West Virginia Executive Fall 2019 | Page 26

[ community ] The picturesque Pete Dye Golf Club. Photo by Dimpled Rock Golf Photography. Building a Better Economy in Harrison County 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. 24 WEST VIRGINIA EXECUTIVE