Radford Moves to Purchase Former Foundry Site

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Radford, VA – The City of Radford recently distributed a press release stating that they will move forward with purchasing the former Foundry site, currently owned by Michigan-based Virginia Castings, LLC..

According to the press release, “after undergoing extensive environmental testing and assessment over the past 6 months, the Radford City Council, with the support of the Economic Development Authority believe there is no better time than now to purchase the property.”

Mayor David Horton said, “This is an exciting day for the City of Radford as we make plans for the future of this great community. By investing in West Radford for future commercial development, we open the door for many possibilities for economic success and opportunities for our citizens. It is a big part of the continued renaissance and resurgence of Radford as we work across the city to maximize areas for prosperity and sustainability.”

The Radford Foundry was founded in 1880 as the Radford Iron and Coal Company and employed approximately 1,500 at its peak in the late 1970’s. The Foundry produced an array of ductile iron products from water / sewer pipes to auto parts until they closed their doors in 2013. The current site is 80 acres with approximately 30 acres or more of developable land.

“We are thrilled that the city has acquired the former VCI property. We believe this will play a pivotal role in Radford’s Economic future providing a place for industrial development and job creation of both small and large businesses.” said Abram Williams, Economic Development Authority Chair.

With assistance from the Commonwealth, the city will pursue grants for remediation, site access, clean-up and redevelopment.

“This is a monumental day in Radford as we move forward on the acquisition of the former Foundry property,” said Kim Repass, Economic Development Director. “The ability to bring new industry and commercial businesses in the future to this property will bring economic vitality, job creation and investment to the City of Radford. This will be a game changer for our citizens and community.”

Read the original press release here.

Explore the City of Radford 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.

Pulaski County Announces $55 Million Broadband Expansion

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Pulaski County, VA – WSLS News recently reported that Pulaski County is partnering to invest $55 million to connect thousands of homes to high-speed internet. This broadband expansion is part of a larger plan for economic growth that will make the county a more attractive place to live and work.

Pulaski County, with aid from a state grant, is partnering with All Points Broadband and the Virginia Telecommunications Initiative (VATI) for the project. The plan is to connect roughly 8,000 homes using 420 miles of fiber cable.

According to Jonathan Sweet, Pulaski’s County Administrator, this marks the largest investment in utilities in the history of Pulaski County. Jonathan stated that the project is “a game-changer for the county, for the citizens, for the business community, for our 40 by 30 initiative. It’s going to help accelerate having 40,000 people call Pulaski County home by 2030.”

Watch WSLS’s coverage of the story here.

Discover more about Pulaski County in Virginia’s New River Valley 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.

Patrick Enterprises Corporation Plans Expansion

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Giles County, VA – Patrick Enterprises Corporation is planning an expansion to meet the needs of future projects according to a recent press release from Giles County. Patrick Enterprises is a custom metal fabrication company in Pembroke that is celebrating its fortieth year in business in 2023. 95% of the company’s current 25 employees have been working at Patrick Enterprises for over 10 years.

Patrick Enterprises is planning to invest in new machinery and technology which will spur on the need for an additional five positions this spring and another 25 positions in the future. One of the reasons for this upcoming investment is the company’s partnership with Trova Commercial Vehicles in Pulaski County to manufacture components for Trova CV’s new products. Patrick Enterprises believes that working with the startup company will bring new opportunities for employment and growth. They are excited about the future as they expand their products and facilities.

Watch a video about Patrick Enterprises Corporation here.

Learn more about Giles County, a community 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.

Inmotion Recognized as One of Top Virginia Employers for Internships

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Montgomery County, VA – Inmotion received an award for Top Virginia Employers for Interns in 2022. This inaugural award was a collaboration between The Virginia Talent + Opportunity Partnership (V-TOP), the State Council of Higher Education for Virginia (SCHEV) and the Virginia Chamber of Commerce . The award recognized 32 recipients who were selected for their work-based learning opportunities.

Interns at Inmotion ‘get immersed in real role activities they would actually see in their careers’.

The recipients’ programs were picked based on a variety of factors, including “a minimum 8-13 week-long internship; exposure to senior leadership, structured mentorship programs, and team lunches, social events and learning opportunities”.

Review the full list of award recipients here.

Does your company have interns for the summer? Enroll them in the NRV Experience program hosted by Onward NRV. The seven-week program features a series of community engagements, professional development, 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 with the 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.

Oransi to Manufacture Air Filters in Radford

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Radford, VA – The Chief Executive Group recently reported that Oransi Inc., an NRV manufacturing company, is working to shift all manufacturing from China to their Radford location. This will mean adding an additional 100 new employees to assemble and engineer the filters.

The article quotes Peter Mann, CEO of Oransi, as saying this about the benefits of locating in the New River Valley:

“Finding talent in the ‘electric motor hub’ won’t be an issue. We are near Virginia Tech and there are a few other electric motor companies in the area, so there is a lot of knowledge here.”

Oransi has established itself as a leading air purification company and has become one of the fastest growing businesses in America. It hopes to manufacture a range of purifiers in the New River Valley that will serve general consumers to health professionals.

Read the article detailing Oransi’s manufacturing plans here.

Explore another recent article about Oransi from Virginia Business magazine here.

Discover why Virginia’s New River Valley is a natural fit for your 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.

Harmonia Founder Wins Virginia Business Women in Leadership Award

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Montgomery County, VA – Pallabi Saboo, Founder of Harmonia Holdings Group LLC, was among 30 women selected for the inaugural Virginia Business Women in Leadership Award awarded in 2021. The award recognized those who have demonstrated outstanding leadership in their field and made significant contributions to their community.

Virginia Business reported that Harmonia, a software company headquartered in Blacksburg, VA, grew “from 10 employees and less than $2 million in revenue to 400 workers and $90 million in revenue” under the direction of Pallabi Saboo. Harmonia has also received numerous awards and recognitions under her leadership.

Discover more about the winners of the Virginia Business Women in Leadership Award here.

Virginia’s New River Valley is a natural fit for companies in the Information Technology industry. With exceptional education programs from local colleges and universities, the NRV is producing some of the best IT workforce in the country.

Discover why Virginia’s New River Valley is a Natural Fit for you and your 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.

NRV Company Selected for Johnson and Johnson Innovation Virtual Residency

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Montgomery County, VA – Qentoros , headquartered in Blacksburg, Virginia, was one of three companies recently selected to participate in a virtual mentorship program by The Virginia Tech Research Center and Johnson and Johnson Innovation (JLABS) . This program has been established to help emerging biotech and life science startups.

Brett Malone, President and CEO of the Virginia Tech Corporate Research Center, had this to say about the collaboration:

“These companies will have a much greater chance of getting their potentially-life saving innovations to patients because of the quality of global services and mentorship that JLABS brings to the table. We’re also excited to provide lab space in Blacksburg based on the companies’ needs.”
Read the full announcement of the Virtual Residency here.

Explore more about Montgomery County, a community 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.  
2022 NRV Awards and Accolades

Celebrate the NRV with 2022 Awards and Accolades

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New River Valley, VA – The NRV is a great place to live, work, and do business, and because of that fact, the region was celebrated throughout 2022. Below is a list of just a few of the accolades and awards won this year by the NRV’s counties, city, towns, schools, businesses, and universities.

Regional Rankings

10 Most Popular NRV Blog Posts of 2022

10 Most Popular NRV Blog Posts of 2022

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New River Valley, VA – 2022 was an exciting year in the New River Valley! Explore the ten most popular blog posts of the year from TheNRV.org. The following posts had the most pageviews online.

10. The Future of Trucking Arrives in Pulaski

This post highlighted a Cardinal News article about Trova CV, an NRV start-up company working to transform existing diesel trucks to electric trucks.

9. Financial Agreement Reached in NRV Passenger Rail Expansion

The Virginia Passenger Rail Authority and Norfolk Southern announced the financial closing of the agreement which will help bring passenger rail to the NRV within the next few years.

8. World’s Largest 3D Printing Project Finds a Home in Pulaski County

Alquist 3D announced a project to construct 200 3D-printed housing units in Pulaski. It was dubbed the “world’s largest 3D printing project”.

7. Great Ways to Turn Fall into Fun in the NRV

Explore ten things to do in the fall in New River Valley in this popular blog post!

6. Volvo Lands Largest VNR Truck Order to Date

It was announced in March that Performance Trucks, a California-based logistics company, ordered 110 of Volvo’s VNR electric trucks to be manufactured in the company’s NRV factory.

5. Amenities and Recreation Pave the Way for a Renaissance in Pulaski

This blog post featured a Cardinal News piece, titled “Pulaski Reinventing Itself”, which explored the work being done to improve and develop amenities throughout the Town of Pulaski.

4. Radford’s Highly Anticipated Highlander Hotel Set to Open Soon

This blog post highlighted a Virginia Business magazine article promoting the upcoming opening of Radford’s new Highlander Hotel. The hotel and conference center is scheduled to open in Spring 2023.

3. Three NRV Businesses Named Best Places to Work in VA

Modea, Aeroprobe, and Community Housing Partners were all named on the 12th annual list of best places to work in Virginia by Virginia Business magazine.

2. Industry and Jobs Flowing into the New River Valley

This blog post celebrated four 2021 business announcements throughout the New River Valley that were featured in a Virginia Business magazine article. In total, the four announcements brought 274 new jobs and over $29 million in capital investment to the region.

1. Passenger Rail Station Proposed for Former NRV Mall Site in Christiansburg

The most popular blog post of 2022 highlighted an article from The Roanoke Times detailing that the proposed NRV passenger rail station would be in one of two locations at Uptown Christiansburg development (formerly the NRV Mall).

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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.

VA Earns Top Business Climate Spot From Site Selection Magazine

Virginia Earns #1 Business Climate Spot From Site Selection Magazine

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New River Valley, VA – Virginia Business has announced that the state has earned the top spot in Site Selection magazine for best business climate. Virginia has catapulted nine places from its number ten ranking last year and has unseated Georgia, which has had an eight-year streak at the top.

The head of the Virginia Economic Development Partnership, CEO and President Jason El Koubi, is quoted in the article citing specifics,

“In 2021, the Virginia Economic Development Partnership announced 130 projects in Virginia, expected to bring more than 18,000 jobs and $2.1 billion in investment. And since January, VEDP has announced 65 more projects. Virginia has been most successful attracting projects in advanced materials, supply chain management, data centers, and life sciences.”

Site selectors were surveyed and responded that their number one criteria for site selection is workforce skills, followed by tax climate and workforce development.

Virginia is ahead of the curve with major workforce programs and partnerships. The Virginia Tech Talent Pipeline Program “aims to produce 31,000 in-demand computer science graduates during the next two decades through a cooperative program with 11 Virginia universities”. Additionally, the Virginia Talent Accelerator Program, the result of collaboration between VEDP and the Virginia Community College System, provides “customizable job training and other support to qualifying companies at no cost,” per the article.

The New River Valley also has several exciting talent development initiatives, including a recent announcement regarding a GO Virginia grant to fund workforce development in Floyd and Pulaski counties.

Find out more about the robust business climate 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.