Community Revitalization
John Fekete, mayor of Man and executive director of Hatfield-McCoy Trails, says communities working together is essential for success and explains that much of the region’ s growth surrounds the Hatfield-McCoy trail system.
“ My job as mayor is to figure out how to reinvent a community from a coal town to a tourism town,” Fekete says.“ We’ re working with the City of Logan and the Town of Gilbert. Partnership is important.”
Photo by Hatfield-McCoy Trails.
Gary Wilson, COO and vice president of Logan Community Bank & Trust, says the bank sees the effects of these tourism dollars, which go back into the community through lending or supporting local groups or sports teams.
“ Being part of the community is extremely important for us,” Wilson says.“ We’ re continuing to grow as a bank and looking for opportunities to help our community get better.”
The Tug Valley Chamber of Commerce is organizing a State of the County event, which will help inform residents of what is happening in the area. The chamber is also beginning to create green spaces in the downtown area and work on upgrades to the historic Williamson Field House.
“ Our counties are filled with small businesses that are the heart of their communities,” says Chris Waters, Tug Valley Chamber of Commerce president.
Logan business leaders are serving their community through the Leadership Logan Program, which allows participants to learn about the issues affecting small towns and work together to improve the quality of life and better business.
Debrina Williams, executive director of the Logan County Chamber of Commerce and Hatfield McCoy Convention & Visitors Bureau, says this year’ s program has seen a record number of business leaders applying. Participants are from a diversity of professions.
“ We always look forward to hearing their viewpoints on both the negative and positive aspects of living in this region and what issues they would like to change,” she says.
Diana Barnette, Logan County commissioner and owner of Appalachian Outpost, mentions plans for Camp Chief Logan, one being to use the camp to help assist an organization combatting child abuse and neglect.
“ They take underprivileged children on a camping trip every year,” Barnette says.“ They have to go out of the county, so we’ re hoping to be able to provide them with opportunities.”
Wayne County is undergoing beautification efforts through its Clean Up Wayne County initiative, an effort to clear litter, eliminate illegal dump sites and restore the area’ s natural beauty.
“ By investing in these cleanups, we’ re creating a welcoming first impression for tourists, encouraging repeat visits and, most importantly, making Wayne County a cleaner, safer and more attractive place to live and raise a family,” says Travis Thompson, president of the Wayne County Commission.
The Mingo County Redevelopment Authority is expanding access to nutrition by partnering with Facing Hunger Foodbank to establish a food distribution hub in Mingo County.
Facing Hunger Executive Director Cindy Kirkhart will lead the development of the new facility, supported by a congressionally directed spending award of approximately $ 1.3 million.
“ It will strengthen food access across Southern West Virginia while also supporting surrounding service areas,” says Executive Director Greta Curry.
Market on Main in Madison is promoting revitalization and supporting local farmers, businesses and entrepreneurs. The hub also encourages wellness, hosting year-round events that raise funds for the Boone Memorial Health( BMH) Foundation for Community Health.
BMH has recently partnered with the West Virginia First Foundation to launch Growing Futures @ Market on Main, a program supporting adverse youth.
“ This investment allows us to expand Market on Main beyond a marketplace and community gathering space into a place where we can actively support the next generation through prevention, education and mentorship,” says Ray Harrell, general counsel and chief external affairs officer for BMH.
Photo by Boone Memorial Hospital.
Economic Development
Economic development throughout the Hatfield-McCoy Mountains is not only offering residents a range of new activities but also a new chance for prosperity.
Four major ATV resort investments are underway in the region, all of which are making never-before-seen progress toward completion. One exciting new resort, being built by McDonald Land Company, will be constructed on the grounds of the now-closed Triadelphia golf course in Bruno, WV. The resort will have 28 cabins and 14 full-hookup RV sites.
WWW. WVEXECUTIVE. COM SPRING 2026 25