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Economy
on the Move
Exponential Growth in
the Eastern Panhandle
KRISTEN UPPERCUE
The location of West Virginia’s Eastern Panhandle has new commercial and industrial businesses to Berkeley County
allowed the area to grow rapidly in the last few years. With their while also assisting existing businesses with growth and reten-
evolving economies, growing populations and close proximity tion. Her solution for growing the county is focusing on what
to Washington, D.C., and Baltimore, MD, Berkeley, Jefferson is possible and what it can do rather than what it can’t. While
and Morgan counties in particular offer vast opportunities for a lot of different markets are interested in Berkeley County,
businesses and families alike. The easy drive to major cities manufacturing is the primary market the area attracts.
and airports and cheaper housing compared
to neighboring communities in Virginia and
Downtown Martinsburg in Berkeley County.
Photo by WV Tourism.
Maryland—all without sacrificing the wealth
of recreational activities and local charm that
are unique to the Mountain State—are con-
tributing to many people outside the state
choosing to live in the panhandle. Leadership
in Berkeley, Jefferson and Morgan counties
are working to make the area an even more
attractive place for people to live and work.
Berkeley County
Sandy Hamilton, executive director of the
Berkeley County Development Authority,
believes building relationships both through-
out the community and with potential new
businesses is the foundation needed to build
lasting economic development in the Eastern
Panhandle. In her position, Hamilton brings
WWW.WVEXECUTIVE.COM
SUMMER 2019
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