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[ community ]
Border State of Mind
The Mid-Ohio
Valley
West Virginia is home to a strong base of loyal residents who love their state and fight every day for its reputation and future . Still , despite feelings of camaraderie and kinship , the Mountain State is made up of regions with differing geographies , industries , cultures and opportunities , each operating independently to ensure its own success .
One of those regions is the Mid-Ohio Valley , which includes Calhoun , Jackson , Pleasants , Ritchie , Roane , Wirt and Wood counties in West Virginia as well as Washington County , Ohio . Despite crossing state lines , this region is home to a strong community dedicated to seeing it thrive through collaboration , shared resources and shared experiences .
Kristopher Justice , chairman of the board for the Marietta Area Chamber of Commerce , works closely with other chambers in both Ohio and West Virginia to promote the Mid-Ohio Valley to potential employers and site selection firms .
“ We believe a rising tide raises all ships ,” says Justice . “ If a positive economic development event occurs in West Virginia , it will be also be a gain on the Ohio side of the river .”
The area offers a lot in the way of amenities , entertainment and opportunity , and its dedicated base of business owners , elected officials and residents are more than happy to share their insight into why it is a great place to live , work or visit .
“ The Mid-Ohio Valley is peaceful ,” says Steve Parks , executive director of the Ritchie County Economic Development Authority . “ It ’ s a great place to raise a family , and there are great opportunities for outdoor recreation . We also have great opportunities to find employment , and our workforce takes pride in what they do .”
While border states must sometimes compete for opportunities and resources , Karen Waller , executive director of the Belpre Area Chamber of Commerce , says being part of the Mid-Ohio Valley region is mostly a blessing .
“ Our neighboring communities have been open , warm and hospitable when we partner in events , projects and publicity ,” she says . “ The Chamber of Commerce of the Mid-Ohio Valley , Greater Parkersburg
Convention & Visitors Bureau and Downtown PKB are good friends and partners — no competition but a sharing of resources has been our experience . Equally open to our needs and strengths is Marietta Main Street and the Washington County Convention & Visitors Bureau . They both want us to prosper and grow and help us do that in every way .”
This plan for regional prosperity has and will continue to focus on promoting the Mid-Ohio Valley ’ s top industries and ample tourism offerings . Throughout its history , the Mid-Ohio Valley has been characterized by its ties to the oil and natural gas industries . However , according to Janelle Comstock , director of the Workforce Development Board of the Mid-Ohio Valley , the region ’ s top five industries as of 2019 were government ; trade , transportation and utilities ; education and health services ; manufacturing ; and leisure and hospitality .
Area leadership agrees that regional talent and business culture are both draws for businesses to locate to the Mid-Ohio Valley with local education institutions
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