Press Releases

PUBLIC MEETING

Business Retention & Expansion Study

Presented by

West Virginia University Extension Office
&
Brooke County Economic Development Authority


September 7, 2005

6:00 PM

Brooke County High School
Room 520  



PRESS RELEASE


FOR:					IMMEDIATE DISTRIBUTION/RELEASE 

WRITTEN BY:				Joan Simonetti, Recording Secretary

INFORMATION CONTACTS:	
Virgil Thompson, President, (304) 527-3824;
 Norman Schwertfeger, (304) 737-3666



Brooke County EDA to Hold Public Meeting on Business Retention & Expansion Study



The Brooke County Economic Development Authority (BCEDA), announced today that the
 organization will hold a Public Meeting on September 7, beginning at 6:00 PM at Brooke County
High School, Room 520, to share the findings and recommendations of the WVU Extension Serviceís
 Business Retention and Expansion (BRE) Study.



All county residents and businesses are invited to this Public Meeting,announced Virgil Thompson,
 BCEDA President. The purpose of the study was to survey regional businesses, identify factors
 impacting those businesses, and offer recommended strategies and resources for promoting
 business retention and expansion in Brooke County.



The Brooke County Economic Development Authority sponsored the study, utilizing students and
 faculty from the Center for Economic, Community, and Workforce Development in the WVU
 Extension Service.  Norm Schwertfeger is the Brooke County WVU Extension agent.



We look forward to have county residents and businesses join us at this upcoming public forum to
 review the study and to help us set priorities on the future direction of local economic
 development efforts. said John Casinelli, Brooke County Commission President and Brooke County
 EDA Board Member. 



First, we want to show our local businesses that we appreciate the contributions they are making to
 our community.  Second, we want to be sure that we understand their local concerns and
 determine ways we can help.  Third, we want to assist local businesses in understanding and
capitalizing on regional, state and federal business support programs, added Mr. Casinelli.



Virgil Thompson stated The Brooke County EDA was formed, under the auspices of the Brooke
 County Commissioners, to improve the economy and quality of life for Brooke County.



 Our MISSION, added Joe Adams, Jr., Vice President, is to partner with public entities, to foster a
 vital and diversified economy, and to enhance our tax base by retaining, expanding, and attracting business.


Approximately thirty county businesses and industries were given the opportunity to voice their
 opinions about the local economy and local state government as the Brooke County Development
 Authority begins an examination of local economic conditions and the future of the county.



Thanks to the efforts of Mr. Matthew Reven, a BCEDA representative for the town of Bethany, a web
 site, "http://www.brookewv.org" www.brookewv.org is an updated resource for the
 county,stated Joan Simonetti, BCEDA Recording Secretary. Working in partnership with the Brooke
 County Planning Commission, our goal was to make the site an information hub for businesses,
 prospective entrepreneurs, and developers, as well as to provide linkages to various state and
 regional resources that promote commerce, added Larry Swanson, Treasurer.



A Land Use Study was also completed earlier this year by the Brooke County Planning Commission;
 once public input has been received, the goal is to develop a comprehensive economic
 development plan for county announced Don Hubbard.


Individuals or companies desiring to contribute or provide input to the BCEDA Program of Work may
 contact Virgil Thompson, President, at (304) 527-3824. 



The Brooke County Economic Development Authority meets the 3rd Wednesday of each calendar
 month, at the Brooke County Court House, 3rd floor conference room; meetings are open to the public.



-END-




        



 BROOKE COUNTY ECONOMIC DEVELOPMENT AUTHORITY  


  PO Box 134, 632 Main St.  Wellsburg, WV 26070

"http://www.brookewv.org"