Volvo Trucks to Secure 270 Acres Adjacent to the NRV Plant

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~Company acquires 49 acres from the Pulaski County IDA and Enters into a Lease Option Agreement on an Additional 221 acres for Future Business Growth Needs.~

DUBLIN, VA – On December 19th, the Pulaski County IDA, in concert with the Board of Supervisors officially conveyed 49 acres to Volvo Trucks as part of a performance agreement following the satisfaction of the company’s commitment to invest $38.1 million for the construction of a new 36,000 sq. ft. Customer Center and several plant upgrades to further improve the safety, quality and efficiency of NRV’s manufacturing processes, resulting in the creation of 32 new jobs. Volvo Trucks’ business case was to acquire the additional property to the south-western portion of the NRV plant in order to extend their 1.1 mile Customer Experience Track. Volvo Trucks has also entered into a Lease Option-to-Purchase Agreement for an additional 221 adjacent acres owned by the Pulaski County IDA. The IDA has worked with company executives to utilize this creative approach to both satisfy the county’s local incentive obligation and increase opportunities for further capital investments by Volvo Trucks to take place within the County.

“Working with the Pulaski County Board of Supervisors, the Industrial Development Authority and the county staff, these efforts led to the acquisition of the 49 acres and the securing of an additional 121 acres through a lease-option agreement.” said Franky Marchand, Vice President & GM of the Volvo Trucks NRV plant. “Our investments in advanced manufacturing, upgrades in our cab and paint facility and the construction of the new Customer Center were all instrumental in facilitating this important land deal. One of our many competitive advantages stems from providing a unique customer experience here. Extending the Customer Experience Track, our innovative products and services, and interaction with our dedicated employees, makes NRV ‘best-in-class’ for customer experience.”

“Volvo’s land acquisition and the option agreement on the more than 220 acres contiguous to their current operations, has the potential to be one of the most transformative investments the County has recently embarked on,” stated Jonathan D. Sweet, County Administrator. “The IDA’s recent purchase of the adjoining property and the subsequent readying of it for Volvo’s use has significant strategic value and affords our region’s largest employer the ability to further enlarge operations and secure new business, both of which could have a positive yield of new jobs, new investments and new opportunities for the county and our citizens.”

This summer the company introduced their new Volvo VNL series within their new Customer Center. This launch helped gain truck sales by bringing thousands of customers and dealers here to Pulaski County, Virginia During those customer events, the company saw confirmation that they needed to expand the track.

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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 both 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.

Qualtrax Featured in Virginia Business

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Qualtrax, a compliance software company in Montgomery County, VA, was featured in Virginia Business earlier this month. Qualtrax, which originated as a subsidiary of what is now Christiansburg’s FoxGuard Solutions has grown to 33 employees. Almost of half of whom were added this year.


Located in Downtown Blacksburg, Qualtrax preserved much of a former Masonic Lodge building. While they may call a historic building home, the new company has many modern amenities including a game room and a spot for employee slippers.

Read more from Stephenie Overman of Virginia Business. If you’re interested in rocking slippers to work, Qualtrax is currently hiring.


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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 both 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 No. 11 Best Place to Work in Manufacturing

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NEW RIVER VALLEY, VA – The Blacksburg-Christiansburg-Radford Metro Area, commonly known as the New River Valley, was ranked the No. 11 Best Place to Work in Manufacturing by smartasset in their study this year. Data on 483 metro areas was considered and ranked according to six factors:
  • Manufacturing as a percent of workforce
  • Job growth from 2012 to 2015
  • Job growth from 2014 to 2015
  • Income growth from 2010 to 2015
  • Income growth from 2014 to 2015
  • Income after housing
  Advanced manufacturing can be found throughout Virginia’s New River Valley. The region is home to several major employers including Volvo (Pulaski County), Corning Inc. (Montgomery County), Celanese (Giles County), Kollmorgen (Radford), and Hollingsworth & Vose (Floyd County). Plus, training programs at New River Community College directly support the skills needed to work at companies in our region.  
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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 both 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.

“How It’s Made” to Visit Korona Candles in Pulaski County

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Discovery Channel’s “How It’s Made” is heading to Dublin, VA to film an episode about candles. Where better to visit that Korona Candles? The film crew will arrive in the NRV on December 15 to showcase tea candles, jar candles, and possibly wax melts.

Korona Candles, based in Poland, is a great representation of Advanced Manufacturing in Virginia’s New River Valley. Pulaski County is home to a growing number of internationally based manufacturers that use advanced technology to more efficiently produces goods.


Read more about Discovery Channel’s visit from Brooke J. Wood at the Southwest Times.


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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 both 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 McAuliffe Announces Forbes.com Ranks Virginia No. 5 Best State for Business

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~ Commonwealth moves up in annual survey ranking business costs, labor supply, regulatory environment, economic climate, growth prospects, and quality of life ~


RICHMOND, VA – Governor Terry McAuliffe today announced that Virginia was named No.5 in the Forbes.com 2017 Best States for Business ranking. This position represents a jump from No.6 in the 2016 survey and No.7 in 2015. Virginia has placed in the top 10 since the ranking’s inception in 2006, and ranked among the top two states every year from 2006 through 2013.


“The Commonwealth’s advancement in major national rankings like Forbes.com is strong evidence of our success in building the new Virginia economy,” said Governor McAuliffe. “We are working tirelessly with our economic development partners across the Commonwealth to put Virginia on top, and today’s announcement demonstrates that our efforts are working. We are committed to building on this upward trajectory by offering the infrastructure, regulatory environment, and robust workforce to ensure Virginia is the premier business destination in the United States.”

Forbes uses six factors to determine state rankings, which include: business costs, economic climate, growth prospects, labor supply, quality of life, and regulatory environment. The Commonwealth finished in the top 10 in three of the six categories examined in the review published today, including #2 for Regulatory Environment, #3 for Labor Supply, and #8 for Quality of Life. According to Forbes.com, Virginia ranks second for its regulatory climate because of its strong incentive offerings and business-friendly government policies.


“Virginia’s improved standing in Forbes.com’s Best States for Business rankings is a testament to the commitment of Governor McAuliffe’s administration and all of our allies at the state, regional, and local levels to make the Commonwealth the premier destination for business,” said Secretary of Commerce and Trade Todd Haymore. “There is still work to be done to return Virginia to its top standing, and we will continue to build on this positive momentum working with members of the General Assembly and our public and private sector partners.”


For the entire Best States for Business ranking report, please visit here.


Full Release


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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 both 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.

Montgomery County EDA Purchases 124 Acres to Expand Falling Branch Corporate Park

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MONTGOMERY COUNTY, VA – Montgomery County’s Economic Development Authority (EDA) will close on the 124 acres of property adjacent to the County’s Falling Branch Corporate Park at a cost of $2.5 million (or roughly $20,161 per acre) today, November 21, 2017.

“This is a step forward in diversifying opportunities both for existing businesses within Montgomery County to expand as well as to attract new businesses,” said Montgomery County Board of Supervisors Chair, Chris Tuck.


“This purchase allows us to increase our tax base, which will potentially lead to the creation of new jobs with the advent of current businesses having the necessary space to grow as well as new businesses entering Montgomery County,” said Tuck.


The EDA entered into a contract with Cox Family Farms, LLC on May 27, 2017. Upon entering into the contract, the EDA had 180 days to perform due diligence on the property, which included the rezoning request process as well as geotechnical and environmental studies. Rezoning applications with both Montgomery County and the Town of Christiansburg were filed for the property on May 30. Rezonings with both the County and the Town were completed and approved by September 26.


“Prior to this planned expansion of Falling Branch Corporate Park, the largest lot available was about 16 acres, making it a challenge for Montgomery County to attract businesses that need larger lot sizes, said Tommy Loflin, Chair, EDA. “I’m happy we have addressed this issue and are making great strides in expanding the corporate park.”


Currently, Falling Branch Corporate Park is comprised of a total of 175 acres, with 146 acres occupied by businesses including Aeroprobe Corporation, Backcountry.com, DISH Network, Ferguson Enterprises, Inc., Inorganic Ventures, Polymer Solutions Inc., and Prestar Packaging, The recent purchase will add 124 acres to the existing available 29 acres.


“I’d like to congratulate Montgomery County on acquiring this land,” said Charlie Jewell, Executive Director, Onward New River Valley. “The property is highly attractive for larger projects and will aid our efforts to attract new businesses to the area. We look forward to working closely with the County to begin marketing this asset to prospective businesses.”


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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 both 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.

Area Development: British-Based D3O Opens North American Hub in Blacksburg, Virginia

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D3O, a British-based impact protection company and market leader in protective wear and shock absorbing materials, opened a operating base in Blacksburg, Virginia. Located within the Virginia Tech Corporate Research Center, a research park for high-technology companies, the new D3O office, part of the company’s expansion in North America, will serve as the regional hub for sales, marketing and development functions.


Bill VanMullekom, SVP D3O LLC, said: “This move firmly marks our commitment to delivering the best in impact protection technologies to our customer base across North America.


Read the full article on Area Development.


Pulaski County Unveils New Video for #PulaskiCountyIs… Campaign

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PULASKI COUNTY, VA- Pulaski County, in collaboration with the Pulaski County Chamber of Commerce, unveiled a new video to help launch the “Pulaski County Is…” campaign last night at the Chamber’s 65th Annual Dinner. The dinner was hosted at the Volvo Trucks Customer Experience Center in Dublin, VA and drew a audience of about 240 people.


The goal of the campaign is to help communicate the assets in Pulaski County and encourage people to share what #PulaskiCountyIs… to them. Check out the video below.


Pulaski County is… from Nightfire Productions on Vimeo.


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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 both 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.

Business Advantages Networking

NRV Among Top Affordable Metros Attracting YPs

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NEW RIVER VALLEY, VA- Virginia’s New River Valley (The Blacksburg-Christiansburg-Radford MSA) ranks among the top metros that are attracting young professionals while maintaining an affordable cost of living. According to PEW, the NRV is among 10 metros that are growing almost as quickly as other well-known, attractive cities for young people like Silicon Valley or Austin, TX, but have more affordable costs of living.  

Still Affordable, But Attracting Young Professionals

These metro areas ranked high for affordability, education, and growth in young professionals.
Columbus, INBismarck, ND
Midland, MIMorgantown, WV
Bloomington, ILCedar Rapids, IA
Idaho Falls, IDNew River Valley, VA
Sioux Falls, NDRochester, MN
The data comes from the American Community Survey and was analyzed by Stateline.
Virginia’s New River Valley, has a unique opportunity for young professionals. Our region enjoys the upscale amenities residents might find in larger urban areas (like public transit and fine dining), while maintaining the perks of low-cost living and small-town charm (like low traffic, and access to outdoor recreation).   The presence of Virginia Tech, Radford University, and New River Community College elevate the importance of education in the region and provide excellent amenities in arts and culture and opportunities for young people and businesses alike to interact with the universities and benefit from their services.  
The NRV was also ranked a top destination for college graduates based on eight economic and quality-of-life factors that AIER found to influence migration patterns of college grads ages 22-35 among 260 metro areas, large and small. A few of the factors contributing to the New River Valley’s high ranking included its favorable labor market conditions, affordable housing rents, ability to get around without a car, and density of people with a college degree.
YPs can find plenty of support in the NRV with clubs and networking opportunities such as Up on the Roof, Blacksburg YPs, The Newcomers Club, and more.   Plus, the NRV is home to a myriad of festivals and burgeoning local music scenes that keep up with the times while remembering the roots of SWVA throughout history. For more activities and insight on what it’s like to live in the NRV, check out the Live Here tab!  
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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 both 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.

Onward NRV Works to Reach Radford Alumni

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Onward NRV Executive Director Charlie Jewell, joined by Award-Winning IT Professor Jeff Pittges, took a 2-day trip to Northern Virginia last week to help Radford University alumni reconnect to Virginia’s New River Valley.

By partnering with the RU Alumni Association, Jewell was able to deliver a 2-minute pitch in front of guests at the RU alumni networking event held at The Goal in Reston, VA. This event was an excellent opportunity to launch and give away some of the NRV branded boxes, which were handcrafted by St. Pierre Woodworking in Floyd, VA and contained goodies representing the NRV. Jewell also scheduled meetings with alumni business leaders to educate them on Onward’s work to attract and grow the four targeted industries for the region.

The goal was to help communicate the business advantages, job opportunities, and lifestyle amenities in the region to RU alumni. The outbound marketing was also meant to increase awareness of the advantages specifically in Information Technology, Advanced Manufacturing, Food & Beverage Processing, and Unmanned Systems.

The idea to reach out to alumni was born of the research on the four targeted industries. Many business leaders noted that they are satisfied with their current employees, but harbor some concerns about finding enough employees when it comes time to expand their businesses. Therefore, Onward wants to reconnect with alumni living outside the area that may want to move back in the future in order to communicate what the region has to offer them.

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Virginia’s New River Valley: For those searching for a beautiful 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 both 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.