Calfee Park

Motor Mile Field Voted Best Rookie-Level Ballpark

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Pulaski County, VA – Motor Mile Field at Calfee Park was chosen by the Ballpark Digest Best of the Ballparks annual fan voting competition as the best rookie-level ballpark in America.

Calfee Park beat out two-time champion TVA Credit Union Ballpark, home to the Johnson City Cardinals in the semi-final rounds of voting. The ballpark has received numerous updates since the Shelor Automotive Group purchased Calfee Park in 2015. Some of these updates include:

  • A new visiting team clubhouse
  • Concession stand
  • Press box
  • Souvenir store
  • Two VIP towers
  • JumboTron

    • The most recent update completed right before the 2019 season included a three-tiered party deck and new boxes, increasing the park’s capacity to 3,200.

    “This is the result of five years of continued improvements and support of the community. We’re proud of this ballpark and the upgrades over past years that have helped Calfee Park meet the standards of the New York Yankees and Minor League Baseball.”
      – David Hagan, Calfee Park owner

    The Pulaski Yankees are midway through their season with a winning record, putting them at the top of the Appalachian League division. Tickets are available at pulaskiyankees.net, at the Calfee Park box offices, or by calling (540) 980-1070.

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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.

    brewery

    Blacksburg’s Oldest Brewery Plans to Open Second Location

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    Montgomery County, VA – Bull & Bones, the longest running brewery in the region, is opening a second location on Peppers Ferry Road. Jon Coburn, owner, plans to remodel the former Blackstone Grill, with hopes of opening the first brewery in Christiansburg, in August. Coburn says they plan to brew the same beers as the Blacksburg location, however they will be adding in some experimental additions as well. Bull & Bones first opened their brewpub almost 10 years ago, and has continue to evolve its beer selection to meet the needs of the consumers. The new location is about half the size and once renovated will have the look and feel of a sports bar.They are also planning to hire between 60 and 70 workers, from managers to cooks and servers. While they will officially be the first brewery to open in Christiansburg, two others, Iron Tree Brewing Company and Blackbarrel Brewery, have already announced their plans to locate in the downtown area and right outside the town limits, respectively. The New River Valley continues to offer unlimited opportunities to thrive in agribusiness.
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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.
    RIDE Solutions

    RIDE Solutions Launch in New River Valley

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    New River Valley – RIDE Solutions, a grant-funded program, provides alternate transportation options to those living in the greater New River Valley area.

    RIDE Solutions is a Transportation Demand Management (TDM) Agency “dedicated to expanding the efficiency and life of the roadway network and reducing the environmental impacts – air pollution – of vehicle emissions”. The ultimate goal is to connect individuals and businesses in order to reduce traffic, improve air quality, and support safer roadways. However there are many added benefits to those who participate such as social interaction, better quality of life, and increased job access.

    RIDE Solutions

    RIDE Solutions provides carpool matching, links to cycling/walking resources, and bus trip planners. Recently they launched a new mobile app which not only helps users better find and communicate with their ride shares but also allows them to receive points for logging their commutes. These points can be cashed in for over 2,000 different rewards at local and national retailers and restaurants. The new app even allows commuters to participate in long-distance, event, and one-time ridematching.

    Not only is RIDE Solutions great for the environment, but it also helps you save money. For example, a commuter living in Blacksburg and working in Radford can easily save almost $2,000 each year by carpooling every day. Check out their map HERE to find out who is commuting near you. Plus if you use the app for events, like the upcoming Floyd Fest, you can save on gas and parking making your experience even better.

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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 Trails in Virginia’s New River Valley

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    MONTGOMERY COUNTY, VA – Virginia’s New River Valley completes the last portion of the 10-mile Huckleberry Trail.

    The Huckleberry Trail runs from northwest Blacksburg all the way to the Christiansburg Recreation Center and Christiansburg High School. The newest portion of the trail connects to Brush Mountain in northwest Montgomery County where mountain bikers will be able to utilize the newly opened Blacksburg Rotary Mountain Bike Park, located at the south end of the trail.

    The trail is great for biking, running, walking, and taking in the sites of historic New River Valley such as Merrimac Mine Heritage Park, which pays tribute to the old mining company town.

    To read more about more upcoming outdoor recreation opportunties, read Su Clauson-Wicker’s articles of Blue Ridge Country.

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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.

    brewery; new river valley; beer

    Downtown Christiansburg Brewery Coming Soon

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    VIRGINIA’S NEW RIVER VALLEY – The first microbrewery in Christiansburg will soon be located downtown. Seth Locklear, Jansen Lee, and Stephen Peter, three friends who went to Virginia Tech, founded Iron Tree Brewing Company, which will be located on Roanoke Street. The brewery will focus on a wide range of beers so there is something for everyone. There will not be food made in-house, but the goal is to have delivery from food trucks and other local restaurants. The founders hope to open in the beginning of 2020. Stay up to date with the brewery’s progress on the Iron Tree Brewing Company Facebook page. Read more information from Jacob Demmitt at the Roanoke Times.  

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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.”
    Floyd Fiber

    Floyd to Be Most Connected Rural Community in VA

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    VIRGINIA’S NEW RIVER VALLEY – Floyd County and Citizens received a Virginia Telecommunication Initiative Grant, which was announced last month. This grant is $348,018 to get high-speed internet to Copper Hill, a village in Floyd County, but that’s not where the connectivity ends.

    At the end of the year, 60% of Floyd County will be connected to high-speed internet.

    By 2021, 97% of Floyd County will be connected.

    Citizens, Floyd Fiber

    The gigabit internet Citizens plans to implement over the next 3 years will be about 1,700 miles of fiber-optic cable all across Floyd County.

    Plus, Citizens’ internet speed will be about 40 times faster than what the Federal Communications Commission calls high-speed internet.

    At the company’s public announcement event, Congressman Morgan Griffith said:

    “Right now, in the commonwealth of Virginia, the most modern county is Floyd County. Welcome to gig country.”

    For more information about this huge announcement, see coverage by Jacob Demmitt at the Roanoke Times.

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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.”

    NRV internet

    Montgomery County and City of Radford Study Internet Needs

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    VIRGINIA’S NEW RIVER VALLEY – At the end of March, Governor Northam announced that both Floyd and Giles counties received Virginia Telecommunication Initiative Grants. These grants come from federal and state funds that have be designated for broadband improvement projects across Virginia.

    Now Montgomery County and the City of Radford will be joining in the effort to make sure all the communities in the NRV have better internet connectivity. The two localities plan to conduct a study that will find areas that have insufficient internet service. It will also look into how to remedy those insufficiencies.

    The NRV Regional Commission conducted a survey in 2017, in which Montgomery County residents reported insufficient internet speeds from Blacksburg (30%), Christiansburg (36%), and Montgomery County (48%).

    Before making improvements, the localities need to understand exactly where the greatest needs are. That’s why they’re in the process of hiring a consultant to create a plan for both localities. Bids on the project were due in late April.

    The Virginia Department of Housing and Community Development awarded Montgomery county a $30,000 grant to help pay for the the plan’s development.

    Find more details from Jacob Demmitt at the Roanoke Times.

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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.”

    Blacksburg #4 Safest Town In Virginia

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    VIRGINIA’S NEW RIVER VALLEY – Blacksburg was recently named one of the safest towns in Virginia by SafeWise. This is the fifth annual Safest Cities report by SafeWise.

    Crime rates in Virginia are below the national average. In fact, all cities had fewer than 1.5 violent crimes per 1,000 residents.

    Top 5 Safest Cities in Virginia

    1. Bridgewater
    2. Berryville
    3. Vienna
    4. Blacksburg
    5. Tazewell

    The safest city rankings are determined through FBI crime data, population thresholds. For more information visit the methodology page from SafeWise.

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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.”

    Virginia's new river valley, new river valley, quality of life, small town, quaint living, artisan community, community

    Floyd Tourism Receives $10,000 VTC Grant for “50 Years of Love”

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    ~The Virginia Tourism Commission established a grant fund to help celebrate 50th anniversary of the “Virginia is for Lovers” tourism slogan~

    FLOYD COUNTY, VA — the Floyd County Tourism Development Council (FCTDC) announced that it has received a $10,000 grant from the Virginia Tourism Corporation (VTC) “50 Years of Love” grant fund. “50 Years of Love” is part of VTC’s efforts to celebrate the 50th anniversary of the “Virginia is for Lovers” tourism slogan, which was created in 1969 by Richmond-based advertising agency Martin & Woltz.

    Floyd Tourism

    The Floyd Tourism Office has partnered with over 30 Floyd businesses and organizations to create special experiences and promotions in Floyd in celebration of the 50th anniversary.

    Initial partners include: Floyd County Chamber of Commerce, the Town of Floyd, Floyd Country Store, County Sales, Dogtown Roadhouse, Chantilly Farm, Red Rooster Coffee, Floydfest , Floyd Yoga Jam, Living Light River Studio, Cocoa Mia, Five Mile Mountain Distillery, Floyd County Historical Society, Floyd EcoVillage, On The Water, Studio 221 Yoga Center, Apple Ridge Farm, Floyd Thyme, Pine Tavern Lodge, Hotel Floyd, Floyd County Fair, Chateau Morrisette Winery, Cabins Off The Parkway, Healthy Floyd, Oak Haven Lodge, Stonewall B&B, Floyd Center for the Arts, New Mountain Mercantile, Bell Gallery, Floyd Parks and Recreation, and the Floyd Press.

    “‘Virginia is for Lovers’ is one of the most iconic tourism slogans in the world, and we are thrilled to be celebrating fifty years of LOVE with partners from around the Commonwealth in 2019,” said Rita McClenny, president and CEO of Virginia Tourism Corporation. “This grant program provides an engaging opportunity for destinations across the state to showcase what makes a vacation in Virginia so special, and helps to show travelers why Virginia is for Lovers still rings true fifty years later.”

    “We are so excited to celebrate this year with VA Tourism Corporation ”, and we are more than grateful to receive grant funds from VTC, “ shared Floyd tourism director, Pat Sharkey. “Virginia truly is for Lovers- of life, of family and friends, of authentic rich music, art, food, history, and outdoor fun. And our Floyd celebration will remind folks why so many Love Floyd.”

    VTC will be celebrating this year by having special experiences that last for 50 days with a 50 Years of Love presence at wineries, breweries, festivals, restaurants and small businesses across the state.

    Floyd’s 50 Days of Love Celebration will kick off at Floydfest on Saturday, July 27 and run through September 14 with our finale at the Floyd County Fair, with special exhibits, events, products, promotions and giveaways throughout the town and county during this 50-day period.

    In total, VTC awarded $300,000 to 30 tourism marketing programs across the Commonwealth to help increase visitation and revenue. Each grant recipient received a $10,000 grant for its 50 Years of Love project, with the requirement of engaging 10 or more tourism partners in order to receive grant funding.

    The Virginia Tourism Corporation is the state agency responsible for marketing Virginia to visitors and promoting the “Virginia is for Lovers” brand, which is celebrating 50 years in 2019. Tourism is an instant revenue generator in Virginia. In 2017, visitors spent $25 billion, which supported 232,000 jobs and contributed $1.73 billion in state and local taxes.

    About Virginia is for Lovers

    50 years after its creation, “Virginia is for Lovers” continues to be one of the most recognizable and iconic tourism slogans of all time. “Virginia is for Lovers” was inducted into the Madison Avenue Advertising Walk of Fame on September 21, 2009. The slogan was included in the Advertising Icon Museum alongside fellow 2009 inductees, the AOL Running Man, the Budweiser Clydesdales, and State Farm’s “Like a Good Neighbor, State Farm is There.” This recognition came on the heels of Forbes.com tapping “Virginia is for Lovers” as one of the top ten tourism marketing campaigns of all time. Today, a new generation is discovering love for Virginia’s mountains, beaches, history, theme parks, vibrant cities, outdoor activities, sports and hospitality.

    For more information about 50 Years of Love, please visit https://www.vatc.org/50YEARSOFLOVE/.
    For more information and to plan your next vacation in Virginia, please visit www.virginia.org.
    For more information about Floyd County and Floyd’s 50 Years of Love celebration and promotions, visit www.VisitFloydVA.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.”

    Pulaski County New Development

    $100 Million Housing Development Coming to Pulaski County

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    PULASKI COUNTY, VA – WSLS Channel 10 reports that Pulaski County’s new $100 million housing development plans to bring homes for 1,200 residents. It is the largest planning and development project in county history.

    WSLS Channel 10

    The new development is planned for behind the new Pulaski County Middle School, which is now under construction. Utilities are being put in place now and then whole project could take up to ten years to be fully complete.

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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.”