The multi-media campaign included magazines, television, newspaper inserts, digital media, social media, streaming services, a Washington, D. C., Metro takeover, public relations, brochures and travel guides.
The campaign produced more than 8 million impressions, 47,000 website clicks and 700,000 video views. The Jefferson County CVB’ s 2025 public relations efforts have generated more than 2 billion impressions with an estimated value over $ 15 million.
“ We are thrilled to be recognized by our peers for the work we are doing to bring more visitors to Jefferson County,” says Annette Gavin Bates, CEO of the Jefferson County CVB.“ We have incredible assets to promote in our county, and we are blessed with a supportive board and collaborative people running our tourism businesses.”
Jefferson County continues to account for more visitor spending than any other county in West Virginia. The Eastern Panhandle accounts for more visitor spending than any other travel region in the state, bringing in more than $ 1.2 billion annually.
The campaign was developed and implemented by the CVB staff working in tandem with its marketing agency, Nikki Butler Design.
PCH Recognized for Highest Quality Knee and Hip Replacements
WVU Medicine Princeton Community Hospital( PCH) is proud to be the only hospital in Southern West Virginia recognized with a Blue Distinction Center( BDC) designation for knee and hip replacement.
The BDC program, administered by Highmark Blue Cross Blue Shield West Virginia, identifies hospitals that demonstrate expertise in patient safety and deliver better health outcomes. Quality assessments are based on objective measures developed from the Blue Cross Blue Shield Association’ s partnership with the American Academy of Orthopaedic Surgeons.
This designation is a testament to the rigorous standards met by PCH. Designated knee and hip replacement facilities deliver high-quality care, with an average of 21 % fewer readmissions and complications within 90 days of surgery.
Dr. Philip Branson performs a knee replacement surgery at PCH.
PCH is home to the state’ s top robotic-assisted surgery program, including two Mako robotic-arm assisted systems for joint replacement. This technology allows for greater surgical precision, smaller incisions and faster recovery times, returning patients to daily life more quickly. More than 2,000 Mako joint replacement procedures have been performed at PCH, earning the trust of patients from across Southern West Virginia and beyond.
“ We are honored to receive the Blue Distinction Center designation for knee and hip replacement, which validates the exceptional skill of our orthopedic team and our commitment to patient-centered excellence,” says Karen Bowling, PCH president and CEO.“ Princeton Community Hospital is proud to lead the state in robotic-assisted surgeries, offering patients the most advanced joint replacement options available today. This recognition reinforces what our patients already know: when it comes to orthopedic care, they don’ t have to leave Southern West Virginia to find the highest quality care in the state.”
AFNHA Launches Rehabilitation of the Historic Darden Mill
The Appalachian Forest National Heritage Area( AFNHA) has plans underway for rehabilitating the Darden Mill, a historic landmark in Elkins, WV. Built in 1902, the Darden Mill was designed as a four-story grain mill centrally located next to the Elkins railyard, making it a hub for trade and transportation. In the late 1930s, the top floor of the mill was destroyed in a fire, leaving three stories that have been the subject of restoration efforts to create a historic, vibrant museum and gathering place in Elkins.
AFNHA is working with the Mills Group to renovate the Darden Mill to reconstruct the top floor so it can be safely reopened for public access and utilized as additional exhibit space. The renovation will also increase accessibility and further preserve the historic structure, highlighting and maintaining physical details that mark the mill’ s history.
The Darden Mill is the home of the Appalachian Forest Discovery Center, which hosts an engaging museum for community members to learn about the Appalachian forest and its history, culture and natural assets. This historic community hub offers exciting events and educational opportunities and serves as a gateway for exploring all the Appalachian forest has to offer.
In addition to community events and exhibits, the Darden Mill serves as the home of AFNHA’ s Pollinator Initiative, a program geared toward protecting native pollinators that encourages the growth of individual pollinator gardens. It also houses the West Virginia Railroad Museum.
The AFNHA’ s renovation of the historic Darden Mill will further establish the mill as a community hub for events, education and information on the surrounding Appalachian forest. AFNHA is currently accepting donations to support this exciting project. •
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