It pays to be innovative in RVA

Technology is in the air, as our regional team returned from the SXSW Interactive show and the new 1717 Innovation Center is now open.

SXSW (or South by Southwest) is the nation's largest expo where the worlds of start-up entrepreneurs, innovation, music and film collide. Along with Mayor Stoney, ChamberRVA and Richmond Region Tourism, the region participated with a booth on the trade show floor for the third year in a row. This year, our mission in Austin, Texas, included a crucial talent recruitment objective.

Back home, thanks to an investment from Capital One, the 1717 Innovation Center opened its doors for startups and StartUp Virginia.

As you'll read below, innovative companies shine in this month's Wrap Session, with success stories about local companies Paymerang and Straight Path Communications.