As the Executive Director of the New River Gorge Regional Development Authority (NRGRDA), I have witnessed firsthand the transformation underway in West Virginia’s coal communities. Coal has been a mainstay of our nation’s economy for more than a century, but we’re at a critical moment where diversification is not just a goal, but a necessity. The solution to revitalizing the region’s economy is an all-of-the-above approach, encompassing both large-scale industrial investment and grassroots entrepreneurship. Traditional economic development has mostly sought to attract and support highly successful companies, the foundations of industrial and manufacturing sectors that can bring hundreds of jobs to a single location. These large employers serve as the backbone of the economy, creating a ripple effect of opportunity throughout the region. When major companies decide to invest in our communities, the impact is immediate. Families are supported, local businesses see a surge in demand, and infrastructure improvements are made frequently. These wins are critical and represent an opportunity to put West Virginia back on the map for national and international business development. However, while these large investments are important, they are not the only path forward. Economic development in coal regions cannot rely solely on large-scale projects. A more comprehensive strategy should focus on the small wins, the individual entrepreneurs and small businesses that, when grown, create the fabric of resilient local economies. This is where West Virginia Hive, the entrepreneurial arm of NRGRDA serving 13 counties in southern West Virginia, plays a key role. While NRGRDA focuses on industrial talent recruitment and large-scale projects, WV Hive provides targeted support to local entrepreneurs and small businesses. This support can include everything from business coaching and technical assistance to access to capital and networking opportunities. We recognize that small businesses are the lifeblood of rural communities. They are the main streets, local cafes and craft shops that give our town its character and attract visitors. When you think about the impact of a small business, it may not seem as immediately transformative as an industrial hub employing 350 people, but collectively these small victories can be just as powerful. there is. The ripple effects of entrepreneurship are more subtle, but just as important. A successful bakery or bike shop may employ only a few people, but those employees live locally, spend their paychecks locally, and contribute to the overall economic health of the region. I am. When hundreds of small businesses are given the support they need to grow, their cumulative impact can be as great as that of one large employer. Moreover, small and medium-sized enterprises provide the basis for a more diverse and resilient economy. Large manufacturers are important, but they can also be more vulnerable to market change and automation. Small businesses, on the other hand, are more adaptable and often embedded in communities, making them less likely to leave and able to withstand economic changes. By supporting wins both big and small, we ensure local economies can withstand future challenges and remain vibrant for generations to come. Collaboration is key to all of the above approaches. NRGRDA and WV Hive work together to ensure our region benefits from both sides of the economic development equation. Whether it’s helping large companies choose a site, getting permission to start a new business, or guiding entrepreneurs through the maze, both big companies and small home-grown businesses can have the resources and support they need to succeed. I am trying my best to do so. Transitioning coal communities will not happen overnight or with a one-size-fits-all solution. It requires a nuanced, multifaceted strategy that leverages all the assets at our disposal. West Virginia’s economy will be strengthened not only by landing the next big manufacturer, but also by fostering a culture of innovation and entrepreneurship in every corner of our community. Together, NRGRDA and WV Hive are laying the foundation for the future of this economy. We believe in the power of both big and small wins, and we work to ensure all communities have the opportunity to participate in strengthening our economy. With the right support, West Virginia can become a model for local economic development and a place where large industries and local businesses can coexist and thrive. These are exciting times for our region, and we believe that by adopting all of the approaches described above, we can create a brighter, more prosperous future for everyone who calls West Virginia home. Masu.
As the Executive Director of the New River Gorge Regional Development Authority (NRGRDA), I have witnessed firsthand the transformation underway in West Virginia’s coal communities.
Coal has been a mainstay of our nation’s economy for more than a century, but we’re at a critical moment where diversification is not just a goal, but a necessity. The solution to revitalizing the region’s economy is an all-of-the-above approach, encompassing both large-scale industrial investment and grassroots entrepreneurship.
Traditional economic development has mostly sought to attract and support highly successful companies, the foundations of industrial and manufacturing sectors that can bring hundreds of jobs to a single location. These large employers serve as the backbone of the economy, creating a ripple effect of opportunity throughout the region. When major companies decide to invest in our communities, the impact is immediate. Families are supported, local businesses see a surge in demand, and infrastructure improvements are made frequently. These wins are critical and represent an opportunity to put West Virginia back on the map for national and international business development.
However, while these large investments are important, they are not the only path forward. Economic development in coal regions cannot rely solely on large-scale projects. A more comprehensive strategy should focus on the small wins, the individual entrepreneurs and small businesses that, when grown, create the fabric of resilient local economies.
This is where West Virginia Hive, the NRGRDA’s entrepreneurial arm serving 13 counties in southern West Virginia, plays a key role. While NRGRDA focuses on industry recruitment and large-scale projects, WV Hive provides targeted support to local entrepreneurs and small businesses. This support can include everything from business coaching and technical assistance to access to capital and networking opportunities. We recognize that small businesses are the lifeblood of rural communities. They are the main streets, local cafes and craft shops that give our town its character and attract visitors.
When you think about the impact of small businesses, they may not seem as immediately transformative as a factory employing 350 people, but collectively these small wins can be just as powerful . The ripple effects of entrepreneurship are more subtle, but just as important. A successful bakery or bike shop may employ only a few people, but those employees live locally, spend their paychecks locally, and contribute to the overall economic health of the region. I am. When hundreds of small businesses are given the support they need to grow, their cumulative impact can be as great as that of one large employer.
Moreover, small and medium-sized enterprises provide the basis for a more diverse and resilient economy. Large manufacturers are important, but they can also be more vulnerable to market change and automation. Small businesses, on the other hand, are more adaptable and often embedded in communities, making them less likely to leave and able to withstand economic changes. By supporting wins both big and small, we ensure local economies can withstand future challenges and remain vibrant for generations to come.
Collaboration is key to all of the above approaches. NRGRDA and WV Hive work together to ensure our region benefits from both sides of the economic development equation. Whether it’s helping large companies choose a site, getting permission to start a new business, or guiding entrepreneurs through the maze, both big companies and small home-grown businesses can have the resources and support they need to succeed. I am trying my best to do so.
Transitioning coal communities will not happen overnight or with a one-size-fits-all solution. It requires a nuanced, multifaceted strategy that leverages all the assets at our disposal. West Virginia’s economy will be strengthened not only by landing the next big manufacturer, but also by fostering a culture of innovation and entrepreneurship in every corner of our community.
Together, NRGRDA and WV Hive are laying the foundation for the future of this economy. We believe in the power of both big and small wins, and we work to ensure all communities have the opportunity to participate in strengthening our economy. With the right support, West Virginia can become a model for local economic development and a place where large industries and local businesses can coexist and thrive.
These are exciting times for our region, and we believe that by adopting all of the approaches described above, we can create a brighter, more prosperous future for everyone who calls West Virginia home. I am.
Gina Belcher is the executive director of the New River Gorge Regional Development Authority, whose mission is to improve economic and regional development within Fayette, Nicholas, Raleigh, and Summers counties in this region of southern West Virginia. It is to initiate, promote and support development efforts. Gina lives with her family in Beckley, West Virginia.
