“ THE WVCAP AND WYOMING COUNTY EDA COLLABORATION PROVIDED EQUIPMENT FINANCING FOR NEW RESTAURANT OPERATIONS AT ASHLAND RESORT,”
“ THE WVCAP AND WYOMING COUNTY EDA COLLABORATION PROVIDED EQUIPMENT FINANCING FOR NEW RESTAURANT OPERATIONS AT ASHLAND RESORT,”
Christy Laxton, executive director for the Wyoming County EDA, says.“ Initiatives like these demonstrate how coordinated public-private efforts play a transformative role in sustaining rural communities, fostering local enterprise and driving long-term regional development.”
This capital proved to be the critical difference between a timely opening and year-long setback for the local economy.
“ WVCAP allowed us to complete the restaurant’ s kitchen and open in 2024,” Elder says.“ Without the funding, we would have been delayed into 2025.”
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Focusing on local talent is a point of pride for the resort.
“ Our staff is knowledgeable about the trails and how to guide our guests to the types of trails they are seeking,” Elder says.“ I know many businesses say they have the best employees, but we honestly do.”
Running a major tourism destination in a rural area presents unique challenges that traditional lenders might overlook. Elder says the biggest challenges for growth are the things the resort cannot control. The very terrain that draws tourists to the region also creates logistical hurdles, from narrow and winding roads to the lack of municipal utilities.
Because Ashland Resort operates like a small city, maintaining its own water and treatment facility, the financial flexibility provided by WVCAP was essential to keeping momentum. By partnering with the Wyoming County EDA, the resort found an ally that understood these nuances.
“ Wyoming County EDA is a wonderful resource for current and potential business owners,” Elder says.
“ Their staff is knowledgeable and amazing to work with.”
The result of this collaboration is a selfcontained ecosystem where outdoor adventurers can find everything they need to enjoy the trails.
“ We are a destination,” Elder says.“ You can come stay in a variety of lodgings to meet your budget and your group size. We have fuel on site, a fullservice store, two ATV wash stations on site, a full-service restaurant and Hatfield-McCoy permits are available. Our company store also rents out new RZR Polaris machines.”
Through the support of WVCAP and expert guidance from the Wyoming County EDA, the resort has solidified its role as a pillar of West Virginia’ s outdoor culture.
“ Our hope is that guests take away the beauty of the mountains, adventure of the trails and heart of West Virginia and its people,” Elder says.
While Elder notes the resort worked primarily through the Wyoming County EDA, the efficiency of the program made the end goal attainable.
“ The application and approval process was seamless, and it provided the last of the required funding,” she says.
Ashland Resort’ s growth has had a ripple effect on the community, creating a sustainable cycle of employment and tourism. Indian Ridge Bar and Grill currently employs 24 people. The restaurant is providing stable jobs while serving as a new community gathering space, offering locals and visitors alike tasty lunch or dinner when riding the trails.
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