West Virginia Executive Summer 2019 | Page 29

[ community ] 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 27