On Friday, January 18, the Virginia Tech student newspaper the Collegiate Times wrote this fantastic, unsolicited editorial urging Tech students to look at Roanoke and the New River Valleys to start their careers. The editorial, “Students should seek opportunities to work in Roanoke” could not have been written better.

This comes after at least 2 years of talking to students one-on-one, taking student groups to see downtown Roanoke, and putting on events such as the Roanoke and New River Valley Career and Lifestyle Fair on February 5. At no other time has student interest in wanting to stay in the region been so desired. Now, it is up to the local employers to take advantage of this opportunity and hire these students within the local workforce.

There are over 60,000 college students within a 50-mile radius of Roanoke, excluding Lynchburg. This distinction is very unique. We must capitalize on this new found publicity and close the deal on some of these students looking to stay.

If you know of any employers or students, tell them to come to the fair on Feb 5.