Onward NRV Wraps Up 3rd Annual NRV Experience Program

Onward New River Valley, the regional economic development organization serving Virginia’s New River Valley, wrapped up their third annual NRV Experience internship program at Eastern Divide Brewing Company on Thursday, July 28th. The event brought together participating interns, their employers, young professional groups, and alumni associations from across the NRV to network and celebrate the completion of the program.

The NRV Experience is a seven-week-long summer curriculum designed to support employer internship programs by helping their interns grow professionally while also experiencing the full benefits of living and working in Virginia’s New River Valley. The goals of the program are to support employers’ summer internship programs, increase the number of young professionals living and working in the NRV post-graduation, and expose participants to the wide variety of cultural, recreational, and outdoor amenities available in the region.

Fourteen employers in Virginia’s New River Valley enrolled 34 of their college interns to participate in the third cohort of the NRV Experience. Throughout the seven-week program, interns participated in virtual professional development sessions covering topics such as emotional intelligence, leadership skills, networking, and communication skills. These sessions were taught by the team at Exelaration. Each week, the interns explored the NRV through excursions designed to highlight one of the five unique communities in Virginia’s New River Valley. Onward NRV collaborated with local tourism directors and local economic development directors from each of the communities to showcase the region’s amenities to the interns.

The seven-week long program started on Thursday, June 16th with a Kick-Off Event designed to welcome interns enrolled in the program. The participating interns spent the next five weeks exploring Floyd County, Giles County, Pulaski County, Montgomery County, and the City of Radford through weekly community excursions. The Wrap-Up Event on July 28th celebrated the conclusion of the program.

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.