JEAN HARDIMAN
West Virginia is primed for growth , and if you ask the creative and barrierbreaking development teams in the state ’ s Northern Panhandle , there is no better time to come experience the richness of life that Brooke , Hancock , Marshall , Ohio , Tyler and Wetzel counties have to offer . The worst of the COVID-19 pandemic is in the rearview mirror , and the time off was well-spent learning to gain an edge in business , tourism and quality of life .
Access and Affordability
When visitors come to West Virginia ’ s Northern Panhandle , they want to find a reason to stay , according to Joshua Jefferson , president and CEO of the Regional Economic Development Partnership ( RED ).
“ Our area offers security , affordability , access and opportunity for personal and professional growth ,” says Jefferson . “ We are unique in the careers , activities and events we offer , and our location offers proximity to the major markets of Pittsburgh and Columbus in a very short drive . You can walk your dog at a beautiful park , go to work for one of our great companies or nonprofit organizations and then head to Pittsburgh to catch a ballgame and be back home the same day . It really is the best of both worlds .”
Between the incentives offered through West Virginia ’ s Rehabilitation Investment Tax Credit Program to the U . S . Department of Agriculture ’ s ( USDA ) ReConnect Loan and Grant program bringing expanded broadband opportunities to the region , there are more and more reasons for
Photo by Wheeling CVB .
America ’ s best to make West Virginia their home .
The Northern Panhandle of West Virginia is already home to job opportunities in every sector as a leader in the production and supply of coal and natural gas while also having a robust presence in the chemical and manufacturing industries and a variety of business service companies providing good-paying jobs that support a family , says Jefferson .
“ We have leaders in every sector , from large industry to entrepreneurial main streets ,” he says . “ We are blessed with natural resources and have found great success in financial , professional and back office relocation and expansion . On top of this , we have a nationally recognized medical provider in WVU Medicine heavily invested throughout our region .”
Along with affordability and accessibility , West Virginia ’ s Northern Panhandle is located within 500 miles of the majority of the U . S . population .
“ It boasts a community college with three locations , two universities , a college and a career center , all within five counties ,” says Jennifer Rohrig , manager of business retention and expansion for the West Virginia Department of Economic Development . “ Geographically , it is in close proximity to key supply hubs , customer markets and distribution bases . It offers a lower cost of doing business and of living and offers the transportation trifecta — river , railways and roads — all within minimal distance from an international airport .”
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Primed Growth
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We stVi rg i nia ’ s Northern Panhandle
Recreation and Remote Work
Leaders in the Northern Panhandle plan to expound upon this incredible access by taking advantage of the state ’ s Ascend West Virginia program , which aims to attract talented remote workers by providing them with a $ 12,000 incentive , along with a free outdoor recreation package and co-working space . While Wheeling was not chosen as one of the program ’ s flagship locations , county and city government , RED , Wheeling Area Chamber of Commerce , Wheeling Heritage and Visit Wheeling , WV , are working together to capitalize on the opportunity it presents . Ascend received thousands of applications for its first year , but only a handful of applicants will be selected . Wheeling leadership is working to assemble a packet of information about the area to send to those who were not chosen in an effort to attract them to their city .
One of the things the packet will focus on is tourism . From Oglebay to Grand Vue Adventures to the growing Back Home Festival , northern West Virginia has much to offer .
“ Tourism is one of the largest drivers of economic impact in our state ,” says Olivia Litman , marketing director of Visit Wheeling , WV . “ We are all sitting and brainstorming to see how we can best position Wheeling as an attractive area to relocate . All new residents are visitors first , so we are making sure we are working with everyone to help showcase Wheeling to all those attracted to the Ascend West Virginia program . We
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