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Right on target
Save money and time in Virginia's Roanoke Valley
Koyo Steering Systems of USA chose the Roanoke Valley for its electric steering system manufacturing plant.
Since 1983, more than 70 relocations and expansions have taken place in Virginia's Roanoke Valley. It's a clear indication that the business world has discovered the charms of one of the South's true hidden gems.
With a strategic location, a strong labor pool, low cost of living and outstanding quality of life, Roanoke is an inviting alternative for business. That's why dynamic industry-leading companies like General Electric, ITT, Advance Auto, Kroger and Yokohama Tire have invested significant money and energy into the region over the past two decades.
Getting there in a hurry
The Roanoke Valley is a prime location for companies in the automotive industry. The Valley is within a day's drive of two-thirds of the US population - less than 500 miles from New York, Philadelphia, Cleveland, Washington, Nashville and Atlanta.
Getting your products to those markets is easy. Interstates 81, 77 and 64 run directly through the Valley region, providing access to America's eastern metro areas.
The Roanoke Regional Airport has a large and growing cargo port. The airport operates 100 arrivals and departures daily. And, because the Valley is home to a large UPS hub, two-day ground service to almost 60% of the population of the US is easily within reach.
The Roanoke Valley also boasts an inland port, making international access a reality.
But market access alone can't guarantee business success. You need a skilled and motivated workforce - people who are innovative, competitive and well trained. That's where the Valley's location can really pay off for business. And the Roanoke Valley has a labor pool of more than 356,000 people who are ready to get the job done.
There are 19 colleges and universities within a 60-mile radius, including Virginia Tech, an internationally known research university. Virginia Western Community College works closely with the Virginia Workforce Services Program to provide training for new and expanding industries through its Center for Business, Industry and Technology.
In addition, the Roanoke Valley offers two unique education and training facilities. The Roanoke Higher Education Center houses 16 different education and training organizations, featuring teleconferencing and distance learning options.
The Education and Training Center at Greenfield is a high-bay training area. The Center offers companies the opportunity to train employees on their equipment while facilities are being built. The Center also offers teleconferencing options and courses that are wired for the internet and distance learning. The Center also houses the region's Japanese Saturday School.
Enjoying the ride
Companies locating in the Roanoke Valley also benefit from some of the nation's lowest real estate, health care and utilities costs. As a matter of fact, the cost of nearly everything is lower than national averages.
Add that to a region where there is ample outdoor recreation, arts and culture, a low crime rate and professional and college sports teams, and you'll find the Valley is an easy place for employees to get excited about.
Which undoubtedly explains why so many companies are finding the region irresistible.
For more information, contact Anne Piedmont of Roanoke Valley Economic Development Partnership at anne@roanoke.org or call 1-800-Locate2. You can learn more online at our website.
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