“Brain Drain” GO Virginia Region 2 Project Launches

VIRGINIA’S NEW RIVER VALLEY – Onward NRV is partnering with the Roanoke Regional Partnership and the Lynchburg Regional Business Alliance to research talent needs with “Project Brain Drain: Talent Attraction and Retention.” The GO Virginia Funded study will uncover why students from 15 higher education institutes are leaving GO Virginia Region 2 (Lynchburg, New River Valley, and Roanoke Valley area) after graduation. It will also identify ways to attract and retain college-educated professionals.

The study launched with a meeting of the Talent Action Coalition last week. The coalition is comprised of leaders from industry, higher education, and local government.

The next steps of the study will consist of focus groups with higher education professionals and young professionals. There will also be one-on-one interviews with local businesses, all conducted by Thomas P. Miller & Associates, the consultants helping conduct Project Brain Drain.

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.