NRV Leaders Listed in the ‘Virginia 500’ by Virginia Business

NRV Leaders Listed in the ‘Virginia 500’ by Virginia Business

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New River Valley, VA – Eight leaders across the New River Valley were listed in the inaugural “Virginia 500 – The 2020 Power List” recently published by Virginia Business magazine. This list of influential people in Virginia was created by the magazine “to be an insightful and helpful resource on leadership in Virginia.” Read more about how Virginia Business created the list here.

The NRV leaders included in the Virginia 500 are:

  • Dan Larimer | Federal Contractors, Technology | Chief Technology Officer, Block.one
  • Franky Marchand | Manufacturing | Vice President and General Manager, Volvo Group Trucks Operations in Americas
  • Dan St. Martin | Manufacturing | President, Kollmorgen Corp.
  • John Dooley | Nonprofits, Philanthropy | CEO, Virginia Tech Foundation
  • Raymond Smoot | Economic Development | Chair, Go Virginia Region 2 Council
  • Justin Fuente | Arts, Entertainment, Sports | Head Football Coach, Virginia Tech
  • Brian Hemphill | Education | President, Radford University
  • Tim Sands | Education | President, Virginia Tech

    Learn more about the leaders, industries, and communities 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.

    • FastForward Prepares NRV Workforce for Jobs in Manufacturing

    FastForward Prepares NRV Workforce for Jobs in Manufacturing

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    Pulaski County, VA – New River Community College (NRCC)’s FastForward Program was highlighted in an article in the July 2020 issue of Valley Business Front. The program is run by NRCC’s Office of Workforce Development and is designed to help individuals in Virginia’s New River Valley prepare and train for in-demand careers.

    According to the article, “FastForward was made possible by the New Economy Workforce Credential Grant Program, developed during the 2016 General Assembly Session, to create and sustain a supply of credentialed workers to fill high-demand occupations in fields which support the state’s economy while making the attainment of these credentials more affordable.”

    Several of the FastForward training programs at NRCC are designed to serve students looking for careers in the manufacturing industry. There are two Six Sigma certification programs that are offered in partnership with the college’s Manufacturing Technology Center. In addition, the college is adding a Certified Production Technician (CPT) program in Spring 2021. This goal of this Manufacturing Skills Standards Council (MSSC) program is to “raise the level of performance of production technicians both to assist the individuals in finding higher-wage jobs and to help employers ensure their workforce increases the company’s productivity and competitiveness.”

    Virginia’s New River Valley is a hub for the advanced manufacturing industry, and training programs like FastForward help to strengthen the industry’s talent pool in the region.

    Read the full article from Valley Business Front about the NRCC FastForward program here.

    Learn more about the NRCC FastForward 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 Manufacturing Industry Featured in Valley Business FRONT

    NRV Manufacturing Industry Featured in Valley Business FRONT

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    New River Valley, VA – The August 2020 issue of Valley Business FRONT featured an article titled, “Not Your Father’s Manufacturing Industry”. The article showcased the manufacturing industry in Virginia’s New River Valley.

    The region is a hub for the manufacturing industry, with, according to the article, “140 manufacturers… located in the New River Valley. The sector employs 12,000 people, making it one of the top five employment industries.”

    The article discussed current trends and challenges in manufacturing globally, nationally, and locally. One such challenge is training the workforce to adapt to the increased automation in the industry. Local institutions, such as New River Community College, have implemented programs for students to ensure that qualified employees are available to meet the changing needs of manufacturers in the region.

    Read the entire article from Valley Business FRONT here. Learn more about 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.

    Kollmorgen Increases Production During COVID-19 Pandemic

    Kollmorgen Increases Production During COVID-19 Pandemic

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    Radford, VA – Kollmorgen’s commitment to serving customers during the COVID-19 pandemic was recently highlighted the article, “On the Front Lines” in Virginia Economic Review’s Q2 2020 issue. Kollmorgen’s Radford facilities have ramped up production to meet the increased demand for the company’s motion control products and systems, which are “used to manufacture everything from personal protective equipment to diagnostic machines to ventilators.”

    The article states,

    “Kollmorgen has provided motion solutions to ventilator and respirator suppliers for more than a decade. When leaders at many of those companies learned the nation lacked the necessary ventilators for critical patients and personal protective equipment for health professionals, they wanted to help by increasing production. Other executives of companies which had never manufactured these items wanted to buy components from Kollmorgen that would allow them to start new manufacturing lines. [Kollmorgen General Manager Peter] Dempsey also heard from company heads wanting to increase or start production of other essential items like test kits, diagnostic machines, and CT scanners.”

    Read the entire article about how Kollmorgen is supporting the global response to the COVID-19 pandemic here.

    Learn how people and companies in Virginia’s New River Valley are responding to the pandemic 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 Project Ranked 3rd Largest in VA for 2019

    Pulaski County Project Ranked 3rd Largest in VA for 2019

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    Pulaski County, VA – Volvo Trucks North America’s expansion in Pulaski County was recognized by Area Development magazine as one of 2019’s top economic development projects in Virginia. It was ranked third in the state with 777 new jobs created and an investment of $400 million.

    Here’s what Area Development had to say about Volvo and Virginia’s New River Valley:

    “Virginia was a big winner in 2019, too, with 777 jobs being created by Volvo Trucks North America in Pulaski County. State leaders called the $400 million investment on of the largest ever in the southwest part of the state.”

    The project helped Virginia win the 2020 Gold Shovel Award for states with a population of 8 – 12 million people. This annual award from Area Development “recognize[s] states for their achievement in attracting high-value investment projects that will create a significant number of new jobs in their communities.”

    Virginia’s New River Valley is a hub for the advanced manufacturing industry. The region boasts over 100 manufacturing companies in sub-sectors such as chemicals, plastics and materials, automotive, and motion control systems.

    Here is the list of the Top 5 projects in Virginia for 2019:

    RankCompanyCity/CountyN/EJobsInvestmentIndustry
    1AmazonArlington CountyN25,000$2.5 billionHeadquarters
    2Incentive Technology GroupArlington CountyE1,000$5.1 millonIT
    3Volvo Trucks North AmericaPulaski CountyE777$400 millionHeavy Trucks
    4Morgan Olsen, LLCPittsylvania CountyN703$57.8 millionWalk-in Step Vans
    5WegmansHanover CountyN700$206 millionDistribution
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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.

    MOVA Technologies Prototype Testing

    MOVA Technologies Receives Proof of Concept for Panel-Bed Filtration System

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    Pulaski County, VA – Virginia Business Magazine recently highlighted Pulaski-based MOVA Technologies in an article about Project Revolution, the company’s panel-bed filtration system. The article discussed a preliminary report, released from researchers in Virginia Tech’s Advanced Propulsion and Power Laboratory, confirming proof of concept for this system.

    Here is what the article had to say about the report’s findings:

    “According to the report, ‘the Virginia Tech team believes that a successful POC was achieved,’ meaning that the system captures gaseous pollutants.”

    The patented technology collects pollutants from the air while extracting recyclable chemicals, including fly ash, nitrogen oxide, sulfur oxide, and carbon dioxide. It is not only less expensive than current systems, but it also allows for the chemicals to be collected and reused by other manufacturers.

    Virginia’s New River Valley is a hub for the manufacturing and technology industries. Companies like MOVA Technologies are moving the region forward by innovating new systems and technologies such as Project Revolution.

    Watch the video below to learn more about the filtration system or read an official press relase from MOVA Technologies about the report here.

    Read the full article from Virginia Business Magazine 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.

    Spectrum Brands shifting production to produce hand sanitizer in Blacksburg

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    BLACKSBURG, Va. – Spectrum Brands Holdings, Inc. (NYSE: SPB; “Spectrum Brands”), a leading global branded consumer products company committed to delivering strong brands and exciting innovation whose Home & Garden business unit supplies Cutter® Insect Repellents, today announced it has shifted production in its Blacksburg, Va., manufacturing plant to produce hand sanitizer. The hand sanitizer is being produced during the COVID-19 pandemic to support the company’s facilities, U.S. employees, and several local organizations in communities where the company operates.

    In two short weeks, the Blacksburg team formulated and pivoted manufacturing to produce hand sanitizer, a much-needed product during this unprecedented pandemic. The team then began supplying the hand sanitizer to all 15 Spectrum Brands facilities and offices across the U.S. to promote the safety of the organization’s employees.

    In addition to supplying hand sanitizer to employees and facilities, Cutter™ brand will donate hand sanitizer to local organizations across the communities in which Spectrum Brands has operations. Cutter® mosquito and tick repellent products have been protecting families for over 50 years as one of the leading repellent brands in the U.S.

    “It’s a natural extension of the brand portfolio to expand the Cutter™ line beyond insect protection to fight germs as well,” said Steve Schwallie, Division Vice President of Marketing at Spectrum Brands. “We are pleased to be able to move into this segment and provide these products for our community partners.”

    While the team continues to identify community partners, Carilion Clinic, a not-for-profit health care organization based in Roanoke, Va., and the St. Louis Area Foodbank are among the first organizations to receive Cutter™ hand sanitizer donations. The St. Louis Area Foodbank will distribute the donated sanitizers to its network and use them within its facility.

    “We are so grateful for our ongoing partnership with Cutter™ brand and for this donation of hand sanitizers,” said Meredith Knopp, President and CEO for the St. Louis Area Foodbank. “Proper sanitation is critical for us to continue serving those in need in the St. Louis community. Cutter™ brand has been a longtime partner of ours, and this donation will go a long way – for our network and the individuals in need of assistance in our community.”

    Cutter™ hand sanitizer will also be available to consumers in the coming weeks.

    About Spectrum Brands Holdings, Inc.

    Spectrum Brands Holdings, a member of the Russell 1000 Index, is a leading supplier of residential locksets, residential builders’ hardware, plumbing, shaving and grooming products, personal care products, small household appliances, specialty pet supplies, lawn and garden and home pest control products, and personal insect repellents. Helping to meet the needs of consumers worldwide, Spectrum Brands offers a broad portfolio of market-leading, well-known and widely trusted brands including Kwikset®, Weiser®, Baldwin®, National Hardware®, Pfister®, Remington®, George Foreman®, Russell Hobbs®, Black+Decker®, Tetra®, Marineland®, Nature’s Miracle®, Dingo®, 8-in-1®, FURminator®, IAMS® and Eukanuba® (Europe only), Digest-eeze™, Healthy-Hide®, Littermaid®, Spectracide®, Cutter®, Repel®, Hot Shot®, Black Flag® and Liquid Fence®. For more information, please visit www.spectrumbrands.com.

    About Cutter® Products

    Wherever your outdoor adventures take you, Cutter® products keep your family covered. For more than 50 years, the Cutter brand has been a trusted name in insect repellents, with a range of formulations available that make it easy to pick the right product to ward off mosquitoes and ticks. With the brand’s expansion into the personal care category with hand sanitizer and insect bite care products, now there are more Cutter options available than ever to protect what you love most. For more information about Cutter products, visit www.cutterinsectrepellent.com.

    Media Contact:
    Connie Caldwell, Communications/Creative Services
    Spectrum Brands, Inc. – Global Pet Care/Home & Garden
    connie.caldwell@spectrumbrands.com 

    Source: Spectrum Brands Holdings, Inc.

     

    H&V Delivering Critical Materials in the Fight Against COVID-19

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    Floyd, VA – As the COVID-19 virus is straining the global healthcare supply chain, Hollingsworth & Vose, which has operations in Floyd County, is busy making filtration material that is a critical component in Respiratory Protection Equipment being used to fight the virus. H&V is taking this responsibility seriously as well as the safety of its employees and the community. Over the last few months, the corporation has added staff and adjusted manufacturing schedules to optimize the amount of product it can produce in response to this global health crisis. H&V is also prioritizing orders from existing customers who have active manufacturing and distribution within the respiratory protection market with approved products. This approach will optimize the speed and number of people who can be helped in this challenging situation. H&V is currently supplying media that will be used in the following applications:
    • 40 million N95 facemasks per month
    • 40 million medical breathing devices, including ventilators per month
    • 20,000 HEPA filters per month used in hospitals and pharmaceutical laboratories

    Pulaski County Led Virginia in Economic Development Performance in 2019

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    Pulaski County, VA – Pulaski County once again tops the state in economic development, finishing 1st in the Commonwealth for new job creation and 2nd in the Commonwealth for new capital investment per capita.

    According to data compiled by the Virginia Economic Development Partnership on announcements of employment creation and capital investment for 2019, Pulaski County finished 1st overall in Job Creation, 2nd overall in New Capital Investment and 17th overall in the Number of Projects Announced per capita for the Calendar Year 2019, out of all 95 counties and 38 independent cities within the Commonwealth of Virginia.

    The ranking outcomes were the result of Pulaski County’s two (2) qualified projects in CY-2019, both of which were officially announced in concert with the Governor’s office. These two (2) basic industry sector projects will collectively create more than 790 new jobs and more than $401 million in new capital investment. The two projects referenced consisted of Volvo Trucks North America and BimmerWorld.

    “The Board of Supervisors is very gratified to receive the number one spot in economic development for the second time in three years. This continuing success is certain to have significant long-term benefits to the people of our county and to the economy of the entire New River Valley. We have one of the best economic development teams in Virginia, and they have been working very effectively with the previous and current Board of Supervisor members and other local leaders to support our existing businesses and industries to create jobs and encourage investment here in Pulaski County.” – Joseph Guthrie, Chair of the Pulaski County Board of Supervisors

    Pulaski County also ranked number 1 in the Commonwealth in 2017 for Overall Economic Development Performance per capita having facilitated the creation of more than 600 new jobs and $57 million in new capital investment derived from five (5) qualified basic industry sector projects in CY-2017. Since January of 2017, Pulaski County has enjoyed seven (7) qualified announcements that have resulted in nearly $475 million in new capital investment and more than 1,460 new jobs created. One of the seven announcements recently occurred on January 21, 2020, when Patton Logistics, LLC was welcomed as the newest member of Pulaski County’s business community.

    “We knew Pulaski County had another impressive year of announcements, but did not anticipate we would end up on top again out of all 133 jurisdictions considering Virginia’s #1 business ranking and how strong the economy was in 2019. We are thankful to have world-class companies such as Bimmerworld and Volvo who call Pulaski County home and are willing to invest millions and even hundreds of millions into their operations, their people and their future.” – Jon Wyatt, Chair of the Pulaski County Economic Development Authority

    According to the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics, Pulaski County’s unemployment rate remained at the 20-year low of 2.8% in November of 2019, reaching the third lowest monthly rate in more than 30 years. “The availability of good jobs is foundational to the health of our local economy and achieving our goal of 40,000 people by 2030, and it takes leadership from our elected officials, a skilled workforce, a talented economic development team and trust, confidence and commitment from our businesses to make this possible,” stated Jonathan D. Sweet, County Administrator. “Our culminated successes in the past three years is not by accident, but rather the results of a lot of hard work, strategy, creativity and risk taking by our economic development team, the unwavering support of our Board of Supervisors and EDA, a deep talent pool and without a doubt, God’s favor.”

    Pulaski County, located in the New River Valley of Virginia, is home to eight (8) international companies that represents more than 5,000 advanced manufacturing jobs. The County is considered to be Southwest Virginia’s Center for International Business and the New River Valley’s Advanced Manufacturing Hub.

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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.

    Volvo Trucks Hosts STEM Students

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    Dublin, VA – Volvo Trucks opened its doors to middle school students from across the New River Valley to expose them to the variety of opportunities within advanced manufacturing.

    More than 100 students had the opportunity to see the 1.6 million-square-foot plant, however the focus of the conversations was how to use creativity and work as part of a team to bring innovation to the job. From virtual reality to robotics, students were able to see the ideas of Volvo Group come to life.

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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.