Onward NRV Kicks Off NRV Experience

Onward NRV launched the NRV Experience with a Kick-Off Event on June 19, 2020.  The event was held at Sinkland Farms in Riner.  Interns were given an overview of the program and had a professional development training session with Amy Baldwin and Matt McHugh of Exelaration.

The NRV Experience, an initiative through Onward NRV’s five-year strategy, is an internship consortium designed to enhance the experiences of students completing summer internships in Virginia’s New River Valley.  Students receive weekly professional development trainings from the team at Exelaration and participate in five outdoor excursions.  Each excursion is designed to highlight one of the communities in the NRV.

Interns will be exposed to the following excursions and professional development opportunities throughout the summer:

• Floyd County: Buffalo Mountain Ziplines and Downtown Tour | Emotional Intelligence
• Giles County: Hike at Mill Creek Nature Park | Communication Skills
• Pulaski County: Paddle Boarding at Claytor Lake | Problem Solving Skills
• Montgomery County: Bike Scavenger Hunt on the Huckleberry Trail | Collaboration Skills
• City of Radford: Float the New River at Bisset Park | Leadership Skills

Onward NRV’s goals for the NRV Experience are to attract and retain graduates from local colleges and universities and to add value to local summer internships by promoting the region as a desirable place to live, work, and play.

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.