Roanoke Region of Virginia

08/10/2026

Roanoke is proving that you don’t have to be one of the nation’s traditional defense hubs to compete for the next generation of aerospace and defense manufacturing.

Global Location Strategies recently ranked the Roanoke Region in the top quadrant of U.S. markets for Aerospace & Defense Manufacturing, highlighting the region’s combination of high-quality business fundamentals and competitive costs.

As defense investment increasingly prioritizes advanced manufacturing, resilient supply chains, innovation, and next-generation capabilities, regions with integrated ecosystems will have an advantage.

Read more about why Roanoke is positioned for the future of aerospace and defense manufacturing: https://roanoke.org/new-report-highlights-roanoke-regions-aerospace-defense-advantage/

Virginia Tech | Elbit Systems | Roanoke County Economic Development | L3Harris Technologies

08/05/2026

Outside Magazine was on the hunt for an affordable mountain town, and well, well, well... look where they landed😏.

We are so lucky to be surrounded by beauty, have an incredible urban core, and still have an affordable cost of living. Check out this great story from a publication that knows a thing or two about mountain towns!

Affordable Mountain Towns Still Exist. Homes Cost Less Than $300K in This Southern Paradise.

As housing costs soar in famous outdoor hubs, one under-the-radar city offers mountain access, vibrant culture, and homes for half the price.

Read more in the comments.

08/03/2026

Calling all manufacturing partners! Our friends at the Roanoke Regional Chamber are hosting this opportunity, and we hope you'll attend.

"Leading for Operational Change"
📅Tuesday, August 25, 2026
⌚7:30- 9 AM
📍P1 Technologies

This event, presented by GENEDGE, is designed to provide practical leadership strategies that manufacturers can immediately implement to strengthen their teams, improve operations, and build a culture of continuous improvement (that's a win-win-win!).

Register here: https://business.roanokechamber.org/chamber-event-calendar/Details/manufacturing-workshop-series-leading-for-operational-excellence-1869338?sourceTypeId=Websit

07/20/2026

What convinced an Austrian company to invest $85 million and create 435 jobs in the Roanoke Region?

It wasn't just a building. It wasn't incentives. It was seeing firsthand the people, partnerships, and innovation happening here.

In our latest story, we take you behind the scenes of RINGANA's site selection process and explore how institutions like the Fralin Biomedical Research Institute, Virginia Western Community College, and our growing innovation ecosystem helped reshape the company's perception of Roanoke.

This is the first in a series exploring the story behind the largest foreign direct investment win in our region's history.

Discover why RINGANA chose Roanoke for its first U.S. headquarters and how the region's innovation ecosystem, workforce, and partnerships sealed the deal.

07/17/2026

Roanoke, Virginia, made it onto CNN's Best Towns to Visit in America! (We think it's also one of the best places to live, too!)

This is in large part due to our superior quality of life, including enviable outdoor amenities, a walkable and vibrant downtown, and a growing foodie scene.

Click below to read about Roanoke and plan your next vacation (and to maybe look at some housing options😉).

Outdoor adventure is just one draw in Roanoke, where railroad roots run deep and a burgeoning food scene keeps visitors well-fed and ready to explore.

07/09/2026

Virginia is #3 on CNBC's Top States for Business!

Business-ready sites, workforce development, technology & innovation… these strategic investments continue to pay off! Virginia continues to be competitive as it's moved up one spot since last year and has been in the top 5 since 2018.

07/08/2026

Congratulations to Virginia Western Community College on its new designation as an NC3 Leadership School, the highest level within the National Coalition of Certification Centers.

New applied mechatronics courses mean more skilled talent for our region's advanced manufacturers. Great news for regional employers, workforce development, and the regional talent pipeline!

Read more about their new designation here: https://www.virginiawestern.edu/news/2026/07/06/virginia-western-designated-nc3-leadership-school-expanding-industry-impact/

07/07/2026

We are honored to share this historic news: Bedford County is now officially part of the Roanoke Regional Partnership!

The Partnership was founded on the belief that regional collaboration creates a competitive advantage, and that advantage is even stronger with the addition of Bedford County's tourism assets, outdoor recreation economy, and attractive real estate.

The Partnership's footprint now spans nine localities with this addition. Read about the decision to join forces here: https://roanoke.org/bedford-county-joins-roanoke-regional-partnership/

Virginia Economic Development Partnership Virginia Economic Developers Association City of Roanoke, Virginia - Government Roanoke County, Virginia Franklin County, VA Botetourt County Roanoke Valley-Alleghany Regional Commission City of Salem - City Hall Town of Vinton, Virginia Government

06/22/2026

EXCELLENT news coming from Orvis and the City of Roanoke, Virginia - Government this morning!

For nearly 40 years, Orvis has been part of the Roanoke Region's outdoor and economic identity. We're excited to share that the iconic outdoor brand is relocating its Roanoke operations to a new facility in the City of Roanoke, retaining approximately 60 jobs and reaffirming its commitment to the region.

We LOVE these kinds of win! Economic development isn't just about attracting new companies; it's about supporting the businesses you already have and ensuring they continue to thrive here. This is an excellent and important win for the region, the City, and Orvis.

Read the full story here: https://roanoke.org/orvis-finds-new-home-in-city-of-roanoke-retaining-60-jobs-and-four-decades-of-legacy-operations/

06/12/2026

A Historic Investment in the City of Roanoke!

Today, the Governor of Virginia announced RINGANA, an Austrian life sciences company, has made Roanoke its U.S. headquarters, production, and distribution facility. The company will invest $85 million over five years and expects to create 435 new jobs.
This announcement is the largest capital investment of any Foreign Direct Investment in the region’s history AND the largest jobs announcement by a newly locating manufacturer in over 30 years!

This win was truly a team effort. The Partnership, the City of Roanoke, Virginia - Government, Virginia Economic Development Partnership, and regional leaders worked together to showcase the region and tell the whole story of our manufacturing and life sciences chops. We are so proud of the work done and look forward to RINGANA joining the regional business community.

Read the release and learn about employment opportunities with RINGANA below.

RINGANA, an Austrian life sciences company specializing in premium skincare and nutritional products, today announced plans to establish its first U.S. headquarters, production, and distribution facility in the City of Roanoke. The company will invest $85 million over five years and expects to creat...