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.

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.

MOVA Technologies Opens R & D Facility in Pulaski

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Pulaski County, VA – The Patriot recently reported that MOVA Technologies has opened a Research & Development facility in the Town of Pulaski. According to MOVA’s website, they are a “ClimateTech company specializing in air-capture technology applying sustainable, circular principles to selectively capture and harvest contaminants as valuable byproducts that can be sold and reused.”

The Research & Development (R & D) facility will allow for enhanced production and design of MOVA’s state-of-the-art pollutant capture technology.

MOVA CEO John Schott said, “We’re researching selective air filtration technology so that we can target a specific contaminant for capture and harvesting … so that it can be redeployed as a resource.”

MOVA anticipates expanding their current R & D workforce and building a bigger facility in the next few years.

Read the full article here.

Discover more about Pulaski County here.

photo by William Paine of The Patriot

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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.

Draper Featured in Southern Living Magazine

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Pulaski County, VA – Southern Living magazine recently featured a story on Draper and how this “tiny hamlet” in Pulaski County is worth a visit.

Erin Gifford wrote this about Draper:

“This former rail town with a population of less than 700 is an unexpected delight that surprises with a formal tearoom, a vista-laden vineyard, and easy access to the New River Trail, the longest rail-trail in Virginia.”

The article goes on to give suggestions on what to do, where to eat, and where to stay while in Draper.

Historic Draper is one of the unique communities that make up Pulaski County. Discover more about Pulaski County here.

The eclectic mix of small towns in Virginia’s New River Valley is one of the reasons our region is so special. Not only is it a great place to visit, but it’s also a great place to live and work. Learn more about living in the NRV here.

Read the full Southern Living 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.

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.

NRV Companies Announce 2,530 Jobs and $551 Million in Investment Since 2018

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New River Valley, VA – Virginia’s New River Valley has seen great economic success in the last 5 years. 24 new or expanding companies announced plans to create 2,530 jobs and invest over $551 million in the NRV region.

Onward NRV, the regional economic development organization for Virginia’s New River Valley, reported that the economic growth surpassed their goals set in their Onward 2023 five-year strategic plan for the region. Their original goals were $180 million in new capital investment and 1,720 new jobs.

Onward NRV Executive Director Katie Boswell said, “Virginia’s New River Valley is a great place to live, work, and do business, which is why so many companies have located or expanded in our region over the past five years. We appreciate the businesses who choose to grow in our region, which helps to bring jobs and economic vitality to the New River Valley. Finally, we are grateful for our partnerships with our local economic development organizations, the Virginia Economic Development Partnership, and the many other regional stakeholders that contribute to economic development. Without collaboration, these projects would not be possible.”

Here are some selected wins that highlight the New River Valley’s economic growth and success over the past five years:

  • Volvo Group announced in June 2019 that they would invest nearly $400 million to expand its Volvo Trucks North America assembly operation in Pulaski County, creating 777 new jobs.
  • Torc Robotics announced in August 2020 they would create 350 new jobs and invest $8.5 million to expand their software development operations in Montgomery County.
  • Oransi announced in April 2021 they would create 101 new jobs and bring their first manufacturing facility to the City of Radford, investing $5.6 million.
  • Hollingsworth & Vose announced in January 2023 that they would expand one of their two existing plants in Floyd County, bringing $40.2 million in capital investment and 25 new jobs.

Browse press releases from NRV economic development announcements over the past five years here.

Explore the Virginia Economic Development Partnership’s list of economic development announcements here.

Virginia’s New River Valley is the perfect location to let your business flourish. The area is affordable, accessible, innovative, and enjoyable. To learn more about doing business in Virginia’s New River Valley click 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 Farmers Market Trail

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If local vegetables, handpicked flowers, and fresh baked goods are what define your summer, then it’s time to hit the NRV Farmers Market Trail. Each market brings its own finds and, in some cases, music. Summer is a time for meandering through the local artisan-crafted gifts and food. It’s the taste of freshness and the local community that make this region’s farmers markets such a treasure. Explore the exciting flavors that abound in the New River Valley by grabbing your bag and joining us as we delve into the local NRV Farmers Market Trail.

       

1. City of Radford’s Farmers Market

 

Our first stop on this Farmers Market journey is the City of Radford, where The Radford Farmers Market is a staple in Radford every Saturday during the months of April through October from 9 a.m.- 1 p.m. rain or shine. Visit them weekly for an ever-changing supply of fresh and local produce, honey, eggs, meats, crafts, pastries, baked goods, flowers, and nursery starts.

       

2. Floyd County’s Farmers Market

 

Traversing through the countryside, our next visit is to The Floyd Farmers Market. It is open every Saturday from May through December from 9:00 am to 1:00 pm under the community pavilion in the center of downtown Floyd. A limited number of vendors are available on Thursdays from 4:00pm-7:00pm. They are proud to provide the community with locally grown, fresh produce and artisanal products and believe that shopping locally is the best way to get fresh, high-quality, and unique products.

     

3. Giles County’s Farmers Markets

 

Giles County flows through several towns and offers up a great variety of local produce at their Narrows Farmers Market and the Pearisburg Community Market. With a chance to chat with local farmers and artisans, you won’t want to miss stopping into Giles County.

The Narrows Farmers Market runs Saturdays 9am – 1pm at 135 Monroe Street and offers tables already onsite to accommodate several vendors and a sheltered pavilion for rain coverage.

The Pearisburg Community Market is located on the front lawn of the Community Center on Wenonah Avenue and is open the third Friday of the month from 5:00pm-7:30pm.

       

4. Montgomery County’s Farmers Markets

 

Continuing our travels through the New River Valley’s Farmers Markets, we find ourselves in Montgomery County with a few options for perusing the local offerings.

The Blacksburg Farmer’s Market is located in the center of Blacksburg and has a variety of hours to choose from:

  • Jan-Mar: Sat. 10am – 2pm
  • Apr-Oct: Wed. 2pm – 6pm & Sat. 8am – 2pm
  • Nov.-Dec: Wed. 2pm – 6pm & Sat. 9am – 2pm

The Christiansburg Farmers Market is located at 1600 North Franklin Street on Thursdays May – October from 3pm – 7pm. Each day differs, so you don’t want to miss out on what is available. You never know what you are going to find!

I don’t know about you, but I have found some lovely things at each market. My bags are full of some fabulous gifts and local veggies. I even heard some great music along the way! But there is still room for just a little more of what the NRV has to offer.

     

5. Pulaski County’s Farmers Market

 

Pulaski’s Marketplace has just what I need to finish out this Farmers Market Trail and I have just the spot for it in my bags. The Historic Train station offers a great backdrop for the music as I make my final purchases from the NRV. Join Pulaski at The Marketplace Tuesday’s 4-7pm in the summers where local vendors and artisans show of their knowledge and products. With activities for kids, there is fun for the whole family!

           

Thank you for joining us on the NRV Farmers Market Trail. I hope you have enjoyed the vendors, the locations, music, and all the treats you picked up along the way!

Click here to find out why the NRV is a great place to live, work, and do business.

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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.

Efforts to Retain NRV Talent Featured in Virginia Business Magazine

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New River Valley, VA – Virginia’s New River Valley was recently featured in a Virginia Business article on talent retention in the area.

The article spoke about how both the New River Valley and the Roanoke region are working to retain students and tap into remote workers looking for a better quality of life that the larger metropolitan areas don’t offer.

John Provo, executive director of Virginia Tech’s Center for Economic and Community Engagement was quoted as saying that “students are the largest export” of the region because of universities like Radford and Virginia Tech.

Students don’t typically stay in the region because they don’t know all that it has to offer. Programs like Onward NRV’s NRV Experience were created to educate and show off the New River Valley to summer interns working in the area. The program features five community excursions and professional development trainings throughout the summer. Onward NRV hosts the program in collaboration with local tourism directors and economic developers in the region. The livability of the region is a huge asset for talent recruitment and retention with access to the Blue Ridge Mountains and a cost of living that makes life easier. The NRV has a lot to offer to those who choose to live and work in the area.

Read the article here.

Learn more about the NRV Experience here.

Discover why Virginia’s New River Valley is a natural fit for anyone looking for a place to call home and do 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.