CHP Announces First Home Sold in New River Home Trust

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Montgomery County, VA – Community Housing Partners (CHP) recently reported on a remarkable moment in the New River Valley, the first home sold under the New River Home Trust.

The New River Home Trust was created in 2023 as a partnership between CHP, Montgomery County, and the Town of Blacksburg to increase access to affordable housing. The New River Home Trust offers a unique approach to homeownership by dividing the ownership into two distinct deeds. One deed is for the land and another for the home, making homeownership a reality by removing the cost of the land.

The land trust model is a forward-thinking movement that will help make home ownership in Montgomery County more accessible and affordable for families.

Read the press release here.

The New River Valley has a variety of housing options. Whether you’re based in one of the NRV’s walkable downtowns or along a country road, if you’re looking for a starter home or high-end golf course living, the NRV is the natural fit for your home. Learn more about housing 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.

New River Community College Ranks #4 for Best College Tuition in Virginia

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Pulaski County, VA– New River Community College ranks fourth for Best College Tuition in the state of Virginia by SmartAsset. SmartAsset determined the rankings for Best College Tuition by looking at five different categories: student retention rate, tuition, student cost of living, scholarships and grant offerings, and starting salary for new graduates.

New River Community College (NRCC) is a comprehensive community college, with locations in Pulaski County and Montgomery County, that has earned a reputation for their first-class instruction. NRCC has a wide selection of courses that can help prepare any student for various occupational programs or the opportunity for college transfer courses.

NRCC also participates in the Access to Community College Education (ACCE) program. ACCE is an economic development public/private partnership in the New River Valley that makes college available debt-free to high school and home-school students by funding NRCC tuition for two years. Graduates of the ACCE program are prepared to join the workforce or transfer to a four-year college without any debt.

Learn more about the ACCE program here.

Discover more about New River Community College and higher education in the NRV here.

See the full rankings of colleges 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.

Four NRV Businesses Named Best Employers in Virginia by Forbes

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New River Valley, VA – Forbes recently released their 5th annual list of America’s Best Employers by State. Several New River Valley (NRV) companies made the list for Virginia. Forbes surveyed 70,000 workers in all 50 states in partnership with research firm Statisa. The survey covered questions such as working conditions, company image, potential for development, compensation packages, diversity, and more. Virginia had 90 companies selected as America’s Best Employers.

The NRV companies are:

Read the full list here.

Virginia’s New River Valley is the perfect location to let your business flourish. The area is affordable, innovative, and enjoyable. The NRV has easy access to talent, a strategic location, and an innovative business community. Discover why the NRV is a natural fit for your business here.

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

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

Virginia Tech Agribusiness Program Featured in Valley Business FRONT

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

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

Read the full Valley Business FRONT here.

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

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

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

NRV Organizations Recognized as Top Virginia Employers for Interns

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New River Valley, VA – The Virginia Talent + Opportunity Partnership (V-TOP) recently recognized 100 organizations as the 2023 Top Virginia Employers for Interns. Multiple organizations throughout Virginia’s New River Valley (NRV) were included on this list. The region continues to be recognized as a top location to live, work, and do business.

The award is a collaboration between V-TOP, the State Council of Higher Education for Virginia (SCHEV) in partnership with the Virginia Chamber of Commerce Foundation and the Virginia Business Higher Education Council. V-TOP is funded by the General Assembly’s Commonwealth Innovative Internship Fund and Program.

The NRV recipients are:

The 2023 Top Virginia Employer Intern award recipients were recognized for the quality of their internship programs. Those who received the award were evaluated based on efforts to include training for industry certifications, housing allowance, paid time off, security clearance, structured mentorship programs, and exposure to senior leadership.

Review the full list of recipients here.

Companies in Virginia’s New River Valley have the added benefit of the opportunity to enroll their interns in the NRV Experience hosted by Onward NRV. The seven-week long summer program features a series of community excursions, professional development trainings, and networking opportunities for your summer interns. These events connect them with other interns in the region while showcasing lifestyle amenities the New River Valley has to offer. Find out why you should enroll your interns in the NRV Experience 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 Wins Multiple Southwest Virginia Tourism Awards

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New River Valley, VA – Tourism professionals from across Southwest Virginia recently gathered in Wytheville for the fourth annual Celebrate Tourism Summit. The tourism directors in Virginia’s New River Valley won several awards across a variety of categories. The awards are presented by Friends of Southwest Virginia “to celebrate the outstanding work within the tourism industry in Southwest Virginia.” Friends of Southwest Virginia is a non-profit that helps artists, craftspeople, localities, nonprofits, and entrepreneurs mobilize and succeed.

Thirty-eight Southwest Virginia Tourism Awards were given in categories that ranged from tourism leadership, tourism marketing, special events, to visitor services.

The New River Valley won the following awards:

Congratulations to all those who won this year! And to all those who continue to showcase the beauty of Virginia’s New River Valley through their tourism efforts.

View the full list of winners here.

In the NRV, the mountains call you and the New River floods you with peace. The scenery inspires, the people connect, and the work feels easy. Discover why the region is a natural fit 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.

MELD Printworks Featured in Valley Business FRONT

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Montgomery County, VA – MELD Printworks, a spin off of MELD Manufacturing Corporation, was recently featured in a July 2023 Valley Business FRONT article. MELD Printworks “utilizes the award-winning, patented MELD® process to print 3D components for multiple industries in various alloys, delivering high value parts printed and machined in aluminum, titanium, and copper.” The article highlighted MELD Printworks facility in Christiansburg and the advantage that they have with access to local higher education institutes.

MELD Printworks’ prime location in the New River Valley allows them to develop relationships with Virginia Tech and New River Community College that will help formalize curriculums that will ensure a supply of talent for the company.

The newly spun-off company is also stepping in to fill a much-needed role due to supply chain issues in the forging and casting market. They are uniquely positioned to provide resources and materials at a much faster pace because of their additive manufacturing technology.

Read the full Valley Business FRONT article here.

Virginia’s New River Valley is proud to manufacture using the highest levels of technology and robotics. The NRV is a natural fit for anyone looking for a place to provide manufacturing services. Discover the business advantages of the NRV here.

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

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

Virginia Tech Ranks #4 for Best College Campuses in the US

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Note:
September 12, 2023: This blog post, which was originally published in August of 2023, reflected the 2023 information from Niche.com about the Best College Campuses in the U.S. They have since updated their site to show the 2024 listings.

Montgomery County, VA – Virginia Tech ranks fourth in the 2023 Best College Campuses by Niche.com. The 2023 Best College Campuses rankings are based on student reviews and key statistics using data from the U.S. Department of Education. These top ranked colleges are scored based on campus food, housing, local area, and safety.

Virginia Tech is the Commonwealth’s leading research institution. The university’s main campus, located in Blacksburg, sits on 2,600 acres, and caters to more than 37,000 students. VT offers 250 undergraduate and graduate degree programs, has research facilities across the state, offers study-abroad opportunities, and owns and utilizes an 1,800-acre agriculture research farm.

Discover more about Virginia Tech and Montgomery County here.

See the full rankings of colleges here.

Read more about how the rankings are calculated 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 School Divisions Receive State Grants to Improve Trades Programs

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New River Valley – ABC13 News recently reported that Montgomery County and Pulaski County each received a portion of a $3 million onetime competitive state grant for enhancing their career and technical education skill trades programs.

The Virginia General Assembly approved the grant to support programs offering industry recognized credentials and certificates for in-demand skilled trades programs. 24 schools were selected for the grant, each receiving $125,000 to help lead students into skilled trades and encouraging them to pursue credentials and certifications.

Virginia Superintendent of Public Instruction Lisa Coons said, “In Virginia and across the nation there are high-paying jobs in the skilled trades that go unfilled due to a shortage of qualified applicants.” She thanked the General Assembly for recognizing the need to prepare more young people in the skilled trades fields.

Montgomery County will purchase welding equipment and provide teacher training for the Governor’s STEM Academy. Pulaski County will use the funds to upgrade automotive technology, electricity, and engineering programs at Pulaski County High School.

Read the full story here.

Read the press release 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.

FAA Conducts Drone Flight Tests at Virginia Tech

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Montgomery County, VA – WSLS News recently reported that the Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) was at Virginia Tech conducting drone flight tests beyond the visual line of sight. The Mid-Atlantic Aviation Partnership at Virginia Tech is one of seven different FAA approved designated test sites in the country.

The FAA came to Virginia Tech to conduct tests in complex environments as they are looking to “establish safe and reliable commercial standards for the future” of all air traffic.

Assistant Administrator for NextGen Paul Fontaine said “We expect that by 2026 time frame we’re going to have 2.66 million drones that will be here in the U.S.” With that many drones flying in the air, it will be vital to focus on how to integrate them into the airspace.

Industry leaders, researchers, and partners have collaborated to make the Virginia’s New River Valley one of the strongest regions in the U.S. for the Uncrewed Systems sector. Discover how the NRV is “A Natural Fit” for the growing UAS industry here.

Read the WSLS News story 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.