Highlights from Onward NRV’s 2024 Winter Investor Luncheon

Onward NRV recently hosted its 2024 Winter Investor Luncheon on Thursday, December 12th, at the scenic Mountain Lake Lodge in Giles County. The event was sponsored by the First Bank & Trust Company.

Executive Director Katie Boswell welcomed elected officials, board members, investors, and guests to the luncheon. She provided updates on Onward NRV’s NRV Experience presentation at the national Young, Smart, and Local Conference, shared impressive results from the 2024 manufacturing digital marketing campaign, and discussed the success of the second annual Elevate NRV conference. Boswell also outlined upcoming projects like the K-12 industry tours, updating the NRV website, and the 2025 NRV Experience.

Following her remarks, Katie introduced event sponsor Kelly Kendrick of First Bank & Trust Company. Kelly emphasized how First Bank & Trust leads in digital banking by providing robust digital security solutions for their customers. She also had the honor of introducing the guest speaker, Dr. Luke Liska from Radford University.

Dr. Liska delivered an engaging presentation on “Using AI in Business,” covering the history of artificial intelligence and its modern-day applications. Attendees gained insights into best practices for implementing AI in their businesses, including:

• Trust but verify
• Solving problems
• Effective prompting
• Choosing the right tool

The session concluded with a dynamic Q&A, where participants had the opportunity to ask specific questions about AI’s role in their companies.

Onward NRV would like to thank First Bank & Trust Company for sponsoring the Winter Investor Luncheon and the 120+ businesses and organizations whose investments make Onward NRV’s mission possible. We truly are “All Together. Better.”

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.