West Virginia Executive Summer 2019 | Page 116

Welcome, All As the largest city and de facto capital of West Virginia’s fast-growing Eastern Panhandle, Martinsburg is revitalizing its historic downtown and building on its history, community and proximity to major metropolitan markets to become a great place to live, work, visit and invest. Former brownfield sites are becoming hubs for research and development. Historic downtown structures are being transformed into mixed-use residences and retailers. And small businesses are seizing the opportunity to join the blend of modern and classic styling that brings the best of all worlds to Martinsburg. Martinsburg is connected by rail and interstate highway to the entire East Coast marketplace, and its easy transit connection to Washington, D.C., allows government workers, contractors and early-stage businesses seeking to work those governmental clients to take advantage of Martinsburg’s affordability while maintaining easy access to clients and markets. Investors in the City of Martinsburg are also poised to benefit from changes to state and federal tax laws that encourage improvements to opportunity zones, as well as local tax credits for new businesses and downtown investment. A city where modern meets classic and comfort meets convenience, Martinsburg is working toward adding more retail, recreation, greenspace and parks to its already pedestrian- friendly downtown while celebrating its vibrant variety of existing businesses and restaurants, including Brix 27 Wine Bar & Restaurant, the Historic McFarland House and Patterson’s Drug Store. SPECIAL ADVERTISING SECTION Martinsburg combines historic architecture with modern conveniences, Appalachian affordability with metropolitan accessibility and small-town community with big-city opportunity. If you are interested in considering Martinsburg for your home, business or investment, contact Shane Farthing—economic and community development director for the City of Martinsburg—at [email protected] or (304) 264-2131 x. 358.