Onward NRV’s Talent and Business Strategies Manager, Laken Blankenship, and Director of Marketing, Rachel Johnson, recently had the opportunity to connect directly with high school students at Radford High School’s Mingle Like You Mean It career event.
During the event, 9th and 10th-grade students rotated among tables that highlighted career opportunities across a range of fields, including finance, construction, STEM, engineering, business, marketing, and more. At their table, Laken and Rachel introduced students to economic development, sharing how it shapes business growth and marketing efforts throughout the region. They brought examples of their marketing materials, including targeted industry flyers, pop-up displays, digital marketing samples from the NRV website, and NRV-branded merchandise.
Students also learned how Onward NRV supports existing businesses through initiatives like its Leaders’ Summits and attracts new companies by attending trade shows and marketing the region to prospective businesses. Laken and Rachel rounded out each conversation by highlighting the NRV’s targeted industries, including food processing and agribusiness, advanced manufacturing, IT and technology, and uncrewed systems, showcasing the variety of career pathways available right here in the region. At the end of each rotation, students took home an NRV-branded swag item of their choice.
Onward NRV is proud to support career exploration opportunities within the local school system. Engagement in career exploration events with high school students in the NRV is a core component of Onward NRV’s strategic plan to retain talent in support of the region’s long-term growth.
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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.