business Continuity Team

    NRV Business Continuity Team Available for COVID-19 Response

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    New River Valley, VA – The New River Valley Regional Commission, working in coordination with the New River Health District and the NRV Public Health Task Force, is pleased to make available the NRV Business Continuity Team (BCT), a new resource for businesses impacted by COVID-19. The BCT is available at no cost to help advise businesses navigate questions about COVID-19 at their workplace. More information about the BCT can be found here or by calling 540-639-9313 and asking for the Business Continuity Team.

    Services available include:

    • Guidance for operating in a COVID environment
    • Guidance if there is a suspected case or a known positive case
    • Development of a Business Continuity Plan
    • Access to a pool of funds on a cost-shared reimbursement* basis to help pay for on-site cleaning; public relations expertise; legal advisement for human resource matters; website support for pertinent messaging. *Business continuity plan must be executed to receive cost-shared reimbursement for services.
    • Coordination of testing, if deemed necessary

    NRV Business Continuity Team Contacts:
    Melanie Morris, Program Manager, mmorris@nrvrc.org, 540-639-9313 x248
    Ashley Briggs, Public Health Director, abriggs@nrvrc.org, 540-639-9313 x25

    Funding for the NRV Business Continuity Team is being provided by GO Virginia, NRV local government CARES Act appropriations and Community Development Block Grant funds. This resource is limited to businesses located in the counties of Montgomery, Pulaski, Floyd, Giles and the city of Radford.

    Be committed. Be well.

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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 Highlighted as Lesser-Known Summer Vacation in VA

    NRV Highlighted as Lesser-Known Summer Vacation in VA

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    New River Valley, VA – During the COVID-19 pandemic, people are searching for vacations that are fun and allow for physical distancing. It is a great time to consider visiting Virginia’s New River Valley. The region was highlighted as one of the “Lesser-Known Summer Vacations in Virginia” by the Virginia Tourism Corporation.

    Here is what the Virginia is for Lovers blog has to say about the region:

    “Organized along the New River between the Blue Ridge Mountains and the Appalachian Mountains, the New River Valley in Southwest Virginia contains cities like Blacksburg, Christiansburg, Pulaski, and Radford. With the New River as the focal point, water sports in the valley are becoming a big draw for travelers interested in exploring Virginia’s rushing waterways.”

    The outdoor amenities available in Virginia’s New River Valley make the region a unique place to live, work, and play. Learn more about travel to the NRV in the article here.

    Note: Please contact destinations highlighted in the article prior to visiting since COVID-19 public health guidelines may have changed opening hours and activity availability.

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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 Manufacturing Industry Featured in Valley Business FRONT

    NRV Manufacturing Industry Featured in Valley Business FRONT

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    New River Valley, VA – The August 2020 issue of Valley Business FRONT featured an article titled, “Not Your Father’s Manufacturing Industry”. The article showcased the manufacturing industry in Virginia’s New River Valley.

    The region is a hub for the manufacturing industry, with, according to the article, “140 manufacturers… located in the New River Valley. The sector employs 12,000 people, making it one of the top five employment industries.”

    The article discussed current trends and challenges in manufacturing globally, nationally, and locally. One such challenge is training the workforce to adapt to the increased automation in the industry. Local institutions, such as New River Community College, have implemented programs for students to ensure that qualified employees are available to meet the changing needs of manufacturers in the region.

    Read the entire article from Valley Business FRONT here. Learn more about manufacturing in Virginia’s New River Valley 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.

    Kollmorgen Increases Production During COVID-19 Pandemic

    Kollmorgen Increases Production During COVID-19 Pandemic

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    Radford, VA – Kollmorgen’s commitment to serving customers during the COVID-19 pandemic was recently highlighted the article, “On the Front Lines” in Virginia Economic Review’s Q2 2020 issue. Kollmorgen’s Radford facilities have ramped up production to meet the increased demand for the company’s motion control products and systems, which are “used to manufacture everything from personal protective equipment to diagnostic machines to ventilators.”

    The article states,

    “Kollmorgen has provided motion solutions to ventilator and respirator suppliers for more than a decade. When leaders at many of those companies learned the nation lacked the necessary ventilators for critical patients and personal protective equipment for health professionals, they wanted to help by increasing production. Other executives of companies which had never manufactured these items wanted to buy components from Kollmorgen that would allow them to start new manufacturing lines. [Kollmorgen General Manager Peter] Dempsey also heard from company heads wanting to increase or start production of other essential items like test kits, diagnostic machines, and CT scanners.”

    Read the entire article about how Kollmorgen is supporting the global response to the COVID-19 pandemic here.

    Learn how people and companies in Virginia’s New River Valley are responding to the pandemic 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.

    Virginia Living Magazine Recognizes NRV Destinations and Businesses in Best of Virginia 2020 Awards

    Virginia Living Magazine Recognizes NRV Destinations and Businesses in Best of Virginia 2020 Awards

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    New River Valley, VA – Fifteen destinations and businesses across Virginia’s New River Valley won Best of Virginia 2020 Awards for the Southwest Virginia region.  Virginia Living magazine published the annual list of winners in their special Best of Virginia 2020 issue.  The magazine tallied over 55,000 ballots to determine this year’s winners.

    The NRV’s winners and runners-up are listed below by category.

    Restaurants
    India Garden Restaurant – Winner – Best Indian Restaurant
    Sal’s Italian Restaurant & Pizzeria – Winner – Best Italian Restaurant
    Cabo Fish Taco – Winner – Best Seafood Restaurant
    Gillie’s – Winner – Best Restaurant for Vegans or Vegetarians
    Macado’s – Winner – Best Sandwich Shop
    The Farmhouse – Winner – Best Outdoor Dining
    Due South BBQ – Barbecue Restaurant
    Dogtown Roadhouse – Pizzeria
    Palisades Restaurant – Restaurant
    Our Daily Bread Bakery & Bistro – Restaurant for Vegans and Vegetarians, Dessert
    Red Rooster Coffee Roasters – Coffee Shop or Roaster
    Mill Mountain Coffee & Tea – Coffee Shop or Roaster
    Thai This Food Truck – Food Truck

    Food Shopping
    Our Daily Bread Bakery & Bistro – Bakery
    Blacksburg Farmers’ Market – Farmer’s Market
    Harvest Moon Food Store – Specialty/Gourmet Food Shop
    Vintage Cellar – Wine Shop

    Drink
    Five Mile Mountain Distillery – Winner – Best Distillery
    Chateau Morrisette Winery – Winner – Best Winery
    Buffalo Mountain Brewery – Brewery
    Iron Heart Winery – Winery

    Entertainment & Events
    Wine & Design – Winner – Best Entertainment Center for Adults
    Floyd Center for the Arts – Art Gallery
    Floyd Country Store – Music Venue

    Travel
    Mountain Lake Lodge – Resort

    Outdoors & Active
    Cascade Falls – Hiking or Biking Trail

    Home
    Warm Hearth Village – Retirement Community

    Services
    Brown Edwards – Winner – Best Accounting Firm
    Shelor Motor Mile – Winner – Best Car Dealer

    Pets
    Blacksburg Dog Park – Winner –  Best Dog Park
    Off Leash K9 Training – Winner – Best Dog Training Company
    Sparky’s Run Dog Park – Dog Park

    Kids
    Xtreme Springz Trampoline Park – Winner – Best Birthday Party Place
    Alta Mons Summer Camp and Retreat Center – Summer Camp

    Health
    New River Dermatology – Winner – Best Dermatology Practice
    Medical Associates of Southwest Virginia – Primary Care Practice
    River Ridge Dermatology – Dermatology Practice
    Sideline Orthopedic & Sports Medicine – Orthopedic Practice
    Tuck Chiropractic Clinic – Chiropractic Clinic

    Beauty
    Nail Envy – Nail Salon

    Weddings & Special Events
    Chantilly Lace Bridals, Formals, & Tuxedos – Bridal Boutique

    Shopping
    Finders Keepers – Antiques
    East Coasters – Bicycle Shop
    Whistle Stop Books – Bookstore
    The Upscale Attic – Consignment Shop
    New River Valley Mall – Shopping Mall
    Hey Helen – Women’s Clothing Store

    The winners and runners-up of the Best of Virginia 2020 Awards are just some of the unique destinations and businesses that make Virginia’s New River Valley a great place to live, work, and do business.

    Learn more about the Best of Virginia 2020 Awards 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.

    Job Board Launched on Virginia's New River Valley Website

    Job Board Launched on Virginia’s New River Valley Website

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    New River Valley, VA – Many employers in Virginia’s New River Valley are hiring amid the COVID-19 pandemic. Onward NRV, a public/private, regional economic development organization, launched an online Job Board in March 2020 to help connect employees looking for work with employers that have job openings.

    The job board can be found on the Virginia’s New River Valley website. It features a section for job listings from featured employers in the region.

    Job seekers can also use the job board to search for new career opportunities in specific industries. Listings are available in eight different job categories:

  • Technology
  • Manufacturing
  • Healthcare
  • Accounting and Finance
  • Construction and Architecture
  • Education
  • Human Resources
  • Marketing and Sales

    • In addition to searching by industry, potential employees can also search and filter through all jobs available in Virginia’s New River Valley. Over 100 available jobs have been posted to the job board within the last two weeks. All sections of the job board are powered by Indeed, the #1 job site in the world.

    Onward NRV’s mission is to attract and retain world class jobs, investment and talent in Virginia’s New River Valley. Onward promotes economic vitality in the region through supporting the growth of four targeted industries: Information Technology, Advanced Manufacturing, Food Processing & Agribusiness, and Unmanned Systems. The job board is one way the organization is working to connect employees with employers in these targeted industries. Learn more about Onward NRV here.

    Click here to browse the job board and learn more about career opportunities currently available in 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.

    Kollmorgen motion solutions used in fight against COVID-19

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    Radford, VA – Kollmorgen is playing a critical role in the global fight against COVID-19. Its global production facilities are fully operational, including those in Radford which are CURRENTLY HIRING for a number of positions, and are producing motion solutions that are used by essential equipment manufacturers around the world.

    Kollmorgen motion solutions are being used in the manufacturing of respirators and other personal protective equipment, test kits, diagnostic machines, ventilators, blood-gas analyzers, blood pumps, CT scanning equipment, and more. All of these products are essential to the diagnosis and treatment of COVID-19 and its complications.

    Beyond healthcare, many other Kollmorgen partners that provide essential services – from aerospace and defense, to food production and packaging, automated warehousing of critical household supplies, and energy and communications, to name a few — depend on a reliable supply of its components.

    Its design teams and manufacturing facilities are responding with urgency to dozens of requests to accelerate design cycles, increase production, and speed delivery for the motion systems that directly fight COVID-19 and keep essential services continuing for people who need them the most.

    As Kollmorgen helps its partners defeat this pandemic and provide for essential needs around the world, its number-one priority remains the well-being of its employees and their loved ones. Kollmorgen is scrupulously following best-practice safety recommendations from the World Health Organization (WHO), national health organizations, and other local government agencies.

    Radford University Cyber Defense Club Places Third

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

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

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

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

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

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

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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.

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

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

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

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

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

    The grants were awarded as follows:

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

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

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

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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.