On October 3rd, Onward NRV Executive Director Katie Boswell participated as a panelist for the Montgomery County Chamber of Commerce’s Eggs & Issues Breakfast. Held at Warm Hearth Village in Blacksburg, the event focused on talent attraction and retention in Virginia’s New River Valley.
Joining Katie on the panel were Jim Henderson, Director of Employer Engagement and Recruitment Services at Virginia Tech, Molly Sloan, Assistant Professor of Management at Radford University, Rachel Taylor, Human Resource Manager at Corning Incorporated, and Kimber Simmons, Business Service Coordinator at the New River/Mount Rogers Workforce Development Board. The discussion was moderated by Jenny Bolte, Executive Director of the New River/Mount Rogers Workforce Development Board. The panel explored topics such as recruitment and attraction strategies, workplace culture, regional talent solutions, and what employers should focus on when considering attracting and retaining talent.
Katie highlighted the valuable resources available through Onward NRV like TheNRV.org website, regional videos and the NRV Experience summer internship program. She also noted how collaboration and communication between companies and the organizations on the panel were vital to understanding the challenges and needs facing the businesses in the NRV.
Eggs & Issues is a monthly program hosted by the Montgomery County Chamber of Commerce, providing a platform for community members to network and engage with local, regional, and state leaders on important economic and policy topics. Onward NRV is proud to contribute to these discussions and advocate for initiatives that support the economic vitality of Virginia’s New River Valley.
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.