The Morgantown Area Chamber of Commerce and Your Community Foundation, Inc. jointly announced today receipt of a $75,000 grant from the Claude Worthington Benedum Foundation to examine the feasibility of merging economic development activities in Monongalia County under a single umbrella organization. In addition to the Chamber, the following nonprofit groups have agreed to participate in the study enabled by this grant: the Morgantown Area Economic Partnership, the Monongalia County Development Authority, the Greater Morgantown Area Convention and Visitors Bureau, Main Street Morgantown, and Campus Neighborhoods Revitalization Corporation (“Sunnyside Up”).
Kelly Kimble, Chairman of the Chamber’s Board of Directors explained that this grant will jump-start efforts to first examine similar organizational efforts across the country and then develop and execute an integrated plan for branding, staffing and implementing the best collaborative approach for economic development in the greater Morgantown area. “We want to thank the Benedum Foundation for this generous grant to explore collaboration between organizations throughout our community. We have tremendous talent and resources both in Morgantown and throughout Monongalia County. This initiative will lead to improved synergies, better efficiencies and exciting economic development opportunities that will enhance our region and improve the quality of living for everyone in our community,” said Kimble.
Following a competitive search, the Chamber, along with its partners, has engaged Market Street Services, a nationally-recognized firm based in Atlanta, Georgia that specializes in community economic development research. Founded in 1997, Market Street is a trusted partner in facilitating community, workforce, and economic development strategies, helping communities proactively shape their own future. Market Street was also the consultant throughout the development of the Charleston Area Alliance in Kanawha County.
Kimble indicated that the feasibility study will begin during summer 2016 with the final report available by the end of 2016.
