Economic Development

The W.Va. Division of Natural Resources is seeking public comments on proposed and modified rules that concern boating, permitting rentals on the New River, establishing new safety standards for whitewater, and allowing off-road vehicles in Cabwaylingo State Forest. The first rule, according to a press release from the division, involves designating a new section of … Read more

The West Virginia Tourism Office today unleashed a new 2018 campaign for the state’s birthday June 20 featuring exclusive “Almost Heaven” stickers that can be featured in social media posts. Tourism Commissioner Chelsea Ruby says the campaign is designed to prompt visitors to visit and share news of its many wild and wonderful attractions. “Let’s … Read more

A new statewide fund has been established to offset development costs for owners of historic properties in West Virginia. The Preservation Alliance of West Virginia announced on Friday the launch of the fund, which will guarantee up to 20 percent of loans for construction, acquisition, and pre-development. The loan can be used in concert with … Read more

The Preservation Alliance of West Virginia is inviting organizations across the state to apply for AmeriCorps members to assist in historical development projects in 2018 and 2019. The alliance annually provides an average of 30 Americorps members to assist in preservation and heritage-tourism projects, though requests for member services are growing, according to Danielle LaPresta, … Read more

More than 200 tourism industry representatives gathered at the West Virginia capitol today to advocate for the industry as part of Tourism Day at the Legislature. The annual event is designed to raise awareness of the significant economic impact of tourism in West Virginia. This year’s focus was on the $8 in tax revenue generated … Read more

BECKLEY, W.Va. — Efforts to nominate a former coal-mining town in southern West Virginia to the National Register of Historic Places could spur economic growth there, according to a spokesman for three development agencies engaged in the effort. Once a mining boom-town, Helen, with a population near 125 residents, is among the last coal camps … Read more

The spirit of West Virginia independence is helping fuel its growing crafts industry, says an online merchant and the founder of Our-WV.com. Paul Thompson, of Buckhannon, who launched the site that represents more than 110 Appalachian artisans six years ago, says more West Virginians are turning to the Web to market arts and crafts when … Read more

The Preservation Alliance of West Virginia is urging U.S. Senators Joe Manchin, D-W.Va., and Shelley Moore Capito, R-W.Va., to support the availability of historic tax credits utilized to attract investment in small towns nationwide. Many developers, property owners, and members of the alliance are concerned that tax reforms being proposed by Congress could eliminate credits … Read more

West Virginians—and everyone who loves West Virginia—I have a small but very important favor to ask: This month, take a few minutes to tell the world what it is you love about our state. West Virginia’s birthday is June 20 (birthday number 154, if you’re counting). The West Virginia Division of Tourism is celebrating West … Read more

Over the past 17 years I’ve been able to engage many wonderful people in the development of West Virginia Explorer, but there’s one person who I can confirm we could not have survived without — Jonathan Moore. He was here at the beginning when I had nothing to work with but concept. He was a … Read more