Virginia Capitol Connections, 2025 Annual Magazine 32 On the Rise: PULASKI COUNTY Along the Interstate 81 corridor, about an hour south of Roanoke, sits Pulaski County, VA—a bustling community with sights set on economic growth, local quality of life, and improving its visitor experience. “Pulaski County is on the rise across all fronts,” said Jonathan Sweet, Pulaski County Administrator. “Our diverse and growing industries, our robust recreation assets, our health and wellness initiatives, as well as the quality and assortment of our sports and entertainment scene, uniquely set us apart from other communities in the Commonwealth. We’re quickly cultivating something special here.” The award-winning Southwest Virginia community has a goal to reach 40,000 citizens by 2030 and actively works to create a welcoming environment of opportunity for those entering the Pulaski County workforce, and for the residents who already live there. “Pulaski County blends the strength of major employers with the energy of small businesses and entrepreneurs,” said Lydia Crockett, Director of Pulaski County Small Business Solutions. “From advanced manufacturing and agribusiness to retail, knowledge work, and tourism, our economy is both diverse and resilient. By supporting growth across every sector, we’re building a community where people want to live, work, and visit.” Home to a number of major corporations, notable employers include Volvo Trucks North America’s New River Valley Assembly Plant—the largest private employer in the region—James Hardie Building Products, and a strong, growing network of advanced manufacturing companies. Regardless of the company, Pulaski County offers a helping hand to assist, serve, and ultimately retain them. Such a welcoming environment positions Pulaski County among the top locations in the region to build or move a business. “Pulaski County keeps talent by offering more than a job,” Crockett said. “It offers a future where people can build meaningful careers, enjoy a high quality of life, and be part of a community that values their contributions. With a supportive business climate that fosters growth and success, employers and employees alike find the tools they need to prosper.” As Pulaski County fully understands, an important piece of workforce and business retention is local quality of life. Wellness initiatives, cultural events, and community recreation are among the County’s top priorities for growing the local economy and its population. “Pulaski County places a strong emphasis on the health and well-being of its workforce,” Crockett said. “We encourage balanced, active lifestyles through access to the natural beauty of our parks, trails, and waterways, as well as robust recreation programs and community events.” The prioritization of local wellness has never been more apparent than it is now. In March 2025, Pulaski County announced the Sportsplex project, which will turn a former manufacturing facility into one of the largest versatile sports complexes in Virginia. “This project represents a transformational investment by the Board of Supervisors in the health, recreation, and economic future of our county,” Sweet said. “We are excited to see construction beginning and look forward to what this facility will mean for Pulaski County families, athletes, businesses, and the visitors it will bring from around the country.” The 165,000-square-foot indoor facility will feature highquality, multi-sport courts, turf fields, cardio and strength rooms, a state-of-the-art golf institute, a 6,300-square-foot indoor playground, a full-service restaurant with catering, a one-fifth-mile walking track, and much more. Currently under renovation, the Sportsplex will be among the premier facilities in the region for both local recreation and travel sports. It’s slated to open to the public in the fall of 2026. For Pulaski County families, it offers a place to play, compete, and build relationships year-round,” said Shay Dunnigan, Director of Parks & Recreation. “For visitors, it’s an opportunity to discover Pulaski County while attending tournaments, expos, and special events. Our goal is to create a facility that inspires healthy lifestyles, strengthens community pride, and drives economic growth by welcoming teams and guests from across the region and beyond.”
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