Homegrown NRV Companies Highlighted in Virginia Economic Review

Homegrown NRV Companies Highlighted in Virginia Economic Review

New River Valley, VA – Companies that were founded in Virginia’s New River Valley and continue to flourish in the region were highlighted in a recent issue of the Virginia Economic Review. The Q4 2022 issue focused on homegrown Virginia companies throughout the Commonwealth.

Here is a list of the NRV companies highlighted in this issue:

The New River Valley has many advantages for starting and growing your business. It has an innovative business community and access to a loyal, highly skilled workforce. It is affordable with a low cost of living. The strategic location with easy access to I-81 and I-77 makes travel and distribution convenient.

Explore all the NRV’s business advantages here.

Read the full “State of Success” issue of the Virginia Economic Review 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.

Giles County Awarded Nearly $400,000 for Site Development

Giles County Awarded Nearly $400,000 for Site Development

Giles County, VA – In January 2023, Giles County was awarded a $387,865 grant from the Virginia Business Ready Sites Program (VBRSP) for site development. The funds will be used to continue the development of Wheatland EcoPark. Wheatland EcoPark is a 130-acre industrial park located adjacent to US-460.

Wheatland EcoPark was one of 21 Virginia sites to receive funding from VBRSP. VBRSP is a discretionary program that is run by the Virginia Economic Development Partnership (VEDP). Its purpose is “to promote development and characterization of sites to enhance the Commonwealth’s infrastructure and promote its competitive business environment.” A total of $90 million in grants were awarded throughout the Commonwealth.

Read the full press release announcing the Fiscal Year 2023 VBRSP recipients here.

Learn more about the Virginia Business Ready Sites Program here.

Explore Giles County, a community in Virginia’s New River Valley, here.

Browse available sites and buildings 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.

Moog Expands International Sales with VALET Graduation

Moog Expands International Sales with VALET Graduation

Montgomery County, VA – Moog was one of ten companies who recently graduated from the Virginia Leaders in Export Trade (VALET) program run by the Virginia Economic Development Partnership (VEDP). This two-year program is designed to help businesses throughout the Commonwealth grow their international exports.

According to VEDP, “[p]rogram benefits include executive training, international sales plan development, educational events and customized research. The VALET program generates an average increase in international sales of 59% for participating companies.”

Read the press release announcing Moog’s graduation from the VALET program here.

Learn more about the VALET program here.

Explore companies across Virginia’s New River Valley who have participated in the VALET 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.

FedEx Ground Montgomery County

FedEx Ground to Open Distribution Center in Montgomery County

Featured image courtesy of Montgomery County Economic Development.

Montgomery County, VA – It was announced in November 2022 that FedEx Ground will be opening a 251,000 square-foot distribution center in Montgomery County’s Falling Branch Corporate Park. The facility, which is located on 41 acres in the industrial park, is expected to be operational in 2023.

According to the press release, “[t]he site was chosen [by FedEx] because of its ease of access to major highways, proximity to customers’ distribution centers and a strong local community workforce for recruiting employees.”

Here is what Montgomery County Board of Supervisors Chair Sherri Blevins had to say about the project:

“Our community continues to grow and having FedEx Ground chose Montgomery County as the home to build one of its most recent distribution centers serves as testament to the work we do every day to make Montgomery County a thriving and growing place for businesses and for our citizens to live and to work.”

Read the full press release about the project here.

Learn 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.

H&V to Create 25 Jobs in Floyd County

Hollingsworth & Vose to Expand and Create 25 Jobs in Floyd County

Global Advanced Materials Manufacturer to invest $40.2 million, create 25 jobs in Floyd County

Governor Glenn Youngkin today announced that Hollingsworth & Vose (H&V), a global manufacturer of advanced materials used in filtration, battery, and industrial applications, will invest $40.2 million to expand its operation in Floyd County. The company will add over 28,000 square feet to its facility at 365 Christiansburg Pike Northeast to accommodate new production equipment to meet increased demand. Virginia successfully competed with Georgia for the project, which will create 25 new jobs.

“Hollingsworth & Vose has generated positive economic impact and job opportunities in Floyd County for more than four decades, and this significant investment further solidifies the company’s commitment to Virginia,” said Governor Glenn Youngkin. “Businesses with a long history of expansion in the Commonwealth offer powerful testimonials on why a Virginia location is a foundation for success, and we look forward to a continued partnership with H&V.”

“Hollingsworth & Vose has played a role in the success of Virginia’s advanced materials industry over the past 46 years, and we are thrilled to support this important corporate partner’s expansion in Floyd County,” said Secretary of Commerce and Trade Caren Merrick. “The company’s continued investment is a strong testament to the New River Valley’s strategic location and business-friendly environment, and we thank H&V for creating high-quality jobs in Floyd County.”

”[Hollingsworth & Vose]’s continued investment is a strong testament to the New River Valley’s strategic location and business-friendly environment, and we thank H&V for creating high-quality jobs in Floyd County.”
– Caren Merrick, Virginia Secretary of Commerce and Trade

“We’ve been a part of the Floyd, Virginia community since 1976. This facility is essential to serving both our global and domestic customers,” said Josh Ayer, CEO of H&V. “We chose Virginia for this expansion because of its positive business environment and strong support from the Commonwealth of Virginia and Floyd County.”

“We’ve been a part of the Floyd, Virginia community since 1976. This facility is essential to serving both our global and domestic customers. We chose Virginia for this expansion because of its positive business environment and strong support from the Commonwealth of Virginia and Floyd County.”
– Josh Ayer, Hollingsworth & Vose CEO

“We are delighted to continue to support Hollingsworth & Vose’s growth in Floyd County. Their new investment is over three times bigger than the largest private investment in our county’s 191-year history,” said Joe Turman, Chairman of the Floyd County Board of Supervisors.

“The Hollingsworth & Vose expansion will provide crucial jobs for our Floyd families and enable us to keep more of our families working here at home,” said Delegate Marie March. “We are a hard-working community and believe that this company understands the loyalty and dedication that workers here in SWVA bring to their business. I happily welcome this investment and expansion to our economy. Private enterprise ventures always reward and benefit our local community.”

With incorporation dating back to 1892 and headquartered in East Walpole, Massachusetts, H&V’s advanced materials contribute to a cleaner world through products that provide clean air, clean liquids, and energy storage. The company has been family-owned for seven generations. In 1976, H&V established its first Virginia facility in Floyd County and employs over 200 workers.

The Virginia Economic Development Partnership worked with Floyd County to secure the project for Virginia. Governor Youngkin approved a $558,700 grant from the Commonwealth’s Opportunity Fund to assist Floyd County with the project.

Read the Governor’s press release 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

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

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.

Cardinal News Highlights Unique NRV Electric Truck Partnership

Cardinal News Highlights Unique NRV Electric Truck Partnership

Pulaski County, VACardinal News has published an article detailing how two NRV companies, Camrett Logistics and Volvo Trucks North America, are operating in an unusually effective symbiotic manner.

According to the article, “Camrett… provides third-party warehousing and distribution services for clients including the Volvo Trucks North America plant in Dublin.”

Since July 2022, Camrett has been using VNR electric truck it bought from Volvo to move parts from their warehouses, located in Fairlawn and Dublin, to Volvo’s plant. This allows Camrett to share with Volvo how the trucks are preforming in real time and in real-world usage scenarios. In return, Camrett gets to beta test the new technology in a rather safe manner.

Collin Peel, founder and CEO of Camrett Logistics, says in the article,

“This is a near-perfect scenario to test the electric trucks. The current truck is running probably a 10-mile loop. So if something were to ever happen, it’s only 10 miles from the shop. And it’s working very well. We actually have it running roughly 20 hours a day.”

Though unofficial, the unique partnership between Camrett Logistics and Volvo is just one example of the innovative and collaborative business culture that exists in Virginia’s New River Valley.

Read the full article from Cardinal News here.

Learn more about Pulaski County, a community in Virginia’s New River Valley, here.

Learn more about doing business in the 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.

SWVA BioChar to Expand and Create 15 New Jobs in Floyd County

SWVA Biochar to Expand and Create 15 Jobs in Floyd County

SWVA Biochar to invest $2.6 million, create 15 jobs in Floyd County

Governor Glenn Youngkin today announced that SWVA Biochar, a leading producer of premium biochar in the Southwest Virginia region, will invest $2.6 million to increase capacity at its operation in Floyd County. Biochar is a highly absorbent, specially produced charcoal with unique properties originally used as a soil amendment and is thought to be the key component in a carbon-negative strategy to resolve several current ecological challenges. The company will make updates to its facility at 209 Sams Road Southeast and add new equipment, including several new kilns. The project will create 15 new jobs.

“SWVA Biochar is creating an innovative product from biomass that has the potential to be applied to multiple industries while also making a positive impact on the environment,” said Governor Glenn Youngkin. “Startups and small businesses are critical to job creation, and this young company is benefitting from Virginia’s entrepreneurial ecosystem. We are doubling down to ensure an economy that encourages innovation and look forward to supporting SWVA Biochar’s future success in Floyd County.”

“Startups and small businesses are critical to job creation, and this young company is benefitting from Virginia’s entrepreneurial ecosystem. We are doubling down to ensure an economy that encourages innovation and look forward to supporting SWVA Biochar’s future success in Floyd County.”
– Governor Glenn Youngkin

“Virginia’s collaborative environment and skilled workforce bolster newer businesses like SWVA Biochar that are creating jobs for the future,” said Secretary of Commerce and Trade Caren Merrick. “As we work to catalyze the growth of startups across the Commonwealth, we celebrate SWVA Biochar’s success and are proud to support the company through the Virginia Jobs Investment Program.”

“Virginia’s collaborative environment and skilled workforce bolster newer businesses like SWVA Biochar that are creating jobs for the future.”
– Caren Merrick, Secretary of Commerce and Trade

“SWVA Biochar worked with expert partners at James Madison University and in Colorado to determine that demand for quality biochar is high along the East Coast and overseas in Great Britain and other European countries,” said Jack Wall, SWVA Biochar Manager. “Virginia’s plentiful, high-quality biomass resources to make biochar and biochar-infused compost, as well as the markets for biochar products around the Commonwealth, are unlimited. These resources, along with a vibrant agriculture environment and a skilled and available workforce, were an obvious recipe for a successful business made possible through the support and cooperative relationships we have in Virginia.”

Founded in 2021, SWVA Biochar produces highly absorbent, specially produced charcoal with a wide variety of environmentally positive applications and carbon sequestering properties. SWVA Biochar is committed to making a positive impact on the environment and playing a role in the reversal of climate change and utilizes a specialized manufacturing process that converts biomass into premium biochar material used for filtration systems and as a soil conditioner. The company’s biochar is produced using biomass obtained from Virginia companies.

The Virginia Economic Development Partnership will support SWVA Biochar’s job creation through the Virginia Jobs Investment Program (VJIP), which provides consultative services and funding to companies creating new jobs in order to support employee recruitment and training activities. As a business incentive supporting economic development, VJIP reduces the human resource costs of new and expanding companies. VJIP is state-funded, demonstrating Virginia’s commitment to enhancing job opportunities for citizens.

Read the Governor’s press release 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.

Red Sun Farms Featured on “Where The Food Comes From”

Pulaski County, VA – The Dublin greenhouse of Red Sun Farms was recently featured on a season two episode of television show Where the Food Comes From. In the episode, titled “Tomatoes from the Ceiling”, Red Sun Farms Director of Operations Jay Abbott shows host Chip Carter the benefits of growing tomatoes in a greenhouse in a humorous and informative manner.

The piece examines the many facets of indoor growing including irrigation using recycled rainwater, the introduction of bees to aid in the pollination of various vegetables, and the stringent sanitation practices that keep the growing spaces spotless and free of harmful bacteria.

Red Sun Farms is one of the largest greenhouse growers in North America with operations in the New River Valley, Canada, and Mexico. In 2021, the company was named the seventh largest greenhouse grower in the U.S. by Greenhouse Grower magazine for the total amount of square footage they occupy in Dublin (2,090,880).

Watch a bonus clip from the episode here:

Learn more about Red Sun Farms here.

Learn more about the Food Processing & Agribusiness 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.