Vegg, Inc. Celebrates First Produce Harvest

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Pulaski County, VA – Radio IQ | WVTF radio recently reported that Vegg, Inc. celebrated the harvesting of their first lettuce grown with state-of-the-art carbon cycling technology. They also grew the produce in the repurposed Jefferson School building in downtown Pulaski.

According to their website, Vegg, Inc. is an innovative start-up “AgTech company located in Pulaski, VA providing technological solutions to modern-day farming and sustainability issues. Utilizing innovative methods in agriculture, climate technology advancements, and the revitalization of abandoned school buildings, our company aims to deliver the first Climate-Smart certified facility for vertical farming companies.”

Vegg, Inc received funding from the U.S. Department of Agriculture and the Department of Energy as well as state funding and private investment. The young company has also partnered with Virginia Tech to help train agricultural students.

Read the Radio IQ | WVTF radio article here.

Virginia’s New River Valley’s innovative vibe, connection to nature, and entrepreneurial spirit is producing a growing specialty product scene. The NRV is full of passionate people who care about the natural environment and responsibly sourced food. Discover how Virginia’s New River Valley is a natural fit for food processing and agribusiness here.

Photo by Roxy Todd/Radio IQ

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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 Vineyards and Wineries Trail

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New River Valley, VA – Virgnia has been growing wine since the colonial era and is listed in the Top 10 Wine Regions of the USA by USA Wine Ratings. Fall not only brings about a range of colors in Virginia’s New River Valley but is also a time for harvest as grapes become ready for wine glasses.

With harvest season upon the NRV vineyards, it’s the perfect time to celebrate and sample the flavorful wines made here in the New River Valley. Plan the perfect wine trail through the region by visiting the following vineyards:

The New River Valley continues to inspire all that live and work here. The beautiful mountains are majestic, and the New River flows steady. It’s a natural fit for wine growers and lovers! Discover more about the NRV here.

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

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

Innovative Startups Find Opportunities in the NRV

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New River Valley, VA – Virginia’s New River Valley (NRV) is the perfect location for businesses to flourish. It’s not hard to see why many startup businesses choose to be part of the economic landscape in the NRV. With its easy access to talent, strategic location, and an innovative businesses community, the NRV is a natural fit for any business.

Several NRV startups are innovating in different sectors across the region.

  • Good Food Groups, LLC located in Pulaski County seeks to manufacture functional foods that contain a substance that helps individuals maintain weight, build muscle, and lose fat. They were recently selected to participate in the RAMP program that gives them access to regional resources and support. Learn more here.
  • MacroVation, LLC also located in Pulaski County designs sustainable biomaterials such as additives that rend plastics biodegradable after use and 3D printable materials from seaweed to manufacture medical devices. MacroVation was also selected to be part of the RAMP program.
  • Fermi Energy in Montgomery County is developing electric vehicle batteries that would help solve supply chain issues of hard-to-get materials like cobalt and nickel. Their goal is to create a battery that would come from locally sourced materials. Through Virginia Tech, they won $2.9 million in grant money from the U.S Department of Energy. Read the full story of them in the Cardinal News here.
  • Vegg Inc. has also found a home in Pulaski County. They are introducing novel solutions for indoor farming by repurposing old school buildings for vertical farming companies. WSLS recently featured a story on them. You can watch the story here.
  • Cowden Technologies in Montgomery County is automating the logistical requirements of uncrewed systems. This is a system that uses robotics to support the drone ecosystem. Cowden Technologies was recently accepted into the NVIDIA Inception program that will give them access to cutting edge technology, venture capitalists, and technical resources. Read the press release here.
  • MOVA Technologies in Pulaski County uses air capture technology for air purification and air pollution control. They recently closed on a $2 million seed funding round that will help with the organization’s growth. Read the full MOVA press release here.

Find out how your business can become a part of this innovative landscape in the NRV here.

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

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

Virginia Tech Agribusiness Program Featured in Valley Business FRONT

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Montgomery County, VA – Virginia Tech’s agribusiness program was recently featured in Valley Business FRONT. The article highlighted that Virginia Tech is “among the top ten institutions in America for agricultural degrees.”

According to the article, agribusiness is an industry that is continuing to evolve thanks to technology. Virginia Tech is looking to prepare students for both emerging and traditional trends in agribusiness which will allow them access to one of the largest industries in the world.

Read the full Valley Business FRONT here.

Agriculture has been a staple in Virginia’s New River Valley for centuries and is full of passionate people who care about the natural environment and locally sourced food. With access to the highly sought after graduates at Virginia Tech, it’s not hard to see why the NRV is a natural fit for agribusiness. Find out how your food processing and agribusiness company can thrive in the NRV here.

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

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

Christiansburg Brewery Featured in Valley Business FRONT

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Montgomery County, VA – The Christiansburg craft brewery Iron Tree Brewing Company was recently feature in the June 2023 issues of Valley Business FRONT magazine. In the article “Craft Beer in Christiansburg” the three co-owners talked about the journey to opening a brewery and their desire to drive business to downtown Christiansburg.

Being the only brewery currently in Christiansburg, the owners hope to tap into the locals who no longer wish to make the long drive to other breweries. By creating events like trivia nights and yoga Saturdays, they believe they can draw customers to the downtown area.

Owners of Iron Tree Seth Locklear, Jansen Lee, and Stephen Peter have big plans for the brewery and want to expand to be able to “move more product and let others know” they are there.

Iron Tree Brewing joins a culture of craft beer in Virginia’s New River Valley, and the NRV is excited to have them.

To learn more about what is on tap in the New River Valley click here.

photo by Iron Tree Brewing Company
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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.

VT Brings Cybersecurity to Dairy Farms

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Montgomery County, VA – Virginia Tech recently reported that they are teaming up with the Virginia Military Institute to address cybersecurity problems on dairy farms. Researchers and students have combined a wide range of fields (cybersecurity, computer science, agriculture, and dairy science) for the project with the support of the Commonwealth Cyber Initiative in Southwest Virginia.

Gonzalo Ferreira, Associate Professor of Dairy Management in the Virginia Tech College of Animal and Life Sciences, stated that, “because there is an increasing reliance on automation and smart technologies in dairy farms, resilient cybersecurity of the technologies is paramount.”

While assessing the cybersecurity networks for enhancements, researchers are also creating a classroom-based platform that will simulate real world farm tasks. This reality platform will help train dairy farm workers on how to identify and manage cyberattacks.

Read the full article about the initiative here.

Agriculture has been a staple of the NRV economy for centuries. With a bountiful water source and affordable land, Virginia’s New River Valley proves “A Natural Fit” for companies in Food Processing & Agribusiness. To learn why your Agribusiness belongs in the NRV, visit here.

The IT culture in Virginia’s New River is like no other. The industry thrives here with our collection of unique downtown areas and a large presence of community groups that have a passionate industry focus. To discover why the NRV is a “Natural Fit” for your IT business, click here.

The NRV produces some of the best personnel in the country, from highly sought-after Food Science graduates to in-demand IT professionals. Home to several world-class colleges and universities, The NRV has a natural workforce pipeline that feeds both the Agribusiness and IT industries. To learn more about education in the NRV, click here.

Photo by melle

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

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

Giles County Awarded Nearly $400,000 for Site Development

Giles County Awarded Nearly $400,000 for Site Development

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

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

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

Learn more about the Virginia Business Ready Sites Program here.

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

Browse available sites and buildings in the NRV here.

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

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

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

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

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

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

Watch a bonus clip from the episode here:

Learn more about Red Sun Farms here.

Learn more about the Food Processing & Agribusiness industry in Virginia’s New River Valley here.

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

 

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

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.

NRV Commerce Park Wins Grant for Site Development

NRV Commerce Park Wins Grant for Site Development

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Pulaski County, VA – New River Valley Commerce Park recently won a $300,000 grant for site development. The grant was awarded to Pulaski County through VEDP’s Virginia Business Ready Sites Program (VBRSP). The purpose of this program is to “identify, assess, and improve the readiness of potential industrial sites, which must contain a minimum of 100 contiguous, developable acres.”

Here is additional information about VBRSP from the press release about the grants:

“The program has two components: 1) site characterization – to assess and designate a site’s level of development, and 2) site development – to further develop a pool of potential sites across the Commonwealth. Localities can apply for grants to assist with the costs associated with the initial assessment and the development required to upgrade a particular site.”

Read the full press release about the 2022 VBRSP grant award winners here.

Learn more about NRV Commerce Park and other available sites 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.