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PRESS RELEASES

HOT OFF THE PRESS

Share some of the latest New River Gorge Regional Development Authority (NRGRDA) news, projects, and developments. NRGRDA stimulates the regional economy through business expansion and retention efforts, including an extensive portfolio of financial services, the management of sites for new companies locating to our region, and serving as a point of access for local service providers which offer a variety of technical assistance for business owners. Check back often for recent press releases and announcements available for download and sharing on your platform to spread the word and better serve our local community and region. 

WV Hive Client Candice Meade to Pitch Beckley Hotel Project At Opportunity Appalachia Investor Convening May 31-June 1

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE: 05/26/2023
Beckley, W.Va. (May 26, 2023) – Candice Meade, owner of Posh Manna Cake Art & Bakery in Shady Spring and a client of the West Virginia Hive, is participating in the May 31-June 1 Investor Convening being held by Opportunity Appalachia, an Appalachian Regional Commission funded project led by Appalachian Community Capital.

Fayetteville Selected For National Planning Assistance Program To Support Outdoor Recreation And Community Revitalization

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE: 05/24/2023
Fayetteville, W.Va. (May 24, 2023) – Fayetteville is one of 25 towns nationwide selected to receive planning assistance through the federal Recreation Economy for Rural Communities program sponsored by the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency, the U.S. Department of Agriculture’s Forest Service, the Appalachian Regional Commission, and the Northern Border Regional Commission...

Hinton Outfitters Hosts May 12 Ribbon Cutting To Celebrate Grand Opening, Storefront Operation

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE: 05/09/2023
Beckley, W.Va. (May 9, 2023) – Hinton Outfitters, a souvenir and gift shop is having its grand opening from 11 a.m. to 5 p.m. Friday, May 12, at its new storefront operation in Hinton at 221 Temple Street, Suite 1. Sisters and co-owners Lee Ann Goins and Kathy (Goins) Mills will cut a celebratory ribbon at 11 a.m. and offer food, beverages, and 10 percent off sales during the special event...

Indie Sparrow Boutique Announces Its May 12 Grand Reopening And Ribbon Cutting Celebration In Beckley

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE: 05/09/2023
Beckley, W.Va. (May 9, 2023) – Indie Sparrow Boutique has announced a 1 p.m. Friday, May 12, ribbon cutting to launch its grand reopening of the business, which is returning to its original Beckley location — 610 North Eisenhower Drive — after seven years in Beaver.

Indie Sparrow Boutique Announces Its May 12 Grand Reopening And Ribbon Cutting Celebration In Beckley

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE: 05/09/2023
Beckley, W.Va. (May 9, 2023) – Indie Sparrow Boutique has announced a 1 p.m. Friday, May 12, ribbon cutting to launch its grand reopening of the business, which is returning to its original Beckley location — 610 North Eisenhower Drive — after seven years in Beaver.

Seed Sower, Inc. Hosting May 10 Ribbon Cutting For Beckley Office Of The Well – Southern West Virginia’s Recovery Community Organization

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE: 05/08/2023
Beckley, W.Va. (May 8, 2023) –Seed Sower, Inc. has announced a noon May 10 ribbon cutting to launch the opening of an office for The Well, southern West Virginia’s Recovery Community Organization (RCO), on the third floor of the Fruits of Labor Café building, 313 Neville Street in Beckley...

NRGRDA Reminds Fayette County Residents Of Open Houses To Comment On Draft Comprehensive Planning Document

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE: 03/20/2023
Four open houses throughout Fayette County will be held March 21 and 23 to gather more input on a new 10-year comprehensive plan for Fayette County. Jenna Grayson, Director of Business Retention and Expansion at the New River Gorge Regional Development Authority, is encouraging residents to attend, learn and comment to guide future growth and development opportunities...

NRGRDA And Fayette County Encourage Fayette County Residents To Comment On Draft Planning Document, Attend March Open House

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE: 03/02/2023
Fayette County, with support from New River Gorge Regional Development Authority, is nearing completion of a new 10-year comprehensive plan for Fayette County, and once again the community’s input is essential to guiding future growth and development opportunities...

WV Hive Coffee Talks And NRGRDA Summers County Business Owners Meeting To Be Held March 3

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE: 03/02/2023
The West Virginia Coffee Talks and New River Gorge Regional Development Authority (NRGRDA) Summers County Business Owners Meeting will both be held at the Hinton Technology Building on March 3...

Southern Community Network Meeting At Tamarack Feb. 23 Kicks Off Project Development For Federal Rural Partnership Network Support

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE: 02/22/2023
Thursday’s first in-person meeting of the Southern West Virginia Community Network at Tamarack will feature 150 representatives of local and regional government leaders focused on discussing and developing infrastructure, economic, workforce, and housing development projects in 12 southern rural communities with support and guidance from the U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA)...

U.S. Department Of Transportation Approves Safe Streets Grant For Fayette-Raleigh Counties Of The NRG Region

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE: 02/06/2023
Local leaders will be able to plan improvements in pedestrian, bicycle, and motorized safety in the gateway communities throughout Fayette and Raleigh counties of the New River Gorge, thanks to approval of a $199,200 U.S. Department of Transportation (DOT) grant. The Safe Streets and Roads for All proposal was submitted September 20, 2022, by the Fayette Raleigh Metropolitan Planning Organization...

West Virginia Hive Annual Small Business and Partner Awards Announced at Today’s Open House Dec. 2

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE: 12/2/2022
The West Virginia Hive named top performing Hive clients and partners as part of its annual open house this morning at the Beckley Presbyterian Church. For each of the past five years, the entrepreneurial arm of the New River Gorge Regional Development Authority (NRGRDA) has recognized business clients and program partners and...

NRGRDA Adds Beth Epperson as Contracts and Procurement Specialist

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE: 11/29/2022
Beth Epperson is joining the New River Gorge Regional Development Authority (NRGRDA) as Contracts and Procurement Specialist for its West Virginia Hive entrepreneurial arm. She will also be responsible for the administration of the NRGRDA’s loan portfolio. Earlier in her career, Epperson worked at the...

NRGRDA Hosting Regional Economic Development Outlook Summit On Thursday, Nov. 10 In Beckley

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE: 11/08/ 2022
Members of the media are invited to join the New River Gorge Regional Development Authority (NRGRDA) and WVU College of Business and Economics to discuss the forecasted economic climate in the New River Gorge Region and hear from economic development professionals and NRGRDA partners regarding the forward-moving work in the New River Gorge Region...

Transportation Planning For New River Gorge Region Gateway Communities Hinges On Pending Federal Safe Streets Grant

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE: 10/26/ 2022
Summersville, W.Va. (Oct. 26, 2022) – Improvements in pedestrian, bicycle, and motorized safety in the gateway communities of the New River Gorge hinge on the success of a $199,200 U.S. Department of Transportation (DOT) planning grant submitted September 20 by the Fayette Raleigh Metropolitan Planning Organization...

Mister Bee Potato Chip Bag Design Promoting New River Gorge Region Is Unveiled Before Bridge Day Audience

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE: 10/15/ 2022
Fayetteville, W.Va. (Oct. 15, 2022) – A new Mister Bee potato chip bag design celebrating the New River Gorge Region was unveiled before a crowd of attendees at today’s Bridge Day, reflecting a collaboration between the snack company, New River Gorge Regional Development Authority’s business and entrepreneurship support program, the WV Hive…

Mister Bee Potato Chips To Unveil New Bag Promoting New River Gorge Region at Saturday’s Bridge Day

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE: 10/13/ 2022
Glen Jean, W.Va. (Oct. 13, 2022) – The New River Gorge region, national park and preserve, and southern West Virginia are being featured on a new five-ounce chip bag that will be unveiled Saturday by West Virginia’s only potato chip manufacturer -- Mister Bee Potato Chips based...

NRGRDA Celebrates ARC Support For Gateway Communities Of The New River Gorge Region

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE: 09/29/2022
Beckley, W.Va. (September 29, 2022) – The New River Gorge region has been selected as a collective team to participate in the 2022 Appalachia Gateway Communities Initiative sponsored through a partnership between the Appalachian Regional Commission and The Conservation Fund...

Country Roads Angel Network Invests $80,000 In Parthian Battery Solutions LLC – Brings investment Total to Nearly $800,000

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE: 09/01/2022
Beckley, W.Va. (September 1, 2022) – Country Roads Angel Network (“CRAN”) announced its investment of $80,000 in Parthian Battery Solutions (“Parthian”) of Morgantown today. Led by founder and CEO Auggie Chico, a West Virginia University finance graduate, Parthian Battery Solutions recertifies and repurposes electric vehicle batteries into low-cost eco-friendly residential and commercial solar energy storage systems...

ARC Federal Co-Chair Gayle Manchin To Moderate Aug. 31 Panel On Multi-State Collaboration In Appalachia

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE: 08/29/2022
Lewisburg, W.Va. (August 24, 2022) – Multi-state collaboration across Appalachia’s outdoor economy industry will be the focus of a 3 p.m. August 31 panel at the annual Business Summit hosted at The Greenbrier by the West Virginia Chamber of Commerce...

Town Of Fayetteville Designated As Partner Community In 2022 Recreation Economy For Rural Communities Initiative

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE: 08/24/2022
Fayetteville, W.Va. (August 24, 2022) – The Town of Fayetteville was the only West Virginia community among 25 selected nationally for a prestigious federal interagency partnership to support outdoor recreation initiatives....

New River Gorge Regional Development Authority Promotes Jenna Grayson As Director Of Business Retention And Expansion

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE: 08/22/2022
Beckley, W.Va. (August 22, 2022) – Jenna Grayson has earned the position advancement to Director of Business Retention and Expansion at the New River Gorge Regional Development Authority (NRGRDA), effective July 1...

NRGRDA Convenes July 21 Meeting To Discuss New River Gorge Infrastructure, Seeking Solutions And Funding To Address Critical Priorities

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE: 07/22/2022
Hinton, W.Va. – The New River Gorge Regional Development Authority (NRGRDA) convened a July 21 meeting at the Summers County Courthouse in Hinton to prioritize regional environmental concerns and seek solutions among the broad-based federal, state, and local officials in attendance...

Andrew Davis Promoted To Director Of Strategic Redevelopment At NRGRDA

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE: 07/19/2022
Beckley, W.Va. – Andrew Davis has been promoted to Director of Strategic Redevelopment at the New River Gorge Regional Development Authority (NRGRDA), effective July 1...

Peyton Ballard Named NRGRDA Director of Entrepreneurship Initiatives

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE: 07/14/2022
Beckley, W.Va. – Southern West Virginia native Peyton Ballard has been named Director of Entrepreneurship Initiatives at the New River Gorge Regional Development Authority (NRGRDA), effective July 1. The elevated position offers Ballard more responsibility as Managing Director of the Country Roads Angel Network (CRAN) and assuming additional responsibilities at the West Virginia Hive...

Judy Moore Named Deputy Director of Operations of NRGRDA,
Adding to Her Leadership Roles at West Virginia Hive and CRAN

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE: 07/11/2022
Beckley, W.Va. – Nicholas County resident Judy Moore has elevated her leadership position in the New River Gorge region. Moore was named Deputy Director of Operations of the New River Gorge Regional Development Authority (NRGRDA), effective July 1, adding to her roles overseeing the West Virginia Hive and Country Roads Angel Network (CRAN)...

Country Roads Angel Network Invests $100,000 In Cox Telecom, LLC of Oak Hill

CRAN - FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE: 05/26/2022
Beckley, W.Va. – Country Roads Angel Network (CRAN) announced its investment of $100,000 in Cox Telecom, LLC of Oak Hill today. Owner Dan Cox, a new resident to West Virginia, with lifelong family roots in the region, is committed to making a significant difference in the development of broadband upgrades and access in the Mountain State...

NRGRDA Showcasing New River Gorge and Southern West Virginia During Philanthropy WV 2022 Conference at Glade Springs Resort May 18-20

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE: 05/07/2022
Beckley, W.Va. – The New River Gorge region and southern West Virginia will be showcased at this year’s annual Philanthropy West Virginia 2022 Conference at Glade Springs in Daniels. Sessions will be both in person and virtual for participants...

NRGRDA’s Allison Smith Presenting May 18 At Mountain State Land Use Academy At Pipestem

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE: 05/12/2022
Beckley, W.Va. – Allison Smith, Grants and Impact Manager at New River Gorge Regional Development Authority (NRGRDA), is presenting May 18 at the Mountain State Land Use Academy being held at Pipestem State Park...

NRGRDA Brings Allison Smith On Team To Handle Grants

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE: 05/03/2022
Beckley, W.Va. – Allison Smith is joining the New River Gorge Regional Development Authority (NRGRDA) team as Grants and Impact Manager. Smith, who earned her BA in English and Master of Public Administration degree from West Virginia University, will manage grant seeking, writing, tracking, and reporting for NRGRDA in addition to annual impact reporting...

NRGRDA Appreciative of West Virginia Congressional Support For Economic Development Projects in FY 2022 Appropriations

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE: 03/14/2022
Beckley, W.Va. – The board and staff of the New River Gorge Regional Development Authority (NRGRDA) expressed its gratitude to its Congressional delegation upon approval this week of the Fiscal Year 2022 Consolidated Appropriations Act, which includes multiple community and economic development projects in Fayette, Nicholas, Raleigh, and Summers counties.

Chance Raso Joins NRGRDA as Special Projects Coordinator To Bolster Gateway Community Project

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE: 02/17/2022
Beckley, W.Va. – Chance Raso, a former park ranger at the New River Gorge National Park and Preserve has joined the New River Gorge Regional Development Authority (NRGRDA) to bolster its outdoor recreation capabilities and support coordination of gateway community projects. He started February 15 as a special projects coordinator.

Diana Woods Selected As Beckley LaunchLab Director to coordinate WVU Tech and WV Hive Entrepreneurship Partnership

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE: 02/15/2022
Beckley, W.Va. – Hinton resident Diana Woods is the new director of the Beckley LaunchLab at West Virginia University Institute of Technology (WVU Tech) in collaboration with the WV Hive.

Economic Development Leaders Announce Plans For $11 Million Initiative To Build More Resilient Communities Across Southern WV

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE: 02/07/2022
Huntington, W.Va. – The Appalachian Climate Technologies Coalition (“ACT Now Coalition”) launched on Monday, February 7 at Coalfield Development Corporation’s West Edge Factory in Huntington, WV...

Communities of Healing Employers and Workers Find Common Ground

WV HIVE - FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE: 02/02/2022
Beckley, W.Va. – Two employers participating in the Communities of Healing (COH) recovery to work program – Appalachian Furnishings in Rock View and Pinheads in Oak Hill – have found a rich pool of hard-working, passionate employees who are creating a win-win scenario for their growing enterprises.

Olivia Morris Joins West Virginia Hive Network and Country Roads Angel Network as Program Coordinator

WV HIVE - FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE: 1/13/2022
Beckley, W.Va. – Oak Hill resident Olivia Morris recently joined the West Virginia Hive Network and Country Roads Angel Network (CRAN) as a program coordinator.

Fayette County Comprehensive Planning Process Leads to New 10-Year Roadmap

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE: 1/11/2022
Morgantown, WV – A new 10-year comprehensive plan for Fayette County is being developed by the New River Gorge Regional Development Authority (NRGRDA), and the community’s input is guiding future growth and development opportunities...

Country Roads Angel Network Invests Additional $40,000 In Endolumik, Inc. Of Morgantown, Bringing Total Angel Investment To $215,000

CRAN- FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE: 1/06/2022
Morgantown, WV – Country Roads Angel Network (CRAN) investors have awarded $40,000 in new capital to Endolumik, Inc., a surgical device company with a new bariatric surgery innovation...

West Virginia Hive Network Honors Regional Small Businesses And Supporters at Beckley Open House

WV HIVE - FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE: 12/16/2021
BECKLEY, WV – The West Virginia Hive Network recognized area businesses and supporters for their high-level achievements and notable contributions at its annual open house...

Pinecrest Development Corp. to transfer ownership of Pinecrest Business and Technology Park to City of Beckley

WV HIVE - FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE: 12/14/2021
BECKLEY, WV – The West Virginia Hive will honor area businesses and supporters as part of its annual open house from 10 a.m. to 1 p.m. Thursday, December 16 at its offices at 205 South Kanawha Street in Beckley...

Pinecrest Development Corp. to transfer ownership of Pinecrest Business and Technology Park to City of Beckley

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE: 12/09/2021
BECKLEY, WV – On Wednesday, December 9, Beckley City Council members participated in a working session with Pinecrest Development Corporation leadership to discuss a momentous opportunity for the City of Beckley to acquire the existing residual acreage currently owned by Pinecrest Development Corporation...

West Virginia Hive Invites Business Leaders and Entrepreneurs To Dec. 13 Kick-Off of Next CO.STARTERS Core Training Program

WV HIVE - FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE: 12/02/2021
BECKLEY, WV – The West Virginia Hive is encouraging the business community to participate in the next 10-session CO.STARTERS Core training program, set to begin in January, and is hosting a Monday, Dec. 13 kick-off gathering at its offices to allow for networking and information sharing about the program.

New River Gorge Regional Development Authority Hosts New River Gorge Economic Outlook Summit

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE: 11/18/2021
BECKLEY, WV – The New River Gorge Regional Development Authority (NRGRDA) hosted a comprehensive review and forward-looking snapshot of community and economic development potential in Raleigh, Summers, Fayette, and Nicholas counties at its New River Gorge Economic Outlook Summit...

New River Gorge Regional Development Authority Leads Six-State Build Back Better Grant Proposal For Outdoor Economy Growth

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE: 11/16/2021
BECKLEY, WV – The New River Gorge Regional Development Authority (NRGRDA) has submitted a $500,000 grant proposal for Phase 1 of the U.S. Department of Commerce’s Build Back Better Regional Challenge that, if funded, would coordinate a six-state collaboration to further grow the outdoor economy...

Growth Of Country Roads Angel Network Celebrated At Nov. 5 Annual Meeting

CRAN – FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE: 11/08/2021
GLEN JEAN, WV – Investors, entrepreneurs and supporters of the state’s only certified angel investment network gathered at Summit Bechtel Reserve on Friday to celebrate the successes of the Country Roads Angel Network (CRAN) and plan strategies for future business investments and job creation...

Country Roads Angel Network Makes $100,000 Investment Possible For WV Hive Client - Mountain Steer Meat Company

CRAN – FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE: 10/25/2021
White Sulphur Springs, WV – A small business specializing in the aging of beef will be able to expand operations with a new processing facility thanks to a $100,000 investment made possible by the Country Roads Angel Network (CRAN)...

Endolumik Inc. of Morgantown Secures $175,000 Angel Investment from Country Roads Angel Network

CRAN – FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE: 10/18/2021
Morgantown, WV – A medical device company whose innovation improves bariatric surgery procedures has secured a $175,000 angel investment from Country Roads Angel Network (CRAN), the state’s only accredited angel investment network. CRAN invests in projects spanning all 55 counties of West Virginia...

West Virginia Hive Network Welcomes Stephanie Sanders As Regional Business Advisor

WV HIVE – FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE: 10/07/2021
BECKLEY, WV – Stephanie Sanders has joined the West Virginia Hive Network as a regional business advisor, assisting entrepreneurs and business leaders in the organization’s 12-county region.

Country Roads Angel Network, Intermed Labs LLC Sign Agreement To Collaborate on Innovative Healthcare Business Development, Jobs

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE: 9/20/2021
BECKLEY, WV – Country Roads Angel Network (CRAN), West Virginia’s only accredited angel investment network, signed an agreement to collaborate with Intermed Labs, LLC, a Morgantown-based innovation lab and startup studio affiliated with Mon Health System...

New River Gorge Regional Development Authority’s WV Hive Network Secures Second GAFC SBA Grant to Boost Businesses and Inspire Innovation

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE: 9/17/2021
BECKLEY, WV – The U.S. Small Business Administration (SBA) awarded another $50,000 grant to the West Virginia Hive Network under the agency’s Growth Accelerator Fund Competition (GAFC) program...

New River Gorge Regional Development Authority’s Jina Belcher Selected as 2021 Wonder Woman, Keynote Speaker by WV Living Magazine

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE: 9/14/2021
BECKLEY, WV – Belcher and Her Mother are First-Ever Mother-Daughter Recipients. Jina Belcher, executive director of the New River Gorge Regional Development Authority (NRGRDA), is being honored as a 2021 Wonder Woman by West Virginia Living Magazine and will be the keynote speaker at the awards luncheon being held Sept. 28 in South Charleston...

NRGRDA Strategy to Prioritize Coal-to-Products Commercialization to Revitalize Southern West Virginia Economy

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE: 9/13/2021 – By Jina Belcher
Ground zero for federal efforts to boost communities reeling from the downturn in coal as major economic driver is focused on southern West Virginia -- where I and many of my close colleagues were born, have lived, studied, and worked our entire lives...

NRGRDA Hosts ARC Federal Co-Chair Gayle Manchin Sept. 8 Focusing on Outdoor Recreation Opportunities and New National Park

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE: 9/7/2021
BECKLEY, WV – Leaders of the New River Gorge Regional Development Authority and its West Virginia Hive Network are hosting Appalachian Regional Commission (ARC) Federal Co-Chair Gayle Manchin from 10:30 a.m. to 2:00 p.m. Wednesday, Sept. 8, at several locations in Raleigh County...

NRGRDA Using State of the Art Technology To Market Region’s Economic Development Sites

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE: 9/1/2021
BECKLEY, WV (Aug. 17, 2021) – The New River Gorge Regional Development Authority (NRGRDA) is leading the way in its use of technology to help interested companies and real estate developers locate prime sites for community and economic development...

NRGRDA Elevates Staff to Respond to Outdoor Recreation Economy, Needs of Gateway Communities

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE: 7/21/2021
BECKLEY, WV – Senior staff at the New River Gorge Regional Development Authority (NRGRDA) are being promoted to new positions within the organization to respond to increased local and regional business, community, and economic outdoor industry needs...

NRGRDA’s Jina Belcher Selected As 2021 Generation Next ’40 Under 40’

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE: 6/18/2021
BECKLEY, WV – Jina Belcher, executive director of the New River Gorge Regional Development Authority (NRGRDA), has been recognized by the state business journal as one of its 2021 Generation Next ’40 Under 40’ recipients...

NRGRDA Congratulates Local Klöckner Pentaplast Facility On Earning 2020 Productivity Award Among Global Peers

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE: 6/9/2021
BEAVER, WV – Klöckner Pentaplast (kp), a global leader in recycled content products and high-barrier protective packaging, has awarded its production facility in Raleigh County as its 2020 Plant of the Year for productivity...

New River Gorge Regional Development Authority Leads Comprehensive Outdoor Recreation Infrastructure Strategy Session

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE: 5/28/2021
BECKLEY, WV – Local leaders vying to attract more visitors and bolster the New River Gorge outdoor recreation economy came together to strategize on how to move forward on much needed trails and other recreation opportunities...

New River Gorge Regional Development Authority To Hold Ribbon Cutting For New Offices at Historic Attar Center, 200 Main Street, Beckley

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE: 5/19/2021
BECKLEY, WV – It is fitting that the New River Gorge Regional Development Authority (NRGRDA) is celebrating moving its offices into the historic Attar Center at 200 Main Street, Beckley, a structure dedicated to economic development of southern West Virginia...

New River Gorge Regional Development Authority Hires Two New Staff to Boost Community, Economic Development

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE: 5/17/2021
BECKLEY, WV – Two new staff have joined the New River Gorge Regional Development Authority (NRGRDA) to help boost expanded opportunities for regional community and economic development initiatives. Jenna Grayson has been named as Manager of Strategic Partnerships, and Hannah Schoolcraft, will be the new Marketing Coordinator...

NRGRDA Focuses on Outdoor Economy: Opportunities Stemming from the New River Gorge National Park and Preserve

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE: 5/5/2021
By Jina Belcher – U.S. Senators Joe Manchin and Shelley Moore Capito joined local leaders in unveiling the new signage May 5 for the New River Gorge National Park and Preserve and later joined a roundtable at Adventures on the Gorge to discuss priority regional community and economic development needs to grow the outdoor economy...

April 12 Kick-off Empowers Businesses to Create Communities of Healing Federal Grant Offers Recovery to Work Program

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE: 4/14/2021 (WV HIVE PRESS RELEASE)
BECKLEY, WV – Approximately 50 community leaders and advocates attended the Communities of Healing Gathering virtually April 12 to learn about and support the newly launched recovery to workforce program. In attendance also were 12 area businesses...

New River Gorge Regional Development Authority Team and Its Work To Be Featured on Positively West Virginia Facebook Live

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE: 4/14/2021
BECKLEY, WV – Leaders of the New River Gorge Regional Development Authority (NRGRDA), along with a Fayette County small business owner, will be guests on Positively West Virginia’s Small Business MasterMind panel at 11 a.m. EDT Friday, April 16...

Family Business Analabs Weathers Highs and Lows of Coal Industry, Pivots to Medical Cannabis, Hemp and Other Analytical Testing to Grow

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE: 3/31/2021 (WV HIVE PRESS RELEASE)
BECKLEY, WV – Persistence pays. No one knows that better than Kelli Harrison, vice president of Analabs, Inc., an analytic laboratory testing company in Crab Orchard. Analabs, named Small Business of 2020 by the West Virginia Hive Network, just landed a...

NRGRDA Hosts U.S. Sen. Capito at Raleigh County Memorial Airport For Update on Airport Expansion, Aerospace Innovation

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE: 3/29/2021
BECKLEY, WV – U.S. Sen. Shelley Moore Capito visited the Raleigh County Memorial Airport (RCMA) today, securing an update on all aspects of the complex project and touring the sites to get a full appreciation of the airport’s potential...

Summersville and NRGRDA Welcome Back Fat Eddie’s Grand Reopening Event at 10 a.m. March 5

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE: 3/3/2021
SUMMERSVILLE, WV – Fat Eddie’s Hot Dog Stand at the Summersville Dam is back in business for the 2021 season, thanks to new owners, Ashleigh and Josh Wall. A grand reopening will be held at Fat Eddie’s (2243 Summersville Lake Road, Mt. Nebo) at 10 a.m. Friday, March 5...

New Year, New NRGRDA Board Leadership Set To Guide Four-County Economic Development and Job Creation

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE: 3/2/2021
BECKLEY, WV – The New River Gorge Regional Development Authority (NRGRDA) met Feb. 22, with three new members joining incumbent members in guiding the economic development progress of Fayette, Nicholas, Raleigh, and Summers Counties...

New River Gorge Regional Development Authority Moves Forward with Study on Aerospace Skilled Training Needs

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE: 2/17/2021
BECKLEY, WV – Jina Belcher, executive director of the New River Gorge Regional Development Authority (NRGRDA), announced the selection of Pavlik and Associates to undertake a comprehensive review of skilled training needs for aerospace companies locating at the 105-acre site at Raleigh County Memorial Airport...

West Virginia Hive Network Places Three Clients In Prestigious University

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE: 2/9/2021 (WV HIVE PRESS RELEASE)
BECKLEY, WV – Judy Moore, director of the West Virginia Hive Network, navigated landing three of their clients in this Spring’s University of Virginia (UVA) Appalachian Impact Investing Due Diligence class. UVA only selected eight companies for this social entrepreneurial course...

Raleigh County Memorial Airport Expansion Ready for Take Off With Approval of $1.75 Million Federal EDA Grant

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE: 2/4/2021
BECKLEY, WV – U.S. Senators Joe Manchin and Shelley Moore Capito, along with U.S. Rep. Carol Miller, announced the approval of a $1.75 million grant from the U.S. Department of Commerce’s Economic Development Administration (EDA) that represents the final investment...

NRGRDA Awards Contract to Greenbrier Environmental Group, Inc. To Clean Up Ice House Property, Making Way for Hinton Revitalization

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE: 2/3/2021
BECKLEY, WV – The New River Gorge Regional Development Authority (NRGRDA) has awarded a contract to Greenbrier Environmental Group, Inc. to facilitate the cleanup of the old Silo Ice house property on Commercial Avenue in Hinton, announced Jina Belcher...

NRGRDA’s Judy Moore Recognized by West Virginia Living Magazine

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE: 2/2/2021 (WV HIVE PRESS RELEASE)
BECKLEY, WV – Judy Moore of the New River Gorge Regional Development Authority (NRGRDA), was selected as the West Virginia Living magazine “2020 Community Champion of the New River/Greenbrier Valley Region of WV.” Jina Belcher, NRGRDA’s executive director, said “Judy brings expertise...

Fayette County’s Chris Fussell of McChrystal Group Joins West Virginia Hive Network Advisory Council

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE: 2/1/2021 (WV HIVE PRESS RELEASE)
BECKLEY, WV – A prestigious Fayette County Veteran has joined the advisory council of the West Virginia Hive Network, Christopher “Chris” Fussell, president of McChrystal Group. Judy Moore, director of WV Hive, said Fussell brings “incredible leadership experiences and business insights to...

Rep. Carol Miller Tours New West Virginia Hive Network Facility Applauds Business Development and Support Efforts of the Hive and NRGRDA

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE: 1/27/2021 (WV HIVE PRESS RELEASE)
BECKLEY, WV – U.S. Rep. Carol Miller visited the West Virginia Hive Network’s new downtown business hub, meeting with Jina Belcher, executive director of the New River Gorge Regional Development Authority, and Judy Moore, director of the WV Hive and manager of the Country Roads Angel Network (CRAN)...

NRGRDA to Partner with Generation West Virginia to Promote Fellowships and Retain In-State Talent

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE: 1/19/2021
BECKLEY, WV – Jina Belcher, executive director of the New River Gorge Regional Development Authority (NRGRDA), announced today NRGRDA is partnering to support Generation West Virginia, a statewide non-profit dedicated to attracting, retaining, and advancing young people in the Mountain State...

New River Gorge National Park and Preserve Designation Reflects Decades of NRGRDA, Local Support and Perseverance

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE: 12/21/2020
BECKLEY, WV – Decades of unwavering advocacy led to the recent redesignation of the New River Gorge National River to the New River Gorge National Park and Preserve, the 63rd national park to be managed by the National Park Service...

Belcher and Moore of NRGRDA to Present at ARC POWER Grantee Virtual Workshop

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE: 12/8/2020
BECKLEY, WV – Jina Belcher and Judy Moore of the New River Gorge Regional Development Authority (NRGRDA), are lending their economic development experience to the annual WV POWER Grantee Summit being held virtually from 10 a.m. to 2:30 p.m. Dec. 16...

Andrew Davis Joins NRGRDA as Special Projects Coordinator

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE: 12/2/2020
BECKLEY, WV – Andrew “Andy” Davis has joined the New River Gorge Regional Development Authority (NRGRDA) as its new Special Projects Coordinator.

Jina Belcher Named Executive Director of New River Gorge Regional Development Authority

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE: 11/12/2020
BECKLEY, WV – Jina Belcher will become the executive director of the New River Gorge Regional Development Authority (NRGRDA) on December 1, as approved by its board of directors...

$1.75 Million Dollar Grant Award for the Raleigh County Memorial Airport Industrial Park Development Project

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE: 06/04/2020
BECKLEY, WV – In an announcement on Thursday, June 4th, Governor Jim Justice announced Appalachian Regional Commission (ARC) funding has been awarded to Raleigh County Memorial Airport...

$750K Grant to NRGRDA for COVID-19 Economic Injury Relief Business Loans

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE: 06/04/2020
BECKLEY, WV – In an announcement on Thursday, June 4th, Governor Jim Justice announced West Virginia Appalachian Regional Commission (ARC) Investment Program Grant funding has been awarded to 12 projects across the state totaling $11.7 Million dollars...

Community Development Block Grant (CDBG)

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE: 06/03/2020
BECKLEY, WV – In a virtual announcement on Wednesday, June 3RD, Governor Jim Justice announced more than $13 Million dollars of Community Development Block Grant (CDBG) funding across the state, including Raleigh County...

Organizations Partner To Gauge Potential Economic Impact Of COVID-19 On West Virginia

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE: 04/15/2020
CHARLESTON, WV – On April 15, 2020, the WV Association of Regional Councils (WVARC), WV Chamber of Commerce, the WV Development Office and the New River Gorge Regional Development Authority announced a partnership to maximize stimulus funds for West Virginia in the wake of the COVID-19 pandemic...

Outdoor NRG Public Forum

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE: 03/04/2020
New River Gorge Regional Development Authority (NRGRDA) will be hosting a public forum next week, continuing the dialog about the future of the outdoor industry in the New River Gorge region...

Outdoor NRG Public Forum

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE: 01/10/2020
New River Gorge Regional Development Authority (NRGRDA) and consulting partner, Emergent Opportunities, Inc., will be hosting a public forum to continue the discussion about the future of the outdoor industry in the New River Gorge region...

The Forbes OZ 20: Top Opportunity Zone Catalysts

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE: 12/14/2019
The Forbes OZ 20: Top Opportunity Zone Catalysts, a partnership between Forbes and the Sorenson Impact Center, have announced a new list recognizing community organizations and Opportunity Zone (OZ) funds that are committed to achieving economic growth in underserved and overlooked communities throughout the country...

Outdoor NRG

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE: 11/01/2019
New River Gorge Regional Development Authority (NRGRDA) and consulting partner, Noah Wilson of Emergent Opportunities, Inc., will be hosting a public event to discuss the future of the outdoor industry in the New River Gorge region...

AEROready™ Certification

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE: 10/30/2019
The New River Gorge Regional Development Authority in partnership with Appalachian Power Company, Raleigh County Memorial Airport, Mercer County Economic Development Authority, McDowell County Economic Development Authority, and Wyoming County Economic Development Authority will be holding an event to announce the certification of the region as AEROready™...

Regional Economic Outlook Summit 2019

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE: 10/21/2019
The New River Gorge Regional Development Authority (NRGRDA), in partnership with WVU College of Business and Economics, will be conducting a half-day public event to discuss the forecasted economic climate in the New River Gorge Region...