Bi-Annual IT Summit Discusses Housing and Airport Logistics

New River Valley, VA – Onward NRV hosted the second IT summit of the year at the Hyatt in Blacksburg, VA.

As part of Onward NRV’s Five-Year Strategy, Onward 2023, we hosted the bi-annual summit for the Information Technology industry to encourage collaboration around common challenges and opportunties and provide input on Onward NRV’s industry specific strategies. IT leaders from across region gathered to learn about resources Onward NRV is creating to help companies engage and retain talent as well as ways to address challenges that the industry faces here in the New River Valley. Onward NRV highlighted the Cost of Living Index and buying power of IT professionals in the NRV compared to other IT hubs, the new internship program built to connect students to the region, NRV Experience, and officially launched the IT Industry Hub video and webpages.

During the kick-off summit, IT leaders identified housing and flights from Roanoke as their top two challenges, so during this summit we created the space for them talk to professionals in those areas in order to start strategizing ways to address those challenges. Tim Bradshaw, from Roanoke-Blacksburg Regional Airport, shared insight on flight patterns and strategies to increase the number of flights. The Virginia Center for Housing Research in partnership with New River Valley Regional Commission (NRVRC) discussed housing affordability and availability as well as led focus groups to identify specific challenges that professionals in the IT industry experience related to housing.

The next summit will take place on February 6th, 2020.

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.