Onward NRV’s Talent and Business Strategies Manager, Laken Blankenship, and Investor Relations and Development Coordinator, Mary Denson, recently represented the organization at two spring career events: the Virginia Tech College of Liberal Arts and Human Sciences (CLAHS) Career Fair and the Giles County Career Fair.
At Virginia Tech, Laken and Mary introduced students to an array of career development resources designed to make opportunities in the New River Valley more accessible than ever. Among the resources they shared was the newly launched NRV Talent Network, a LinkedIn Group that serves as a hub for discovering local internships, job openings, and early career resources. Attendees also learned about Roots in the Valley, Onward NRV’s quarterly talent newsletter tailored for college students, as well as the NRV Job Board. Each of these resources is a valuable tool for students and young professionals exploring a future in the NRV.
The Giles County Career Fair provided the opportunity to connect directly with over 300 high school students from Narrows High School and Giles County High School. To make the experience fun and interactive, the Onward NRV team used their “spin-it-to-win-it” wheel to test students’ knowledge of the NRV and spark conversations about what might encourage them to stay in the region after graduation. Students most frequently cited the outdoors, a strong sense of community, and closeness to family, reflecting the deep-rooted culture that makes the NRV special. Students also walked away with NRV-branded merchandise, including water bottles, stickers, sunglasses, and reusable bags.
By regularly attending career fairs across the region, Onward NRV continues to build meaningful connections with emerging talent and showcase the many reasons why Virginia’s New River Valley is an exceptional place to live, work, and grow.
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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.