Onward NRV Wraps Up NRV Experience

Onward New River Valley finished the NRV Experience with a Wrap-Up Event on August 7, 2020. The event was held at Eastern Divide Brewing Company in Blacksburg. Interns participated in a graduation ceremony and celebrated with representatives from their employers. They also had a chance to network with members of the Blacksburg Young Professionals, the Pulaski Young Professionals, and the New River Valley chapter of the Virginia Tech Alumni Association.

Throughout the summer, interns received weekly professional development trainings from the team at Exelaration and participated in five outdoor excursions. Each excursion was designed to highlight one of the communities in the New River Valley. Onward NRV collaborated with the local tourism director from each community to show the interns the region’s outdoor amenities. Learn about each excursion in more detail here.

The NRV Experience, an initiative through Onward NRV’s five-year strategy, is an internship consortium designed to enhance the experiences of students completing summer internships in Virginia’s New River Valley. Onward’s goals for the program are to attract and retain graduates from local colleges and universities and to add value to local summer internships by promoting the region as a desirable place to live, work, and play.

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.