Exelaration Ranked #3 Best Tech Internship by Vault

Exelaration Ranked #3 Tech Internship by Vault

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Montgomery County, VA – Exelaration was ranked the #3 Tech & Engineering Internship for 2021 by Vault. Vault is nationally known for ranking “the top internship programs in various industries in diversity, quality of life, and overall best to work for.” Rankings are determined through surveys of current and past interns.

Exelaration, which runs the Blacksburg-based Exelaration Center (XC), trains interns for careers in technology by giving them real-world experiences on projects for companies such as the Ovarian Cancer Research Alliance and Medeco. According to the company, “The Exelaration Center (XC) addresses the STEM skills shortage by connecting young people of varied backgrounds with the technology workforce.”

Exelaration ranked in the top 10 in many categories of the Vault 2021 rankings, including:

#2 Best Internships for Training & Mentoring
#3 Best Internships for Software Development
#3 Best Tech & Engineering Internships
#4 Best Internships for Diversity
#4 Best Internships for Quality of Life
#5 Best Internships for Overall Career Development
#7 100 Best Internships
#7 Best Internships for Real-Life Experience

Virginia’s New River Valley is a hub for the information technology industry, and Exelaration is expanding the pool of highly qualified tech talent in the region through their internship programs. Learn more here about why tech companies like Exelaration choose to grow and develop their businesses in the NRV here.

Learn more about internships offered from The Exelaration Center 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.

Card Isle Receives Investment from VFF

Card Isle Receives Investment from Virginia Founders Fund

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Montgomery County, VA – The Center for Innovative Technology (CIT) announced this week that Blacksburg-based technology company Card Isle will receive investment from the Virginia Founders Fund (VFF). VFF, which was launched in 2018, “shines a light on the creativity and impact of entrepreneurs arising from Virginia communities traditionally underserved by risk capital…[including] founders located in regions outside of Northern Virginia.”

Card Isle was founded in Blacksburg in 2013 and is “rethinking how greeting cards can be distributed in a changing retail landscape. Card Isle offers turnkey solutions to design, order, and print personalized greeting cards, and will use this capital from VFF to continue their rapid growth in the eCommerce gifting sector and develop new markets.”

Card Isle is one of many technology startups growing and expanding in Virginia’s New River Valley. Learn more about the technology industry in the region here.

Explore Card Isle’s greeting cards here.

Read the full press release from CIT about the investment 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.

MCPS Recognized as a “School Division of Innovation” by VA Board of Education

MCPS Named “School Division of Innovation” by VA Board of Education

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Montgomery County, VA – Montgomery County Public Schools (MCPS) was recognized last week as a “School Division of Innovation” by the Virginia Board of Education. MCPS is among the first 15 school divisions across the state to be recognized for “designing and implementing alternatives to traditional instructional practices and school structures that improve student learning and promote college and career readiness, and good citizenship.”

Montgomery County Public Schools was specifically recognized for these innovative programs and practices:

  • Creating and offering new information technology curricula through dual enrollment
  • Creating new associate degree pathways
  • Developing an alternative model for professional studies
  • Embracing and supporting work-based learning experiences

    Virginia’s New River Valley is a hub for the information technology industry with an ever-expanding need for tech talent. School systems in the region like MCPS are meeting that need by focusing on IT instruction in K-12 curricula.

    Read the full press release from the Virginia Department of Education and see the entire list of the “School Divisions of Innovation” here.

    Learn more about the information technology industry in Virginia’s New River Valley here.

    Learn more about education 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.

    • NRV Leaders Listed in the ‘Virginia 500’ by Virginia Business

    NRV Leaders Listed in the ‘Virginia 500’ by Virginia Business

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    New River Valley, VA – Eight leaders across the New River Valley were listed in the inaugural “Virginia 500 – The 2020 Power List” recently published by Virginia Business magazine. This list of influential people in Virginia was created by the magazine “to be an insightful and helpful resource on leadership in Virginia.” Read more about how Virginia Business created the list here.

    The NRV leaders included in the Virginia 500 are:

  • Dan Larimer | Federal Contractors, Technology | Chief Technology Officer, Block.one
  • Franky Marchand | Manufacturing | Vice President and General Manager, Volvo Group Trucks Operations in Americas
  • Dan St. Martin | Manufacturing | President, Kollmorgen Corp.
  • John Dooley | Nonprofits, Philanthropy | CEO, Virginia Tech Foundation
  • Raymond Smoot | Economic Development | Chair, Go Virginia Region 2 Council
  • Justin Fuente | Arts, Entertainment, Sports | Head Football Coach, Virginia Tech
  • Brian Hemphill | Education | President, Radford University
  • Tim Sands | Education | President, Virginia Tech

    Learn more about the leaders, industries, and communities 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.

    • Torc Robotics to Invest $8.5 Million and Create 350 New Jobs in Blacksburg

    Torc Robotics to Invest $8.5 Million and Create 350 New Jobs in Blacksburg

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    ~ Self-driving vehicle pioneer to invest $8.5 million to grow software development operations ~

    Montgomery County, VA – Governor Ralph Northam today announced that Torc Robotics, a Blacksburg-based leader in self-driving vehicle systems, will invest $8.5 million to expand its software development operations in Montgomery County. The company will establish an additional facility at the Virginia Tech Corporate Research Center in close proximity to its current operation in the Blacksburg Industrial Park. Virginia successfully competed with North Carolina and Texas for the project, which will create 350 new jobs.

    “This region’s talented workforce can help forward-looking tech companies grow, and Torc Robotics is demonstrating that by creating 350 new jobs in Montgomery County,” said Governor Northam. “Self-driving technology is a booming sector, and Torc has been at the forefront of the industry since its founding. We thank the company for this significant investment in our Commonwealth, which comes at a critical point in our economic recovery, and we look forward to their continued entrepreneurship and innovation in the New River Valley.”

    “This region’s talented workforce can help forward-looking tech companies grow, and Torc Robotics is demonstrating that by creating 350 new jobs in Montgomery County.”
    – Governor Ralph Northam

    Torc Robotics was established in Blacksburg—at the birth of the self-driving vehicle revolution—by a team of Virginia Tech students who, after winning multiple robotics challenges, decided to commercialize their technology. The company has 15 years of experience in pioneering safety-critical, self-driving applications. This expansion supports Torc’s effort to develop self-driving trucks with Daimler Trucks—the global market-share leader. While consumers dream of self-driving cars, industry leaders expect long-haul trucks will be the first vehicles to fully utilize the technology due to simpler driving environments and a stronger business case. Today, vehicles using Torc’s self-driving technology operate on multiple continents. In 2019, Torc joined the Daimler Trucks family and now employs about 175 people.

    “As a homegrown Virginia company in Montgomery County, Torc Robotics is a tremendous example of the success startup technology businesses can achieve in the Commonwealth,” said Secretary of Commerce and Trade Brian Ball. “The company is pioneering a niche market that has gained a lot of momentum, and the impressive talent pipeline from Virginia Tech combined with the New River Valley’s strong workforce will continue to support Torc’s growth as an industry leader.”

    “The company is pioneering a niche market that has gained a lot of momentum, and the impressive talent pipeline from Virginia Tech combined with the New River Valley’s strong workforce will continue to support Torc’s growth as an industry leader.”
    – Secretary of Commerce and Trade Brian Ball

    Torc Robotics is a 2013 graduate of VEDP’s award-winning Virginia Leaders in Export Trade (VALET) Program. VALET is an application-based, two-year global export acceleration program that provides participating companies with assistance from a team of experienced international service providers to help meet their export goals.

    “Trucking is the backbone of the U.S. economy, delivering food and products to every community,” said Torc Robotics CEO Michael Fleming. “We greatly appreciate Virginia’s support of our mission to save lives and our innovative partnership with Daimler—the inventor of the truck—to commercialize self-driving trucks and make our roads safer. We selected the Commonwealth for its workforce culture and regulatory climate. In our experience, people in the region stay with companies for the long-term. Commercializing self-driving trucks is a marathon—not a sprint, and requires a long-term commitment from companies, investors, and employees. Virginia policy enables us to test our vehicles on public roads, which is critical to bringing this technology to market. Virginia has provided the opportunity to rapidly develop and test in unique environments and weather conditions, ranging from summer heat to winter snow.”

    “In our experience, people in the region stay with companies for the long-term. Commercializing self-driving trucks is a marathon—not a sprint, and requires a long-term commitment from companies, investors, and employees.”
    – Michael Fleming, Torc Robotics CEO

    The Virginia Economic Development Partnership (VEDP) worked with Montgomery County and Onward New River Valley to secure the project for Virginia. Governor Northam approved an $800,000 grant from the Commonwealth’s Opportunity Fund to assist Montgomery County with the project. The Governor also approved $3.5 million in funds from the Virginia Economic Development Incentive Grant (VEDIG). VEDIG was established as a self-funded program of performance-based incentives that the Commonwealth awards to exceptional economic development projects with large numbers of employees and very high wages relative to average wages for that particular area.

    Support for Torc Robotics’ job creation will be provided through the Virginia Talent Accelerator Program, a workforce initiative created by VEDP in collaboration with the Virginia Community College System, with funding support from the Northam administration and the Virginia General Assembly. Launched in 2019, the program accelerates new facility start-ups through the direct delivery of recruitment and training services that are fully customized to a company’s unique products, processes, equipment, standards, and culture. All program services are provided at no cost to qualified new and expanding companies as an incentive for job creation.

    “Torc Robotics continues to be a valued and integral part of our business community,” said Montgomery County Board of Supervisors Chair Steve Fijalkowski. “We are very excited to have Torc Robotics commit to new investments, innovations, and technology development in Montgomery County, where they can benefit from our community’s skilled and talented workforce.”

    “Torc Robotics is emblematic of the exciting work being done in the New River Valley and the major contributions Virginia Tech graduates are making to the economy of our Commonwealth,” said Senator John S. Edwards. “Virginia is on the cutting edge of our nation’s transforming infrastructure thanks to companies like Torc. I look forward to many future successes from them.”

    “We are thrilled that Torc continues to expand its investment in Montgomery County,” said Delegate Chris Hurst. “We take great pride in the burgeoning innovation and technology sector in New River Valley that continues to attract and retain a talented workforce. Torc’s continued growth will pave the way for future investments in Montgomery County and Southwest Virginia as a whole.”

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

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

    Torc Robotics
    Contact: Eileen Quirk Baumann
    Email: press@torc.ai
    Phone: (540) 953-0073

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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.

    FoxGuard Solutions Graduates from VALET Business Acceleration Program

    FoxGuard Solutions Graduates from VALET Business Acceleration Program

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    Montgomery County, VA – Governor Ralph Northam announced last week that FoxGuard Solutions, based in Christiansburg, is among 10 companies across the Commonwealth that recently graduated from Virginia Economic Development Partnership’s (VEDP) Virginia Leaders in Export Trade (VALET) Program.

    Here is more detailed information about the VALET Program from the press release:

    VALET is a two-year international business acceleration program that provides participating companies with international sales plan development services, assistance from a team of experienced international service providers, international business meetings with potential partners, educational events, and customized market research.

    Read the full press release, including information on the other graduating companies, 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 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.

    Torc Robotics Headquarters

    Torc Robotics Plans to Grow Company 50% by End of 2020

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    Press Release from Torc Robotics Blacksburg, VA– Torc Robotics, a leader in self-driving vehicle systems, continues its strong recruiting efforts even under social distancing and safer-at-home orders. Torc has steadily added new employees since January and plans to increase the company size by more than 50 percent before year end. Torc’s recruiting process has changed to accommodate personal safety during the pandemic. “We are very fortunate that most of us can work from home – and our team has been using this time to scale up our virtual testing and future fleet infrastructure,” said Michael Fleming, Torc’s CEO. “Over the past 10 years, we’ve built our culture on winning teams and find that Torc’rs are great at solving problems – including bringing on new team members during a pandemic,” he said. Adaptations for full-time hiring have included video panel interviews and additional relocation assistance for full-time employees. Until the Torc offices reopen, new hires are working from home and being onboarded remotely. A new cohort of team members started this week, and all are quickly learning the ropes, according to Fleming. Torc is hiring across multiple software engineering areas, including infrastructure and tools, web development, Linux, and cloud technology. Torc also remains committed to summer internships and co-op positions, which have been transformed to remote work opportunities for summer 2020. Students in these positions are fully embedded into technical teams and interact with Torc’rs across the company via coffee chats, lunch & learns, and other collaboration opportunities. The company’s continued growth supports Torc’s automated truck development in partnership with Daimler Trucks North America, the market leader in trucking. “Over the next several years, we will continue to hire aggressively,” said Fleming. “Commercializing automated trucks on public roads is complex and we will need additional talent to get us there,” he said. “This is a marathon, not a sprint and our team is committed to the long-term.” To accommodate its growing team, Torc is completing a new headquarters expansion later this year, which will add nearly 16,000 square feet and is designing additional future expansion projects. Torc develops Level 4 self-driving technology, which does not require human intervention, but operates within specific areas or use cases, such as locations, or types of roads. Torc partners with original equipment manufacturers (OEMs) and mobility companies to integrate the technology on their vehicle platforms. In 2019, Torc joined the Daimler Trucks family to partner on commercializing self-driving truck technology. “At Torc, our mission is to save lives through self-driving technology,” Fleming said. “The fastest path to commercialized is through OEMs and the strongest business case is in trucking.” To learn more about employment opportunities at Torc Robotics, visit their Careers page. About Torc Robotics: Torc Robotics, headquartered in Blacksburg, Virginia, is a member of the Daimler Trucks family. Torc offers a complete self-driving vehicle software and integration solution and is currently focusing on commercializing self-driving trucks. Torc has more than 10 years of experience in automating heavy equipment for safety-critical applications.
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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

    Radford University Cyber Defense Club Places Third

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    Radford, VA – The Cyber Defense Club at Radford University placed 3rd at the Virginia Cyber Cup Capture the Flag Competition held at Virginia Military Institute on February 21st and 22nd. George Mason University was in first place and the University of Virginia came in second.

    The team included: Kyle Higginbotham, Victoria Williamson, Alex Largen, John Laws, Nolan Ierardi and Sean Anderson. Amanda Tolman was an observer student. Dr. Chen-Chi Shing accompanied the team at the contest as the coach.

    In the Virginia Cyber Cup Capture the Flag Competition, competing teams tackle problems in scenarios designed to model real-world computer security challenges across a range of categories that includes cryptography, network traffic analysis, reverse engineering, steganography, and more. An understanding of historical and modern security vulnerabilities is helpful to gain the most of this experience. With challenges ranging from introductory to advanced, this competition is designed to both test skills and teach concepts.

    The Virginia Cyber Cup Capture-the-Flag (CTF) competition is a Jeopardy-style CTF in which teams solve individual challenges of various point values across different categories to score points. The competition uses a web-based CTF engine hosted by the Virginia Cyber Range.

    The competition is developed and hosted by the Virginia Cyber Range and is part of Commonwealth Cyberfusion, an invitation-only event combines a collegiate cyber competition with learning and career opportunities that emphasize Cyber Fusion. This event is co-hosted by Virginia Military Institute, Senator Mark R. Warner and the VirginiaCyber Range.

    This is the 4th iteration of the contest. In the past, Radford teams placed 2nd in 2017, 3rd in 2018, 6th in 2019, and this time 3rd.

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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.