Onward NRV Featured in Virginia Business Article on Retaining Talent

Onward New River Valley was recently featured in an article in Virginia Business on May 30, 2023. The article, titled “Growing the talent pool”, was about retaining talent in both New River Valley and Roanoke. Attracting and retaining talent has become a key component to the economic development of regions. Onward NRV hopes to tap into the current natural pipeline of students from Radford University and Virginia Tech.

Onward NRV’s Executive Director Katie Boswell was interviewed for the article by Victoria Bourne. Katie spoke about the Onward’s NRV Experience internship program, which is a talent retention initiative currently in its fourth cohort. The program helps to broaden the way interns from NRV companies experience the region by showcasing the NRV’s five localities. She also spoke about the unique attributes of the New River Valley that make the region a great place to live and work.

The NRV Experience was started 2020 as a talent initiative by Onward NRV whose goal is to increase the number of young professionals living and working in the NRV post-graduation, expose participants to the cultural, recreational, and outdoor amenities available in the NRV and improve intern communication and leadership skills through professional development training.

Read the full article here.

Learn more about Onward NRV’s NRV Experience program here.

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.