Welcome to Virginia's New River Valley
The New River Valley has a strong heritage and pride embedded in its roots. It is a dynamic area of industry and trade, in part due to its location within a day's drive to approximately three-quarters of the nation's major markets. The scenic vistas, historical and cultural attractions, and qualities inherent to the area are drawing tourists and businesses to this rapidly growing Valley. Business and industry searching for new locations will appreciate the excellent natural resources found here. A critical component of success in this 1,453 square mile region is the pride and work ethic exhibited by the 178,237 residents. These are the people that drive the Valley toward accomplishing its goals, success, and sustained growth.
The New River Valley is situated between the Blue Ridge Mountains to the south and the Appalachian Mountains to the north, and is home to the nation's oldest river, the New River, thus giving the region its name. The majority of land within the region is considered forested (68.3%) and agriculture continues to be a major portion of the region's economy. With excellent rail and interstate highway systems (I-81 and I-77 to the south) the residents of the counties of Floyd, Giles, Montgomery, and Pulaski, and the City of Radford call the New River Valley home.
Educational Excellence
The people in the New River Valley have developed an exceptional educational system. The area is home to Virginia's largest university, Virginia Tech and is ranked as one of the best engineering colleges in the nation. Radford University provides strong programs in business, nursing, communications, and education. Additionally, New River Community College is dedicated to training and retraining the region's labor force. In fact, our education institutions comprise our largest employers in the region. These higher educational centerpieces also have strong ties with the local school divisions and local business and industry.
Business Growth
The New River Valley also offers many facilities to help businesses grow. The Virginia Tech Corporate Research Center provides the opportunity for innovative high-tech companies to bring their ideas to market and the New River Valley Business Center is a business incubator in the Pulaski Business Technology Park. The Jacksonville Center, a community arts center in Floyd County, adds substantial support to the entire entrepreneurial community. Additionally, the region is home to the Radford University Business Assistance Center that promotes and supports emerging businesses.
Exceptional Health Care
The New River Valley has excellent health care facilities with four general hospitals in the region: LewisGale Hospital - Montgomery, LewisGale Hospital - Pulaski, Carilion Giles Community Hospital, and Carilion New River Valley Medical Center. In addition, the Edward Via College of Osteopathic Medicine, located in the Corporate Research Center, provides an excellent source for future healthcare professionals in the New River Valley.
The people in the area are proud of the quality of life in the New River Valley. Here, surrounded by natural beauty, is a spirit of cooperation to get things done. The priorities are clear: develop and maintain a growing economy and provide jobs and personal enrichment opportunities for everyone. The New River Valley offers a great future in the right place!