Remote Workers Love the NRV

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New River Valley, VA – Cardinal News recently highlighted a shift in the landscape of remote work in Virginia between 2019 and 2022 citing insights from the U.S. Census Bureau’s American Community Survey. According to the survey, remote work in Virginia’s New River Valley has surged by 101%, reflecting a growing trend of professionals opting for the region’s lifestyle. The allure of scenic vistas, affordable living, and a vibrant community makes the New River Valley an irresistible choice for remote work and living. With its beautiful landscapes and safe environments, it’s no surprise that more individuals are embracing the opportunity to work remotely from this picturesque corner of Virginia. It’s clear why Virginia’s New River Valley feels like home for remote workers. It’s simply a natural fit. Calculate your cost of living in Virginia’s New River Valley here. Read the Cardinal News Article here. View the U.S. Census Bureau’s American Community Survey here.
Photo by Antoni Shkraba
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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.

Oransi Listed in Rolling Stone’s Best Air Purifiers List

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Radford, VA – Rolling Stone Magazine recently listed Oransi’s Mod Air Purifier as one of the best HEPA air purifiers. Oransi’s air purifier was ranked number 3 on their list as the most powerful.

According to the Rolling Stone article “Oransi says the Mod has been lab tested to remove 99.4% of the tiniest particles” and that “its filter also helps to remove allergens, mold, pet dander, and smoke”.

Oransi is a veteran-owned air purification company, that began operating in the City of Radford in 2021. The project brought significant investment and over 100 new jobs to the region. Oransi has established itself as a leading air purification company and is reshoring the manufacturing of its purifiers to the New River Valley. Oransi’s purifiers will serve a wide range of people, from general consumers to health professionals.

Read Rolling Stone’s full article here.

Learn more about why Virginia’s New River Valley is a natural fit for Advanced Manufacturers 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.

Alacran Consulting Graduates from VALET Program

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Montgomery County, VA – Alacran Consulting was one of 16 companies to graduate from the Virginia Leaders in Export Trade (VALET) program in January of 2024. Alacran Consulting joins a growing number of New River Valley companies who have graduated from the 2-year program.

VALET was established by the Virginia Economic Development Partnership (VEDP) to help Virginia companies with their international expansion by providing support and education. According to the VEDP website “this award-winning program offers a powerful combination of capital resources provided by the Commonwealth and professional services from expert, private sector partners.”

Read the press release announcing Alacran’s graduation from the VALET program here.

Learn more about the VALET program here.

Explore companies from across Virginia’s New River Valley who have participated in the VALET program 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 2023 Top 50 Metro Area for Economic Growth in the US

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New River Valley, VA – The New River Valley is one of the top 50 places in America for metro areas that are “hotspots for economic growth”, according to Area Development. The magazine recently released its rankings of the 2023 leading metro locations that are hotspots for economic growth.

The Blacksburg-Christiansburg metropolitan statistical area (MSA), also known as the New River Valley, ranked No. 49 overall and No. 21 among mid-sized metros with populations between 160,000 to 600,000. The New River Valley is the only location from Virginia that made the top 50.

According to Area Development, they ranked “384 MSAs across 24 economic and workforce indicators pulled from eight (8) data sets — each set containing a five-year change, a three-year change, and a one-year change indicator — originating from the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics, U.S. Census, and JobsEQ® by Chmura Economics & Analytics.” The “Overall Ranking” was created by totaling the score across all data sets, with the five-year change indicators carrying the most weight and the one-year indicators carrying the least weight. The four primary indicators used to compile the rankings included Prime Workforce, Economic Strength, Year-Over-Year Growth, Three-Year Growth, and Five-Year Growth.

The “overall ranking” isn’t a product of just one indicator, but all the factors combined. This shows the New River Valley’s strength in a variety of different indicators that make it ‘a natural fit’ across the board. The region benefits from its emerging tech hub, high-tech advanced manufacturing, access to talent, great cost of living and many other key factors that make the NRV a great place to live and do business.

Read the full list of rankings here.

Read the methodology behind the report 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 Business Features NRV Leaders in ‘Top 100 People to Meet in 2024’

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New River Valley, VA – Several leaders from across the New River Valley were listed in the 5th annual list from Virginia Business of “Top 100 People to Meet in 2024”. According to the article, this list includes a wide range of professions from novelists and podcasters to up-and-coming entrepreneurs, influential attorneys, nonprofit leaders, educators, go-getters and innovators.

The top leaders from the NRV to meet in 2024 are:

Educators:
  • Enric Ruiz-Geli | Montgomery County | Professor of practice, Virginia Tech Honors College; principal and founding architect, Cloud 9
  • Bevlee A. Watford | Montgomery County | Associate dean of equity and engagement; executive director, Center for the Enhancement of Engineering Diversity, Virginia Tech

Go-Getters:
  • Peter Mann | City of Radford | Founder and CEO, Oransi

Innovators:
  • Nanci Hardwick | Montgomery County | Aeroprobe and MELD Manufacturing
  • Yuhao Zhang | Montgomery County | Assistant professor, Virgnia Tech

The New River Valley is at once organic and innovative. Technical and agricultural. Artistic and scientific. Step into a place filled with creativity, culture, and community, a place where you are surrounded with profound beauty, an eclectic mix of small-town life, and world-class universities. Discover how the New River Valley is “A Natural Fit” 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 Receives Grant for NRV Materials and Machinery Cluster Scale-Up

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New River Valley, VA – WSLS Channel 10 recently reported that Governor Youngkin announced $1.9 million in GO Virginia grants for eight different programs. These projects help promote economic growth and workforce development throughout the commonwealth.

A New River Valley partnership comprised of the New River Valley Regional Commission, the Virginia Tech Center for Economic and Community Engagement, and Onward NRV received close to $100,000 for the NRV Materials and Machinery Cluster Scale-Up project. According to the GO Virginia Region 2 press release, the NRV Materials and Machinery Cluster Scale-Up will “build upon the successful application to the U.S. Economic Development Administration for a Tech Hubs designation” and will map “out assets and resources that could support ecosystem growth and transformation of the cluster.”

See the full list of projects here.

Read WSLS Channel 10’s full story here.

Read Go Virginia Region 2’s 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.

10 Most Popular Blog Posts of 2023

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New River Valley, VA – Virginia’s New River Valley has experienced an exciting 2023! Let’s count down the top ten 2023 posts on TheNRV.org website. The following posts had the most pageviews online:

10. Broadband Partnership Brings Countywide Fiber to Floyd

Citizens Telephone Coop recently reported that their Countywide Broadband Expansion project with Floyd County is almost complete. This will make Floyd “the first of a handful of rural counties to achieve universal broadband in the Commonwealth.”

9. 2 NRV Locations Featured in Southern Living For Best Fall Foliage in Virginia

Southern Living recently highlighted two locations in the New River Valley on their “15 Virginia Parks Where You Can Catch the Best Fall Foliage” list. Claytor Lake State Park in Pulaski County was #4 and Mabry Mill on the Blue Ridge Parkway in Floyd County was #9.

8. NRV Companies Announce 2,530 jobs and $551 million in Investment Since 2018

Virginia’s New River Valley has seen great economic success in the last 5 years. 24 new or expanding companies announced plans to create 2,530 jobs and invest over $551 million in the NRV region.

7. Radford University Partners with City of Radford to Launch The HUB

The HUB at Radford for Economic Development opened on October 17th following a ribbon-cutting ceremony. This new partnership between Radford University and the City of Radford will “serve as an economic development support system to help businesses thrive in the City of Radford and across the region.

6. NRV Famers Market Trail

If local vegetables, handpicked flowers, and fresh baked goods are what define your summer, then it’s time to hit the NRV Farmers Market Trail. Each market brings its own finds and, in some cases, music. Explore the exciting flavors that abound in the New River Valley by grabbing your bag and joining us as we delve into the local NRV Farmers Market Trail.

5. New LewisGale Montgomery ER Coming to Christiansburg

Work has begun on a new emergency room in the town of Christiansburg. This will be LewisGale’s first freestanding ER in the New River Valley. There are 2 others located in the Roanoke area.

4. Camrett Logistics to Expand and Create 58 New Jobs in Pulaski County

Camrett Logistics is expanding their capacity in Pulaski County, creating 58 new jobs and investing $2 million into the area.

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

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

2. Fall Activities in the NRV

Join us as we explore fall in the NRV! The list has a little something for everyone, from exciting events to scenic adventures.

1. Four NRV Businesses Named Best Employers in Virginia by Forbes

Forbes recently released their 5th annual list of America’s Best Employers by State. Several New River Valley companies made the list for Virginia: Virgina Tech, BAE Systems, Carilion Clinic, and Volvo Group.

Discover more of the 2023 news from around Virginia’s New River Valley visit 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.

Broadband Partnership Brings Countywide Fiber to Floyd County

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Floyd County, VA – Citizens Telephone Cooperative recently reported that their Countywide Broadband Expansion project with Floyd County is almost complete.

Floyd County, typically known for its creative arts and music culture, has partnered with Citizens to pioneer new ways to connect rural communities that don’t rely on highways, railways, or educational institutions. According to Floyd County’s Economic Director Lydeana Martin, this 6-year project is bringing every one of Floyd’s residents “to the table of the American economy” through fiber internet.

With the assistance of federal and state funded grants and the Line Extension Customer Assistance Program to help offset construction costs, Citizens reported that this will make Floyd “the first of a handful of rural counties to achieve universal broadband in the Commonwealth.”

Read about Floyd County and Citizens innovative project here.

Watch the full story of their Countywide Broadband Expansion project 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.

Pulaski County Focuses on Green Manufacturing

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Pulaski County, VA – Cardinal News recently published an article on how Pulaski County is making “an effort to market itself as a green, ‘solar friendly’ locality”. The article said that the county’s comprehensive plan includes a policy that “supports sustainable building practices, energy efficiency, and renewable energy development.”

The county’s landfill has a methane conversion plant that generates electricity as well as Appalachian Power’s Claytor Dam which also generates renewable energy. More recently, Pulaski’s solar power program has been designated one of three Virginia locations to receive a gold designation from the U.S. Department of Energy-funded SolSmart program. The county is also looking into a wind farm.

As new companies find homes in Pulaski County, this vision is becoming a reality. Start-up indoor agriculture technology company Vegg, Inc. is working to create a carbon neutral agriculture system. Other Pulaski County businesses mentioned in the article include carbon capture company MOVA Technologies; VOLVO, who operates their facilities on renewable energy and has added electric trucks; electric commercial vehicles builder TROVA; vertical farmer Red Sun Farms; and Camrett Logistics, who is working to become a leading “green third-party supply chain expert”.

According to the article, Pulaski County Administrator Jonathan Sweet said that they have “completely shifted focus” and are “really trying to advance renewables in the county.”

Read the full article here.

Virginia’s New River Valley is pioneering new technologies and green manufacturing that will impact generations to come. Discover how your business can be a trailblazer that advances sustainability in the NRV here.


Photo by Pixabay

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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 Manufacturer Partners with Virginia Tech

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Montgomery County, VA – Businesses in the New River Valley have a unique opportunity to partner with world – class universities and colleges like Virginia Tech, Radford University and New River Community College. Recently Virginia Tech reported that some of their graduate students in the Pamplin College of Business have been working with NRV manufacturer Inorganic Ventures.

This unique partnership enabled students to gain real world knowledge while the company had access to a team that can work on solutions to targeted problems within their company. Inorganic Ventures gave students access to data sets, and by the end of the project the students developed and delivered a product that will greatly enhance Inorganic Ventures’ business strategy.

Inorganic Ventures is located in Christiansburg and manufactures certified reference materials in Virginia’s New River Valley region. Their location in the NRV allows them access to research teams and technology from the surrounding universities that they would normally not have.

Read more about Inorganic Ventures’ partnership with Virginia Tech here.

Virginia’s New River Valley is a growing technology hub that offers an abundance of resources for manufacturing, technology, and agriculture. Discover why Virginia’s New River Valley is a great place to do business 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.