Last week, Onward New River Valley proudly participated in two major recruiting events at Virginia Tech: the Business Horizons Career Fair and the inaugural Southwest Virginia (SWVA) Career Connect Fair.
Talent and Business Strategies Manager Laken Blankenship and Investor Relations and Development Coordinator Mary Denson represented Onward NRV, engaging with students and showcasing career opportunities within the region. They highlighted the region’s diverse industries and encouraged attendees to explore current listings on Virginia’s New River Valley job board.
Business Horizons, hosted by Pamplin College of Business, is one of the university’s premier career fairs, attracting students from business, analytics, and technology disciplines. The event provided an excellent opportunity to connect with a wide range of highly motivated students eager to make an impact in dynamic industries.
The SWVA Career Connect Fair focused on connecting local and regional employers with students interested in building careers in Southwest Virginia. Aligned with Onward NRV’s mission to attract and retain talent to support regional growth, the event allowed Onward to meet students passionate about contributing to their communities. Onward NRV remains committed to fostering relationships between local employers and emerging talent across Virginia’s New River Valley as a part of their regional talent attraction and retention strategy.
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.