Onward NRV Hosted Employer Info Session to Address Talent

New River Valley, VA – Onward New River Valley hosted an employer information session on December 3rd to talk about our current initiatives to address talent retention.

Onward NRV will be launching our first internship consortium next Summer 2020 called the NRV Experience. The NRV Experience is a series of community engagement, professional development, and networking opportunities for summer interns in Virginia’s New River Valley. These events connect collegians with one another while showcasing the array of cultural, recreational, and outdoor amenities offered throughout the NRV. The goal is to support existing company internships by providing students with the opportunity to meet peers, improve professionalism, and most importantly, experience the NRV. In order to participate, companies must be an Onward NRV Investor or from one of our four targeted industries in the New River Valley: advanced manufacturing, food processing & agribusiness, technology, or unmanned systems. Interested companies must complete the Employer Application by February 3rd and selected companies will be notified by February 15th.

In addition to learning more about the NRV Experience, participants were able to hear from a panel of University experts on how to best engage with students and fill internship positions. Debbie Bond from New River Community College, Jim Henderson from Virginia Tech, and Gwen Houston from Radford University all shared the importance of being on campus and getting in front of students, especially outside of career fairs. The college and universities are eager to support local companies in pairing students with the right internship opportunity.

If you are interested in participating or want to learn more, please contact James Cabler at james@onwardnrv.org.

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.