Top Ten Posts of 2020

Top Ten Posts of 2020

New River Valley, VA – 2020 has been a year unlike any other, but there is still positive news happening around Virginia’s New River Valley. Recap this unique year with a list of the Top 10 Posts of 2020 on TheNRV.org. The following posts had the most pageviews online.

 

10. Torc Robotics to Invest $8.5 Million and Create 350 New Jobs in Blacksburg

In August it was announced that Torc Robotics will invest $8.5 million to expand its software development operations in Montgomery County. The company will establish an additional facility at the VT Corporate Research Center and create 350 new jobs.

9. NRV Commerce Park Welcomes Patton Logistics Group

In January it was announced that The Patton Logistics Group will invest $12 million to establish a new logistic and warehousing operation at NRV Commerce Park located in Pulaski County. The project will create 33 new jobs.

 

8. Pete Dye River Course Ranked 19th Best in VA for 2020

Pete Dye River Course of Virginia Tech

The Virginia Golf Ratings Panel ranked the Pete Dye River Course of Virginia Tech as #19 in a list of the top 50 golf courses in the state. The golf course is well known for its scenic views and 2.5 miles of frontage on the New River.

7. Why Blacksburg, VA is a Best Place to Live

Originally published in 2018, this blog post shared an editorial that Melody Warnick published on Livability about “why she thinks Blacksburg is a special place to live.” Warnick is a freelance writer, author, and Blacksburg local.

6. Kollmorgen Motion Solutions Used in Fight Against COVID-19

Kollmorgen Motion Solutions COVID-19

Kollmorgen played a critical role in the fight against COVID-19. The company’s motion solutions are being used by manufacturers around the country to make “respirators and other personal protective equipment” as well as other essential items that help diagnose and treat the virus.

5. 10 Things to Do in the NRV This Summer

Blog readers were clearly looking for fun and safe things to do this summer around the New River Valley. Originally published in 2018, this blog post lists ten unique spots to visit throughout the region.

4. H&V Delivering Critical Materials in the Fight Against COVID-19

Hollingsworth & Vose COVID-19

Hollingsworth & Vose was busy throughout 2020 “making filtration material that is a critical component in Respiratory Protection Equipment being used to fight the virus.” They continued to increase their production throughout the year to help with the COVID-19 pandemic response.

3. Pulaski is the Most Affordable Place to Live in VA

The town of Pulaski was named the cheapest place to live in Virginia for the second year in a row by HomeSnacks.net. In particular, “housing in Pulaski is [very affordable] when taken as a proportion of income, whether you’re renting or buying.”

 

2. Virginia Tech Ranked 7th Most Loved College by The Princeton Review

Virginia Tech Ranked 7th Most Loved College by The Princeton Review

The Princeton Review ranked Virginia Tech the 7th most loved college for 2021. VT also ranked first for best counseling services, eighth for best campus food, and fifteenth for town-gown relations are great.

1. Virginia Tech Ranks Top 3 Best College Campuses in America

Niche.com ranked Virginia Tech third in their list of 2020 Best College Campuses. Rankings were “based on key statistics and student reviews using data from the U.S. Department of Education.”

 

Correction: September 1, 2021: This blog post was corrected to reflect that Pete Dye River Course was ranked #19 in the top 50 golf courses in Virginia for 2020. A previous version of this article incorrectly stated the course was ranked #18.

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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 Manufacturing Sector Outlook Positive

NRV Manufacturers Persevere Through Pandemic, Sector Outlook Positive

New River Valley, VA – In September 2020, Onward New River Valley conducted a survey of manufacturing companies in Virginia’s New River Valley. The goal of the Industry Competitiveness Survey was to better understand how local manufacturing companies were operating and adapting in the wake of COVID-19. The survey was intended to identify common challenges among local companies and expose best practices that would support the overall competitiveness and continued growth of the local manufacturing industry.

Survey responses were collected during a two-week period in September 2020. The survey was sent to 35 manufacturers in Virginia’s New River Valley (NRV) with 48% responding. The survey results, along with individual interviews, revealed several insights about the manufacturing industry in the region; these insights are described below.

Operating Status

Overall, manufacturers in the NRV have persevered through the COVID-19 pandemic with varying impacts on their operations. The vast majority (76%) of respondents reported operating at or above pre-pandemic capacity, while 24% indicated operating at about half capacity. Roughly half of respondents indicated a decrease in their sales pipeline (43%) and overall revenue (52%).

Survey respondents seemed to signal that their supply chains had only been moderately impacted by the COVID-19 pandemic. Less than one-third of respondents reported increased costs for either inputs/raw materials (29%) or freight (27%). Almost half of respondents reported experiencing an increase in supplier lead times (48%) and a reduction in the availability of inputs/raw materials (43%).

However, these changes in the supply chain do not seem to be affecting production levels for NRV manufacturers. Two-thirds (66%) of respondents reported stable or increasing production levels.

Employment

Employment through manufacturing companies in the NRV has remained mostly stable during the pandemic. The majority (62%) of respondents said their number of employees remained the same or increased since the beginning of the pandemic. Of the 38% of respondents that reported a reduction in employees (most indicating a slight reduction) since the beginning of the pandemic, the majority (63%) anticipated rehiring eliminated positions within a year of the survey date.

Over half (62%) of respondents reported having unfilled job openings. The types of unfilled positions varied among respondents, but a need for both production workers and engineers was a consistent theme. There is clearly a continuing need for talent recruitment and retention efforts across the manufacturing industry in NRV.

Health & Safety Concerns

In late September, over three-fourths of respondents indicated that at least 90% of their employees were physically working on-site. With most employees in the NRV manufacturing industry working in person amid the pandemic, it is no surprise that a large majority (81%) of respondents reported that health and safety was one of their current top three concerns for their business. Manufacturers have devoted significant attention to implementing new public health policies and technologies to keep their employees safe and their operations running during the pandemic.

NRV manufacturers have increased the number of employees that are working remotely to help mitigate these health and safety concerns. Pre-pandemic, only one respondent (5 ) reported having more than 5% of their employees working remotely, which increased to 62% of respondents by late September. This increase in remote work for some employees could be designed to offset the increased needs for physical space to comply with regulations and distancing requirements. One survey respondent stated that “physical distancing mandates are only feasible with a partial remote workforce.”

Overall Industry Outlook

Manufacturing leaders signaled an overall positive outlook for the coming year. Almost three-fourths (71%) of respondents anticipated that the remaining duration of COVID-19 impacts on their business would resolve within one year from the survey date.

Respondents were asked to give their overall outlook on the status of their company over the next 6-12 months. The vast majority (90%) of respondents reported that they had a steady or positive outlook for their company during that time period.

Leaders were also asked to forecast how many employees they anticipated having within six months to one year. Almost two-thirds (62%) of respondents expected a modest or significant increase in employment levels within a year, with no one anticipating a reduction in employees.

Learn more about the survey and read a final report of the results 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 Tech Sector Outlook Strong

NRV Tech Companies Shift to Remote Work During Pandemic, Sector Outlook Strong

New River Valley, VA – In September 2020, Onward New River Valley conducted a survey of technology companies in Virginia’s New River Valley. The goal of the Industry Competitiveness Survey was to better understand how local information technology companies were operating and adapting in the wake of COVID-19. The survey was intended to identify common challenges among local companies and expose best practices that would support the overall competitiveness and continued growth of the local tech sector.

Survey responses were collected during a two-week period in September 2020. The survey was sent to 28 information technology companies in Virginia’s New River Valley (NRV) with 71% responding. The survey results revealed several insights about the tech sector in the region; these insights are described below.

Operating Status
Overall, tech companies have remained mostly stable in the wake of the COVID-19 pandemic. When respondents were asked to evaluate the current operating status of their companies, only 12% reported that their business had shrunk since the pandemic began. The vast majority (88%) indicated that their business had stayed about the same (50%) or even grown (38%).

Most (58%) respondents reported stable or increasing revenue compared to pre-pandemic, but over half (55%) of respondents reported a decrease in their sales pipeline. Consequently, it’s no surprise that a majority (63%) of respondents ranked marketing as one of their current top three concerns with the decrease in sales pipeline that tech companies are reporting.

Several respondents reported that lead generation is a current challenge due to the pandemic. One person wrote, “I feel that there is some lack of quality in our sales pipeline now that we’ve shifted all of our client meetings remote,” while another stated, “finding new ways to engage prospective clients without tradeshows and travel is a top priority.” Marketing and selling in a remote environment are clear challenges that tech companies in the NRV are facing and will continue to face in the near future.

Employment
Employment through tech companies in the NRV has remained stable despite COVID-19. Most (63%) of respondents said their number of employees has remained the same since the beginning of the pandemic. Twelve percent of respondents did report a reduction in employee levels, but two-thirds (67%) of them anticipate rehiring eliminated positions within a year.

Over a quarter (25%) of respondents indicated they had increased employment during the pandemic, reporting either a slight (17%) or substantial (8%) increase. Furthermore, over one-third (38%) of respondents said that they currently have unfilled job openings. Respondents reported that the most common hard to fill positions are software engineers, account executives, and production schedulers. There is clearly a continuing need for talent recruitment and retention efforts across the tech sector in the NRV.

Remote Work Trends
The survey revealed that COVID-19 has caused local tech companies to shift most of their workforce to remote work. Prior to the pandemic, three-fourths (75%) of survey respondents reported that less than 20% of their workforce worked remotely. In contrast, two-thirds (67%) of respondents reported that more than 81% of their employees were remote in late September. Respondents did indicate a slight decrease in the percentage of employees working remotely from July to September, signaling some tech workers were returning to the office.

Several tech leaders indicated that having a higher portion of their employees work remotely may persist even after the pandemic is over. One respondent stated that their company would have a “50% decrease in physical space needs” due to the increase in remote work, while another said, “we definitely value having a physical location and will keep it, but this only continues to fuel our ability to have employees located anywhere.”

Almost half (46%) of respondents reported offering incentives for employees to work from home. Helping employees set up their home offices, whether through transferring existing equipment home or purchasing new equipment for employees, was one of the most frequently mentioned incentives. Other common incentives included providing stipends or reimbursements to run employees’ home offices and upgrading employees’ home internet service.

Overall Outlook
Tech leaders signaled an overall strong outlook for the coming year. Within the next twelve months, the vast majority (88%) of respondents reported that they had a steady or positive outlook for their company. Over three-fourths (79%) of respondents anticipated that the remaining duration of COVID-19 impacts on their business would resolve within one year from the survey date.

Leaders were also asked to forecast how many employees they anticipated having within six months to one year. Within six months, over half (54%) of respondents anticipated that their employment numbers would increase. Within the next year, three-fourths (75%) anticipated a modest (58%) or significant (17%) increase in employment. Only 4% of respondents expected to reduce employment within the next year.

Learn more about the survey and read a final report of the results 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 Ranked #25 for Undergraduate Entrepreneurship

Virginia Tech Ranked #25 for Undergraduate Entrepreneurship

Montgomery County, VA – Virginia Tech ranked #25 on the list of Top Undergraduate Schools for Entrepreneurship by The Princeton Review and Entrepreneur magazine. The 2021 list was created by evaluating data from a “survey of more than 300 schools with offerings in entrepreneurship studies”.

According to the list, which was posted in its entirety on Entrepreneur.com, one way that Virginia Tech sets themselves apart from other universities is:

“We believe great companies can start and scale anywhere, aided by the fact that startups in emerging venture communities are often more capital efficient, offer a lower cost of doing business and attract talent looking for better quality of life. Our geographic and sector diverse approach means we work with student entrepreneurs from all over the country who chose Virginia Tech because of our fantastic programs.”

Learn more about The Princeton Review rankings here.

See the full list top 50 best undergrad programs for entrepreneurs in 2021 here.

Explore more accolades won by NRV counties, city, towns, and universities 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.

Exelaration Ranked #3 Best Tech Internship by Vault

Exelaration Ranked #3 Tech Internship by Vault

Montgomery County, VA – Exelaration was ranked the #3 Tech & Engineering Internship for 2021 by Vault. Vault is nationally known for ranking “the top internship programs in various industries in diversity, quality of life, and overall best to work for.” Rankings are determined through surveys of current and past interns.

Exelaration, which runs the Blacksburg-based Exelaration Center (XC), trains interns for careers in technology by giving them real-world experiences on projects for companies such as the Ovarian Cancer Research Alliance and Medeco. According to the company, “The Exelaration Center (XC) addresses the STEM skills shortage by connecting young people of varied backgrounds with the technology workforce.”

Exelaration ranked in the top 10 in many categories of the Vault 2021 rankings, including:

#2 Best Internships for Training & Mentoring
#3 Best Internships for Software Development
#3 Best Tech & Engineering Internships
#4 Best Internships for Diversity
#4 Best Internships for Quality of Life
#5 Best Internships for Overall Career Development
#7 100 Best Internships
#7 Best Internships for Real-Life Experience

Virginia’s New River Valley is a hub for the information technology industry, and Exelaration is expanding the pool of highly qualified tech talent in the region through their internship programs. Learn more here about why tech companies like Exelaration choose to grow and develop their businesses in the NRV here.

Learn more about internships offered from The Exelaration Center 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.

FastForward Prepares NRV Workforce for Jobs in Manufacturing

FastForward Prepares NRV Workforce for Jobs in Manufacturing

Pulaski County, VA – New River Community College (NRCC)’s FastForward Program was highlighted in an article in the July 2020 issue of Valley Business Front. The program is run by NRCC’s Office of Workforce Development and is designed to help individuals in Virginia’s New River Valley prepare and train for in-demand careers.

According to the article, “FastForward was made possible by the New Economy Workforce Credential Grant Program, developed during the 2016 General Assembly Session, to create and sustain a supply of credentialed workers to fill high-demand occupations in fields which support the state’s economy while making the attainment of these credentials more affordable.”

Several of the FastForward training programs at NRCC are designed to serve students looking for careers in the manufacturing industry. There are two Six Sigma certification programs that are offered in partnership with the college’s Manufacturing Technology Center. In addition, the college is adding a Certified Production Technician (CPT) program in Spring 2021. This goal of this Manufacturing Skills Standards Council (MSSC) program is to “raise the level of performance of production technicians both to assist the individuals in finding higher-wage jobs and to help employers ensure their workforce increases the company’s productivity and competitiveness.”

Virginia’s New River Valley is a hub for the advanced manufacturing industry, and training programs like FastForward help to strengthen the industry’s talent pool in the region.

Read the full article from Valley Business Front about the NRCC FastForward program here.

Learn more about the NRCC FastForward program 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.

Job Board Launched on Virginia's New River Valley Website

Job Board Launched on Virginia’s New River Valley Website

New River Valley, VA – Many employers in Virginia’s New River Valley are hiring amid the COVID-19 pandemic. Onward NRV, a public/private, regional economic development organization, launched an online Job Board in March 2020 to help connect employees looking for work with employers that have job openings.

The job board can be found on the Virginia’s New River Valley website. It features a section for job listings from featured employers in the region.

Job seekers can also use the job board to search for new career opportunities in specific industries. Listings are available in eight different job categories:

  • Technology
  • Manufacturing
  • Healthcare
  • Accounting and Finance
  • Construction and Architecture
  • Education
  • Human Resources
  • Marketing and Sales
  • In addition to searching by industry, potential employees can also search and filter through all jobs available in Virginia’s New River Valley. Over 100 available jobs have been posted to the job board within the last two weeks. All sections of the job board are powered by Indeed, the #1 job site in the world.

    Onward NRV’s mission is to attract and retain world class jobs, investment and talent in Virginia’s New River Valley. Onward promotes economic vitality in the region through supporting the growth of four targeted industries: Information Technology, Advanced Manufacturing, Food Processing & Agribusiness, and Unmanned Systems. The job board is one way the organization is working to connect employees with employers in these targeted industries. Learn more about Onward NRV here.

    Click here to browse the job board and learn more about career opportunities currently available 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.

    Pulaski County Led Virginia in Economic Development Performance in 2019

    Pulaski County, VA – Pulaski County once again tops the state in economic development, finishing 1st in the Commonwealth for new job creation and 2nd in the Commonwealth for new capital investment per capita.

    According to data compiled by the Virginia Economic Development Partnership on announcements of employment creation and capital investment for 2019, Pulaski County finished 1st overall in Job Creation, 2nd overall in New Capital Investment and 17th overall in the Number of Projects Announced per capita for the Calendar Year 2019, out of all 95 counties and 38 independent cities within the Commonwealth of Virginia.

    The ranking outcomes were the result of Pulaski County’s two (2) qualified projects in CY-2019, both of which were officially announced in concert with the Governor’s office. These two (2) basic industry sector projects will collectively create more than 790 new jobs and more than $401 million in new capital investment. The two projects referenced consisted of Volvo Trucks North America and BimmerWorld.

    “The Board of Supervisors is very gratified to receive the number one spot in economic development for the second time in three years. This continuing success is certain to have significant long-term benefits to the people of our county and to the economy of the entire New River Valley. We have one of the best economic development teams in Virginia, and they have been working very effectively with the previous and current Board of Supervisor members and other local leaders to support our existing businesses and industries to create jobs and encourage investment here in Pulaski County.” – Joseph Guthrie, Chair of the Pulaski County Board of Supervisors

    Pulaski County also ranked number 1 in the Commonwealth in 2017 for Overall Economic Development Performance per capita having facilitated the creation of more than 600 new jobs and $57 million in new capital investment derived from five (5) qualified basic industry sector projects in CY-2017. Since January of 2017, Pulaski County has enjoyed seven (7) qualified announcements that have resulted in nearly $475 million in new capital investment and more than 1,460 new jobs created. One of the seven announcements recently occurred on January 21, 2020, when Patton Logistics, LLC was welcomed as the newest member of Pulaski County’s business community.

    “We knew Pulaski County had another impressive year of announcements, but did not anticipate we would end up on top again out of all 133 jurisdictions considering Virginia’s #1 business ranking and how strong the economy was in 2019. We are thankful to have world-class companies such as Bimmerworld and Volvo who call Pulaski County home and are willing to invest millions and even hundreds of millions into their operations, their people and their future.” – Jon Wyatt, Chair of the Pulaski County Economic Development Authority

    According to the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics, Pulaski County’s unemployment rate remained at the 20-year low of 2.8% in November of 2019, reaching the third lowest monthly rate in more than 30 years. “The availability of good jobs is foundational to the health of our local economy and achieving our goal of 40,000 people by 2030, and it takes leadership from our elected officials, a skilled workforce, a talented economic development team and trust, confidence and commitment from our businesses to make this possible,” stated Jonathan D. Sweet, County Administrator. “Our culminated successes in the past three years is not by accident, but rather the results of a lot of hard work, strategy, creativity and risk taking by our economic development team, the unwavering support of our Board of Supervisors and EDA, a deep talent pool and without a doubt, God’s favor.”

    Pulaski County, located in the New River Valley of Virginia, is home to eight (8) international companies that represents more than 5,000 advanced manufacturing jobs. The County is considered to be Southwest Virginia’s Center for International Business and the New River Valley’s Advanced Manufacturing Hub.

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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.

    Volvo Trucks Hosts STEM Students

    Dublin, VA – Volvo Trucks opened its doors to middle school students from across the New River Valley to expose them to the variety of opportunities within advanced manufacturing.

    More than 100 students had the opportunity to see the 1.6 million-square-foot plant, however the focus of the conversations was how to use creativity and work as part of a team to bring innovation to the job. From virtual reality to robotics, students were able to see the ideas of Volvo Group come to life.

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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 Commerce Park Welcomes Patton Logistics Group

    Dublin, VA – Governor Ralph Northam today announced that The Patton Logistics Group will invest $12 million to establish a new logistics and warehousing operation in the New River Valley Commerce Park in Pulaski County.

    Patton provides integrated supply chain solutions for clients throughout the United States and Canada. The facility will also serve as a hub for motor carrier freight services to reach major clients in Eastern United States markets. Virginia successfully competed with North Carolina for the project, which will create 33 new jobs.

    “The Patton Logistics Group is a significant addition to Pulaski County’s New River Valley Commerce Park. This project will bring 33 new jobs and strengthen Virginia’s supply chain management sector. We are confident that the region’s top-notch workforce and access to expanding markets along I-81 and I-77 will help the company serve its growing client list.” -Governor Ralph Northam.

    The Patton Logistics Group is comprised of three separate organizations employing 560 people throughout the United States. Watsontown Trucking Company is a family-owned and -operated asset-based motor carrier founded in 1941. They operate a fleet of 400 trucks and 1,150 trailers with a workforce of 475. Patton Logistics, LLC was organized in 2013 as an affiliated entity of Watsontown Trucking Company to provide transportation brokerage and third-party logistics services for its expanding customer base. Patton Warehousing, LLC was formed in 2015 and currently manages 1.6 million square feet of warehouse space in Pennsylvania, Ohio, and New Jersey. The Patton Logistics Group management team has over 150 years of combined transportation and logistics knowledge and can provide integrated supply chain solutions ranging from motor carrier transportation, warehousing, distribution services, logistics, and brokerage sourcing. Watsontown Trucking Company has received numerous service and safety awards from clients and business partners.

    “Virginia’s unparalleled transportation infrastructure and access to domestic and global markets continue to attract high-caliber retail supply chain companies like The Patton Logistics Group,” said Secretary of Commerce and Trade Brian Ball. “With interstate access and a cross-dock terminal located nearby, Pulaski County’s proximity to population clusters and easily navigable logistics options played a role in the company’s decision to expand its operations in Virginia. The New River Valley location will enable Patton Logistics to serve major nearby clients and grow its presence in Eastern United States markets, and we thank Patton for its significant investment.”

    “Over the past several years we have developed a motor carrier transportation and logistics presence in Southwest Virginia and throughout the Southeastern United States,” said Steve Patton, President of Watsontown Trucking Company and Patton Warehousing and Logistics, LLC. “We chose to further expand in Dublin, Virginia, for several reasons: first, this location provides access to a superior workforce that is dedicated to help us develop a reliable logistics system for our clients. Also, the close proximity to the interstate highway system gives us the ability to provide daily service to population centers in North Carolina, Pennsylvania, Maryland, and Tennessee. Finally, Southwest Virginia is home to two of our largest clients and having a location near them will only enhance our ability to serve their logistics needs in the future.”

    The Virginia Economic Development Partnership worked with Pulaski County, Virginia’s First Regional Industrial Facility Authority (VFRIFA), and Onward New River Valley to secure this project for Virginia. Governor Northam approved a $150,000 grant from the Commonwealth’s Opportunity Fund to assist Pulaski County with the project. Patton Logistics is eligible to receive state benefits from the Virginia Enterprise Zone Program, administered by the Virginia Department of Housing and Community Development.

    “Our economic development team worked hard to compete for and secure Patton Logistics’ site location decision, and we are delighted to welcome them as the newest member of our business community,” said Chair of the Pulaski County Board of Supervisors Joseph Guthrie. “Even better, since they are a highly capable 3PL resource, they will further support Pulaski County’s diverse advanced manufacturing sector. This announcement is a great way to begin 2020 as it continues the success the county has had recently in economic development, bringing Pulaski County’s new capital investment totals to nearly $475 million and more than 1,460 new jobs created in the past three years.”

    “VFRIFA is excited to welcome Patton Logistics Group as the latest business to locate in the 1,000-acre NRV Commerce Park,” said VFRIFA Board Chair Mary Biggs. “This amazing project would not have been possible without the support from the 11 localities that make up VFRIFA: the counties of Bland, Craig, Giles, Montgomery, Pulaski, and Roanoke; cities of Radford and Roanoke; and the towns of Dublin, Pearisburg, and Pulaski. In addition, financial assistance from the Virginia Small Business Financing Authority and an ARC Grant administered by Virginia DHCD helped make this project a reality.”

    “It’s good to see Pulaski County beginning a new decade with a continued growing economy,” said Delegate Nick Rush. “The addition of Patton Logistics will provide a double benefit to the New River Valley with expanded commerce and capital. We look forward to welcoming the Group to Southwest Virginia with our strong support and best wishes for success.”

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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.