West Virginia Executive Spring/Summer 2020 | Page 26

[ economy ]
Putnam County
Where Opportunity Awaits
SAMANTHA CART
According to the U.S. Census Bureau, Putnam County is the
only county in its region that has recorded population growth
on every census since 1970. The burgeoning area is a tapestry
of charming small towns nestled between West Virginia’s two
largest cities. Community leaders are embracing this strategic
location and sustained growth to create an intergenerational
place that appeals to everyone from college graduates looking
for their first jobs to families to retirees. Putnam County is more
than a bedroom community for Charleston and Hunting ton—it
is a unique and vibrant place that is home to a variety of small
businesses, industries, restaurants, recreational opportunities
and developable land.
An Opportune Place to Work
For those looking for employment, Putnam County is a hot
spot for manufacturing, development, automotive and metalworking
companies. In 2019, the county celebrated 32 ribbon
cuttings for small businesses.
“There are a lot of factors contributing to why someone would
want to start a business in Putnam County,” says Ashley Alford
Glance, president of the Putnam County Chamber of Commerce.
“Part of it is the location, but, more importantly, we are
a community that supports small businesses and entrepreneurs.”
The chamber recognizes the value of a strong small business
community, which led to the development of Area 34, a coworking
space that opened in 2017 to serve the needs of self-
The Putnam County Courthouse in Winfield. Photo by PCDA.
employed entrepreneurs and business and sales professionals
with modern working space. These industrialists are a reflection
of Putnam County’s high workforce participation and
educational attainment rates.
Along with supporting the small business community, the
Putnam County Development Authority (PCDA) works to
recruit new manufacturing investment while supporting the
success and growth of existing manufacturers like Toyota,
Tasty Blend Foods, U.S. Foods, Diamond Electric, Multicoat
Corporation and Nippon Thermostat of America Corp.
“The Putnam County Development Authority stands ready
to support business and industry seeking the perfect site to
relocate, invest and expand,” says Drew Dunlap, executive
director of the PCDA. “Our goal is to give businesses a convenient,
one-stop resource for information. The success of
world-class manufacturers like Toyota has shown we have
all the qualities a business needs for success—especially the
high-quality workforce.”
Putnam County is also home to strong health care and
financial industries.
“The jobs in Putnam County are good-paying jobs with
employers who take pride in their employees,” says Glance.
“On top of the built-in advantages like safe neighborhoods
and exceptional schools, we put in the effort to help businesses
succeed and new businesses get started.”
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WEST VIRGINIA EXECUTIVE