The Future of Trucking Arrives in Pulaski

/0 Comments/in , , , /by

Pulaski County, VA – Cardinal News recently featured an article titled “In Pulaski, Driving Toward the Future,” highlighting a local electric vehicle manufacturer in the NRV. Trova Commercial Vehicles is making history with a process that enables the transformation of existing diesel trucks to electric.

In the article, Patrick Collignon, Trova Founder and CEO, explains the process in easy-to-understand detail saying,

“We take all the components that age well, the cab, the hood, the body, the front axle, the rear axle, all those components that will survive you and me, and we transplant them onto our chassis. So what we have done is we redesigned from scratch a new chassis, a chassis that we believe … is more tailored to the specific components that are critical to an electric drive line.”

According to the article, the process described above means that there is a signifigant savings both from a environmental and cost standpoint. “If you talk about reducing greenhouse gasses, it’s not only at the vehicle’s tailpipe, but now we start reducing that at the tailpipe of the factory,” Collignon said.

The conversion process is still being refined, but Collignon hopes to offer a one-week turnaround saying,

“That means you bring in your diesel truck on Monday, and the next Monday, you drive away with a brand new electric driveline. So that’s a different story than waiting 18 months for a vehicle to come. So lead time is drastically shorter. The cost is drastically less.”

Read the full article about Trova’s advances to electric fleet vehicles here.

Learn more about the advanced manufacturing industry in Virginia’s New River Valley here.

###

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.  em>

NRV Autonomous Vehicle Industry Featured in Virginia Economic Review

CNET.com Features Torc Robotics Leading the Autonomous Trucking Wave of the Future

/0 Comments/in , , , /by

Montgomery County, VA – TORC, a leader in the unmanned systems industry, continues to roll out groundbreaking technology that puts the growing company and Virginia’s New River Valley on the map. Cnet.com recently featured an article detailing the most exciting companies currently occupying the autonomous truck space.

The article, speaks to Torc’s goal of perfecting “level 4” autonomy. This level allows for self-driving in most conditions and environments, but a highly trained safety driver is present to take control of the vehicle at any time if required.

Why do they do it? According to Torc’s website, the answer is simply creating the supply to meet a growing demand.

There is an ever-increasing demand for moving freight safely and sustainably. Torc has over 15 years of experience delivering proven self-driving solutions in our mission to save lives. This experience and our strong partnership with Daimler Trucks make us perfectly suited to meet the demands of developing self-driving trucks.

Torc Robotics Expansion Among Virginia’s Top 10 Projects in 2020

Vehicle testing is a huge part of the process and Torc has been testing in both Blacksburg, VA and New Mexico. Their routes include public roads chosen in part for their diverse terrain, traffic, and weather conditions. They also test on closed course tracks at the Virginia Tech Transportation Institute and a Daimler Trucks facility in Madras, Oregon. Torc has tested numerous vehicle platforms on public roads in 20 states over the past 14 years.

 

Learn more about unmanned systems technology in the NRV here.

Learn why Virginia’s New River Valley is a great place to live, work and do business here.

 

###

 

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.

 

Blacksburg Announces Affordable Housing Fund

/0 Comments/in , , /by

Montgomery County, VA – The Town of Blacksburg recently announced that it has established an Affordable Housing Fund (AHF) that aims to serve the moderate to lower-income segment of the population. The fund will utilize money from the American Rescue Plan Act, which was established to aid communities grappling with the economic impacts of COVID-19.

The announcement clearly addresses the issue saying, “The town of Blacksburg faces a growing deficit of housing of all types, with a particular need for new homes for low- to moderate-income households.” 

The announcement goes on to say, “Because creating affordable housing is not very profitable, affordable housing projects often require financial investment from multiple public sources. An AHF provides a flexible source of local funding to leverage other public, private, and philanthropic investments in affordable housing or support investments (fill gaps) that would not otherwise be filled through existing public programs”.

The town specified that the fund will aim to incentivize housing developers and builders who can demonstrate that their project will achieve one or more of the goals listed below:

  • Increase the supply of affordable housing for low- and moderate-income households near services such as schools, employers, and public transit.

  • Promote the “diversity and vitality” of neighborhoods; and preserve existing affordable housing through renovation & repair. 

  • Retrofit existing affordable housing through renovation and repair.

To qualify for funding, the town’s website details that the developer/builder applicants must have a “demonstrated track record” of prior residential development experience, preferably within the affordable housing sector.

Learn more housing in Blacksburg, a community in Virginia’s New River Valley  here.

###
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.

Business Facilities Ranks the NRV #8 in Recovery Jobs Growth for 2022

/0 Comments/in , , , , , , , /by

VIRGINIA’S NEW RIVER VALLEY – The Blacksburg-Christiansburg-Radford MSA (also known as Virginia’s New River Valley or the NRV) made the Business Facilities list of top-ranked locations (metro) in the category of Best Recovery Metro Areas.

The region secured the #8 spot on the list with a strong showing in the “Recovery Metro Areas” category. The ranking comes by way of the largest percentage gain in total employment from May 2021 to May 2022 based on U.S. Bureau of Labor and Statistics data.

Image courtsey of Business Facilities

The state of Virginia posted a strong showing in BF’s 2022 State Rankings Report, earning a #2 spot for Best Business Climate, #1 for Best Tech Talent Pipeline and Best Cyber Security, and #2 For Best Customized Workforce Training.

The NRV has an excellent workforce that is fueled by great higher education institutions like Virginia Tech, Radford University, and New River Community College. Plus, the endless lifestyle amenities make it an excellent place to live.

For more information, visit Virginia’s New River Valley.

###

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 Earns Coveted Spot on the Inc. 5000 List for 2022

/0 Comments/in , , , /by

Radford, VA – Oransi Inc., an NRV manufacturing company, made the Inc. 5000 list for 2022. The annual rankings by Inc. magazine list the “fastest-growing private companies in the United States” and are a “hallmark of entrepreneurial success”.

Oransi is a veteran-owned air purification company, that opened shop in the City of Radford in 2021. The project brought significant investment and over 100 new jobs to the region.

Only 258 companies across the state of Virginia were included on this prestigious list for 2022. Oransi’s ranking is below.

#3,797 Oransi: 132% 3-Year Growth

Read more about the history of the Inc. 5000 rankings here

See the full Inc. 5000 list for 2022 here.

Learn more about the advanced manufacturing in Virginia’s New River Valley here.

###
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.

Cardinal News Covers Blacksburg-Based Company Aiming for the Stars

/0 Comments/in , , , /by

New River Valley, VA – Cardinal News recently published an article detailing a role that VPT, a Blacksburg-based company, plays in a planned future mission to space. VPT is no stranger to out-of-this-world projects. They also supplied components for the 2020 Mars Rover Perseverance Mission.

“Psyche” is the name of the aircraft currently in development by NASA that could launch as early as 2023. According to the article, “If all goes well, Psyche will rendezvous with an asteroid also called Psyche.”

Psyche (the asteroid) is comprised mainly of metal. The mission is estimated to take 3.5 years and will include a sling-shot type of gravity assist from Mars. Upon reaching the asteroid, the spacecraft will remain in orbit for approximately 21 months.

Dan Sable is the president of Blacksburg’s VPT, Inc. The article states that Sable, 64, “has been involved in the space industry since 1978 when he was a co-op student at RCA Astro-Electronics”. Sable then earned his Ph.D. in electrical engineering from Virginia Tech.

“To succeed, like Sable has, as an engineer/entrepreneur, it takes a visionary who is not afraid to put in the long hours to realize a dream”.

– Brett Malone, president and CEO of the Virginia Tech Corporate Research Center.

Learn more about the Psyche mission here.

Learn more about advanced manufacturing in Virginia’s New River Valley.

###

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.

 

Financial Agreement Reached in NRV Passenger Rail Expansion

/0 Comments/in , , /by

Montgomery County, VA – A press release by the Virginia Passenger Rail Authority (VPRA) and Norfolk Southern Corporation recently announced the financial closing of the agreement which will expand passenger rail service from Washington, DC to the New River Valley.

“The closing of the Western Rail Agreement is great news for Virginians as this is a big step forward in our mission to expand passenger rail to the New River Valley,” said DJ Stadtler, executive director of VPRA.

The agreement brings the Commonwealth one step closer to realizing its plans for expansion into the New River Valley. The new service is expected to add approximately 80,000 passengers in the first year once it is extended into the New River Valley.

Read the full press release here.

Learn more about Christiansburg, a town in Virginia’s New River Valley, here.

###
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 University Earns 2022-2023 College of Distinction Designation

Radford University Earns 2022-2023 College of Distinction Designation

/0 Comments/in , , /by

Radford, VA – Radford University has earned a 2022-2023 College of Distinction designation. This designation from Colleges of Distinction shows that Radford is one of the best colleges across the Commonwealth of Virginia.

According to their website, “Colleges of Distinction was created in 2000 to help students and their parents navigate the overwhelming process of selecting the right school. We aim to help parents and students find not just the ‘best’ college, but the right one.”

Here is what Colleges of Distinction had to say about Radford University:

Founded in 1910, Radford University is a comprehensive, mid-sized university located in the heart of Virginia’s New River Valley. With small class sizes, rigorous academics, a strong emphasis on service to others, and a beautiful, 204-acre campus, Radford University provides an education that is focused on developing the student both inside and outside of the classroom.

Radford University also earned distinctions for their career development and military support services as well as their undergraduate programs in business, education, and nursing.

Read the full press release from Radford University about the distinctions here.

Learn more about higher education in Virginia’s New River Valley here.

###

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.

Top Ten Posts of 2020

Giles County Hikes with Views Featured in Go Hike Virginia

/0 Comments/in , , , /by
Giles County, VA – Sweeping vistas, fresh mountain air, and abundant wildlife are just a few reasons to get out and explore Giles County. Go Hike Virginia recently featured an article detailing a trio of trails that are sure to please those yearning for picture-perfect panoramas.

Here’s a list of the Giles County trails featured in the article:

Kelly’s Knob: A Scenic Appalachian Trail Hike Near Blacksburg, Virginia

All elevation gain is experienced within the first .5 mile of this 4-mile gem located just outside of beautiful Blacksburg, VA. The out and back trail is pet friendly and is rated as moderately difficult.

Sugar Run Mountain: A Vista-Filled Trail Near Pearisburg, Virginia

This 10.8-mile loop hike offers rewarding views of the beautiful blue ridge mountains near Pearisburg, VA. The hike is strenuous and offers 2000 vertical feet of elevation gain! Budget at least 5 hours for this one and bring plenty of water!

Angel’s Rest: Big Views in Pearisburg, Virginia

This 5.0-mile hike is far from easy, but the double dose of far-reaching views makes this hike an absolute must-do when in mountainous Giles County.

Read the full article, including expanded details about each of the trails, here

Find out more about outdoor activities in Virginia’s New River Valley here

###
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 Tech Simulates 5G Smart Grid Technology

/0 Comments/in , , , /by

Montgomery County, VA – The Augusta Free Press recently published an article detailing how researchers are simulating a 5G smart grid for Virginia Tech’s Blacksburg campus.

Here’s what the article had to say about Virginia Tech:

“We are modeling Virginia Tech Electric Service as a microgrid with the bandwidth, low latency, and computing power of 5G,” said Chen-Ching Liu, the American Electric Power Professor and director of the Power and Energy Center (PEC) at Virginia Tech’s Bradley Department of Electrical and Computer Engineering. “This is the right playground to develop advanced technology and solve more complex power grid problems.”

Per the article, “Virginia Tech’s future smart grid will integrate solar arrays, battery storage systems, and other distributed energy resources that require fast, reliable communication for security, monitoring, and remote-controlled capabilities. 5G and NextG wireless networks can meet these requirements by providing wider network coverage and faster data transmission”.

With support provided by the Commonwealth Cyber Initiative in Southwest Virginia, the 5G Power Grid (5GPG) project contributes directly to the Virginia Tech Climate Action Working Group’s effort to transition to 100 percent renewable energy by 2030.

Virginia Tech is one of the several colleges and universities that call Virginia’s New River Valley home.

Learn more about education in the region here.

###
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.