The Mid-Ohio Valley
By Samantha Cart
West Virginia is home to a strong base of loyal residents who love their state and fight every day for its reputation and future. Still, despite feelings of camaraderie and kinship, the Mountain State is made up of regions with differing geographies, industries, cultures and opportunities, each operating independently to ensure its own success.
One of those regions is the Mid-Ohio Valley, which includes Calhoun, Jackson, Pleasants, Ritchie, Roane, Wirt and Wood counties in West Virginia as well as Washington County, Ohio. Despite crossing state lines, this region is home to a strong community dedicated to seeing it thrive through collaboration, shared resources and shared experiences.
Kristopher Justice, chairman of the board for the Marietta Area Chamber of Commerce, works closely with other chambers in both Ohio and West Virginia to promote the Mid-Ohio Valley to potential employers and site selection firms.
“We believe a rising tide raises all ships,” says Justice. “If a positive economic development event occurs in West Virginia, it will be also be a gain on the Ohio side of the river.”
The area offers a lot in the way of amenities, entertainment and opportunity, and its dedicated base of business owners, elected officials and residents are more than happy to share their insight into why it is a great place to live, work or visit.
“The Mid-Ohio Valley is peaceful,” says Steve Parks, executive director of the Ritchie County Economic Development Authority. “It’s a great place to raise a family, and there are great opportunities for outdoor recreation. We also have great opportunities to find employment, and our workforce takes pride in what they do.”
While border states must sometimes compete for opportunities and resources, Karen Waller, executive director of the Belpre Area Chamber of Commerce, says being part of the Mid-Ohio Valley region is mostly a blessing.
“Our neighboring communities have been open, warm and hospitable when we partner in events, projects and publicity,” she says. “The Chamber of Commerce of the Mid-Ohio Valley, Greater Parkersburg Convention & Visitors Bureau and Downtown PKB are good friends and partners—no competition but a sharing of resources has been our experience. Equally open to our needs and strengths is Marietta Main Street and the Washington County Convention & Visitors Bureau. They both want us to prosper and grow and help us do that in every way.”
This plan for regional prosperity has and will continue to focus on promoting the Mid-Ohio Valley’s top industries and ample tourism offerings. Throughout its history, the Mid-Ohio Valley has been characterized by its ties to the oil and natural gas industries. However, according to Janelle Comstock, director of the Workforce Development Board of the Mid-Ohio Valley, the region’s top five industries as of 2019 were government; trade, transportation and utilities; education and health services; manufacturing; and leisure and hospitality.
Area leadership agrees that regional talent and business culture are both draws for businesses to locate to the Mid-Ohio Valley with local education institutions such as Marietta College, Washington State Community College, West Virginia University Parkersburg and the Washington County Career Center developing a local workforce.
“West Virginia and the Mid-Ohio Valley are very pro-business,” says Comstock. “It is affordable, we have some prime locations in our region that are perfect for new business or expanding current businesses, and we have a quality workforce and an array of training opportunities to fit not only the needs of the customer but the business as well.”
Comstock also says that the collaboration between area organizations on both sides of the river is phenomenal, which makes promoting the region easier.
“When there is a topic that affects both Ohio and West Virginia populations, the organizations come together to determine the best course of action to meet the needs of the customers on both sides,” she says.
Another draw of the Mid-Ohio Valley region—like most of West Virginia—is access to the rest of the country.
“We live within 500 miles of many of the population centers in the U.S.,” says Waller. “We have river, rail and highway accessibility. The Belpre area includes the western area of Washington County, Ohio, but the reach of our chamber of commerce is beyond those boundaries into all areas of Washington County and Parkersburg. Our immediate area serves a population of 6,400 people, but the surrounding urban and rural area extends for over 100 square miles and to more than 100,000 people.”
The success of the area has also historically been influenced by its proximity to the Ohio River. “Our chemical industry grew exponentially in the 1950s through the 1990s, which is largely because of our supreme access to river, rail and highway transportation,” says Waller. “We are also adjacent to natural gas deposits that are in varying stages of development.”
This relationship with the gas industry as well as other top industries such as chemical and plastics, small retail and medical are a draw for many looking for work but also those looking to retire somewhere with access to all the services they may need. Ultimately, the Mid-Ohio Valley offers something for people in every stage of life.
“We have a low crime rate, temperate climate, change of seasons with beautiful colors and our cost of living is very low,” says Waller. “We are two or three hours from major shopping and entertainment centers like Columbus, Cleveland and Cincinnati, Ohio, and Charleston, West Virginia. We have lifelong friends in our workforce. We have helpful neighbors. We have easy access to all essential services like financial, medical, food and clothing and recreation, and when you get home at the end of the day, it is safe and quiet.”
One of the fastest-growing sections of the Mid-Ohio Valley’s economy is its tourism industry, which not only supports jobs but attracts visitors to the area. The riverfront region—characterized by charming towns and cities like Parkersburg, Ripley, Marietta and Belpre—is home to a variety of historical sites, restaurants and theaters, shopping and hiking trails.
Visitors and natives alike can explore historical sites on both sides of the river, like Parkersburg’s Julia-Ann Square Historic District, Blennerhassett Island Historical State Park and Oil & Gas Museum or Washington County’s Armory Square, Henry Fearing House, Henderson Hall, Oliver Tucker House and Constitution Station. On most days, guests can catch a ride on the Valley Gem Sternwheeler in Marietta, book a stay at the Blennerhassett Hotel or enjoy a drink at the North End Tavern & Brewery or Marietta Brewing Company.
“The Mid-Ohio Valley is a hidden gem,” says Justice. “The history of westward expansion in the U.S. starts with Marietta and the Mid-Ohio Valley. The outdoor recreation opportunities in our region are a major feature. There are great hiking trails, mountain bike trails, hunting, fishing, boating and other activities to do here.”
Outdoor enthusiasts can enjoy the Marietta State Forest Nursery or North Bend State Park, which features the 72-mile North Bend Rail Trail. Designed for hiking, mountain biking and horseback riding, the trail runs along the old B&O Railroad bed from Parkersburg to Clarksburg. The park is also home to a new 305-acre recreational lake and boat ramp, campgrounds, lodging and a swimming pool.
“As the pandemic ends and life begins to return to normal, we see the opportunity for growth in our region,” says Justice. “We anticipate tourism returning in a significant way, with people wanting to take trips they postponed. As people travel more, the demand for oil and gas products we hope will increase, leading to a much-needed boost in that industry. Plus, with the increase of people working from home, we hope people relocate to our region to take advantage of our low cost of living and outdoor opportunities.”
