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Radford University brings regional economic and business leaders together to advance growth in the New River and Roanoke valleys

Radford, VA (09/10/2026) — What makes the New River and Roanoke valleys such special places to call home, and what will it take to keep it that way?

That question was at the heart of a conversation Sept. 10 at Radford University, where state and regional leaders came together to talk about the future of the region and how communities, businesses, schools and other organizations can work together to build it.

Radford University hosted "Shaping Tomorrow, Together: Building a Regional Economy for the New River Valley," an economic development and business luncheon featuring Virginia Secretary of Commerce and Trade Carrie Chenery, New River Valley Regional Commission Executive Director Kevin Byrd and Onward NRV Executive Director Katie Boswell. The discussion was moderated by Angela Joyner, Radford University's vice president for Economic Development and Corporate Education.

The conversation went beyond jobs and economic growth. Panelists discussed the things that shape everyday life in the region, including where people work, how students prepare for careers, how can the region better support small businesses, how communities attract new residents and visitors, and how the New River and Roanoke Valleys can make the most of the mountains, rivers, trails and communities that make it distinctive.

"Regions are what drive the state's economy," Chenery said. "We can't do this alone. It has to happen through partnership. We have to think differently about who's at the table for these conversations about Virginia's growth. By being here and investing your time and resources, you're part of that partnership. I'm glad you're able to tell that story and tell it loudly."

The New River and Roanoke valleys have a diverse economic base that includes advanced manufacturing, health care and life sciences, technology and knowledge work, education and business. At the same time, the region has opportunities to expand outdoor recreation and tourism, building on assets such as the New River, the Appalachian and Blue Ridge mountains, and an expanding network of trails.

For residents, those opportunities are closely connected to the communities where they live, work and spend their time.

Panelists also explored ways to strengthen the region's workforce, support entrepreneurs and small businesses, connect education with the needs of employers and use tourism and outdoor recreation to create jobs and attract investment. In addition, they discussed the importance of partnerships among local governments, businesses, educational institutions and other organizations.

"Radford University is part of the fabric of the New River and Roanoke valleys, and we have a responsibility to help this region thrive," Joyner said. "That means listening to what our communities and employers need, preparing our students for the opportunities ahead and bringing people together around the challenges and possibilities we share. When we work together, we can create a future that benefits not just our university, but the entire region."

For Katie Boswell, who leads Onward NRV's efforts to attract and retain jobs, investment and talent in the region, collaboration is central to the New River Valley's future. The organization brings together communities across the region to advance economic development and promote the New River Valley as a place to live, work and do business.

Kevin Byrd, who has led the New River Valley Regional Commission since 2009, also brought a regional perspective to the conversation. He talked about the importance of communities working together on projects that can benefit the entire region, including AM2, a collaborative additive manufacturing initiative spanning the Go Virginia Region 2 area. The project is an example of what can happen when communities, universities, businesses and other partners pool their expertise and resources to tackle a shared opportunity.

The discussion underscored the idea that the future of the New River and Roanoke valleys depends on all of us working together to build it.

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