Economic Development

Is your community suffering from the appearance of its old industrial or commercial sites—otherwise known as brownfields? The West Virginia Brownfields Assistance Center at West Virginia University is seeking communities that would like to apply for up to $5,000 in redevelopment assistance. According to Patrick Kirby, a spokesman for the Foundations for Overcoming Challenges and … Read more

A new national heritage area established in March will attract financing and tourism to eastern West Virginia and western Maryland—a region that encompasses millions of acres of forest and some of the state’s best-known scenic landscapes. The

Many businesses in Greenbrier and Pocahontas counties may be eligible for benefits as a result of their locations in federally designated “Historically Underutilized Business Zones” or “HUBZones.” The Robert C. Byrd Institute is joining the U.S. Small Business Administration and Greenbrier Valley Economic Development Corporation March 26 in presenting a free workshop on the matter … Read more

To bolster growth in the emerging craft-beverage economy—including the production of sodas, teas, beers, wines, and spirits—the Robert C. Byrd Institute will sponsor “Craft: A Farm-to-Bottle Summit” April 8 in South Charleston. Participants will explore ways that craft products can engage various interests in agriculture, hospitality and tourism to build markets for this growing business … Read more

West Virginia Governor Jim Justice today unveiled data that shows a 16.1 percent increase in state hotel occupancy. Combined with a robust average room rate, the occupancy increase also produced a 20 percent revenue increase in a year-over-year comparison. Joined by the state’s Tourism Commission and dozens of hospitality-industry representatives, the governor announced that the … Read more

Vacations are nice, and everyone should have one once in a while to rest and recuperate. However, it can get expensive, and it can be easy to spend a lot when you’re out there on the road. The smaller expenses, like eating out, souvenir shopping, and buying beverages such as coffee every day can really … Read more

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