heading the development of new mountain biking trails and a stronger biking community through the creation of a new International Mountain Biking Association( IMBA) chapter.
“ When Ascend Greenbrier Valley members realized a local mountain biking association would activate trail development and connectivity, they teamed up with other bike enthusiasts and started the first IMBA chapter in the region: Greenbrier Valley Off Road Biking Association,” Huguenin says.
The City of Beckley is also enhancing its mountain biking offerings with the development of a new beginner-friendly bike park near Elevation Sports. Designed to help newcomers build foundational skills, the park aims to make the sport more accessible to those wanting to get started.
“ Because it’ s located right next to local businesses, it also serves as an economic catalyst,” Lehman says.“ We’ ve found that proximity between recreation and commerce leads to more foot traffic, increased spending and stronger local economies.”
Lehman also mentions the New River Gorge Ride Center Initiative, led by the WVU OEDC, which is working to develop more than 50 miles of diverse mountain biking trails.
“ The ultimate goal is to earn an IMBA Bronze-Level Ride Center designation, which would be a major win for the region,” Lehman says.
For tourists seeking a bit of adrenaline, a new mountain coaster, Brush Creek Holl’ r, opened in Princeton this year.
“ We’ re excited for West Virginia’ s first mountain coaster in Princeton,” Jamie Null, executive director for Visit Mercer County, says.“ Riders can take in the beautiful mountain views while controlling their speed, which is part of what makes it fun for all ages.”
Mercer County also welcomes tourists with Huey, a mobile visitors center, which travels to local events and festivals. It also offers a Huey AI chatbot for visitor information.
“ As the way people seek out travel information continues to change, we’ ve evolved how we connect with them,” Null says.“ In addition to our printed travel guide, we’ re meeting visitors where they are with Huey. Whether it’ s discovering a scenic trail or waterfall or finding local restaurants and events, Huey is always ready to help.”
Greenbrier is introducing a unique aspect of tourism through The Greenbrier Goat led by Aaron Coleman, where Coleman’ s three pack goats will carry items for tourists traveling along the Greenbrier River Trail.
“ You get to go and enjoy the scenery and hike along with Aaron and see all there is, but your equipment is being hauled by goats,” Pritt says.
Health Care
Southern West Virginia has made strides in expanding and improving care.
Joshua Cline, executive director of advancement at Concord University, says the university is working on a new, muchneeded physician assistant program.
“ The launch of our physician assistant program is going to be a big success story in how to better meet the health care needs of West Virginia, Appalachia and the world,” Cline says.
Raleigh General Hospital is training and retaining nurses as well with the implementation of a Patient Care Technician program, which helps nursing assistants gain credentials and certification.
“ It’ s taking individuals within the hospital and giving them that advanced
Photo by WVU Medicine Princeton Community Hospital.
Photo by Experience Greenbrier Valley.
certification or program so they’ re better off to care for our patients, but it also gives them a pay increase and supports retention within the facility,” Courtney White, marketing director at Raleigh General Hospital, says.
On August 20 and 21, the West Virginia School of Osteopathic Medicine( WVSOM) hosted a groundbreaking ceremony for its new Greenbrier Valley Bio Hub as well as the WVSOM Bio Forum, which included discussions on how to develop more biology development and investment.
WVSOM collaborated with many organizations to develop this event, notably the West Virginia Department of Economic Development( WVDED).
“ WVSOM is an osteopathic medical school, so collaborating with WVDED marks a new partnership, but it’ s a mutually beneficial opportunity,” Don Smith, associate vice president of government and external relations and chief communications officer for WVSOM, says.“ Research is a vital component of medical education, and the bioscience industry offers both educational and economic development opportunities.”
Bowling says two major projects are underway at Princeton Community Hospital— an expansion of its Bluefield campus and the development of a new cancer center.
The expansion includes a 24,000- square-foot addition, 18,000-squarefoot renovation and elevated emergency and behavioral health services. The hospital’ s new cancer center will bring its clinic, radiation oncology, infusion and surgical offerings all to one location.
“ WVU Medicine’ s continued investment in Southern West Virginia is not only improving access to high-quality care but also serving as a powerful economic engine,” Bowling says. •
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