The HUB at Radford for Economic Development officially opens

The HUB at Radford for Economic Development officially opened following a ribbon-cutting ceremony today, Oct. 17, 2023, hosted by the Radford University Division of Economic Development and Corporate Education and the Radford Chamber of Commerce.

Radford University created The HUB at Radford to serve as an economic development support system to help businesses thrive in the City of Radford and across the region. The dynamic facility will transform how the university engages with businesses and communities to support economic development while carrying out its mission.

“Radford University is proud to partner with the city of Radford and other regional partners to strengthen our region’s economic positioning through the HUB at Radford,” said Radford University President Bret Danilowicz, Ph.D. “Students and faculty members have emphatically expressed their desire to share skills and expertise with local businesses and government agencies to improve quality of life in the region. The HUB will allow us to make meaningful connections now and energize future growth for the region.”

Located adjacent to main campus in downtown Radford, the newly renovated facility is home to the Radford University Division of Economic Development and Corporate Education. The division includes Economic Development and the innovative Vinod Chachra IMPACT Lab, which delivers self-paced, competency-based education for high-demand workforce areas.

“The HUB at Radford is a testament to our commitment as a university to be a positive educational and economic driver for the communities where we live, learn and work,” said Angela Joyner, Ph.D., vice president of Economic Development and Corporate Education at Radford University.

“Our location in downtown Radford is symbolic to the vital role we play as an anchor institution and as a strong contributor to the well-being of the City of Radford and the region,” Joyner said. “The HUB will help our region connect to university resources, such as student talent, faculty expertise and workforce solutions. It can also serve as a place to collaborate on initiatives that will help our region thrive.”

City of Radford Mayor David Horton said The HUB represents “a great new chapter in the partnership between Radford City and Radford University.”

“Together, we will help businesses establish, evolve and expand in Radford and across the New River Valley,” said Horton.  “New jobs and opportunities will be born here, and great ideas will thrive with the support of this wonderful new resource.”