Bisset Park in the City of Radford, VA overlooks the New River and is home to soccer fields, tennis courts, and more

Bisset Park Selected in ‘Virginia You Love’ Contest

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Radford, VA – Bisset Park was selected as the “Staff Pick” for the Virginia Municipal League (VML) ‘Virginia You Love’ contest.

The three winners of the VML ‘Virginia You Love’ contest were featured in the July/August edition of Virginia Town & City. Bisset Park was selected as the “Staff Pick”. Below is the excerpt from the 2019 VML ‘Virginia You Love’ survey contest winners article.

“After carefully considering all the submissions (including the respondent who enthusiastically voted for his backyard as the best spot in his locality), we have chosen Bisset Park as this year’s staff pick! Bisset Park, located in Radford along the New River, is full of life, wonder, and adventure. Moreover, Bisset Park earned numerous votes within each category, making it apparent that we are not alone in loving this location. Bissett Park – the largest city park in Radford – is located along a 57 acre stretch of riverfront with easy access to canoeing, kayaking, and tubing. Besides water activities, Bisset Park also has a gazebo, picnic areas, a football field, soccer fields, and tennis courts. Visitors also enjoy hiking or biking the 3.5-mile long riverway trail with beautiful views of the New River and opportunities to observe wildlife such as birds and dragon flies. Those who enjoy a bit of history in their outdoor adventures visit the Civil War trail at the far end of the park. A marker on this trail indicates where the original foundation of a bridge was burned during the Battle of New River Bridge. This historic bridge is still visible today from the riverbank.”

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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.

radford university hotel; live here, nrv

Radford University Announces Plans for Hotel Near Campus

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Radford, VA – Radford University, in collaboration with the Radford University Foundation and the City of Radford, has announced plans to build a hotel in close proximity to campus. The hotel, which will be located at the intersection of Tyler Avenue and Calhoun Street, will be constructed on land owned by the Radford University Foundation. Four existing structures will be demolished to make way for the hotel, which will include 125 rooms, a conference center, a rooftop restaurant, and on-site parking.

Radford University President Brian O. Hemphill, Ph.D. said, “The hotel will provide amenities not available at current area hotels and a proximity to campus that cannot be matched. I am confident that our campus will serve as a wonderful backdrop for area visitors and University guests. Imagine standing on the top floor of the hotel in the rooftop restaurant and seeing the beauty and excitement of our campus.”

City of Radford Mayor David Horton said, “We are excited to welcome a new world-class hotel to the City of Radford on Tyler Avenue. This facility will serve as a great complement to the hotels and restaurants in Radford and will provide options currently unavailable to guests and citizens alike. The rooftop restaurant will offer unmatched views of not only the campus, but the beautiful vistas of the City of Radford and the New River Valley. The economic impact of bringing this new business to Radford will be tremendous, and we will benefit as a community not only from the outstanding amenities that this new hotel and conference center will provide, but also in the jobs and revenue that will be generated. Businesses across Radford will benefit from the guests joining us who presently stay outside the city and with the special events and conferences that will come to our community once the facility opens. This is a big win for our fair city and another great step as we revitalize and support the business community in Radford.”

The University is collaborating with JLL, a commercial real estate services firm and the second-largest company of its kind in the world. As a Fortune 500 company, JLL will provide professional services and needed assistance with project definition and implementation as the University works closely with the Radford University Foundation Board of Directors and Foundation staff, as well as the Radford University Real Estate Management LLC Board of Directors and officials from the City of Radford.

Radford University Foundation Chief Executive Officer John F. Cox, Jr. said, “Like many people in the Radford University community, I am personally excited about the hotel project on Tyler Avenue. Feedback from the Foundation Board and the Real Estate Management LLC Board has been very positive. The Foundation has engaged JLL to assist both the Foundation and the University during this process, and we have been very pleased with this partnership. Our goal is to bring a top-quality hotel to Radford by 2023, as expressed by President Hemphill during his State of the University Address on October 25, 2019. Our goal is to turn the President’s vision into a wonderful reality for the benefit of the entire Radford University community.”

The hotel will be included in the University’s 2020-2030 Master Plan, which is in the final development stages as review and approval by the Board of Visitors is expected in early December. The hotel brand will be announced in the near future. The estimated cost is between $20 million and $25 million.

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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.

site selection; top metro

Virginia’s New River Valley Top 10 Metro for Site Selection

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New River Valley, VA – The Blacksburg-Christiansburg-Radford metropolitan statistical area, known locally as the New River Valley, has been named a “Top Metro” for 2018 by Site Selection magazine. The 2018 rankings were split into three Top 10 lists based on population, including less than 200,000, 200,000 to 1 million, and over 1 million. Among metropolitan areas with populations less than 200,000, the NRV ranked No. 10 (tie) nationally with six new or expanding corporate facility announcements in 2018. The NRV has consistently held the 10th spot for the past two years. This past year in the New River Valley, six companies have announced projects that are investing a total of $405,702,500 million and creating 1,490 jobs. Published by Conway Inc., Site Selection delivers expansion planning information to over 48,700 readers including corporate executives, site selection consultants, and real estate professionals. The annual “Top Metros” rankings appeared in the March 2019 issue. In order to be considered in Conway Project Database, projects have to meet specific requirements. New construction must meet one or more of the following qualifying criteria:
  • 20 or more new jobs created
  • 20,000 sq. ft. or more
  • $1,000,000 or more investment
Office and/or industrial leases must have an investment of at least $1 million plus add 20 jobs or at least 20,000 sq. ft. of new space. Project also must fall into one of the following categories:
  • Manufacturing
  • Call Center
  • Headquarters
  • Data Center
  • Distribution Warehouse
  • Office
  • Research and Development
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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.
fall in the nrv

Fall Things to Do in the NRV

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New River Valley, VA – Now that the weather outside feels like fall, here’s a list of fun things to do across the New River Valley to embrace the season of Fall. Adventure around the NRV with your friends or family and enjoy everything it has to offer.

Pumpkin Patches & Apple Picking

Sinkland Farms Pumpkin Festival
Thornspring Pastures Farm Fest
Crows Nest Greenhouse
Apple picking at Doe Creek Farm

Fall Festivals

Pearisburg Scarecrow Festival
Newbern Fall Festival
Draper Village’s Fall Festival
Narrows Annual Fall Festival
Randolph Park Jack-O-Lantern Spectacular
Radford Highlanders Festival
Smithfield Halloween 2019

Oktoberfest

OktoberFest in Floyd takes place on October 12th at Chantilly Farm. This Oktoberfest Dinner Show provides an evening filled with traditional German music, great food, and brews! Family-friendly fun for all ages.

Halloween-Themed

Haunted House: Slayhouse
Halloween Spooktacular: 3-D Drive-In Movie
Backwoods of Terror
Hexed Haunted Attraction

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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.

RIDE Solutions

RIDE Solutions Launch in New River Valley

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New River Valley – RIDE Solutions, a grant-funded program, provides alternate transportation options to those living in the greater New River Valley area.

RIDE Solutions is a Transportation Demand Management (TDM) Agency “dedicated to expanding the efficiency and life of the roadway network and reducing the environmental impacts – air pollution – of vehicle emissions”. The ultimate goal is to connect individuals and businesses in order to reduce traffic, improve air quality, and support safer roadways. However there are many added benefits to those who participate such as social interaction, better quality of life, and increased job access.

RIDE Solutions

RIDE Solutions provides carpool matching, links to cycling/walking resources, and bus trip planners. Recently they launched a new mobile app which not only helps users better find and communicate with their ride shares but also allows them to receive points for logging their commutes. These points can be cashed in for over 2,000 different rewards at local and national retailers and restaurants. The new app even allows commuters to participate in long-distance, event, and one-time ridematching.

Not only is RIDE Solutions great for the environment, but it also helps you save money. For example, a commuter living in Blacksburg and working in Radford can easily save almost $2,000 each year by carpooling every day. Check out their map HERE to find out who is commuting near you. Plus if you use the app for events, like the upcoming Floyd Fest, you can save on gas and parking making your experience even better.

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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 internet

Montgomery County and City of Radford Study Internet Needs

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VIRGINIA’S NEW RIVER VALLEY – At the end of March, Governor Northam announced that both Floyd and Giles counties received Virginia Telecommunication Initiative Grants. These grants come from federal and state funds that have be designated for broadband improvement projects across Virginia.

Now Montgomery County and the City of Radford will be joining in the effort to make sure all the communities in the NRV have better internet connectivity. The two localities plan to conduct a study that will find areas that have insufficient internet service. It will also look into how to remedy those insufficiencies.

The NRV Regional Commission conducted a survey in 2017, in which Montgomery County residents reported insufficient internet speeds from Blacksburg (30%), Christiansburg (36%), and Montgomery County (48%).

Before making improvements, the localities need to understand exactly where the greatest needs are. That’s why they’re in the process of hiring a consultant to create a plan for both localities. Bids on the project were due in late April.

The Virginia Department of Housing and Community Development awarded Montgomery county a $30,000 grant to help pay for the the plan’s development.

Find more details from Jacob Demmitt at the Roanoke Times.

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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.”

Amazon HQ2

Amazon HQ2’s Effect on the NRV

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VIRGINIA’S NEW RIVER VALLEY – While Northern Virginia may feel far away, Amazon’s new HQ2 locating in Crystal City will have a major effect on Blacksburg and the entire New River Valley.

Not only will Virginia Tech increase undergraduate enrollment, but it will also add over 100 jobs in Blacksburg.

The entire Commonwealth of Virginia will be affected as the General Assembly looks to increase the “tech talent pipeline” by increasing computer science undergraduate degrees by 25,000 across Virginia by 2039.

Radford University is slated to help in this initiative as well, especially with the IMPACT program, which is part of the Artis College of Science and Technology.

Read the full coverage of Amazon’s impact from Robby Korth at the Roanoke Times: https://www.roanoke.com/news/education/higher_education/virginia_tech/amazon-s-impact-hundreds-of-new-jobs-higher-enrollment-at/article_103e28e5-e03c-5a24-b28f-5a7e5479e320.html

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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.”

Chef T

Chef T’s Journey to Radford University

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Chef T

RADFORD, VA – When you think of Virginia’s New River Valley, “Hell’s Kitchen” or “Celebrity Chef” may not be the first thing you think of, but the NRV is the proud home of Chef Torrence Gregoire.

Gregoire, who goes by “Chef T” was featured on “Hell’s Kitchen” twice, even coming in as runner up in Season 14.

Chef T now serves as the Executive Chef at Radford University. She previously served as the Director of Culinary Operations at the Draper Mercantile.

Read more about Chef T’s journey to the NRV from Sam Wall at the Roanoke Times:
https://www.roanoke.com/news/education/higher_education/radford/from-hell-s-kitchen-to-radford-university/article_7d598ca3-2a2a-50b4-a3b4-b0cbc2d0d54f.html

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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.”

NRV Among Best of Virginia Aerospace

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VIRGINIA’S NEW RIVER VALLEY – Several assets and locations in Virginia’s New River Valley have made the cut as some of the best of Virginia’s Aerospace industry. The accolades were published in the Fall 2018 Edition (current issue) of the Southern Business & Development Magazine.

Virginia Aerospace Rankings

The best places in Western Virginia for Aerospace included Montgomery County-Blacksburg and Radford.

Virginia Tech was also named one of the Best Colleges for Aerospace Worker Training. The Virginia Tech Aerospace and Ocean Engineering is the #5 program in the world according to the center for World University Rankings (2018).

The Virginia Space Grant Consortium, which Virginia Tech is a part of, was also mentioned as one of the best in Aerospace R&D in Virginia.

Click to enlarge the photo on the right to view all rankings in Virginia.

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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.”

Nest Realty Publishes 2018 NRV Annual Report

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VIRGINIA’S NEW RIVER VALLEY – Nest Realty has officially published their 2018 annual report for Virginia’s New River Valley, which may indicate the start of a re-balanced housing market in the region.

There is nothing to suggest that the real estate market will crash, as it did in 2008, but buyers might be re-gaining some leverage. Overall, the median housing price went up, and the number of sales went down.

Nest Realty says the NRV housing market is “slow and steady,” which can help both buyers and sellers avoid mistakes. Read more about why Nest says the real estate market in Virginia’s New River Valley remains strong: https://www.nestrealty.com/blog/wp-content/uploads/2019/01/2018AnnualReport_NRV-web.pdf

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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.”