Onward NRV Hosts First Industry Summits

Onward NRV hosted it’s first series of Industry Summits as a part of the Industry Hub Initiative.

The Industry Hub Initiative was created to support and grow the NRV’s targeted industries, starting with Manufacturing and Information Technology. The goal of the is to turn Virginia’s New River Valley into a well-known hub for both of the industries.

Onward NRV wants to enhance the competitiveness of the the companies that are already in the NRV and recruit new companies to the area. Having more companies in a particular industry also helps recruit new talent to the area, as there is less personal risk for job seekers if a particular position doesn’t work out.

This specific Industry Hub Initiative has has two main components: the Industry Hub Summits and the Industry Hub Branding.

Summits

The purpose of the summits is to engage industry leaders in the initiative. The summits included group roundtable discussions, an overview of Onward NRV’s Industry Hub Initiative, and opportunities to network and socialize. The goals of summits were to identify and address common challenges, connect industry to higher education, and promote peer-to-peer collaboration and the sharing of best practices.

Steering teams helped plan the summits, which were considered a success with excellent participation. Onward NRV plans to facilitate more in the future.

Branding

The branding initiative will create consistent messaging to help brand the region as a hub for the industries. It will help the NRV gain a more prevalent reputation if there is a cohesive theme to the way people talk about the region’s industries. A consistent, authentic message will increase the resonance of the messaging.

This part of the project will also create a video for each industry to use for marketing. They will tell the story of the industries in the NRV as they relate to companies and professionals. Companies and HR professionals are also encouraged to use the video to aid in talent recruitment efforts.

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.