SPECIAL ADVERTISING SECTION
Growth in the Eastern Panhandle
The Berkeley County Development Authority is committed to fostering growth and affirmative change in Berkeley County and the entirety of the Eastern Panhandle . The mission of the development authority is to promote sustainable industrial and economic development and increased employment and tax base through the cooperative sharing of resources with the community . It seeks to assist businesses by connecting each with the county ’ s many opportunities , one being the Eastern Panhandle Entrepreneurs Forum ( EPEF ). This organization provides free networking and support to small business owners and promotes the formation and growth of innovative new businesses in the Eastern Panhandle .
The EPEF was formed in 2001 . It is constantly evolving to assist startups because the region ’ s future economic vitality depends , in large part , on the emergence of new businesses through the entrepreneurial culture , a pool of resources to draw from and successful models to follow .
“ One of the biggest benefits of the EPEF is the networking opportunities that are created . The EPEF connects entrepreneurs and small business owners with a variety of business professionals , including industry experts , business service providers , investors , other successful entrepreneurs and state , county and municipal leaders and officials ,” says Lyn Goodwin , executive director of the Morgan County Development Center .
An important aspect of the EPEF is the speakers , from varying industries , brought in to educate entrepreneurs on multifaceted topics necessary for running a successful business .
“ In the past , we have had lawyers , accountants , social media and marketing specialists , federal and state program advisors , Small Business and Development Center staff , bankers , as well as other successful entrepreneurs ,” says Sandy Hamilton , executive director of the Berkeley County Development Authority .
The EPEF is a conglomeration of Berkeley , Morgan and Jefferson Counties . Collaborating among counties allows for a greater pool of resources , ideas and networking opportunities . Those involved with the organization are not cognizant of geographic county lines . Instead , they are enabled to have smaller , intimate discussions with businesspeople who have common goals , challenges and needs .
“ The EPEF is a unique concept — few regions promote teamwork or demonstrate an understanding of the term . The EPEF is a true definition of regionalism , combining the efforts of three economic development officers , educational leaders and state agencies ,” says Dennis Jarvis , executive director of the Jefferson County Development Authority . “ The regional partnership provides regional business leaders a platform to exchange ideas and engage in direct dialogue with business leaders .”
Through offering comradery , support and education to a business sector that often feels isolated , the EPEF has successfully helped many businesses grow and develop .
According to the West Virginia Secretary of State ’ s Office , Berkeley County registered 76 businesses in September 2021 . It is experiencing a 6 % growth increase .
( 304 ) 267-4144 | shamilton @ developmentauthority . com | developmentauthority . com 300 Foxcroft Avenue , Suite 201 , Martinsburg , WV 25401