Top 10 Blog Posts of 2024

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New River Valley, VA – Virginia’s New River Valley had an incredible 2024! From major grants to prestigious rankings, the stories that people enjoyed the most highlight the region’s vibrant growth and community spirit. Join us as we countdown the top ten posts from TheNRV.org that captured the most clicks this year:

10. Floyd County Receives $2.7 Million for Economic Development

Cardinal News recently reported that Floyd County was awarded a $2.7 million grant from the U.S. Economic Development Administration (EDA) to develop infrastructure to support the growth of their Floyd Regional Commerce Center.

Floyd Regional Commerce Center

9. Trail Center Opens to Visitors in Giles County

The ribbon cutting for the Giles County Trail Center at Mountain Lake Lodge was celebrated on May 10, 2024. According to a press release from Mountain Lake Lodge, the Trail Center has been created to help visitors discover the many attractions and trails of Giles County.

8. Giles County Awarded Federal Grant for Glen Lyn Plant

Cardinal News recently reported that Giles County was awarded a U.S. Economic Development Administration grant to support a reuse study of the decommissioned Appalachian Power coal fired Glen Lyn Plant. The power plant has been in Giles County since 1919.

7. Southern Living Names Floyd Country Store Top 20 Friendliest Places in the South

Southern Living magazine recently ranked The Floyd Country Store among their “20 Friendliest Places in the South”. The Floyd Country Store was selected as “Most Inviting Front Porch” due to the “centuries-old songs” that spill out from the store on a weekly basis. The Floyd Country Store is known for its Friday Night Jamboree and impromptu jam sessions.

Floyd Country Store

6. Eggleston Featured in “Lost Communities of Virginia”

Eggleston, once a bustling town in Virginia’s New River Valley, is still a regional destination, but for a different reason. The old general store turned gourmet restaurant, The Palisades Restaurant, attracts visitors for miles, but Eggleston looks a lot different than it did previously.

5. Floyd and Giles Locations Win 2024 Best of Blue Ridge Awards

Seven locations around the NRV recently won Best of the Blue Ridge 2024 Awards from the Blue Ridge Outdoors magazine. Another four locations were highlighted as runners up in a variety of categories.

4. NRV Destinations and Businesses Win Best of Virginia 2024 Awards

Virginia Living magazine recently recognized sixty-nine destinations and businesses in the New River Valley with Best of Virginia 2024 awards for Southwest Virginia. This annual contest invites the magazine’s readers to vote for the top destinations and businesses across the five regions of Virginia. The impressive number of winners from the New River Valley highlights how the NRV is a natural fit for anyone looking to live like a local.

Best of Virginia 2024

3. Radford Receives Grant for VCI Site

The City of Radford was recently awarded a $3.5 million grant from the Virginia Business Ready Site Program for their VCI property located on West Main Street.

2. Virginia Tech Ranks Top 3 Best College Campuses in America

Virginia Tech ranks third in 2020 Best College Campuses by Niche.com.

1. Virginia Tech Ranks as Top University

Virginia Tech recently reported that they have been ranked as a top university by both the Wall Street Journal and the U.S. News & World Report.

Virginia Tech

Discover the rest of the stories that made 2024 an incredible year for the NRV 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.

Close up of two hands using a wrench on a piece of equipment

NRV Companies Win Virginia Manufacturers Association Awards

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New River Valley, VA – The Virginia Manufacturers Association (VMA) recently honored excellence and innovation in manufacturing at their annual gala by celebrating the winners of the Virginia Manufacturing Cup. These awards showcase “the coolest things” made in Virginia and highlights the incredible work and diversity of the manufacturing sector in the Commonwealth. Virginia’s New River Valley was represented in two separate categories, Transportation Equipment and Industrial and Commercial Machinery.

According the VMA press release, Volvo Trucks North America won Gold in the Transportation Equipment category for “their all-new Volvo VNL, a new standard for trucking in North America.” The Volvo VNL has up to a 10% improvement of fuel efficiency, maximizes productivity and has been designed with the long-haul truck driver in mind. Volvo Trucks North America is in Dublin.

MELD Manufacturing, located in Christiansburg, won Bronze in the Industrial and Commercial Machinery category for their MELD Machine, K2. This machine is “designed for the production of and repair of large parts, boasting an impressive cubic solid space along with extreme material flexibility.”

These companies continue to showcase how the NRV’s advanced manufacturing sector is built on innovation and high levels of technology. Discover more here.

See the full list of winners 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.

Pembroke’s NanoSonic Awarded DOE Grant

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Giles County, VA – U.S. Congressman Morgan Griffith recently announced that NanoSonic, Inc., located in Pembroke, was awarded a $1,150,000 U.S. Department of Energy grant for their project to develop hydrogen and fuel cell technologies.

NanoSonic’s contributions to fields like chemistry and engineering have attracted prominent clients, including NASA and the Department of Defense. The DOE’s support reaffirms the value of NanoSonic’s work, positioning Virginia’s New River Valley as a stronghold for scientific innovation and energy development. This achievement is a proud reminder of the region’s vibrant future, where pioneering research and a collaborative spirit continue to drive progress.

Read U.S. Congressman Morgan Griffith’s full press release here.

Learn more about advanced manufacturing in the NRV 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 Companies Selected for RAMP 2024 Fall Cohort

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Montgomery County, VA – The Roanoke-Blacksburg Technology Council recently announced four innovative start-up companies that have been selected to participate in the Regional Accelerator and Mentor Program (RAMP). RAMP connects high-growth potential technology-based businesses with regional resources.

Of the four companies selected, three reside in Virginia’s New River Valley (NRV). They are listed below.
  • Drivingo (Blacksburg, VA) – Drivingo pioneers customer experience with touchless interfaces, conversational AI, and bespoke omnichannel retail systems. Drivingo boosts interactions across the hospitality and tourism industry from banks to grocery stores and airports, and the fast-food industry.
  • Accordium.AI (Blacksburg, VA) – Accordium.AI is developing a large language model platform to revolutionize the way users negotiate. This innovative application aims to assist sales, procurement professionals, executives, negotiators, and individuals involved in mergers and acquisitions by offering a comprehensive platform for negotiation preparation, role-playing, coaching, and execution. By creating a bounded universe embedded with a proprietary negotiation system, users will be able to enhance their negotiation skills effectively. The application will provide tailored role-play scenarios and coaching sessions to meet the unique needs of each user, ultimately empowering them to excel in complex sales, price negotiations, and various other high-stakes situations.
  • Portcullis Research (Blacksburg, VA) – Portcullis is developing techniques to improve supply chain and lifecycle security for physical documents, trusted supply sources, and other routine business processes. These techniques integrate existing technologies to give companies and government agencies better lifecycle management of documents and assured supply chain artifacts.

According to RAMP’s website, the companies will participate in a 12-week cohort program and “receive $20,000 in non-equity funding, expert mentoring, and free office space with high-speed internet in downtown Roanoke’s Gill Building. RAMP alumni also receive two years of free membership in the Roanoke-Blacksburg Technology Council; one year of membership in Virginia BIO; three years of membership in the Shenandoah Club; membership in Morrow; discounted office space; and three additional years of ongoing support through Exit RAMP – a suite of ever-growing and developing coaching and support services.”

Read RAMP’s press release here.

The NRV offers an ideal environment for businesses to thrive. With a rich pool of talent, a prime location, and a vibrant, forward-thinking business community, the NRV is the perfect place for businesses to call home. Learn more about doing business in the NRV 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.

MELD Awarded $975 Million Air Force Contract

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Montgomery County, VA – MELD Manufacturing recently announced that they have been awarded a $975 million contract by the United States Air Force to support the Rapid Sustainment Office (RSO) in enhancing operational readiness of its deployed assets. MELD is among 67 companies awarded the contract by the RSO.

MELD’s innovative solid-state metal additive manufacturing process is at the heart of this partnership. With the ability to produce large-scale, flight-critical components, MELD delivers exceptional quality that meets the demanding standards of the aerospace industry. According to MELD’s press release “MELD is the only large scale, solid-state metal 3D printer chosen by the RSO and the only company with additive technology both invented and manufactured in the United States.”

MELD Manufacturing continues to push the boundaries of metal 3D printing. With this latest contract, MELD is poised to further its impact on the defense sector while advancing its commitment to disrupting traditional manufacturing processes.

Virginia’s New River Vally is proud to manufacture using the highest levels of technology and robotics. With a talented and loyal workforce, the NRV is a natural fit for advanced manufacturers looking to drive the future. Learn more about manufacturing in the NRV here.

Read MELD’s full press release here.

A complete list of the companies awarded the contracts can be found 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.

Citizens Telephone Completes Fiber Build in Floyd

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Floyd County, VA – Citizens recently reported that they have completed the fiber build in Floyd County as of August 2024. According to their recent press release, Citizens is the first company in Southwest Virginia to have connected every home in a single county to 1 Gbps fiber internet.

Citizens Telephone Cooperative began connecting Floyd County to fiber internet in 2017 with the assistance of federal and state funded grants and the Line Extension Customer Assistance Program. The press release goes on to say that “the extensive network spans 715 miles across Floyd County, passing over 10,000 homes. Nearly 4,500 residents and businesses have connected to the 1 Gbps service.” In a world where remote work, online banking, virtual education, and telemedicine are becoming the norm, this connectivity is an important infrastructure milestone for Floyd County and the region.

Read Citizens’ press release 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.

Growing NRV Companies Recognized on Lunch Pail 100 List

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Montgomery County, VA – The Lunch Pail Ventures Community, a global network created by Virginia Tech alumni-entrepreneurs, recently recognized eight different companies in the NRV as businesses with significant growth in 2024 on their Lunch Pail 100 list.

Those businesses are:

View the full list of the Lunch Pail 100 list here.

From startups leveraging cutting-edge technologies like automation and 3D printing to established firms diversifying their product lines, Virginia’s New River Valley’s business landscape is thriving. A key factor contributing to this growth is the collaborative spirit among businesses, local government, and educational institutions in the NRV. Programs aimed at workforce development, innovation, and infrastructure improvement have provided companies with the resources they need to succeed. Learn more about business in the NRV 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.

Radford Receives Grant for VCI Site

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Radford, VA – The City of Radford was recently awarded a $3.5 million grant from the Virginia Business Ready Site Program for their VCI property located on West Main Street.

According to the Governor of Virginia’s press release, the program is administered by the Virginia Economic Development Partnership in collaboration with localities, utilities, and state agencies “to fund infrastructure improvements that build operations-ready sites for employers and manufacturers ready to expand in the Commonwealth”.

Radford’s VCI site is an 80-acre property that is rail served and strategically accessible to both the East Coast and Midwest markets. With the ability to accommodate a 500,000 square foot building, this grant will help prepare the property for future growth.

Read the Virginia Governor’s press release here.

Learn more about the VCI site 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 Companies Awarded 2024 Top Virginia Employers for Interns

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New River Valley, VA – The Virginia Talent + Opportunity Partnership (V-TOP) recently honored 136 organizations as the 2024 Top Virginia Employers for Interns, including several from Virginia’s New River Valley (NRV). This recognition not only highlights the amazing internship opportunities at these NRV employers but also calls attention to the NRV as a premier location to live, work, and conduct business.

The award is a partnership between V-TOP, the State Council of Higher Education for Virginia (SCHEV), the Virginia Chamber of Commerce Foundation, and the Virginia Business Higher Education Council. V-TOP is supported by the General Assembly’s Commonwealth Innovative Internship Fund and Program.

The NRV recipients are:

The 2024 Top Virginia Employer Intern award recognized employers who provide students with high-quality internships. Recipients of the award were evaluated based on efforts to include housing allowance, training for industry certifications, paid time off, security clearance, exposure to senior leadership, and structured mentorship programs.

Review the full list of recipients here.

Companies in Virginia’s New River Valley have the added benefit of the opportunity to enroll their interns in the NRV Experience hosted by Onward NRV. The seven-week long summer program features a series of community excursions, professional development trainings, and networking opportunities for your summer interns. These events connect them with other interns in the region while showcasing lifestyle amenities the New River Valley has to offer. Find out why you should enroll your interns in the next NRV Experience 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.

Inorganic Ventures Acquires PURE Analytical Laboratories

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Montgomery County, VA – IV Labs Inc., parent company of Inorganic Ventures, reported that they have acquired PURE Analytical Laboratories located in Pennsylvania.

According to the press release “Inorganic Ventures, a manufacturer of certified reference materials (CRMs), provides some of the highest levels of accuracy, certainty, and traceability, for quality control and analysis of impurities—along with a robust education and training program for scientists in the field. PURE produces ultra-high purity starting materials, while Inorganic Ventures uses the materials to formulate precise custom standards and produce precision custom materials.”

Combing these companies will help produce materials with higher purities than are currently available in the market and enable IV Labs to enhance their research and development of ultra-high purity products for emerging technologies. The acquisition will also reduce processing requirements in a wide range of industries that include electronics, transportation, pharmaceuticals, and food and beverage.

Virginia’s New River Valley is a place where pioneering businesses can thrive and grow. Learn why the NRV is a natural fit for expanding companies here.

Read IV Labs’ press release 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.