By Samantha Cart
Harrison County, WV, has everything required for building a strong economy—diverse industry, a high-quality educational system and growing communities.
In the Appalachian Regional Commission’s (ARC) “Strengthening Economic Resilience in Appalachia” report released in February, Harrison County was highlighted among 10 communities in the U.S. for demonstrating resilience in the face of adversity. Despite an overall downturn in coal in West Virginia over the past decade, Harrison County has thrived, thanks to its multi-sector approach to growth.
The ARC report suggests that communities with the forethought to invest in education, technology, infrastructure and broadband; foster long-term community engagement; create a high quality of life; and cultivate next-generation leaders are the best at weathering the storms of industry, and leaders in Harrison County have done just that.
Business is Booming
With rates of unemployment and cost of living below the national average, affordable land, the country’s sixth lowest property tax burden and proximity to more than half of the U.S. population, it’s no wonder why Harrison County is attractive to a variety of industries.
Harrison County’s greatest strength lies in the diversity of its business community. While the state of West Virginia works to diversify its economy, Harrison County’s labor force of 31,255 people currently serves 2,975 companies in the health care, aerospace, biometrics, manufacturing, oil and natural gas, social services, public administration, retail and food services sectors. The region’s credentials include impressive anchors such as the FBI Criminal Justice Information Services Division, Department of Defense Army Biometrics Task Force, United Hospital Center, EQT Corporation, Dominion Energy, Lockheed Martin, Antero Resources Corporation, Allegheny Science and Technology and The Thrasher Group.
While these companies continue to flourish, county leadership has ensured room for growth with development sites such as the Mid-Atlantic Aerospace Complex, MCP Mountaineer Energy Park, White Oaks Business Park, Charles Pointe, Meadowbrook Industrial Park, North Central West Virginia Airport (CKB), Harrison County Industrial Park and Meadowbrook Business Park. These spaces provide opportunities for new businesses and industries to locate in Harrison County while also satisfying the needs of existing entities.
Leading the charge to promote, develop and advance the business prosperity and economic welfare of the area is the Harrison County Economic Development Corporation (HCEDC). The organization encourages the creation of good-paying jobs for Harrison County residents and assists them with loans, investments and other business transactions while also helping bring new industries to the area, rehabilitate and assist existing businesses, provide maximum opportunities for employment and improve the standard of living.
“Through fostering a shared, common vision with all parties engaged in economic development, the HCEDC desires to be a leader in bringing business prosperity and economic well-being to all of Harrison County,” says Executive Director Amy Haberbosch Wilson.
Education is Power
An educated workforce is an integral part of an expanding economy, and central to the success of Harrison County is its formidable educational system, at the heart of which is Fairmont State University, located in neighboring Marion County. Fairmont State educates a higher percentage of native West Virginians than any other higher education institution in the Mountain State with 88 percent of its students hailing from the state. In Bridgeport, 45.3 percent of adults over the age of 25 hold a college degree, which puts it near the top of the most educated cities in the state.
One of the things that makes Harrison County so unique is its relationship with this four-year university, which creates specific academic programs to meet the needs of the region’s burgeoning industries—particularly aviation and aerospace. This allows these industries to continue to grow while also keeping graduates in West Virginia. With a new, secondary campus at Charles Pointe in Harrison County, Fairmont State also offers higher education opportunities for nontraditional students, including adults returning to school to pursue a new career track and high school students pursuing dual enrollment in college-level courses. The Charles Pointe campus also hosts the school’s aviation program, which offers the only FAA Part 141 flight school in West Virginia.
Community is Everything
While these educational opportunities definitely play a role in Harrison County consistently being named to lists of best places to live and work, the most important qualification for attracting businesses and families is strong communities. Thriving communities like Bridgeport and Clarksburg are the reason people continue to choose Harrison County.
Randy Wetmore, who was recently named the city manager of the City of Bridgeport, is a veteran city manager who has served 10 cities ranging in size from 2,100 to 200,000 in seven states. Wetmore credits the friendly people for drawing him to the Mountain State during the application process. His responsibilities include managing the day-to-day operations
of the city’s police and fire departments as well as community development, economic development and finance.
“I have the opportunity to work with the city council and other organizations that are interested in making Bridgeport and the surrounding area stronger and even more attractive than it is right now,” says Wetmore. “It is an exciting spot to be in. Our challenges are to continue the success we’ve had in the past and to be able to provide the excellent services people have come to expect.”
Community development projects underway in Bridgeport include the construction of the Bridgeport Indoor Sports & Recreation Complex, a $50 million, 156,000-square-foot sports facility, and the Benedum Logistics and Harrison County Industrial parks at CKB. Moving forward, Wetmore hopes to continue planning the city’s park and infrastructure systems to keep up with the community’s growth.
“My goal is to continue to have all of our entities work together for the betterment of the entire area,” he says.
Annette Wright, city clerk and interim city manager of the City of Clarksburg, loves her city because of its small-town feel and big-town appeal.
“Clarksburg is an all-around destination with a state-of-the-art aquatic center/splash zone, outdoor amphitheater, neighborhood parks, rail trails, an exquisite restored theater that beautifully lights up the area, delicious restaurants and many shopping venues,” she says.
Wright started her career as city clerk in 1996 and has served as interim city manager since July. She has seen the city weather many ups and downs, but recently the oil and gas industry has provided a boost to the area, increasing the need for affordable housing and a vibrant downtown for families to enjoy.
“Clarksburg, like many other cities, is reinventing its downtown to attract visitors, shoppers, businesses and workers,” she says.
One noteworthy community development project in Clarksburg is the recently renovated Robinson Grand Performing Arts Center, which serves as an anchor for attracting visitors as well as other businesses. With its great location just off of Route 50 and I-79, innovative business and occupation tax incentive program and business loan funds available through the Harrison County Economic Alliance Corporation, Clarksburg is a city on the brink.
“Clarksburg truly is a great place to work, eat, play, raise a family and enjoy life,” says Wright.
As Harrison County continues to grow, the state as a whole should take note of its formula for building a robust economy by diversifying industry, elevating education and developing communities. This strategic plan has helped the county overcome immense challenges, and its future is nothing but bright.
“Harrison County’s economic future is rooted in a comprehensive, focused approach to building a positive business climate with attention to the quality of life that is valued by citizens who desire to live and work here,” says Wilson. “By advocating for collaborative efforts among diverse organizations, Harrison County will grow in future years based on understanding and leveraging its assets and engaging individuals in bringing out the best in all aspects of the county.”
