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ELKINS -- The Elkins-Randolph County Chamber is pleased to announce the first Spotlight Business of the Month, the Randolph County Development Authority. It's important to note that to fulfill the Chamber's mission, our members include businesses, non-profit organizations, and individuals who wish to enhance all aspects of opportunities in Elkins and Randolph County.
The Randolph County Development Authority serves as the lead economic development organization for Randolph County. Established in 1977 by the Randolph County Commission, the RCDA is governed by a board of directors and has a staff of three. Staff includes Kris Wilmoth, office manager, Mike McCauley, training coordinator, and Robbie Morris, executive director. The board of directors is led by Gary Clay and is comprised of a diverse group of individuals from various industry sectors, backgrounds, and areas of the county.
The organization's primary focus is to recruit, retain and expand businesses in our region. They work to grow an already diverse economy through a variety of marketing and attraction efforts. Randolph County is home to a variety of industry sectors including hardwoods, tourism, healthcare, governmental services, financial services, and many more.
The RCDA has worked to locate and expand several businesses within those sectors. In addition, this group has been responsible for many tourism projects including replacement of the railroad bridge, renovation of the railroad depot, development of the Elkins Railyard, development, and expansion of the Allegheny Highlands Trail, along with several other projects.
The RCDA's mission also encompasses workforce and community development. The West Virginia Wood Technology Center, operated by the RCDA, serves as the workforce development arm of the organization. The Wood Tech Center provides safety and technical training to individuals, businesses, as well as hobbyists, and has helped to launch several entrepreneurs into their own successful businesses.
In addition to its efforts to improve Randolph County through business growth, the RCDA works to expand infrastructure necessary to grow the economy. Recently, the RCDA has been working to expand broadband infrastructure through a $3,000,000 USDA Community Connect grant.
Morris leads many regional and statewide organizations with the mission of growing the economy and developing related infrastructure. Morris serves as chairman of the West Virginia Broadband Council, chairman of the Robert C Byrd Corridor H Highway Authority, president of the West Virginia Economic Development Council, and has a seat on the boards of directors for the West Virginia Hardwood Alliance Zone and the Southern Economic Development Council.
"The RCDA board and staff are passionate about working continuously to improve the economy of Randolph County for every business and every resident," Morris said. "We thank the Chamber for this opportunity to share a little about what we do. We're looking forward to a vibrant and prosperous 2021 for Randolph County."