Onward NRV Launches IT Industry Hub Initiatives

Virginia’s New River Valley is an emerging hub for information technology. The NRV is home to over 80 companies with more than 1,600 IT-related jobs specializing in blockchain, cybersecurity, software development, IT support services, and digital creative. Over the past five years, the region has experienced an astounding 29% job growth with over 700 jobs postings just in the past year. With exceptional educational programs at our local universities, Virginia Tech, Radford University, and New River Community College, the NRV is producing some of the best IT workforce in the country who can flourish here, in a region with excellent quality of life and low cost of living. The industry thrives here in our collection of downtowns, outdoor recreation opportunities, and a large presence of grassroots meet-up groups for IT professionals.

Earlier this year, Onward NRV launched its IT Hub Initiative as part of its Onward 2023 five-year economic development strategy for the region. The goal of the initiative is to establish the New River Valley as a nationally recognized hub for IT companies and professionals. Through the initiative, Onward NRV has begun hosting biannual IT Leaders Summits to engage business leaders in supporting and growing the industry.

Onward NRV also recently released an IT Hub Branding video and developed a new section of its website devoted to telling the story of IT in the NRV. The video showcases why the NRV is a great place to work in IT from the quality of life assets, to innovation that comes from the existing industry hub, to the supportive IT culture. A variety of companies are featured through-out the video providing testimonials reinforcing the benefits of IT in the NRV.

In Virginia’s New River Valley, opportunity is abundant and creativity is embraced. Here we’re building tools to protect nations, currencies, and families. We’re creating new experiences, platforms, and technical communities. We’re supporting advanced systems, enterprises, infrastructure, and networks. “If you’re talking to your next-door neighbor, it’s not necessarily about borrowing a lawn mower. But It’s about the autonomous car that their working on or about the blockchain technology, and it gets everybody feeding this variety of ideas and it supports innovation through-out every company in the region.”This is a great time to be in IT in the NRV.Learn more about working and doing business in the NRV www.theNRV.org/IT
Posted by Virginia's New River Valley on Thursday, August 29, 2019

The targeted industry page for IT features Do Business, Work Here, and Live Here components to support companies and professionals looking to work in IT in the NRV. The Do Business page focuses on access to talent with two universities and one community college in the region as well as low operating costs. While the Work Here page shows the buying power of IT professionals in the NRV and the IT culture that has been established by the grassroots community groups. The Work Here page also provides a portal to specifically search for IT jobs in the New River Valley.

Explore the industry pages at www.theNRV.org/IT.

The Industry Hub video and target industry page are just the first step to creating resources to showcase the region as well as exhibiting the New River Valley as an emerging IT hub. The pages will continue to evolve to include internship opportunities, a relocation guide, and more. Onward NRV is also creating Employer Spotlight videos to demonstrate the variety of IT companies and job opportunities available in the NRV. These videos will provide insight from employees at all levels as to why they chose to live, work, and do business in Virginia’s New River Valley.

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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.