A strong economy is built through collaboration, with local governments, businesses, and institutions working together to support growth, workforce development, and long-term stability. That was the focus of this month’s Montgomery County Chamber of Commerce Eggs & Issues panel, moderated by John Provo, Executive Director of Virginia Tech's Center for Economic & Community Engagement.
Regional leaders Brian Hamilton, Director of Montgomery County Economic Development; Katie Boswell, Executive Director of Onward New River Valley; and Kevin Byrd, Executive Director of the New River Valley Regional Commission, shared how partnerships support economic success in the NRV.
The NRV’s mix of rural communities and strong educational institutions (Virginia Tech, Radford University, New River Community College, and K-12 schools) positions the region to develop and retain talent. But education alone is not enough. Workforce training, apprenticeships, and partnerships with employers help connect workers to high-wage, high-skill jobs in fields like advanced manufacturing, technology, and healthcare.
However, economic development is about more than business recruitment; it is about making sure people have the resources and services they need to live and work here. One example mentioned was Virginia Tech’s Partnership for Progress, which brings regional leaders together to address shared challenges like housing, childcare, education, and talent retention. Sustainable growth requires investing in people just as much as businesses.
Additionally, Regional planning efforts like Regional Economic Strategy (RES) and quarterly "Think Tank" meetings allow leaders to coordinate investments and anticipate economic challenges. That same level of collaboration was seen in the region’s response to Hurricane Helene, when communities worked together to provide aid and rebuild. That cooperative approach continues in economic development, making sure the region stays adaptable in the face of future challenges.
Another example is Virginia’s AM2 Tech Hub, which strengthens the NRV’s aditive manufacturing and advanced materials sectors by bringing together industry leaders, research institutions, and workforce training programs. These efforts help businesses find skilled workers, access research, and connect with the resources they need to grow.
It is also important to remember that economic development is not just about businesses; it is also about making the NRV a place where people want to live. As Kevin Byrd put it, “Place is important. The NRV offers a level of intentional living that you don’t find everywhere.” One example of this is the NRV Livability Initiative which focuses on long-term regional planning in areas like housing, transportation, energy, agriculture, and cultural heritage to support growth.
In recent years, Onward NRV has made talent attraction and retention a top priority, responding to a demand for strategies to keep skilled workers in the region. “Our investors made it clear that talent recruitment and retention needed to be a bigger focus, and we’ve embraced that challenge,” said Katie Boswell, Executive Director of Onward NRV. “Retaining talent starts earlier than graduation, so we’ve continued expanding beyond higher education and working directly with high schools to help students see career opportunities right here in the NRV.”
Additionally, Onward NRV is this year’s co-host for the 2025 Future of Talent Summit, which will bring together employers, educators, and economic leaders to explore workforce needs and create stronger pathways for students and professionals.
A strong economy requires forward-thinking and planning. Montgomery County’s Comprehensive Plan update is shaping policies on housing, transportation, and economic sustainability to benefit both businesses and residents. “In addition to strategies, we need to be thinking ahead about zoning, infrastructure, and how we use land to support business expansion and livability,” said Brian Hamilton, Montgomery County’s Director of Economic Development. This makes sure we are intentional about how we develop and redevelop sites, creating opportunities for businesses and residents.
The New River Valley Passenger Rail Project is a great example of how regional collaboration gets results. This state-supported Amtrak extension to Christiansburg has bipartisan support and will boost workforce mobility, tourism, and business expansion. Infrastructure projects like this do not happen without strong partnerships, and this one will bring long-term benefits to the region.
The message from the panel was clear: economic development is a team effort. By working together, we are creating a stronger economy that can withstand challenges and adapt to change. As John Provo put it, "Just like in biology, a diverse ecosystem is more resilient and adaptable.” Through collaboration and strategic planning, the NRV is building a more resilient economy; one that supports innovation, attracts talent, and creates opportunities for growth.
Image courtesy of the Montgomery County Chambe of Commerce.