Regional Partnership Creates Two-Phase River/Trail Center in Giles County

Giles County, VA – Giles County has announced a partnership with the New River Valley Regional Commission and the Friends of Southwest Virginia on the development of a new River/Trail Center.

The project will be located on the grounds of the historic Mountain Lake property, and will serve as an information hub for the plethora of outdoor recreation opportunities and services in picturesque Giles County.

Those who opt to add an activity such as mountain biking or paddling to the day’s adventures can rest easy knowing that logistical considerations have been made. Per the announcement, “Shuttle services are slated to connect visitors to hiking trails, mountain biking systems, and paddling launch locations throughout the County”.

Photo Credit: Giles County

A second planned phase of the project proposes the construction of a new trail connecting the Center to Mountain Lake Lodge and the peak of Bald Knob. “The New River Valley Regional Commission will be supporting the project by assisting with environmental coordination and other regulatory compliance requirements”.

Learn more about outdoor recreation 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.

Passenger Rail Station Proposed for Former NRV Mall Site in Christiansburg

Montgomery County, VA – The Roanoke Times has published an article regarding the proposed location of the New River Valley’s proposed rail station.

Per the Roanoke Times, the new station will reside at one of two proposed sites near Christiansburg’s Uptown development, formerly known as the New River Valley Mall.

According to the article, “The Virginia Passenger Rail Authority (VPRA) began a feasibility study this past fall to look at potential station locations in the New River Valley and then conducted a survey that ran from Dec. 22, 2021, to Jan. 31, 2022. The survey garnered over 2500 responses from area residents. In addition to location-specific information, the survey also revealed that “public transit access to the station and student access” were both considered important issues.

In May of 2021, former Governor Ralph Northam touched on the economic impact passenger rail could have on the region; “Bringing passenger rail service back to the New River Valley will fuel tourism, drive economic growth, and create new opportunities for the region’s 180,000 residents and 40,000 college students.”

Read the full article about the proposed station here.

Learn more about Christiansburg, a town 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.

2021 Accolades and Awards for the NRV

2021 Accolades and Awards for the NRV

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

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

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

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

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

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

Explore more NRV accolades and awards here.

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

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

10 Most Popular NRV Posts of 2021

10 Most Popular NRV Posts of 2021

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

43 NRV Destinations and Businesses Win Best of Virginia 2021 Awards

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

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

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

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

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

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

NRV Communities Among Top 20 Safest Cities in VA

7. NRV Communities Among Top 20 Safest Cities in VA

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

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

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

Enjoy Craft Beer at These NRV Breweries

5. Enjoy Craft Beer at These NRV Breweries

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

10 Things to Do in the NRV This Summer

1. 10 Things to Do in the NRV This Summer

Originally published in 2018, this blog post was updated in Summer 2021 to reflect the most current information about fun summer activities in Virginia’s New River Valley.

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

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

NRV Communities Win Grants to Expand Broadband Access

NRV Communities Win Grants to Expand Broadband Access

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

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

New River Valley Regional Commission and Gigabeam and All Points Broadband
$68,355,355.00 Award
$67,370,008.00 Leveraged

The project will build fiber broadband to 19,966 unserved locations and achieve universal coverage in Bland, Montgomery, and Pulaski Counties.

Floyd County and Citizens
$1,310,267.00 Award
$1,111,725.00 Leveraged

The project will build fiber broadband to 723 unserved locations and achieve universal coverage in Floyd County.



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

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

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

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

Blacksburg is the Best Place in VA for Working Families

Blacksburg is the Best Place in VA for Working Families

Montgomery County, VA – Blacksburg is the best place in Virginia for working families to live according to Zippia. The career website wanted to “identify the city in each state where working families have a bit more extra cash in their pockets and a little extra time mom or dad can use as they please,” so they ranked the best city for working families in each state.

Zippia evaluated over 500 cities on factors that showed how much time families had available and how affordable each city was. These factors included each city’s average home price, the percent of median income that covers daycare costs, the median commute length, the average weekly hours worked, and the quality of the city’s public schools.

Blacksburg was ranked the best place for working families in Virginia. According to Zippia’s data, the average home price was $183,300, the average workweek was 36 hours, and the percent of median income that covers daycare costs was 19%.

See the full rankings from Zippia and learn more about their methodology here.

Learn more about why Blacksburg is a great place to live and work 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.

Recreation Economy Growing in Giles County

Recreation Economy Growing in Giles County

Giles County, VA – The recreation economy is growing and expanding in Giles County. The county is one of only ten communities across the country to participate in the Recreation Economy for Rural Communities program through the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA). According to the EPA, “[t]he Recreation Economy for Rural Communities planning assistance program helps communities identify strategies to grow their outdoor recreation economy and revitalize their Main Streets.”

Giles County was one of the ten inaugural communities selected to participate in this project, which started in 2019. Here is how the EPA described the Giles County project:

“Giles County, Virginia, worked with the USDA Forest Service to manage and use Cascades Falls and other natural assets to attract residents and visitors to downtown Pembroke, Narrows, and other communities in the county.”

Watch this video to learn more about Giles County’s project for the Recreation Economy for Rural Communities program:

Watch the video directly on YouTube here.

Learn more about the Recreation Economy for Rural Communities Program here.

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

Photo credit: Photo by Alissa Moody.

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

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

Floyd Venues and Restaurants Featured in NY Times Article

Floyd Venues and Restaurants Featured in NY Times Article

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

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

Here is what the article had to say about Floyd:

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

Read the full article from the New York Times here.

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

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

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

BT Bus Promoting the NRV Makes Its Premiere

BT Bus Promoting the NRV Makes Its Premiere

New River Valley, VA – Check out the new NRV bus that is making its way around Blacksburg! The special Blacksburg Transit bus is wrapped with a Virginia’s New River Valley design. Individuals from around the region are featured on the bus, and the bus encourages Virginia Tech students and Hokie football fans to make the region home by finding their careers and communities in the NRV.

Blacksburg Transit NRV Bus Wrap Driveside

The driver’s side of the Blacksburg Transit NRV bus wrap is in front of Virginia Tech’s Burruss Hall.

Blacksburg Transit NRV Bus Wrap Curbside

The curb side of the Blacksburg Transit NRV bus wrap is in front of Virginia Tech’s War Memorial.

Blacksburg Transit NRV Bus Wrap Back

The back of the Blacksburg Transit NRV bus wrap is on Virginia Tech’s Drill Field Drive.

Onward NRV, a regional economic development organization, spearheaded the project to wrap the bus with NRV designs. Learn more about the New River Valley bus project here.

Learn more about living and working in Virginia’s New River Valley here.

Photo credit: Photos taken by Aspire Marketing Agency.

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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.

43 NRV Destinations and Businesses Win Best of Virginia 2021 Awards

43 NRV Destinations and Businesses Win Best of Virginia 2021 Awards

New River Valley, VAVirginia Living magazine recently honored forty-three destinations and businesses from across Virginia’s New River Valley with Best of Virginia 2021 awards for Southwest Virginia. The annual awards contest allows the magazine’s readers to vote for the best destinations and businesses “across the five regions of Virginia”. The astounding number of winners from the New River Valley shows that it is truly a premier place to live, work, and do business.

The Best of Virginia 2021 award winners from Virginia’s New River Valley are listed below in their respective categories.

Living and Recreation

  • Blue Ridge Parkway, Floyd County – Winner – Best Tourist Attraction
  • FloydFest, Floyd – Winner – Best Non-Food Festival
  • Lane Stadium, Blacksburg – Winner – Best Sports Venue
  • Mountain Lake Lodge, Pembroke – Winner – Best Wedding or Special Event Venue
  • Wine & Design, Christiansburg – Winner – Best Entertainment Center for Adults
  • Mountain Lake Lodge, Pembroke – Winner – Best Resort
  • Off Leash K9 Training, Christiansburg – Winner – Best Dog Training Company
  • Carilion Wellness, Blacksburg – Winner – Best Gym or Fitness Studio

Food & Drink

  • Due South BBQ, Christiansburg – Winner – Best Barbecue Restaurant
  • Our Daily Bread Bakery & Bistro, Blacksburg – Winner – Best Breakfast/Brunch Restaurant
  • Dude’s Drive-In, Christiansburg – Winner – Best Burger Joint
  • India Garden Restaurant, Blacksburg – Winner – Best Indian Restaurant
  • Sal’s Italian Restaurant & Pizzeria, Radford – Winner- Best Italian Restaurant
  • Dogtown Roadhouse, Floyd – Winner – Best Pizzeria
  • Cabo Fish Taco, Blacksburg – Winner – Best Seafood Restaurant
  • The Farmhouse, Christiansburg – Winner – Best Steakhouse
  • The Palisades Restaurant, Eggleston – Winner – Best Restaurant
  • Gillie’s, Blacksburg – Winner – Best Restaurant for Vegans or Vegetarians
  • Thai This Food Truck, Radford – Winner – Best Food Truck
  • Macado’s, Blacksburg, Christiansburg, and Radford – Winner – Best Sandwich Shop
  • The Farmhouse, Christiansburg – Winner – Best Outdoor Dining
  • Blacksburg Farmers’ Market, Blacksburg – Winner – Best Farmers’ Market
  • ALDI, Christiansburg – Winner – Best Grocery Store
  • Vintage Cellar, Blacksburg – Winner – Best Wine Shop
  • Blacksburg Wine Lab, Blacksburg – Winner – Best Bar with Best Atmosphere
  • Five Mile Mountain Distillery, Floyd – Winner – Best Distillery
  • Iron Heart Winery, Hiwassee – Winner – Best Winery

Services

  • New River Valley Pediatrics, Blacksburg, Christiansburg, and Radford – Winner – Best Pediatric Practice
  • Real Life Dental, Blacksburg, Christiansburg – Winner – Best Dental Practice
  • NRV Oral & Maxillofacial Surgery, Blacksburg, Radford – Winner – Best Oral and Maxillofacial Surgery Practice
  • Life in Balance Counseling & Wellness Center, Christiansburg – Winner – Best Counseling or Therapy Practice
  • Tuck Chiropractic Clinic, Christiansburg – Winner – Best Chiropractic Practice
  • Carilion Clinic Cosmetic Center, Blacksburg – Winner – Best Cosmetic Surgery Center
  • New River Dermatology, Blacksburg, Radford – Winner – Best Dermatology Practice
  • Virginia Furniture Market, Christiansburg – Winner – Best Home Furnishings Store
  • Audiotronics, Blacksburg – Winner – Best Home Technology Firm
  • Valley Landscaping, Christiansburg – Winner – Best Landscape Design
  • Crow’s Nest Nursery, Blacksburg – Winner – Best Greenhouse and Nursery
  • Brown Edwards, Blacksburg – Winner – Best Accounting Firm
  • Shelor Motor Mile, Christiansburg – Winner – Best Car Dealer
  • Stifel, Radford – Winner – Best Financial Planning Firm

Shopping

  • East Coasters Bike Shop, Blacksburg – Winner – Best Bicycle Shop
  • Walkabout Outfitter, Blacksburg – Winner – Best Sporting Goods or Outdoor

In addition to these winners, sixty-eight destinations and businesses from the NRV were recognized with second or third place awards. Explore the runners up from the NRV in the Living and Recreation, Food & Drink, Services, and Shopping categories, or read more about Virginia Living’s Best of Virginia 2021 awards.

Learn more about the lifestyle amenities available in Virginia’s New River Valley here.

Photo location: Mountain Lake Lodge, Treetop Adventure Course

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.