Leaders discuss ‘State of the Corridor’

BUCKHANNON -- Local leaders from Randolph, Upshur and Lewis counties gathered for the first-ever "State of the Corridor" event this week at the Event Center at Brushy Fork.

 County Commision presidents, county seat mayors, and development authority directors came together for the inaugural lunchtime session. The event's goal was to provide the public with an update on how the local cities and counties are working together.

Randolph County Development Authority Director Robbie Morris, Buckhannon Mayor Robert Skinner, Upshur County Commission President Samuel Nolte, Randolph County Commission President Cris Siler, Elkins Mayor Jerry Marco, Lewis County Commissioner Agnes Queen, Lewis County Economic Development Authority Director Ray Smith, and Weston City Manager Nate Stansberry were the panelists who spoke during the event. 

Growth, development, tourism, housing, infrastructure, collaboration, partnerships and cooperation were topics discussed by the panelists, who were each given five minutes to speak. Siler told The Inter-Mountain that the gathering was beneficial to everyone who attended and that he talked about a key issue in Randolph County.

"We were able to share a lot of information and receive a lot of information," Siler said. "When I spoke, I talked mainly about our need for housing in Randolph County. We need more housing developments and residential areas in the county. We have work here, we just need more housing to get people in here."

Marco told The Inter-Mountain he was excited to see leaders in the region come together in an attempt to make the area a better place for everyone.

"I like the fact that we are talking about everything as a team and what is best for the region," Marco said. "If Buckhannon brings in a business, or Weston brings in a business, it's good for us because it's bringing people to our region. The same is true for us; if we bring a business into Elkins it's good for them as well… I hope this becomes an annual event because it was very well-attended by all three counties."

During the event, Skinner thanked everyone present for making their way to Buckhannon for the inaugural gathering.

"Thank you for spending your afternoon with us as we share our strengths and opportunities for growth and development in our cities and counties that are connected culturally, economically, socially and physically by Corridor H," Skinner said. 

"I am honored to be here, among so many friends and colleagues, all who care deeply about the future of our region, and its greater impact on the state of West Virginia."

The Buckhannon-Upshur Chamber of Commerce partnered with Elkins-Randolph County Chamber and Lewis County Chamber to host the event. Citizens Bank of West Virginia was the sponsor.