Erik the Travel Guy Goes to Montgomery County, VA

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Erik the Travel Guy in Montgomery County VA!

MONTGOMERY, VA – Erik the Travel Guy, a travel guru dedicated to inspiring others to explore the world, recently journeyed through Montgomery County, VA! Check out Erik’s video, which tours much of Blacksburg, Christiansburg, and the rest of Montgomery County.

Watch Erik visit classics like Smithfield Plantation, Cabo Fish Taco, Due South BBQ, Sinkland Farms, and more!

Learn more about Erik the Travel Guy or find want you want to explore next in Montgomery County.

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Virginia’s New River Valley: For those searching for an inspiring place to live and do business, Virginia’s New River Valley provides both an eclectic small town atmosphere and an innovative, collaborative business community with a loyal, highly skilled, and educated workforce. Offering the best of all worlds – magnificent mountains, cutting-edge research, arts, entertainment, and education – it’s 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.

Couple walks arm in arm in Downtown Blacksburg

Radford #1 and Blacksburg #6 Best Places for Singles in Virginia

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NEW RIVER VALLEY, VA – If you’re looking for love in the NRV, then you’re in the right place. Radford (#1) and Blacksburg (#6) were ranked some of the best places for singles in Virginia, according to homesnacks.net.

Couple walks arm in arm in Downtown Blacksburg

Best Places for Singles in VA:
1. Radford
2. Charlottesville
3. Richmond
4. Alexandria
5. Harrisonburg
6. Blacksburg
7. Norfolk
8. Fredericksburg
9. Hampton
10. Winchester

The ratings are based on information from the 2011-2015 American Community Survey Census data.

Looking for things to do in the NRV on V-Day? Check out the special event at the Radford Theater, or the Valentine’s Charity Vinyasa Yoga Class for the Big Heart Foundation at In Balance Yoga in Blacksburg.

For a larger list of all things Valentine’s Day happening in Virginia’s New River Valley, check out this list from Next 3 Days.

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Virginia’s New River Valley: For those searching for an inspiring place to live and do business, Virginia’s New River Valley provides both an eclectic small town atmosphere and an innovative, collaborative business community with a loyal, highly skilled, and educated workforce. Offering the best of all worlds – magnificent mountains, cutting-edge research, arts, entertainment, and education – it’s 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.

Chartio to Expand to Blacksburg

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BLACKSBURG, VA – Chartio, a cloud-based data company out of San Francisco, is expanding to Downtown Blacksburg. Chartio’s new offices will be located in The Brownstone Building. Chartio will hire five new engineers this year, and plans to increase by 10-15 more in the next three.

The tech company creates charts and interactive dashboards for businesses. Some of their clients include Squarespace, GAP, Prezi, and Blackboard.

This is a great addition for the New River Valley’s growing base of companies in the Information Technology industry.

Read more from WDBJ7. Check out Chartio’s Career page to apply for open positions in Blacksburg.

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Virginia’s New River Valley: For those searching for an inspiring place to live and do business, Virginia’s New River Valley provides both an eclectic small town atmosphere and an innovative, collaborative business community with a loyal, highly skilled, and educated workforce. Offering the best of all worlds – magnificent mountains, cutting-edge research, arts, entertainment, and education – it’s 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.

Aerial of Downtown Blacksburg, Virgnia

“Why Blacksburg, VA, is a Best Place to Live”

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BLACKSBURG, VA — Melody Warnick, freelance writer, author and Blacksburg local, wrote why she thinks Blacksburg is a special place to live. Her editorial was published on Livability on January 19.

Touting the bustling, charming downtown, and top-knotch education and arts, Melody expressed why it’s no wonder Blacksburg made Livability’s Top 100 Best Places to Live list for 2017.

“You don’t have to leave behind the serene mountain views or the access to hiking, biking, and horse trails,” said Warnick, “to get yourself a ticket to catch a world-class musician like Yo-Yo Ma performing at the recently built Moss Arts Center on the Virginia Tech campus.”

Read the full article on Livability.

Melody Warnick is the author of This Is Where You Belong: The Art and Science of Loving the Place You Live.

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Virginia’s New River Valley: For those searching for an inspiring place to live and do business, Virginia’s New River Valley provides both an eclectic small town atmosphere and an innovative, collaborative business community with a loyal, highly skilled, and educated workforce. Offering the best of all worlds – magnificent mountains, cutting-edge research, arts, entertainment, and education – it’s 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.

Montgomery County’s Prime Photonics, LC to Participate in Virginia’s VALET Program

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~Two-year export program provides resources to support international business expansion~

RICHMOND, VA – The Virginia Economic Development Partnership (VEDP) today announced the acceptance of a Montgomery County company, Prime Photonics, LC, into its two-year Virginia Leaders in Export Trade (VALET) program. The VALET program assists exporters in the Commonwealth that have firmly established domestic operations and are committed to international exporting as a growth strategy. To participate, each business must meet both quantitative and qualitative selection criteria. Participating firms are chosen based on their dedication to growing export sales. To date, 304 Virginia companies have been accepted to participate in the VALET program.

“VALET has provided a vehicle for participating companies to reach global markets and grow their business on a global scale since 2002,” said VEDP President and CEO Stephen Moret. “The benefit of international trade to Virginia’s economy cannot be overstated, and I am confident that with a continued commitment to exporting, these businesses will see a strong return on investment in the coming years.”

Currently, the VALET program has 50 companies as participants. The program provides participating companies with export planning services and assistance from a team of experienced international service providers to help meet their international goals. These private sector service providers contribute essential expertise to assist companies in executing export plans and include attorneys, web designers, bankers, translators, accountants, and freight forwarders.

“The VALET program puts participating companies on the fast track to international business growth by connecting them with the necessary tools for successful international sales,” said Paul Grossman, VEDP Vice President of International Trade. “Since its inception in 2002, the program has worked with more than 300 businesses to accelerate their international sales growth. We are happy to welcome Prime Photonics to VALET and look forward to working with them over the course of the next two years.”

The Commonwealth of Virginia exports more than $34 billion in goods and services annually. Exports of Virginia’s products and services to the world are vital to the growth of the Commonwealth, supporting more than 232,000 jobs and generating $2 billion in tax revenue. VEDP offers numerous programs to assist Virginia companies with selling in the global marketplace and has a network of international market research consultants covering more than 70 countries around the globe.

Prime Photonics, LC

Prime Photonics develops impactful sensor and materials technologies and products for test & measurement, inspection, control, and health monitoring of commercial and military equipment, structures and turbomachinery. For more information, please visit http://www.primephotonics.com

Virginia Economic Development Partnership

The Virginia Economic Development Partnership was created by the Virginia General Assembly in 1995 to encourage, stimulate, and support the development and expansion of the economy of the Commonwealth. To accomplish its objectives of promoting economic expansion within the Commonwealth, the Partnership focuses its efforts on business recruitment, expansion and international trade.

For more information on the VALET Program, visit http://exportvirginia.org/services/programs-grants/

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Virginia’s New River Valley: For those searching for an inspiring place to live and do business, Virginia’s New River Valley provides both an eclectic small town atmosphere and an innovative, collaborative business community with a loyal, highly skilled, and educated workforce. Offering the best of all worlds – magnificent mountains, cutting-edge research, arts, entertainment, and education – it’s A NATURAL FIT.

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

Virginia Tech Students Ranked #19 Happiest

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Blacksburg, VA – In a recently conducted survey by The Princeton Review, Virginia Tech students ranked the #19 happiest students on college campuses in the U.S. The study covered almost 400 colleges and universities and was based on real student input on their college experience.

The Princeton Review asks students questions about:

  • Academics & administration
  • Life at their college
  • Fellow students; and
  • Themselves

    • To see the complete Top 20 visit The Princeton Review or Town & Country.

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    Virginia’s New River Valley: For those searching for an inspiring place to live and do business, Virginia’s New River Valley provides both an eclectic small town atmosphere and an innovative, collaborative business community with a loyal, highly skilled, and educated workforce. Offering the best of both worlds – magnificent mountains, cutting-edge research, arts, entertainment, and education – it’s A NATURAL FIT.

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

    Virginia Tech Ranked #3 Best College Campus

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    Blacksburg, VA – Niche, a company that helps people find schools and communities, ranked the Virginia Tech campus as the No. 3 best college campus in the U.S. The ranking was based on information from the U.S. Department of Education, which included statistics and student reviews of classrooms, labs, performance venues, housing, food, rec facilities, and more.

    Virginia Tech has a beautiful campus and many amenities for students to live healthy and fulfilling lives. View some photos below.

    See the complete Top 10 at Niche or Town & Country.

    The NRV is also home to three other outstanding higher education institutes: Radford University, New River Community College, and the Virginia College of Osteopathic Medicine.

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    Virginia’s New River Valley: For those searching for an inspiring place to live and do business, Virginia’s New River Valley provides both an eclectic small town atmosphere and an innovative, collaborative business community with a loyal, highly skilled, and educated workforce. Offering the best of both worlds – magnificent mountains, cutting-edge research, arts, entertainment, and education – it’s 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.

    Public-private partnership to revitalize Marketplace shopping center in Christiansburg

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    Christiansburg, VA – Christiansburg Town Council on Tuesday unanimously approved a $1.38 million cost-sharing agreement to improve the public entrances, public stormwater infrastructure and public sidewalks at and around the Christiansburg Marketplace to facilitate the shopping center’s redevelopment by KR Christiansburg LLC.

    The development group KR Christiansburg will now move forward with closing on the property in spring 2018 and working with engineering, survey, and design teams to develop specific plans, with the goal of beginning construction in summer 2018. Construction is estimated to last up to 30 months.

    “We are so pleased to work with such a creative and professional staff,” said KR Christiansburg’s Representative Josh Rector. “We look forward to bringing this property back to life and expect to have at least a 65 percent occupancy rate by next year, up from 10 percent today.”

    KR Christiansburg plans to invest $30 million into the renovation of the Marketplace to revamp the architecture and building facades, as well as to build new parking lots, complete interior work and possibly add new standalone buildings.

    KR Christiansburg LLC is the next venture for a partnership that has been involved in about 48 shopping centers and shopping center renovations.

    Montgomery County EDA Purchases 124 Acres to Expand Falling Branch Corporate Park

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    MONTGOMERY COUNTY, VA – Montgomery County’s Economic Development Authority (EDA) will close on the 124 acres of property adjacent to the County’s Falling Branch Corporate Park at a cost of $2.5 million (or roughly $20,161 per acre) today, November 21, 2017.

    “This is a step forward in diversifying opportunities both for existing businesses within Montgomery County to expand as well as to attract new businesses,” said Montgomery County Board of Supervisors Chair, Chris Tuck.


    “This purchase allows us to increase our tax base, which will potentially lead to the creation of new jobs with the advent of current businesses having the necessary space to grow as well as new businesses entering Montgomery County,” said Tuck.


    The EDA entered into a contract with Cox Family Farms, LLC on May 27, 2017. Upon entering into the contract, the EDA had 180 days to perform due diligence on the property, which included the rezoning request process as well as geotechnical and environmental studies. Rezoning applications with both Montgomery County and the Town of Christiansburg were filed for the property on May 30. Rezonings with both the County and the Town were completed and approved by September 26.


    “Prior to this planned expansion of Falling Branch Corporate Park, the largest lot available was about 16 acres, making it a challenge for Montgomery County to attract businesses that need larger lot sizes, said Tommy Loflin, Chair, EDA. “I’m happy we have addressed this issue and are making great strides in expanding the corporate park.”


    Currently, Falling Branch Corporate Park is comprised of a total of 175 acres, with 146 acres occupied by businesses including Aeroprobe Corporation, Backcountry.com, DISH Network, Ferguson Enterprises, Inc., Inorganic Ventures, Polymer Solutions Inc., and Prestar Packaging, The recent purchase will add 124 acres to the existing available 29 acres.


    “I’d like to congratulate Montgomery County on acquiring this land,” said Charlie Jewell, Executive Director, Onward New River Valley. “The property is highly attractive for larger projects and will aid our efforts to attract new businesses to the area. We look forward to working closely with the County to begin marketing this asset to prospective businesses.”


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    Virginia’s New River Valley: For those searching for an inspiring place to live and do business, Virginia’s New River Valley provides both an eclectic small town atmosphere and an innovative, collaborative business community with a loyal, highly skilled, and educated workforce. Offering the best of both worlds – magnificent mountains, cutting-edge research, arts, entertainment, and education – it’s 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.

    Montgomery County Launches U.S. Flag Etiquette Program, Partners with Boy Scouts, Cub Scouts

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    MONTGOMERY COUNTY, VA – There are some traditions that are inherent to America: our national anthem, respecting the men and women who dedicate their lives in service to our country, the right to vote, and perhaps most predominant – our American flag.


    When we pledge allegiance to our American flag, feelings of respect, pride, and duty often resonate. However, do you ever wonder what happens to an American flag that is damaged or tattered and worn and is no longer being displayed?


    Pictured left to right are Montgomery County Board of Supervisors Vice Chair Todd King, District D and County Administrator, Craig Meadows.

    Thanks to a new U.S. Flag Etiquette Program by the National Association of Counties, the National Flag Foundation, and the National Sheriffs Association, there are two locations in Montgomery County where citizens can properly dispose of any damaged or worn American flags.


    One flag disposal box is located in the lobby of the Government Center on Roanoke Street in Christiansburg, and the other is located at the Riner Fire Department on Riner Road in Riner. If you have an American flag that needs to be properly disposed of, please consider placing your folded flag in one of the flag disposal boxes like the one pictured here.


    Periodically, Montgomery County will coordinate with Boy Scout Troop 141 and Cub Scout Pack 141 of Christiansburg and the Boy Scout Troop 348 and Cub Scout Pack 348 of Riner to empty the flag disposal boxes and retire the flags properly and respectfully through a flag retirement ceremony that abides by the United States Flag Code.


    Currently, Montgomery County is one of 294 counties throughout the United States participating in the U.S. Flag Etiquette Program.


    To learn more about the U.S. Flag Etiquette Program visit www.naco.org/articles/disposal-boxes-flags-ready.


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    Virginia’s New River Valley: For those searching for an inspiring place to live and do business, Virginia’s New River Valley provides both an eclectic small town atmosphere and an innovative, collaborative business community with a loyal, highly skilled, and educated workforce. Offering the best of both worlds – magnificent mountains, cutting-edge research, arts, entertainment, and education – it’s 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.