What sets the workforce apart is fierce pride in their roots and training passed down from family and traditional industries like coal and natural gas, plus the diverse opportunities offered in the region to develop their talents for industries such as advanced manufacturing, cybersecurity, healthcare, new energy technologies, adventure tourism and other careers for the new jobs rising. Companies operating here often comment on the “incredible work ethic” of the workforce.

Population of the seven-county region is approximately 200,000, with access to a larger regional population bringing that number to approximately 500,000 in the Tri-Cities (VA-TN) MSA. Drawing from surrounding Virginia counties and bordering states, employees are willing to travel to jobs and training.

Technical training in the county schools, a variety of workforce solutions programs at the two Virginia community colleges in the region and at the University of Virginia’s College at Wise, internships and available resources from companies and other allies help residents make decisions to choose the region to live and work in, to raise their families and qualify for the jobs in new and existing industries.

Virginia has a nationally recognized talent accelerator program to assist new and existing companies in meeting their talent needs.