NRV Companies Awarded 2024 Top Virginia Employers for Interns

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New River Valley, VA – The Virginia Talent + Opportunity Partnership (V-TOP) recently honored 136 organizations as the 2024 Top Virginia Employers for Interns, including several from Virginia’s New River Valley (NRV). This recognition not only highlights the amazing internship opportunities at these NRV employers but also calls attention to the NRV as a premier location to live, work, and conduct business.

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

The NRV recipients are:

The 2024 Top Virginia Employer Intern award recognized employers who provide students with high-quality internships. Recipients of the award were evaluated based on efforts to include housing allowance, training for industry certifications, paid time off, security clearance, exposure to senior leadership, and structured mentorship programs.

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 next 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.

New River Community College Announces Economic Impact

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Pulaski County, VA – WSLS recently reported on New River Community College’s economic impact study for the Fiscal Year 2021-2022. The report shows that the community college is having a large influence in the region, contributing more than $121 million to the NRV’s economy in 2022.

According to the Economic Value of New River Community College Report, “for every dollar invested in the college, students gain $4.50 in higher future earnings and taxpayers see a net benefit of $2.20 in added tax revenue stemming from students’ higher lifetime earnings and increased output by businesses and public sector savings.”

The study also profiles the college’s operations spending impact, student spending impact, and the alumni impact in Virginia’s New River Valley for the 2021-2022 fiscal year.

Watch the WSLS Story here.

Read New River Community College’s full economic impact study here.

Virginia’s New River Valley offers exceptional educational opportunities, featuring several world-class universities and colleges within the region. Learn more about the educational landscape 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.

Workforce Development Consortium Receives Grant

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Radford, VA – The New River/Mount Rogers Workforce Development Area Consortium recently received a $1.5 million grant from the U.S. Department of Labor. This grant is part of a $98 million initiative to enhance training and employment services for young people and expand apprenticeships in high-demand careers.

The consortium is one of 72 organizations across 30 states awarded through the YouthBuild Program. According to the YouthBuild website, “YouthBuild is a community-based pre-apprenticeship program that provides job training and educational services for opportunity youth ages 16-24 who left school without a secondary diploma.”

Administered by the U.S Department of Labor’s Employment and Training Administration and supported by the Workforce Innovation and Opportunity Act, YouthBuild grants help disadvantaged young people acquire occupational skills, employment services, and educational guidance. The program emphasizes green building techniques, including sustainable building materials, solar panel installation, and weatherization processes. Participants can also earn their high school diploma or equivalency degree while receiving workplace training.

Read the full press release and see a complete list of grant recipients from the U.S. Department of Labor 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 Destinations and Businesses Win Best of Virginia 2024 Awards

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New River Valley, VA – Virginia Living magazine recently recognized sixty-nine destinations and businesses in the New River Valley with Best of Virginia 2024 awards for Southwest Virginia. This annual contest invites the magazine’s readers to vote for the top destinations and businesses across the five regions of Virginia. The impressive number of winners from the New River Valley highlights how the NRV is a natural fit for anyone looking to live like a local.

The Best of Virginia 2024 award winners from Virginia’s New River Valley are listed below in their respective categories.

BEST FOOD & DRINK

  • Best Barbecue Restaurant – Bluegrass BBQ, Pembroke
  • Best Breakfast/Bruch Restaurant – Palisades, Eggleston
  • Best Burger Joint – Dude’s Drive In, Christiansburg
  • Best Coffee shop or Roaster – Sugar and Flour, Pearisburg
  • Best Fine Dining – The Palisades Restaurant, Eggleston
  • Best Food Truck – Cabo Fish Taco, multiple Locations
  • Best Ice Cream Shop – Scoops Arcade, Pembroke
  • Best Indian Restaurant – Indian Garden Restaurant, Blacksburg
  • Best Italian Restaurant – Sal’s Italian Restaurant, Radford
  • Best Mexican Restaurant – LaBarranca Mexican Grill, Pearisburg
  • Best Outdoor Dining – The Farmhouse, Christiansburg
  • Best Pizzeria – Sal’s Italian Restaurant, Radford
  • Best Sandwich Shop – Macado’s, multiple locations
  • Best Steakhouse – The Farmhouse, Christiansburg
  • Best Vegan, Vegetarian or Gluten Free – Gillies, Blacksburg
  • Best Chocolatier – Sugar Magnolia, Blacksburg
  • Best Community Supported Agriculture – Glade Road Growing, Blacksburg
  • Best Farmers Market – Blacksburg Farmers Market, Blacksburg
  • Best Specialty Gourmet Food Shop – The Bread Basket, Floyd
  • Best Wine Shop – Vintage Cellar, Blacksburg
  • Best Brewery – Eastern Divide Brewing Company, Blacksburg
  • Best Cocktails – Lush Lounge, Floyd
  • Best Distillery – Salty Stash Distillery, Dublin
  • Best Winery – Iron Heart Winery, Allisonia

BEST LIVING AND RECREATION

  • Best Annual Charity Event – Cancer, Kids, and Christmas, Narrows
  • Best Art Event – Steppin’ Out, Blacksburg
  • Best Art Gallery – Moss Arts Center, Blacksburg
  • Best Entertainment Center for Adults – McClain’s at First and Main, Blacksburg
  • Best Festival – Steppin’ Out, Blacksburg
  • Best Love Sign – LOVEwork in Pearisburg, Pearisburg
  • Best Movie Theater – The Lyric, Blacksburg
  • Best Music Venue – The Floyd Country Store, Floyd
  • Best Special Event Venue – Mountain Lake Lodge, Pembroke
  • Best Dog Groomer – M & J Pet Grooming, Pearisburg
  • Best Veterinary Hospital – Town and Country Veterinary Clinic, Christiansburg
  • Best K-12 Independent School – Blacksburg New School, Blacksburg
  • Best Bed & Breakfast – Lily Valley Inn, Pearisburg
  • Best Historic Site – Mabry Mill, Blue Ridge Parkway
  • Best Resort – Mountain Lake Lodge, Pembroke
  • Best State Park – Claytor Lake State Park, Dublin
  • Best Tourist Attraction – Blue Ridge Parkway
  • Best Golf Course – Castle Rock Golf Course and Recreation, Pembroke

BEST SERVICES:

  • Best Counseling or Therapy Practice – New River Valley Community Services, multiple locations
  • Best Dental Practice – Radford Family Dental, Radford
  • Oral and Maxillofacial Surgery Practice – NRV Oral and Maxillofacial Surgery, Blacksburg, and Radford
  • Best Pediatric Practice – New River Valley Pediatrics, multiple locations
  • Best Cosmetic Surgery Practice – New River Dermatology, Blacksburg
  • Best Dermatology Practice – New River Dermatology, multiple locations
  • Best Hair Salon – The Hair Loft, Radford
  • Best Spa – Allure Spa and Skin Health Boutique, Blacksburg
  • Best Greenhouse and Nursery – Crow’s Nest Greenhouses, Blacksburg
  • Best Kitchen and Bath Design Firm – Dublin Home Store, Dublin
  • Best Landscape Design – Back to Nature Landscaping & Construction, Blacksburg
  • Best Retirement Community – Warm Hearth Village, Blacksburg
  • Best Accounting Firm – Darryl Gillespie P.C, CPA Christiansburg
  • Best Auction Company – Linkous Auctioneers, Blacksburg
  • Best Bank – Truist, multiple locations
  • Best Car Dealer – Shelor Motor Mile, Christiansburg
  • Best Financial Planning Firm – Plott & French Financial Advisors, Radford
  • Best Funeral Home – Kendall Funeral Home, Pembroke
  • Best Law Firm – Patrick K. Moore, Blacksburg and Radford

BEST SHOPPING

  • Best Bookstore – Blacksburg Books, Blacksburg
  • Best Consignment Shop – Treasure Trove Thrift Store, Christiansburg
  • Best Fine Jewelry Store – P.R. Sturgill Fine Jewely, Radford
  • Best Florist Shop – Northside Flower Shop. Radford
  • Best Flower Farm – Stonecrop Farmers, Newport
  • Best Men’s Clothing – Tractor Supply, Pearisburg
  • Best Sporting Goods or Outdoor Outfitter – Tangent Outfitters, Pembroke
  • Best Women’s Clothing Store – Fringe Benefit, Blacksburg

In addition to these winners, eighty-three destinations and businesses from the NRV were recognized with second or third place awards. Read more about Virginia Living’s Best of Virginia 2024 awards here.Learn more about the lifestyle amenities available 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.

Pulaski County’s International Companies Featured in Virginia Economic Review

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Pulaski County, VA– The Virginia Economic Review recently highlighted Pulaski County’s diverse group of international companies in their latest issue “First Class in International Business”. An article titled “A Center of International Business in the New River Valley” touted Pulaski County’s strong business ecosystem, welcoming community, and recreation-rich environment.

Their strategic location and port of entry at the New River Valley Airport makes the county a prime location for international businesses. Pulaski County is home to Sweden based Volvo Tucks, Mexican baking giant Bimbo Bakeries, Canadian and Mexican vegetable grower Red Sun Farms, and Irish manufacturer James Hardie. Local manufacturer TekniPlex was previously owned by a Colombian company, Grupo Phoenix, before its recent acquisition.

Pulaski County Administrator Jonathan Sweet stated that “our logistics and connectivity to locally and regionally owned enterprises and OEMs, along with our supply chain, create a lot of opportunity for foreign companies to come to Pulaski County and access business opportunities.”

Virginia’s New River Valley is a natural fit for international businesses. Access to higher education, community groups, and cultural events help foster an openness to foreign investment and opportunities. Learn more about the NRV here.

Read the Virginia Economic Review article 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.

Vegg, Inc. Celebrates First Produce Harvest

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Pulaski County, VA – Radio IQ | WVTF radio recently reported that Vegg, Inc. celebrated the harvesting of their first lettuce grown with state-of-the-art carbon cycling technology. They also grew the produce in the repurposed Jefferson School building in downtown Pulaski.

According to their website, Vegg, Inc. is an innovative start-up “AgTech company located in Pulaski, VA providing technological solutions to modern-day farming and sustainability issues. Utilizing innovative methods in agriculture, climate technology advancements, and the revitalization of abandoned school buildings, our company aims to deliver the first Climate-Smart certified facility for vertical farming companies.”

Vegg, Inc received funding from the U.S. Department of Agriculture and the Department of Energy as well as state funding and private investment. The young company has also partnered with Virginia Tech to help train agricultural students.

Read the Radio IQ | WVTF radio article here.

Virginia’s New River Valley’s innovative vibe, connection to nature, and entrepreneurial spirit is producing a growing specialty product scene. The NRV is full of passionate people who care about the natural environment and responsibly sourced food. Discover how Virginia’s New River Valley is a natural fit for food processing and agribusiness here.

Photo by Roxy Todd/Radio IQ

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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.

The Towns of Floyd and Pulaski Receive Grants

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Virginia’s New River Valley – The Town of Floyd and the Town of Pulaski have both received grants from the Virginia governor’s office. These grants will aid the towns in bolstering growth in their localities.

The Town of Floyd was awarded over $200,000 of a Virginia Brownfields Restoration and Economic Redevelopment Assistance Fund (VBAF). According to the press release, the VBAF “provides either grants or loans to local governments to restore and redevelop brownfield sites and address environmental problems or obstacles to their reuse in an effort to effectively attract new economic development prospects.” The Town of Floyd will use the funds for multiple commercial properties in the west end of the town.

The Town of Pulaski received $500,000 for a Mixed Use on Main Street Grant (MUMS). According to the MUMS press release, this program is to “support the revitalization of vacant or underutilized downtown spaces to create opportunities for commercial development and housing units.” The Town of Pulaski will use the funds to add eight market-rate apartments to 69 West Man Street.

Read the VBAF press release here.

Read the MUMS 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.

Remote Workers Love the NRV

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New River Valley, VA – Cardinal News recently highlighted a shift in the landscape of remote work in Virginia between 2019 and 2022 citing insights from the U.S. Census Bureau’s American Community Survey. According to the survey, remote work in Virginia’s New River Valley has surged by 101%, reflecting a growing trend of professionals opting for the region’s lifestyle. The allure of scenic vistas, affordable living, and a vibrant community makes the New River Valley an irresistible choice for remote work and living. With its beautiful landscapes and safe environments, it’s no surprise that more individuals are embracing the opportunity to work remotely from this picturesque corner of Virginia. It’s clear why Virginia’s New River Valley feels like home for remote workers. It’s simply a natural fit. Calculate your cost of living in Virginia’s New River Valley here. Read the Cardinal News Article here. View the U.S. Census Bureau’s American Community Survey here.
Photo by Antoni Shkraba
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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.

Pulaski County Focuses on Affordable Housing

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Pulaski County, VA – WSLS New Channel 10 recently reported that Pulaski County is working to bring affordable housing to the area by “revitalizing three former schools, Pulaski and Dublin Middle, and Claremont Elementary”.

Pulaski Middle School has completed about 75 percent of the abatement process and representatives for community development are in talks with developers for the Dublin Middle School. Work at Claremont Elementary School is expected to begin early this year.

The three projects combined will provide more than 200 housing units for Pulaski and will help offer solutions for affordable housing in the area.

Pulaski County is centrally located in the New River Valley and has two of the most-visited state parks in Virginia. The county is home to a number of international businesses and continues to innovate their industrial roots. Learn more about Pulaski County here.

Watch the full 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.

NRV 2023 Top 50 Metro Area for Economic Growth in the US

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New River Valley, VA – The New River Valley is one of the top 50 places in America for metro areas that are “hotspots for economic growth”, according to Area Development. The magazine recently released its rankings of the 2023 leading metro locations that are hotspots for economic growth.

The Blacksburg-Christiansburg metropolitan statistical area (MSA), also known as the New River Valley, ranked No. 49 overall and No. 21 among mid-sized metros with populations between 160,000 to 600,000. The New River Valley is the only location from Virginia that made the top 50.

According to Area Development, they ranked “384 MSAs across 24 economic and workforce indicators pulled from eight (8) data sets — each set containing a five-year change, a three-year change, and a one-year change indicator — originating from the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics, U.S. Census, and JobsEQ® by Chmura Economics & Analytics.” The “Overall Ranking” was created by totaling the score across all data sets, with the five-year change indicators carrying the most weight and the one-year indicators carrying the least weight. The four primary indicators used to compile the rankings included Prime Workforce, Economic Strength, Year-Over-Year Growth, Three-Year Growth, and Five-Year Growth.

The “overall ranking” isn’t a product of just one indicator, but all the factors combined. This shows the New River Valley’s strength in a variety of different indicators that make it ‘a natural fit’ across the board. The region benefits from its emerging tech hub, high-tech advanced manufacturing, access to talent, great cost of living and many other key factors that make the NRV a great place to live and do business.

Read the full list of rankings here.

Read the methodology behind the report 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.