By Jean Hardiman
West Virginia’s Northern Panhandle
West Virginia is primed for growth, and if you ask the creative and barrier-breaking development teams in the state’s Northern Panhandle, there is no better time to come experience the richness of life that Brooke, Hancock, Marshall, Ohio, Tyler and Wetzel counties have to offer. The worst of the COVID-19 pandemic is in the rearview mirror, and the time off was well-spent learning to gain an edge in business, tourism and quality of life.
Access and Affordability
When visitors come to West Virginia’s Northern Panhandle, they want to find a reason to stay, according to Joshua Jefferson, president and CEO of the Regional Economic Development Partnership (RED).
“Our area offers security, affordability, access and opportunity for personal and professional growth,” says Jefferson. “We are unique in the careers, activities and events we offer, and our location offers proximity to the major markets of Pittsburgh and Columbus in a very short drive. You can walk your dog at a beautiful park, go to work for one of our great companies or nonprofit organizations and then head to Pittsburgh to catch a ballgame and be back home the same day. It really is the best of both worlds.”
Between the incentives offered through West Virginia’s Rehabilitation Investment Tax Credit Program to the U.S. Department of Agriculture’s (USDA) ReConnect Loan and Grant program bringing expanded broadband opportunities to the region, there are more and more reasons for America’s best to make West Virginia their home.
The Northern Panhandle of West Virginia is already home to job opportunities in every sector as a leader in the production and supply of coal and natural gas while also having a robust presence in the chemical and manufacturing industries and a variety of business service companies providing good-paying jobs that support a family, says Jefferson.
“We have leaders in every sector, from large industry to entrepreneurial main streets,” he says. “We are blessed with natural resources and have found great success in financial, professional and back office relocation and expansion. On top of this, we have a nationally recognized medical provider in WVU Medicine heavily invested throughout our region.”
Along with affordability and accessibility, West Virginia’s Northern Panhandle is located within 500 miles of the majority of the U.S. population.
“It boasts a community college with three locations, two universities, a college and a career center, all within five counties,” says Jennifer Rohrig, manager of business retention and expansion for the West Virginia Department of Economic Development. “Geographically, it is in close proximity to key supply hubs, customer markets and distribution bases. It offers a lower cost of doing business and of living and offers the transportation trifecta—river, railways and roads—all within minimal distance from an international airport.”
Recreation and Remote Work
Leaders in the Northern Panhandle plan to expound upon this incredible access by taking advantage of the state’s Ascend West Virginia program, which aims to attract talented remote workers by providing them with a $12,000 incentive, along with a free outdoor recreation package and co-working space. While Wheeling was not chosen as one of the program’s flagship locations, county and city government, RED, Wheeling Area Chamber of Commerce, Wheeling Heritage and Visit Wheeling, WV, are working together to capitalize on the opportunity it presents. Ascend received thousands of applications for its first year, but only a handful of applicants will be selected. Wheeling leadership is working to assemble a packet of information about the area to send to those who were not chosen in an effort to attract them to their city.
One of the things the packet will focus on is tourism. From Oglebay to Grand Vue Adventures to the growing Back Home Festival, northern West Virginia has much to offer.
“Tourism is one of the largest drivers of economic impact in our state,” says Olivia Litman, marketing director of Visit Wheeling, WV. “We are all sitting and brainstorming to see how we can best position Wheeling as an attractive area to relocate. All new residents are visitors first, so we are making sure we are working with everyone to help showcase Wheeling to all those attracted to the Ascend West Virginia program. We are also taking this time to brainstorm how to better assist our companies who are actively seeking new employees to grow their business.”
Also working to draw newcomers to the region is the Upper Ohio Valley Regional Tourism Group, which promotes regional tourism collaboration from three states and 12 counties in West Virginia, cross-promoting events, festivals and activities, according to Holly Morgan, president of the Wetzel County Convention & Visitors Bureau (CVB) and festival director for the Back Home Festival.
The Back Home Festival returned in June 2021 and is the Wetzel County CVB’s crowning achievement. In just a few short years, it has become a premier admission-free destination on the East Coast.
“The festival has hosted a bevy of Grammy Award-winning and nominated artists, such as Billy Strings, Del McCoury and The Steeldrivers,” says Morgan. “Situated in the heart of downtown New Martinsville, the Back Home Festival has gained a reputation as one of the most organized and welcoming festivals in the nation. The quaint river town truly rolls out the red carpet for festival goers.”
Regionalism and Reconnection
As tourist-drawing events spring back to life, businesses of all sizes are thinking outside the box to make sure West Virginia’s best features are on display. A large piece of that puzzle involves improvements in broadband coverage, and the ReConnect program plays a critical role.
ReConnect provides federal financing options to expand broadband services in
rural, underserved areas. It is a game-changing opportunity for West Virginia, according to Jefferson, and the pandemic certainly highlighted and prioritized the need.
“This is a much needed and necessary opportunity to serve the most rural and un-serviced parts of our state,” says Jefferson. “Specifically in Wetzel County, there will be an estimated 87 miles of fiber to an estimated 1,400 businesses and homes.”
With so many positive changes under way, the region is becoming more attractive than ever for new workers and businesses, particularly with the low cost of doing business, community engagement and records of success.
“If you look at companies who call our region home, it is clear this is not only a place to do business but also for those businesses to find tremendous success and growth and become a model for their industries,” says Jefferson. “In cooperation with the governor, the West Virginia Development Office, our state and local legislative leadership and our communities, we have been able to locate businesses who have saved significantly and increased productivity that has directly resulted in creating a model for their sector.”
There is definitely strength in working together as a region, even with counties in bordering states.
“We are regionalist, so we are always communicating with not only other West Virginia counties in the Northern Panhandle but counties in Ohio and Pennsylvania as well,” says Litman. “Our part of the panhandle is only 14 miles wide, so it is important we utilize how close the neighboring states are and really show our visitors a good time.”
Erikka Storch, president of the Wheeling Area Chamber of Commerce and member of the West Virginia Legislature representing District 3, is excited by the work area leadership is doing to promote Wheeling’s offerings, including its sizable city park and current 300 jobs openings. While Storch is grateful to West Virginians who have stayed to revitalize their home state, she knows there is a great need to fill jobs in her community.
“We want to be able to offer our employers the opportunity to fill vacancies with people that may be leaving a job but don’t have the option to work remotely by virtue of whatever that position is, but they are interested in relocating to West Virginia with their spouse or significant other,” she says.
The Northern Panhandle is a wonderful place to live, work and play, according to Rohrig, and there is a younger generation working to wipe out stereotypes and write new chapters. While it is an increasing challenge to attract and retain the next generation of workers, groups across the panhandle are rising to meet it.
“We’re diversifying our industries and creating synergistic relationships between educational institutions, economic development agencies and businesses,” she says. “We’re learning more about the resources available in our own backyards and beautifying our downtowns. It’s not possible to operate in silos successfully. It takes a collective voice to ensure we are a magnet for the next generation’s top talent and business ideas. I am energized by the people I see making investments in the area—both industrial and recreational—to provide residents a fulfilling lifestyle that is the best of both worlds: a small town feel with the resources and amenities of a large city.”
