FloydFest Featured in 2022 Blue Ridge Festival Guide

FloydFest Featured in 2022 Blue Ridge Festival Guide

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Floyd County, VA – FloydFest is considered one of the “best events in the Blue Ridge” this summer according to Blue Ridge Outdoors magazine. The festival was featured in the magazine’s 2022 Blue Ridge Festival Guide. The 2022 festival will take place from July 27-31.

Here’s what the Blue Ridge Festival Guide had to say about FloydFest:

“The multi-stage musical blowout features one of the best curated musical line-ups in the region—mixing national mainstays with regional upstarts… Set on a beautiful 80-acre mountain plateau right off the Blue Ridge Parkway, FloydFest also offers a nice variety of adventure programming, including mountain biking, trail running, hiking, disc golf, and a wilderness skills workshop.”

Explore the 2022 Blue Ridge Festival Guide from Blue Ridge Outdoors here.

See the full FloydFest ’22 festival lineup here.

Learn more about Floyd 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.

New River Valley Ranks #3 for Tech Jobs Growth in the U.S.

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New River Valley, VA – Axios recently published an article titled “The New Tech Hubs”. The article features data from The Brookings Institute and details that tech jobs in the New River Valley grew by more than 12% from 2019 to 2020 making the region the 3rd highest for rate of growth in the entire U.S.

The Axios piece quotes Brookings’ Mark Muro, a co-author of the report saying;

“Tech jobs drive innovation, pay well, and have substantial multipliers, for local economies and the national one.”

Source: Brookings Institute analysis of Emsi Burning Glass Data

The Brookings report went on to outline the necessity of state funding as it relates to continued growth within the sector. “Renewed state investments in public higher education will be necessary in building up new tech hubs”. The writers go on to recommend four things to ensure strong growth within the tech sector:

Click here to learn more about the tech industry 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.

Floyd Regional Commerce Center

Floyd County Receives Nearly $1 Million for Site Development

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Floyd County, VA– U.S. Senators Mark R. Warner and Tim Kaine announced $971,639 in federal funding from the Appalachian Regional Commission (ARC) awarded to the Economic Development Authority of Floyd County to develop the Floyd Regional Commerce Center.

The funds will be used to construct an access road, an industrial cul-de-sac, and a pedestrian and bike path that will stimulate economic growth and support the creation of an estimated 130 new jobs in the region.

The press release sent from Senator Tim Kaine’s office garnered praise for Floyd County from both senators. “We’re pleased to see Floyd County receive this additional federal resource to finish construction of a new access road,” said the Senators. “This funding will create good-paying jobs and bolster economic development in the region.”

The funding is in addition to the more than $1 million in federal assistance that Senators Warner and Kaine announced in September 2017.

Here is more detailed information about the Floyd Regional Commerce Center:

PROPERTY OVERVIEW:

  • Floyd Regional Commerce Center is a 169-acre, publicly-owned industrial park located in Floyd, VA (Floyd County)
  • Phase II is 51-acre site and can accommodate a 137,000 SF building
  • Major utilities available to the site include water (8″ water line), waste water (8″ gravity feed line), electric (100 MW substation onsite), and broadband (redundant fiber with multi-gigabyte service)
  • Floyd Regional Commerce Center is 20.3 miles from I-81 Exit 114 via VA Route 8
  • Close proximity to colleges: Radford University (35 mins.), Virginia Tech (40 mins.), New River Community College (45 mins.)
  • Total population within a 60-minute commute: 570,879 people
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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.

Phoenix Hardwoods to Expand and Create 8 Jobs in Floyd County

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~Artisan furniture manufacturer expands production, opens storefront in historic heart of the Town of Floyd~

RICHMOND – Governor Ralph Northam today announced that Phoenix Hardwoods, Inc., an artisan manufacturer of high-quality furniture and home goods made exclusively from Virginia-grown hardwoods, will expand its production facility in the county and open a new retail storefront in the historic Farmer Supply store in the heart of downtown Floyd.

The new retail and manufacturing space will enable the company to grow its product line, improve production efficiencies and better serve its customers. The project will create eight (8) career focused positions, lead to $100,000 in new capital investment and allow the company to purchase an additional $76,000 of Virginia-grown hardwoods over the next three years.

“Phoenix Hardwoods makes such beautiful furniture,” said Governor Ralph S. Northam. “Each piece displays the essence of the tree, sourced near Floyd, celebrating the Blue Ridge, and made right here at home in Virginia. Our team has worked hard over four years to bring business opportunities across Virginia, and we are working hard until the very end. We’ve pushed to recruit large, global companies to Virginia–attracting more than $80 billion in new investment and 100,000 new jobs–but we get really excited about the small, family-run Virginia companies, like Phoenix Hardwoods.”

“Phoenix Hardwoods makes such beautiful furniture. Each piece displays the essence of the tree, sourced near Floyd, celebrating the Blue Ridge, and made right here at home in Virginia.”
– Governor Ralph Northam

Established in 2002 by Bill and Corinne Graefe, Phoenix Hardwoods built its reputation through high-quality, artisan-crafted hardwood furniture and home goods. After nearly twenty-years in business, the founders were retiring and planning to close the company. In January 2020, longtime friends of the Graefe’s, Jeff and Annie Armistead, acquired the business. It was a perfect match with Jeff, a lifelong conservationist, and Annie, a local artist and gallery owner. Their desire was to continue what had become a loved and well-respected local business. They are passionate about retaining true handmade artisan craftsmanship which is rich in Floyd and part of the draw to this truly unique community. In addition to keeping the facility and retaining their team of talented young artisans, the company’s retail expansion into the Town of Floyd is breathing new life into the old Farmer’s Supply store, a Floyd landmark that opened in the 1930’s and closed in late 2020.

“As someone who grew-up in the Appalachian woodlands of Craig County, Virginia’s hardwood forests have always held a special place in my heart. I am thrilled that we are able to partner with a community like Floyd County to support a company like Phoenix Hardwoods as both appreciate Virginia’s hardwood resources as much as I do,” said Secretary of Agriculture and Forestry Bettina Ring. “As it is through a deep appreciation of our forests and the beautiful products that come from them, like those created by the artisans of Phoenix Hardwoods, that we are able to grow markets for Virginia’s forest landowners and support sustainable forest management and restoration of our forests.”

“As it is through a deep appreciation of our forests and the beautiful products that come from them, like those created by the artisans of Phoenix Hardwoods, that we are able to grow markets for Virginia’s forest landowners and support sustainable forest management and restoration of our forests.”
– Bettina Ring, Virginia Secretary of Agriculture and Forestry

The company saws, planes, and finishes local hardwood logs and lumber to handcraft fine live edge furniture and accessories. Their mission is to create high end generational pieces that become more valuable once they leave the shop. Their product assortment ranges from custom tables of all kinds beds, stools, chests, live edge mirrors, desks, kitchen goods, and home accessories. Moving the retail gallery to town will increase customer exposure and broaden their reach. Wholesale products, such as laser cut custom logo cutting boards, is a new and growing part of the business.

“As a lifelong conservationist, I’m overwhelmed and elated to receive this AFID grant,” said Phoenix Hardwoods President Jeff Armistead. “This will allow Phoenix Hardwoods to expand and continue our work with Virginia’s sustainable natural and human resources, trees, and jobs.”

The Virginia Department of Agriculture and Consumer Services (VDACS) worked with Floyd County and the Floyd County Economic Development Authority to secure this project for the Commonwealth. Governor Northam approved a $10,000 grant from the Governor’s Agriculture and Forestry Industries Development (AFID) Fund, which Floyd County will match with local funds.

“The Floyd County Board of Supervisors and the Floyd County EDA are excited about the expansion of Phoenix Hardwoods in the County,” said Floyd County Board of Supervisors Chairman Joe Turman. “This expansion by local entrepreneurs is bringing good job creation to our community and capitalizing on local craftsmanship and hardwoods.”

“This expansion by local entrepreneurs is bringing good job creation to our community and capitalizing on local craftsmanship and hardwoods.”
– Joe Turman, Floyd County Board of Supervisors Chairman

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

Virginia Department of Agriculture and Consumer Services
Contact: Michael Wallace
Email: michael.wallace@vdacs.virginia.gov

Phoenix Hardwoods, Inc.
Contact: Jeff Armistead
Email: jeff@phoenixhardwoods.net

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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.

2021 Accolades and Awards for the NRV

2021 Accolades and Awards for the NRV

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New River Valley, VA – Virginia’s New River Valley was frequently recognized during 2021 as a premier place to live, work, and do business. Below is a list of just a few of the accolades won this year by the NRV’s counties, city, towns, schools, and universities.

Radford #9 Best Place to Raise a Family in VALife is Wonderful in Virginia’s New River Valley

FloydFest Wins Four Best of the Blue Ridge 2021 AwardsThe NRV is Known for Its Unique Festivals, Destinations, and Businesses

Lane Stadium Voted Best Football Stadium in ACCEnjoy Sports and Recreation Across the NRV

NRV Tech Companies Make Inc. 5000 List of America’s Fastest-Growing CompaniesCompanies in the Virginia’s New River Valley are Thriving and Growing

VT and Radford Among Best Value Colleges in VirginiaThe NRV Offers High Quality Educational Opportunities

Explore more NRV accolades and awards 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.

10 Most Popular NRV Posts of 2021

10 Most Popular NRV Posts of 2021

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New River Valley, VA – 2021 has been a busy year for Virginia’s New River Valley. The region had important project announcements that brought new investment and jobs. Businesses, universities, schools, and communities won accolades and awards. Recap this eventful year with a list of the ten most popular posts published in 2021 on TheNRV.org. The following posts had the most pageviews online.

43 NRV Destinations and Businesses Win Best of Virginia 2021 Awards

10. 43 NRV Destinations and Businesses Win Best of Virginia 2021 Awards

Businesses and destinations from across the New River Valley were honored in the Best of Virginia 2021 awards from Virginia Living magazine. Click here to see the winners.

9. Radford #9 Best Place to Raise a Family in VA

Radford was ranked the ninth best place to raise a family in Virginia for 2021 by HomeSnacks.com. The city has a lower cost of living and lower crime rates than the national average, which makes it one of Virginia’s most family-friendly places to live!

8. Blacksburg Featured on ESPN’s Ultimate College Road Trip

Virginia Tech’s 2021 football season opener against UNC in Lane Stadium was the first stop on ESPN.com’s nationwide college football extravaganza.

NRV Communities Among Top 20 Safest Cities in VA

7. NRV Communities Among Top 20 Safest Cities in VA

The National Council for Home Safety and Security found that Blacksburg, Radford, and Christiansburg are all among the top 20 safest cities in the Commonwealth of Virginia.

6. Oransi to Establish First Manufacturing Facility and Create 101 New Jobs in Radford

In April 2021, it was announced that Oransi would establish the company’s first manufacturing facility in the City of Radford. The company will invest $5.6 million in the project and create 101 new jobs.

Enjoy Craft Beer at These NRV Breweries

5. Enjoy Craft Beer at These NRV Breweries

This blog post lists the eleven craft breweries located throughout Virginia’s New River Valley. Visit one or more and explore the ever-expanding assortment of breweries in the region!

4. Riner is Virginia’s Best Small Town to Live In for 2021

HomeSnacks.com listed Riner as Virginia’s best small town to live in for 2021. When calculating the ratings, the folks at HomeSnacks evaluated small towns across the Commonwealth with populations under 1,000.

Moog Inc. to Expand and Create 75 New Jobs in Christiansburg

3. Moog Inc. to Expand and Create 75 New Jobs in Christiansburg

It was announced in February 2021 that Moog Inc. would invest $10.7 million to relocate from one of its Blacksburg facilities to the former Dish Network building in Falling Branch Corporate Park in Christiansburg. The company will transfer existing jobs to the new facility and create 75 new jobs.

2. Blacksburg High School Among Top 100 STEM High Schools in U.S.

U.S. News & World Report ranked Blacksburg High School among the top 100 STEM high schools across the nation. BHS also ranked #21 among all public high schools in Virginia, which was nine spots higher than 2020.

10 Things to Do in the NRV This Summer

1. 10 Things to Do in the NRV This Summer

Originally published in 2018, this blog post was updated in Summer 2021 to reflect the most current information about fun summer activities 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.

NRV Communities Win Grants to Expand Broadband Access

NRV Communities Win Grants to Expand Broadband Access

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New River Valley, VA – Broadband access is quickly expanding across Virginia’s New River Valley. Two projects in the region were awarded grant funding from the Virginia Telecommunication Initiative (VATI) to expand broadband to unserved households. These grants were part of an announcement from Governor Northam earlier this week. This most recent initiative to expand broadband across the commonwealth “will advance Virginia 90% to the goal of achieving universal access to broadband and high-speed internet, placing Virginia on track to being one of the first states successfully charting a path to universal access to broadband.”

In addition to the grant funding from VATI, each project leveraged private and local investments as well. Here is more information about the two broadband projects that were funded in Virginia’s New River Valley:

New River Valley Regional Commission and Gigabeam and All Points Broadband
$68,355,355.00 Award
$67,370,008.00 Leveraged
The project will build fiber broadband to 19,966 unserved locations and achieve universal coverage in Bland, Montgomery, and Pulaski Counties.

Floyd County and Citizens
$1,310,267.00 Award
$1,111,725.00 Leveraged
The project will build fiber broadband to 723 unserved locations and achieve universal coverage in Floyd County.



Read the Governor’s press release listing all of the grant winners across Virginia here.

Learn more about efforts to expand broadband access in Virginia’s New River Valley here.

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Virginia’s New River Valley: Virginia’s New River Valley is an eclectic mix of interconnected small towns that each offer their own unique vibe and appeal. The region provides an abundance of cultural and social offerings due to the presence of three world-class universities, while retaining the charm and benefits of small town living. The NRV is home to a diverse and innovative business community with companies that range from high-tech startups to foreign-based corporations to specialty agribusiness. These organizations benefit from the collaborative spirit of our region and a loyal, highly-skilled, and educated workforce. The scenic beauty of the region also fosters a deep connection to nature, which is deepened by access to outdoor recreation and the preservation of our natural environment. It’s clear why Virginia’s New River Valley is “A Natural Fit.”

Onward NRV: Onward NRV is a public/private, regional economic development organization whose mission is to attract and retain world class jobs, investment, and talent in Virginia’s New River Valley. It’s also a movement where leaders from business, government, and higher education work together to promote the economic vitality of the region.

Virginia Tech Project Named Finalist for BBB Regional Challenge

Virginia Tech Project Named Finalist for BBB Regional Challenge

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New River Valley, VA – The U.S. Economic Development Administration has named a Virginia Tech proposal, titled “The Future of Transportation and Logistics”, as a finalist for the Build Back Better Regional Challenge. According to the U.S. EDA, “[t]he Challenge provides transformational investments to develop and strengthen regional industry clusters across the country, all while embracing equitable economic growth, creating good-paying jobs, and enhancing U.S. global competitiveness.”

Virginia Tech was chosen as one of sixty finalists out of 529 applications from across the country. Each finalist was awarded a $500,000 grant to help develop their final proposal. From the finalists, the U.S. EDA “will ultimately award 20-30 regional coalitions between $25 and $100 million to implement 3-8 projects that support an industry sector.”

The proposed project from Virginia Tech will bring together partners across Virginia’s New River Valley and the adjacent regions to develop three transformational projects that will grow the region’s economy. The projects are:

  1. I-81 Autonomous-Electric Testbed
  2. Advanced Air Mobility Testbed
  3. Industry network for training, talent, technology, and entrepreneurial development

Finalist proposals are due to the U.S. EDA by March 15, 2022 and winners are expected to be announced no later than September 2022. Learn more about the Build Back Better Regional Challenge here.

Read Virginia Tech’s project proposal summary for “The Future of Transporation and Logistics” here.

Learn more about advanced manufacturing, unmanned systems, and other industries 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.

Floyd Venues and Restaurants Featured in NY Times Article

Floyd Venues and Restaurants Featured in NY Times Article

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Floyd County, VA – The New York Times Travel section recently featured several Floyd venues and restaurants in an article titled “8 Places to Visit Along Virginia’s Blue Ridge Parkway.” In the article, author Marissa Hermanson details the beauty of the Blue Ridge Parkway in the fall and describes a road trip itinerary that visits prominent places along the Parkway in Virginia.

Notable Floyd locations featured in the article include Mabry Mill, Chateau Morrissette Winery, Dogtown Roadhouse, and the Floyd Country Store.

Here is what the article had to say about Floyd:

“[T]he laid-back mountain town of Floyd is on the map as a music destination.”

Read the full article from the New York Times here.

Learn more about Floyd 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.

GO Virginia Grant will Fund Talent Project in Floyd and Pulaski Counties

GO Virginia Grant will Fund Talent Project in Floyd and Pulaski Counties

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New River Valley, VA – The New River/Mount Rogers Workforce Consortium Board was awarded a Growth and Opportunity for Virginia (GO Virginia) grant to assist businesses in attracting and retaining talent in Floyd and Pulaski Counties. Governor Ralph Northam announced in late September that the award is one of fourteen GO Virginia grant projects that will be funded. The fourteen grants total over $7.7 million dollars and are intended “to advance community economic recovery efforts in … economic diversification, workforce development, talent pipelines, economic resiliency, and business-ready sites.”

Here is more detailed information from the press release about the project in Floyd and Pulaski Counties:

Profiles that Increase the Competencies, Knowledge and Skills that Matter | $100,000
Region 2: Counties of Floyd and Pulaski
Using the American College Testing (ACT) Job Profiling system, the New River/Mount Rogers Workforce Consortium Board will consult with experts at companies to analyze the skills, skill levels, and skill frequency workers need to be successful at certain jobs. This project will support the economic growth of the region’s priority industry clusters by developing a tool, process, and common language in helping businesses with their recruiting, hiring, training, and promoting practices. Additionally, it will assist businesses to make decisions about jobs, identify strengths, set training goals, and find appropriate training programs for in-demand jobs for high-growth businesses.

Read the governor’s full press release, including information about the other grants awarded, here.

Learn more about the New River/Mount Rogers Workforce Consortium Board here.

Learn more about workforce and talent 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.