The West Virginia Hardwood Alliance Zone (WVHAZ) was formed July 6, 2000 and consists of Barbour, Lewis, Preston, Randolph, Tucker, Upshur and Webster counties.  The mission of WVHAZ is to market the Zone as a location to value-added wood industries.

In addition to support from the member counties, WVHAZ has received a grant from the Benedum Foundation, and has the support of the West Virginia Development Office.