H&V Increases Production of PPE Filtration Media to Fight COVID-19

H&V Increases Production of PPE Filtration Media to Fight COVID-19

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Floyd County, VA – Hollingsworth & Vose was recently awarded a $2.5 million contract by the Department of Defense (DOD) to increase the company’s production of filtration media. The filtration media is used in personal protective equipment (PPE) like face masks. According to the DOD, “this industrial base expansion effort will allow Hollingsworth & Vose to increase production capacity to 100 million mask equivalents per year in Floyd, Virginia by October 2021.”

This will be the second contract that Hollingsworth & Vose has secured with the Department of Defense to produce filtration media during the COVID-19 pandemic. According to Mike Clark, Division President,

“We are pleased to partner with the Department of Defense on a second contract to provide filtration media used in the production of face masks. We are committed to doing our part to respond to COVID-19 by supplying essential materials for the production of PPE.”

Read the official press release from the Department of Defense here.

Learn more about how companies in Virginia’s New River Valley like Hollingsworth & Vose are adapting and responding to the COVID-19 pandemic here.

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

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

Floyd Voted Top Tiny Adventure Town 2020

Floyd Voted Top Tiny Adventure Town 2020

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Floyd County, VA – Floyd was voted the Top Tiny Adventure Town for 2020 by readers of Blue Ridge Outdoors magazine. The magazine “asked [their] readers to select the region’s best adventure hubs in [the] 10th annual Top Adventure Towns contest, which featured 100 towns across the Mid-Atlantic and Southeast competing for the title of best outdoor burg.”

Floyd was the winner of the “Tiny Town” category, for towns with populations less than 3,000. Here’s what Blue Ridge Outdoors had to say about Floyd:

“Tucked away in southwest Virginia, Floyd combines the authentic feel of a quaint country town with a vibrant cultural scene in the Blue Ridge Mountains.”

Read the full article from Blue Ridge Outdoors here to explore the outdoor adventures available in Floyd.

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

Explore more accolades won by NRV counties, city, towns, and universities 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.

Vacation Idea Features 9 Best Things to Do in Floyd

Vacation Idea Features 9 Best Things to Do in Floyd

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Floyd County, VA – A recent article from the travel website Vacation Idea featured the nine best things to do in Floyd. Activities featured on the list include experiencing the outdoors, learning about arts and history, and savoring the local food and drink.

As the article states,

“Floyd is a wondrous natural heartland thanks to its scenic position atop the breathtaking Blue Ridge Plateau, overlooking the surrounding green landscape. With a rich and vibrant culture and history, the town is highly spoken of for its hospitality towards visitors wishing to experience its celebrations of food wines, the arts, music, and more.”

Read the article from Vacation Idea to learn which nine places in Floyd were included on the list. Learn more about Floyd, a community in Virginia’s New River Valley, here.

Note: Please contact destinations highlighted in the article prior to visiting since COVID-19 guidelines may have changed opening hours and activity availability.

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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.

Try These NRV Coffee Roasters

Try These Five NRV Coffee Roasters

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Note: September 29 2022: This blog post, which was originally published in 2020, was updated to reflect current information about the coffee roasters on this list.  

New River Valley, VA – Virginia’s New River Valley is home to high-quality, world-class coffee roasters. Whether you are a caffeine connoisseur or new to the brew, make sure to try these five coffee roasters in the NRV.

Red Rooster Coffee – Floyd, VA

Red Rooster Coffee NRV Coffee Roasters

Red Rooster was founded in Floyd in 2010 and has received national attention for its coffee ever since. In 2018, Red Rooster was named a Top 12 Coffee Roaster in the U.S. by Forbes.

 

Chipped Mug – Christiansburg, VA

Photo courtesy of Chipped Mug Coffee

Chipped Mug Coffee is the newest addition to Christiansburg’s burgeoning coffee shop scene. It occupies the same space as the former local favorite Brugh Coffee. Longtime roaster Phillip Martin owns the Chipped Mug. Martin, who roasts all his beans in-house, brings years of experience in coffee brewing and was the former head roaster of the Radford Coffee Co.
 

Radford Coffee Co. – Radford, VA

Radford Coffee Co NRV Coffee Roasters

Radford Coffee Co., located on West Main Street in Radford, has a socially conscious business model and benefits a small town in Nicaragua.

 

Strange Coffee Company – Riner, VA

Try These NRV Coffee Roasters

Strange Coffee Company is a micro-roaster of specialty coffee based in Riner. While they don’t have a storefront, you can order coffee directly from their website or find it at one of their local retail partners across the region.

 

Mill Mountain Coffee & Tea – Blacksburg, VA

Mill Mountain Coffee & Tea NRV Coffee Roasters

The Blacksburg location of Mill Mountain Coffee & Tea has been a favorite of Virginia Tech students and Blacksburg residents for many years.

 

Coffee roasters like these are just some of the specialty beverage makers that contribute to the expanding Food Processing & Agribusiness industry in Virginia’s New River Valley. Learn more here.

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

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

NRV Business Continuity Team

NRV Business Continuity Team Available for COVID-19 Response

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New River Valley, VA – The New River Valley Regional Commission, working in coordination with the New River Health District and the NRV Public Health Task Force, is pleased to make available the NRV Business Continuity Team (BCT), a new resource for businesses impacted by COVID-19. The BCT is available at no cost to help advise businesses navigate questions about COVID-19 at their workplace. More information about the BCT can be found here or by calling 540-639-9313 and asking for the Business Continuity Team.

Services available include:

  • Guidance for operating in a COVID environment
  • Guidance if there is a suspected case or a known positive case
  • Development of a Business Continuity Plan
  • Access to a pool of funds on a cost-shared reimbursement* basis to help pay for on-site cleaning; public relations expertise; legal advisement for human resource matters; website support for pertinent messaging. *Business continuity plan must be executed to receive cost-shared reimbursement for services.
  • Coordination of testing, if deemed necessary

NRV Business Continuity Team Contacts:
Melanie Morris, Program Manager, mmorris@nrvrc.org, 540-639-9313 x248
Ashley Briggs, Public Health Director, abriggs@nrvrc.org, 540-639-9313 x25

Funding for the NRV Business Continuity Team is being provided by GO Virginia, NRV local government CARES Act appropriations and Community Development Block Grant funds. This resource is limited to businesses located in the counties of Montgomery, Pulaski, Floyd, Giles and the city of Radford.

Be committed. Be well.

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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 Highlighted as Lesser-Known Summer Vacation in VA

NRV Highlighted as Lesser-Known Summer Vacation in VA

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New River Valley, VA – During the COVID-19 pandemic, people are searching for vacations that are fun and allow for physical distancing. It is a great time to consider visiting Virginia’s New River Valley. The region was highlighted as one of the “Lesser-Known Summer Vacations in Virginia” by the Virginia Tourism Corporation.

Here is what the Virginia is for Lovers blog has to say about the region:

“Organized along the New River between the Blue Ridge Mountains and the Appalachian Mountains, the New River Valley in Southwest Virginia contains cities like Blacksburg, Christiansburg, Pulaski, and Radford. With the New River as the focal point, water sports in the valley are becoming a big draw for travelers interested in exploring Virginia’s rushing waterways.”

The outdoor amenities available in Virginia’s New River Valley make the region a unique place to live, work, and play. Learn more about travel to the NRV in the article here.

Note: Please contact destinations highlighted in the article prior to visiting since COVID-19 public health guidelines may have changed opening hours and activity availability.

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

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

NRV Manufacturing Industry Featured in Valley Business FRONT

NRV Manufacturing Industry Featured in Valley Business FRONT

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

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

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

Read the entire article from Valley Business FRONT here. Learn more about manufacturing in Virginia’s New River Valley here.

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

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

Virginia Living Magazine Recognizes NRV Destinations and Businesses in Best of Virginia 2020 Awards

Virginia Living Magazine Recognizes NRV Destinations and Businesses in Best of Virginia 2020 Awards

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New River Valley, VA – Fifteen destinations and businesses across Virginia’s New River Valley won Best of Virginia 2020 Awards for the Southwest Virginia region.  Virginia Living magazine published the annual list of winners in their special Best of Virginia 2020 issue.  The magazine tallied over 55,000 ballots to determine this year’s winners.

The NRV’s winners and runners-up are listed below by category.

Restaurants
India Garden Restaurant – Winner – Best Indian Restaurant
Sal’s Italian Restaurant & Pizzeria – Winner – Best Italian Restaurant
Cabo Fish Taco – Winner – Best Seafood Restaurant
Gillie’s – Winner – Best Restaurant for Vegans or Vegetarians
Macado’s – Winner – Best Sandwich Shop
The Farmhouse – Winner – Best Outdoor Dining
Due South BBQ – Barbecue Restaurant
Dogtown Roadhouse – Pizzeria
Palisades Restaurant – Restaurant
Our Daily Bread Bakery & Bistro – Restaurant for Vegans and Vegetarians, Dessert
Red Rooster Coffee Roasters – Coffee Shop or Roaster
Mill Mountain Coffee & Tea – Coffee Shop or Roaster
Thai This Food Truck – Food Truck

Food Shopping
Our Daily Bread Bakery & Bistro – Bakery
Blacksburg Farmers’ Market – Farmer’s Market
Harvest Moon Food Store – Specialty/Gourmet Food Shop
Vintage Cellar – Wine Shop

Drink
Five Mile Mountain Distillery – Winner – Best Distillery
Chateau Morrisette Winery – Winner – Best Winery
Buffalo Mountain Brewery – Brewery
Iron Heart Winery – Winery

Entertainment & Events
Wine & Design – Winner – Best Entertainment Center for Adults
Floyd Center for the Arts – Art Gallery
Floyd Country Store – Music Venue

Travel
Mountain Lake Lodge – Resort

Outdoors & Active
Cascade Falls – Hiking or Biking Trail

Home
Warm Hearth Village – Retirement Community

Services
Brown Edwards – Winner – Best Accounting Firm
Shelor Motor Mile – Winner – Best Car Dealer

Pets
Blacksburg Dog Park – Winner –  Best Dog Park
Off Leash K9 Training – Winner – Best Dog Training Company
Sparky’s Run Dog Park – Dog Park

Kids
Xtreme Springz Trampoline Park – Winner – Best Birthday Party Place
Alta Mons Summer Camp and Retreat Center – Summer Camp

Health
New River Dermatology – Winner – Best Dermatology Practice
Medical Associates of Southwest Virginia – Primary Care Practice
River Ridge Dermatology – Dermatology Practice
Sideline Orthopedic & Sports Medicine – Orthopedic Practice
Tuck Chiropractic Clinic – Chiropractic Clinic

Beauty
Nail Envy – Nail Salon

Weddings & Special Events
Chantilly Lace Bridals, Formals, & Tuxedos – Bridal Boutique

Shopping
Finders Keepers – Antiques
East Coasters – Bicycle Shop
Whistle Stop Books – Bookstore
The Upscale Attic – Consignment Shop
New River Valley Mall – Shopping Mall
Hey Helen – Women’s Clothing Store

The winners and runners-up of the Best of Virginia 2020 Awards are just some of the unique destinations and businesses that make Virginia’s New River Valley a great place to live, work, and do business.

Learn more about the Best of Virginia 2020 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.

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.

    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.