WEIRTON - A regional economic development group is moving forward with plans for a study aimed at targeting potential new businesses for Brooke and Hancock counties and available locations best suited for them.
The Business Development Corp. of the Northern Panhandle's board of directors on Thursday named AECOM of Atlanta to conduct the study, said Pat Ford, the group's executive director.
Ford said AECOM was among three national consulting firms that submitted proposals. Proposals also were submitted by Wilbur Smith Associates of Charleston and Thomas Point Associates of Annapolis, Md.
"A critical challenge faced by the selection committee was to find a firm that had experience in addressing the employment and economic challenges of the Northern Panhandle as well as expertise in targeted business and industry recruitment, site development and marketing," he said.
"AECOM demonstrated their ability, to the consultant selection committee, that they could meet this challenge and lead the board of directors of the BDC through this strategic process that will lay the groundwork for the economic renaissance of the Northern Panhandle," Ford said.
The study will be funded with a $250,000 grant from the U.S. Economic Development Authority secured with the help of U.S. Rep. Alan Mollohan, D-Fairmont.
Ford said EM-Media, a Steubenville public relations firm, will be involved in the marketing aspect of the study.
BDC Chairman William D'Alesio added, "A bold new vision for the panhandle is a critical component to the revitalization and transformation of the region. We've selected one of the country's foremost economic and planning firms to help us realize our vision and restore our heritage as a great place to do business as well as a great place to live. The support from Congressman Mollohan was critical to getting us to this stage."
Ford noted the Northern Panhandle has been the recipient of more than $1 million in federal grants over the last six months for strategic planning and development.
The grants include $400,000 from the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency, $400,000 in Ohio Appalachian Community and Business Economic Adjustment Assistant Grant from the USEDA, as well as $2,500 for the creation of a house history and adaptive use study of the Lodge at Williams Country Club.
William Gilchrist, senior associate and project manager for AECOM said the BDC's selection process "demonstrated a client perspective that we welcome as consultants. From the request for proposals to the interview, it was clear that the BDC and its supporters understood the opportunity and had done much groundwork to get the most out of the project."
