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.

VTCRC Announces New Lab Space and Collaboration with Johnson & Johnson

VTCRC Announces New Lab Space and Collaboration with Johnson & Johnson

Brett Malone, President and CEO of the VTCRC, on December 15, 2021

Brett Malone, President and CEO of the Virginia Tech Corporate Research Center, at the announcement press conference on December 15, 2021. Photo courtesy of the VTCRC.

Montgomery County, VA – The Virginia Tech Corporate Research Center (VTCRC) announced today that GO Virginia has awarded the research park a grant to “fund the expansion of laboratory space and facilities aimed at supporting the region’s growing life science industry.” The VTCRC will develop a shared lab facility in Blacksburg with a coalition of stakeholders including Montgomery County, Carilion Clinic, and the City of Roanoke. These stakeholders will also design a larger facility in Roanoke.

The shared lab space facility at the VTCRC in Blacksburg will be called COgro LABS and “is designed with 25 accessible lab spaces in a turn-key facility. The facility will help meet a need for flexible lab space from small- to early-stage companies, making starting and building a biotech company a little bit easier.”

“Through collaborations, we aim to fill the demand from biotechnology companies and provide full access needed to support research to commercialization aspirations. Our sophisticated infrastructure makes us a research destination across industries and for everyone from startups to enterprise companies.”
– Brett Malone, President & CEO of the Virginia Tech Corporate Research Center

In addition to this new lab space, the VTCRC has established a new collaboration with Johnson & Johnson LLC to “provide early-stage innovators in the region with access to their virtual residency program which includes expert mentoring, programming and resources offered through Johnson & Johnson Innovation – JLABS.” Up to five companies will be selected by JLABS and the VTCRC to participate in the JLABS virtual residency program during the first year of the collaboration.

“Montgomery County is pleased to provide support to this partnership, which demonstrates our commitment to biotechnology growth in the New River and Roanoke Valleys. We look forward to working with the Virginia Tech Corporate Research Center and the Fralin Biomedical Research Institute to promote recognition for our region as a biotechnology hub.”
– Craig Meadows, County Administrator for Montgomery County.

The VTCRC’s new shared lab space and its collaboration with Johnson & Johnson will enhance opportunities for biotech companies and startups in Virginia’s New River Valley.

Read the press release about this exciting announcement from the VTCRC here.

Learn more about COgro LABS and the VTCRC here.

Learn more about industries 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.

Virginia Tech Project Named Finalist for BBB Regional Challenge

Virginia Tech Project Named Finalist for BBB Regional Challenge

New River Valley, VA – The U.S. Economic Development Administration has named a Virginia Tech proposal, titled “The Future of Transportation and Logistics”, as a finalist for the Build Back Better Regional Challenge. According to the U.S. EDA, “[t]he Challenge provides transformational investments to develop and strengthen regional industry clusters across the country, all while embracing equitable economic growth, creating good-paying jobs, and enhancing U.S. global competitiveness.”

Virginia Tech was chosen as one of sixty finalists out of 529 applications from across the country. Each finalist was awarded a $500,000 grant to help develop their final proposal. From the finalists, the U.S. EDA “will ultimately award 20-30 regional coalitions between $25 and $100 million to implement 3-8 projects that support an industry sector.”

The proposed project from Virginia Tech will bring together partners across Virginia’s New River Valley and the adjacent regions to develop three transformational projects that will grow the region’s economy. The projects are:

  1. I-81 Autonomous-Electric Testbed
  2. Advanced Air Mobility Testbed
  3. Industry network for training, talent, technology, and entrepreneurial development

Finalist proposals are due to the U.S. EDA by March 15, 2022 and winners are expected to be announced no later than September 2022. Learn more about the Build Back Better Regional Challenge here.

Read Virginia Tech’s project proposal summary for “The Future of Transporation and Logistics” here.

Learn more about advanced manufacturing, unmanned systems, and other industries 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.

NRV Cybersecurity Initiatives Featured in Virginia Economic Review

NRV Cybersecurity Initiatives Featured in Virginia Economic Review

New River Valley, VA – Cybersecurity education initiatives from two of the New River Valley’s higher education institutions were featured in an article in the Q3 2021 issue of the Virginia Economic Review. The article, titled “Bridging Cybersecurity Gaps”, detailed unique cybersecurity initiatives from universities across the Commonwealth of Virginia. Programs and research projects from Radford University and Virginia Tech were both included in the article.

The article highlighted Radford University’s transdisciplinary approach to cybersecurity education. The university’s Center for Information Security (CIS), led by Director Prem Uppuluri, “provid[es] faculty with tools and skillsets necessary to teach cybersecurity through a broader perspective.” Beyond the CIS, other university faculty are focusing on developing curriculum to help K-12 teachers learn about cybersecurity and doing research on “securing IoT [Internet of Things] devices”.

Virginia Tech’s cybersecurity initiatives featured in the article included the new Tech4Humanity Lab. This lab, run by Professor Eric Jardine, is “examining the effects of media coverage around drug market closures on the ensuing level of dark web searches for drug-related activity.” In addition, the article highlighted a project led by Professor Ali Mehrizi-Sani to “support power grid operators’ shift to 5G communications”.

Read the full article from the Virginia Economic Review and learn about Radford University and Virginia Tech’s cybersecurity initiatives in more detail here .

Learn more about higher education in Virginia’s New River Valley here.

Explore the tech sector 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.

Blacksburg Featured on ESPN’s Ultimate College Football Road Trip

Blacksburg Featured on ESPN’s Ultimate College Football Road Trip

Montgomery County, VA – Blacksburg is the first stop on ESPN’s ultimate college football road trip! A recent article on ESPN.com mapped out “a week-by-week guide to the ultimate college football road trip, highlighting the must-see spots for food, drink, and revelry.” Virginia Tech’s 2021 season opener against UNC at Lane Stadium was the first stop on this nationwide college football extravaganza.

Here is what reporter David Hale had to say about Virginia Tech’s entrance to Lane Stadium:

“The key… is getting into your seats at least 30 minutes before kickoff because you won’t want to miss the most iconic stadium entrance in college football as the Hokies take the field to ‘Enter Sandman’ and the entire stadium shakes as the crowd celebrates.”

Read all of Hale’s recommendations for the best game day experience in Blacksburg here.

See the 2021 football schedule for the Virginia Tech Hokies here.

Learn more about sports and recreation in Virginia’s New River Valley here.

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

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

Torc Robotics Expansion Among Virginia’s Top 10 Projects in 2020

Torc Robotics Expansion Among Virginia’s Top 10 Projects in 2020

Montgomery County, VAArea Development magazine recognized the recent Torc Robotics expansion as one of Virginia’s top 10 economic development projects in 2020. Torc came in ninth on the list, with 350 jobs and $8.5 million in investment.

Torc’s expansion project in Blacksburg helped Virginia win Area Development’s 2021 Silver Shovel Award for states with a population of 8+ to 12 million. The “annual Gold and Silver Shovel Awards recognize states for their achievements that will create a significant number of new jobs in the communities.”

Here’s what Area Development had to say about the Torc Robotics expansion:

“Virginia’s job activity was diverse… including 350 jobs in self-driving vehicle software development at a TORC Robotics expansion in Montgomery County.”

Learn more about the Gold & Silver Shovel Awards and see Area Development’s list of the top ten economic development projects in Virginia here.

Read about the Torc Robotics expansion here.

Learn more about unmanned systems 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.