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

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.

 
Virginia Tech Among 50 Most Beautiful College Campuses in America

VT Ranks Highly in U.S. News & World Report Top Colleges Rankings

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Montgomery County, Va– Virginia Tech has issued a press release detailing an impressive array of top-30 engineering, learning communities, and computer science rankings in the U.S. News & World Report 2022-23 Best Colleges rankings.

The rankings utilized 17 different standards of academic quality in its rankings. These include graduation and retention rates, affordability, degree value after graduation, faculty resources, financial resources, and test scores.

The VT College of Engineering was well represented with eight related departments making the list including,

Industrial engineering (No. 4)

Environmental engineering (No. 8)

Civil engineering (No. 11)

Aerospace engineering (No. 12)

Electrical engineering (tie No. 15)

Computer engineering (No. 25)

Undergraduate Engineering (doctorate) (No. 16)

Computer science (tie No. 29)

The university came in at No. 22 in the Learning Communities division. The division focuses on students who typically take two or more linked courses as a group and get to know each other and their professors exceptionally well. The press release states, “College presidents, chief academic officers, deans of students, and deans of admissions from more than 1,500 schools each nominate up to 15 institutions with stellar examples of learning communities.”

In addition, the university scored highly in the following areas:

Best Colleges for Veterans (No. 34)

Best Undergraduate Business (No. 39)

Most Innovative Schools – National Universities (No. 41)

Overall National Universities (No. 62)

Find the university’s abundant rankings mentioned across various publications and platforms here.

Learn more about higher education 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.

 

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

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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.

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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 Earns Coveted Spot on the Inc. 5000 List for 2022

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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.

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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.

RU Ranked #33 Southern Regional University by U.S. News & World Report

Radford University Graduate Programs Recognized in U.S. News & World Report Rankings

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Radford, VA – Radford University recently issued a press release highlighting recognition by U.S. News & World Report’s 2023 Best Graduate Schools rankings. This year’s ranked graduate programs include nursing, psychology, social work, and business administration.

The press release details the depth of the school’s graduate offerings saying, “Radford University serves approximately 10,000 students with diverse academic offerings on the graduate level, including 28 master’s programs in 23 disciplines and six doctoral programs at the graduate level, as well as 14 post-baccalaureate certificates and one post-master’s certificate.”

“We are incredibly proud that Radford University continues to be recognized nationally as one of the leading destinations for students seeking to build upon their knowledge and expand the possibilities in their careers.”
–Radford University Interim President, Dr. Carolyn R. Lepre

This year’s ranking can be added to the list of academic wins for the university. In 2021, U.S. News & World Report recognized RU as a top Southern Regional University.

Read the official press release from Radford University about the rankings here.

Learn more about Virginia’s New River Valley, the region that Radford University calls home, 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.

MELD Manufacturing Receives Award at 2022 AMUG Conference

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CHRISTIANSBURG, VA – MELD Manufacturing was presented with the Advanced Concepts Award at the 2022 Additive Manufacturing Users Group (AMUG) Conference. The annual conference, held in Chicago, “recognizes individuals and their companies for outstanding work in additive manufacturing technology”. The first-place award was a result of MELD’s involvement with the U.S. Army’s Jointless Hull Program.

In 2021 the U.S. Army announced that the MELD technology will be used in a new machine to print vehicle hulls. This solves a long-standing vulnerability in welded aluminum-hulled combat vehicles. It was found that the hulls consistently failed at the same point, which is the welds. The Army needed a way to build the hulls without the faulty welds. With the MELD technology, they can build the hull in one piece. The machine will be the world’s largest metal 3D printer, capable of printing parts as large as 20 feet x 30 feet x 12 feet tall.

For the First Place Advanced Concepts Award, the technology was selected due to its novel nature. MELD Manufacturing is the inventor of the patented, award-winning MELD® process. It is a solid-state process for 3D printing metal.

Read the full press release from MELD here.

Learn more about advanced manufacturing in the NRV 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 Companies Collaborate for Innovative Logistics Solutions

Volvo VNR Wins 2022 Green Truck of the Year Award

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Pulaski County, VA – Green Car Journal recently featured an article awarding the Volvo Trucks VNR model the 2022 Green Truck of the Year.

The VNR Electric Truck, released in 2020, originated from Volvo’s Electric Lights Program and has taken the big rig EV market by storm. The VNR was able to edge out competitor EV models from major manufacturers including the Freightliner eCascadia, Kenworth T680E, and Peterbilt 579EV. With a top speed of 68 miles per hour, the 455 horsepower electric big rig can also cover serious ground featuring a 275-mile range and 5 separate configurations to suit a multitude of commercial uses.

Learn more about how Volvo and other companies in the New River Valley are leading the industry’s electric vehicle evolution here.

Learn more about the advanced manufacturing industry 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.

NRCC Awarded Top Cybersecurity Designation

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Pulaski County, VA- An article recently published by NRV News details that New River Community College (NRCC) has received a designation as a “National Center for Academic Excellence in Cyber Defense” (CAE-CD) from the National Security Agency (NSA).

Per the article, NRCC earned the designation after a “multi-year, peer-reviewed process, in which NRCC showcased their robust and active cybersecurity program that includes a range of student activities.”

The appellation has tangible benefits for both the school and its students. With the CAE-CD, the university will have ample opportunities to participate in faculty professional development training and receive invitations to apply for earmarked federal grants. NRCC students who graduate with an associate degree in Information Technology – Cyber Security Specialization will also receive an official letter detailing the designation.

The article quotes Dr. Dave Filer, NRCC professor of information systems technology, saying,

“This recognition highlights the important work NRCC is doing in cyber security education and makes our graduates even more competitive as they enter the job market or continue learning at a four-year institution”.

Learn more about Information Technology in Virginia’s New River Valley here.

Learn more about education 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.

 

VT Ranked Top Place to Work for Commuters Two Years in a Row

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Montgomery County, VA – A recent press release published by Virginia Tech announced that the university has ranked high on the Bestplacestowork.org list of “top-notch commuter programs and services to students and employees” for the second year in a row.

The university has a bevy of in-house and partner-affiliated commuting resources aimed to reduce campus traffic congestion and offer environmentally friendly alternatives to single-vehicle commutes. Below are a few top-notch programs that again helped earn VT a spot on this year’s list.

Read the full press release from Virginia Tech here.

Learn more about transportation 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.”
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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.