New Modea Headquarters in Blacksburg, VA

Modea to Invest $100,000 and Create 20 New Jobs in Blacksburg

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Montgomery County, VA — Governor Ralph Northam today announced that Modea, a technology company that specializes in digital strategy for healthcare organizations, will invest $100,000 to grow its operation in Montgomery County. Headquartered in Blacksburg, Modea recently moved to a larger office space located at 301 South Main Street and will expand to accommodate new business, creating 20 new jobs.

“Modea’s success in Montgomery County is demonstrating that growth in the tech industry is happening across diverse regions of Virginia,” said Governor Northam. “This pandemic continues to highlight the value of digital health solutions like those that Modea offers its customers. The New River Valley has become a hub for technology businesses of all sizes, and we are proud to see this homegrown company expanding and creating new jobs in our Commonwealth.”

“The New River Valley has become a hub for technology businesses of all sizes, and we are proud to see this homegrown company expanding and creating new jobs in our Commonwealth.”
– Governor Ralph Northam

Modea was founded in Virginia in 2006 and focuses exclusively on the healthcare industry. The company provides strategic consulting and integration services, and designs customized software solutions and mobile applications for hospital systems and other healthcare organizations. Modea’s clients include Vanderbilt University Health, Children’s National Health System, and Carilion Clinic.

“Modea has been an important employer in Montgomery County for nearly 15 years, serving high-caliber healthcare clients’ IT needs from its growing operation in Blacksburg,” said Secretary of Commerce and Trade Brian Ball. “The company’s ability to adapt and develop solutions in the constantly changing health tech industry is impressive, and we thank Modea for its commitment to the region and the Commonwealth.”

“Modea was founded in Blacksburg, Virginia because of the incredible quality of life and the availability of technical talent in the New River Valley,” said Christopher Riegger, Chief Operating Officer at Modea. “COVID-19 is shining a bright light on the need for better digital tools in healthcare and demand for our services is growing quickly. As we scale to meet this need, doing so here in Blacksburg allows us to leverage strong, local relationships and retain our company culture.”

“Modea was founded in Blacksburg, Virginia because of the incredible quality of life and the availability of technical talent in the New River Valley.”
– Christopher Riegger, Chief Operating Officer at Modea

The Virginia Economic Development Partnership worked with Montgomery County to secure the project for Virginia and will support Modea’s job creation through the Virginia Jobs Investment Program (VJIP). VJIP 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.

“Modea has done an excellent job of identifying a need and quickly providing a solution to meet the need,” said Steve Fijalkowski, Chair of the Montgomery County Board of Supervisors. “We’re proud companies like Modea choose to make Montgomery County their home, which in turn creates quality job opportunities for our citizens.”

“We’re proud companies like Modea choose to make Montgomery County their home, which in turn creates quality job opportunities for our citizens.”
– Steve Fijalkowski, Chair of the Montgomery County Board of Supervisors

“Modea’s expansion is a significant win for our region’s future and our growing economy,” said Senator John S. Edwards. “Modea is a technology leader that exemplifies the New River Valley’s entrepreneurial spirit and world-class tech talent.”

“I have enjoyed working with Modea as they have grown as an industry leader in healthcare technology,” said Delegate Chris Hurst. “We are very proud that the New River Valley is home to such innovative technology companies as Modea. We look forward to their continued growth and success.”

Office of the Governor
Contact: Alena Yarmosky
Email: Alena.Yarmosky@governor.virginia.gov

Virginia Economic Development Partnership
Contact: Suzanne Clark
Email: sclark@vedp.org

Modea
Contact: Chris Riegger
Email: chris.riegger@modea.com

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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 Companies Receive $300,000 to Fund Research & Development

NRV Companies Receive $300,000 to Fund Research & Development

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Montgomery County, VA – Four Blacksburg companies were recently awarded incentive grants through the Commonwealth Research Commercialization Fund (CRCF) to fund research in unmanned systems, life sciences, and clean energy. Governor Ralph Northam announced in Junethat the businesses were among 26 across the Commonwealth to receive the awards. According to the governor’s press release, “The [CRCF] accelerates innovation and economic growth in Virginia by advancing solutions to important state, national, and international challenges through technology research, development, and commercialization.”


Read more about the grant winners from Blacksburg below:

Commercialization Program
Cowden Technologies, LLC | Mr. Mickey Cowden
A Smart Docking Station for Drones, $75,000, Unmanned Systems, Blacksburg

Eksdyne Inc. | Mr. Joshua Eckstein
A Magnetohydrodynamic Actuator System for Robotics, $74,915, Unmanned Systems, Blacksburg

Techulon Inc. | Dr. Nrusingh Mohapatra
PPNA-Based Antimicrobial Therapeutics Against Multi-Drug-Resistant Pseudomonas and Acinetobacter, $75,000, Life Sciences, Blacksburg

Small Business Innovative Research (SBIR) and Small Business Technology Transfer (STTR) Matching Funds Programs
Li Industries, Inc. | Mr. Nolan Schmidt
Effective Materials Separation for Low-Cost Lithium Ion Battery Direct Recycling, $75,000, Clean Energy, Blacksburg


Read the governor’s full press release here.

Read more about the Commonwealth Research Commercialization Fund 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.

Job Board Launched on Virginia's New River Valley Website

Job Board Launched on Virginia’s New River Valley Website

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New River Valley, VA – Many employers in Virginia’s New River Valley are hiring amid the COVID-19 pandemic. Onward NRV, a public/private, regional economic development organization, launched an online Job Board in March 2020 to help connect employees looking for work with employers that have job openings.

The job board can be found on the Virginia’s New River Valley website. It features a section for job listings from featured employers in the region.

Job seekers can also use the job board to search for new career opportunities in specific industries. Listings are available in eight different job categories:

  • Technology
  • Manufacturing
  • Healthcare
  • Accounting and Finance
  • Construction and Architecture
  • Education
  • Human Resources
  • Marketing and Sales

    • In addition to searching by industry, potential employees can also search and filter through all jobs available in Virginia’s New River Valley. Over 100 available jobs have been posted to the job board within the last two weeks. All sections of the job board are powered by Indeed, the #1 job site in the world.

    Onward NRV’s mission is to attract and retain world class jobs, investment and talent in Virginia’s New River Valley. Onward promotes economic vitality in the region through supporting the growth of four targeted industries: Information Technology, Advanced Manufacturing, Food Processing & Agribusiness, and Unmanned Systems. The job board is one way the organization is working to connect employees with employers in these targeted industries. Learn more about Onward NRV here.

    Click here to browse the job board and learn more about career opportunities currently available 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.

    Harmonia Recognized as one of Virginia's "Fantastic 50"

    Harmonia Recognized as One of Virginia’s “Fantastic 50”

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    Montgomery County, VA – The Virginia Chamber of Commerce recognized Harmonia Holdings Group on it 2020 Fantastic 50 list, a ranking of the 50 fastest-growing companies in Virginia. It was the only company from Virginia’s New River Valley to make the list.

    Harmonia Holdings Group was born in 2006 at Virginia Tech’s Corporate Research Center in Blacksburg to bring innovation and change to the federal IT sector. It believes that with federal budgets shrinking, there was a huge opportunity to bring more efficiency to government through innovative technology solutions. From the start, Harmonia focused on two simple foundational ideas, recruit top talent to the team and provide world-class benefits and an environment to succeed, as well as develop innovative solutions for the government.

    To be eligible for the Fantastic 50 list, a company must be privately held with headquarters in Virginia, show revenues between $200,000 and $200 million, and demonstrate positive revenue growth and positive net income in its most recent fiscal year over the previous year. Companies are judged on four-year revenue history.

    Harmonia Holding Group is one of over 80 technology companies located in the New River Valley. Collectively, the sector employs over 1,1600 professionals that are helping define and advance cutting-edge technologies of tomorrow in blockchain, unmanned systems, cybersecurity, software, and digital creative.

    To learn more more about Harmonia Holdings Group, including current job openings, visit: www.harmonia.com

    Floyd Growth Center to be built using $2.6 million in grant funds

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    Floyd County, VA – The Economic Development Authority of Floyd County was just awarded a $2.305 million grant from the US Economic Development Administration (their press release attached) for Building 1 of the new Floyd Growth Center This is in addition to the $302,000 grant already awarded for the project by the Virginia Tobacco Region Revitalization Commission. The project cost is estimated to be $2.88 million.

    The Floyd Growth Center will be a small campus on Lot 4 in the Floyd Regional Commerce Center providing small graded sites for non-retail businesses. Building 1 will be a 13,000 SF resilient light industrial building on one of those sites. It will have two main spaces: one will be about 4,300 SF and the other about 8,700 SF with each having a production area, drive-in door, and an office suite. The building will have 3-phase power, fiber to the premises with Gigabit service, public water and sewer, and dock-access. It will have special resiliency features including back-up generator, some solar photovoltaic, lightning protection system and reinforced walls and roof.

    “When we applied for this last August, our goal was to develop affordable spaces for premium production or fabrication work, where local businesses could grow into and other businesses could consider space in Floyd,” said Jon Beegle, the local EDA Chairman.

    “This is an exciting grant award. This project will provide construction work in the short-term and in the long-term will support more higher-wage job opportunities for those with technical and trade skills,” said Joe Turman, Chairman of the Floyd County Board of Supervisors. We deeply appreciate the support from the US EDA and the Virginia Tobacco Commission.”

    Construction is expected to begin by the spring of 2021 on the building.

    “We were very fortunate to get this US EDA funding,” Lydeana Martin, the Community and Economic Development Director shared. “They had special funding to help communities affected by Hurricanes Florence and Michael in 2018. Thanks to input from more than 50 local businesses, we were able to document the impact of those storms including loss of power, blocked roads, and flooding. This building will provide a more resilient option to businesses looking for non-retail space.”

    “It’s very expensive to create good building pads and to construct business facilities,” according to Beegle. “And many businesses cannot afford to do so. Leasing often fits their business model better, especially in the early years of the business.”

    The Floyd County EDA completed the Floyd Innovation Center in 2015. It provides spaces from 120 SF to 4,300 SF for businesses. It is fully occupied.

    The Tobacco Commission is committed to developing a diverse economy in Southern and Southwest Virginia. Having infrastructure including sites and facilities is an important part of accomplishing that goal and the Commission looks forward to continuing to support projects that will bring jobs and investment to the areas served.

    For more information, contact Lydeana Martin at the lmartin@floydcova.org or 540 267-4083.

    Sky-high deliveries benefit NRV small businesses, consumers during pandemic

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    From Virginia Tech — Written by Jenny Kincaid Boone

    Montgomery County, VA – Like most restaurant owners across the nation in the past month, Luke and Cassie Brugh have had to think fast to keep their business afloat. They turned their Christiansburg coffee shop into a curbside-only business, with the bulk of their orders coming through an app, to comply with government orders to limit customer contact because of COVID-19.

    But in navigating the challenges of this shuffle, the Brughs have discovered a silver lining. Brugh Coffee is selling double the cans of its cold brew java — by drone. That’s compared with cold brew sales through its new curbside business.

    These air deliveries are made possible by Wing, a drone delivery enterprise and offshoot of Google’s parent company Alphabet that has seen a dramatic increase in its business since the pandemic began.

    Wing recently added Brugh Coffee and other Christiansburg restaurants — Mockingbird Cafe and Gran Rodeo — to its food delivery options.

    From March to early April, Wing saw a 350 percent jump in the number of people signing up for its services across its four sites in three continents. They are in Christiansburg, Virginia; Helsinki Finland; and two cities in Australia, Canberra and Logan City, said spokesman Jacob Demmitt.

    Similarly, in a two-week period in early April, the company had 1,000 deliveries globally, a “dramatic increase” from the typical two-week business model, he said.

    In October 2019, Wing launched the commercial drone delivery service in Christiansburg with the Virginia Tech Mid-Atlantic Aviation Partnership (MAAP). MAAP is a test site for unmanned aircraft systems designated by the Federal Aviation Administration.

    Through the partnership, Wing also offers drone delivery from Walgreens, FedEx, and Sugar Magnolia, a Blacksburg gift and candy shop, in addition to the newly added businesses. Customers order items via Wing’s app, and the products are delivered quickly, sometimes in as little as three to five minutes to a designated area near the consumer’s home. Hovering in the air, the drone extends the package to the ground, where it lands softly.

    “It became clear early on [in the pandemic] that delivery services were becoming more and more important,” said Demmitt, noting that Wing began its partnerships with Brugh Coffee and Mockingbird Cafe at the start of COVID-19. “It came at a time when it was getting harder and harder for them to reach customers.”

    Brugh Coffee sells bags of coffee and cold brew for Wing drone delivery, but it hopes to add hot coffee drinks in the future, Luke Brugh said.

    “This was kind of ideal for us as small business owners,” he said. “It’s been good to have that extra income.”

    In addition to adding new businesses, Wing has changed its product catalog for Walgreens to match customers’ pandemic needs. For example, the service added grocery staples, including baby food, pasta, and snacks, along with children’s toys and games. Toilet paper and sidewalk chalk, in particular, have been big sellers, Demmitt said.

    “It’s a small relief, but we wanted to do whatever we could to help,” he said.

    As the success of Wing’s drone delivery grows, particularly during the pandemic, MAAP plans to share information and lessons learned with the FAA and other government entities, said Mark Blanks, director of MAAP.

    “It is a unique situation, but at the same time, it really does showcase why this is such a good technology and opportunity to benefit people,” he said. “This is the first place in the country that this is happening, which means everybody’s watching.”

    Rommelyn and Zach Coffren and their four-year-old son, Noah, began ordering from Wing last fall. The drone service is just as important now that the couple, both Virginia Tech alumni and university employees, are working from their Christiansburg home, caring for their son, and following social distancing guidelines.

    Recently, the family watched a movie together in their backyard, and they ordered Walgreens snacks by drone. Also, this month, the Coffrens ordered lunch from Gran Rodeo, one of their favorite restaurants. It arrived via three separate drone deliveries due to weight restrictions.

    The Coffrens, who were interviewed for a recent NBC Nightly News segment about drone delivery, watched as each drone hovered over their backyard, lowering street tacos, beans and rice, a burrito, and arroz con pollo to the ground, one at a time. The family also is fielding inquiries from their friends about how to use the Wing app.

    “The drone deliveries have been a nice distraction” from COVID-19, said Rommelyn Coffren. “It’s a way for us to still feel connected to the community to locations that we would patronize anyway.”

     
    NRV Working Smart Header

    NRV Public Health Taskforce Releases Re-Opening Guidebook for Small/Local Business

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    The guidebook outlines promising practices for small/local business operations as they transition to re-opening in the age of COVID-19 following the expiration of the Governor’s Executive Order 53

    NEW RIVER VALLEY, VA – In anticipation of the upcoming expiration of Governor Northam’s Executive Order 53, the New River Valley Public Health Task Force Recovery Team has created Working Smart, Working Safe., a resource for small and local business operations transitioning to re-opening following the COVID-19 outbreak.

    “This guidebook is a tool leaders across the region developed for our local businesses,” said Kevin Byrd, Executive Director of the New River Valley Regional Commission. “It doesn’t supersede any forthcoming direction from Governor Northam; however, it does provide critical information that we want our local business leaders to have in an effort to help them prepare for re-opening their operations.”

    Working Smart. Working Safe. is a resource to help local businesses navigate reopening in their communities amid COVID-19. It is to be used to as a guideline to help serve customers and accommodate employees. The collaborative and comprehensive document was created by the New River Valley Regional Commission, Onward NRV, and chamber of commerce and tourism offices across the region.

    “The New River Valley has done a great job of addressing and containing the COVID-19 outbreak,” said Dr. Noelle Bissell, Director, New River Health District. “While this virus isn’t going away, we have to learn how to live with it and progress toward finding a new normal. The resource guide for re-opening we’re providing to local and small businesses is a step in that direction.”

    Sources for the guidebook include the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC); Virginia Small Business Commission Emergency Task Force; Food and Drug Administration (FDA); Virginia Department of Health; U.S. Chamber of Commerce; Virginia Chamber of Commerce; National Park Service; and the Department of Conservation and Recreation.

    To view the guidebook, visit www.montva.com/coronavirus/resources.

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    About New River Valley Regional Commission

    The New River Valley Regional Commission is one of 21 planning districts in Virginia whose commissions are chartered under Virginia law. The organization encompasses the counties of Floyd, Giles, Montgomery, and Pulaski, and the City of Radford. The purpose of the Regional Commission is to promote regional cooperation, to coordinate the activities and policies of member local governments, and to provide planning assistance to local governments.

    About the New River Valley Public Health Task Force

    The New River Valley Public Health Task Force is composed of local health, public safety, education and government agencies that work to proactively provide local residents and communities with information about COVID-19, to coordinate efforts to reduce its local impact and to facilitate community recovery. For more information, visit www.montva.com/coronavirus and www.vdh.virginia.gov, or call the New River Health District public health call center at 540-267-8240. Hours are Monday through Friday, 8 a.m. to 8 p.m.; Saturday, 8 a.m. to noon and Sunday, noon to 4 p.m. After hours, leave a message.

    Red Rooster Coffee Featured In Virginia Review

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    Floyd County, VA – In the Q1 2020 issue of the Virginia Economic Review, a publication through the Virginia Economic Development Partnership, focused on showcasing Virginia’s food and beverage industry. The New River Valley’s own Red Rooster Coffee was featured in an article in the reveiw, titled “Virginia Roosters Earn National Recognition for Quality.”

    Here is what the article had to say about Red Rooster Coffee:

    Red Rooster Coffee opened in downtown Floyd in 2010 with values reflecting its small-town origins: quality, environmental stewardship, and family. The company uses organic and fairtrade coffees whenever possible, with a particular focus on partnerships with farms that treat workers fairly.

    “The way that specialty coffee is going to move forward in the world and replace plantation-style agribusiness in Brazil and Vietnam is that we have to be transparent about what we’re buying and why we buy the coffee that we buy,” said owner Haden Polseno- Hensley.

    “We buy most of our coffee from a specialty coffee importer who has people on the ground who set price with the farmers or the export mill. They come to an agreement about the size of the premium they’re going to pay, but they always pay a premium above the price on the commodities market.”

    Red Rooster evolved from a small community coffee shop that was one of three in Floyd, a town of 450 people in the New River Valley. Polseno-Hensley realized that he needed a differentiating factor to draw business in a saturated market, and he settled on upping the quality of his brew.

    “My early coffee was better than 95% of the coffee that you could buy,” he said. “But how do you get from that to roasting world-class coffee? It was many years of trial and error and tasting.”

    Red Rooster sells its coffee at Fresh Market and Whole Foods locations in Virginia, Maryland, Delaware, and Washington, D.C., as well as several other stores and coffee shops in the region. In addition to the Forbes honor, the company took first place in the Brewers Cup in the U.S. Coffee Champs qualifiers last year. Its cold brew won first place at Coffee Fest Baltimore in 2018, and its espresso earned the same honor at Coffee Fest NYC in 2016.

    With the bounty of workforce and water paired with affordable land, a good culture for niche markets, and a history of agriculture, Virginia’s New River Valley proves a Natural Fit for companies in Food Processing & Agribusiness.