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A Community Connection
Photo by Morgantown Area Partnership .
As one of the major growth areas in the state of West Virginia , Morgantown continues to diversify and thrive , thanks in part to the collaboration of local government and business organizations .
Morgantown is teeming with economic development . With the ongoing expansion of West Virginia University ( WVU ), WestRidge Business + Retail Park , Mylan Park and the Morgantown Municipal Airport , the city ’ s growing footprint is a bright spot in the Mountain State .
According to the North Central West Virginia Economic Outlook 2019-2023 report by the Bureau of Business and Economic Research at WVU , Monongalia and Harrison counties accounted for the bulk of the area ’ s economic growth over the past several years , and many of the region ’ s sectors have significantly outperformed statewide growth . With particular strongholds in health care , retail and leisure and hospitality , this progress can be contributed in part to the hard work and cooperation of several Morgantown business engines and organizations , including the Morgantown Area Partnership , the Visit Mountaineer Country Convention & Visitors Bureau ( CVB ), WVU and the City of Morgantown . Rather than working toward the same goals while operating independently , these entities have joined forces to work toward their shared interest of making Morgantown a destination to live , work and play .
Morgantown Area Partnership
In 2019 , the Morgantown Area Chamber of Commerce , Monongalia County Development Authority , Morgantown Area Economic Partnership and Campus Neighborhoods
Revitalization Corporation ( CNRC ) combined to form the Morgantown Area Partnership , a public / private alliance that works toward the betterment of economic , business and community development in Monongalia County .
“ The Partnership ’ s unique position allows it to be involved at a much deeper level in the community ,” says President and CEO Russell Rogerson . “ We work closely with local government to assist in moving positively forward on issues important to community growth . We also have around 60 nonprofit members that make coordination much easier in the community . We believe collaboration among the public and private sectors leads to stronger , more sustainable solutions to challenges and opportunities .”
The Partnership supports a variety of initiatives in the community , including programming and promotions for Morgantown ’ s small businesses .
“ The presence of WVU and its Encova Center for Innovation and Entrepreneurship has led to growth in an already entrepreneurial community ,” says Rogerson . “ Small businesses are collectively the largest employer in every area , so it is important to have the resources and support services to help them be successful .”
Morgantown is home to a healthy mix of small businesses and large , private employers . However , what sets it apart from other cities is a shared sense of community and dedication to constant improvement .
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