Preston County News

For recent high school graduate IsaBella (Bella) Miller, a summer internship with the Preston County Economic Development Authority became much more than a resume builder—it provided a firsthand look at how economic development strengthens communities while helping her develop valuable professional skills before beginning college. Gaining a New Perspective on Preston Through...Continue Reading

WesBanco, Inc. (Nasdaq: WSBC), a diversified, multi-state bank holding company, announced today that it has been recognized as one of America's High Growth Companies for 2026 by Business Insider. The distinction highlights the Company's sustained financial performance, disciplined execution, and ability to deliver consistent value to shareholders."This meaningful recognition underscores...Continue Reading

In West Virginia, where forests cover nearly four of every five acres, a wildfire can ignite on a remote mountainside far from roads, fire stations, cameras, or anyone likely to report the first signs of smoke.Engineers at West Virginia University are developing a satellite-based artificial intelligence system that could help...Continue Reading

West Virginia continues to strengthen its position in advanced manufacturing and defense technology as Helsing announced plans to establish new manufacturing operations in Berkeley County through an initial $50 million investment expected to create at least 60 high-skilled, full-time jobs.The new facility in Martinsburg will manufacture advanced defense systems, reinforcing...Continue Reading

West Virginia is recognizing their veteran-owned businesses in a brand new state certification program.Secretary of State Kris Warner joined the first five businesses from across the state to launch “The West Virginia Certified Veteran-Owned Business Program” in Huntington on Friday.West Virginia is the fifteenth state to launch such a program,...Continue Reading

Manufacturers understand that reliable infrastructure is not an abstract policy discussion, but rather the foundation of whether a business can operate, grow and create jobs in West Virginia.Water infrastructure is central to that reality. Beyond the needs of workers to have access to water at manufacturing plants, employers nearly always...Continue Reading

The Preston County Economic Development Authority is inviting residents, workers, students and visitors to participate in the Picture Preston County Photo Contest to assist with the development of the authority’s new website.Awards are available for top-placing contributors.EDA Assistant Director Shelby Johnson said the PCEDA is undergoing a website overhaul and...Continue Reading

The U.S. Department of Agriculture’s (USDA) Rural Development Mission Area announced a modernization and restructuring effort to strengthen customer service, improve program accessibility, and enhance support for rural communities across the country. This effort aligns with USDA’s broader initiative to modernize operations, increase accountability, and ensure federal resources are positioned...Continue Reading

Officials of the Preston County Economic Development Authority delivered updates on their office’s efforts during the most recent county commission meeting.Executive Director Robbie Baylor and Shelby Johnson, EDA Assistant Director, presented the updates for the EDA, including announcements for strategic planning, the development of a Workforce Training Center, housing studies,...Continue Reading

A total of 34 West Virginia companies were recognized for expanding into new international markets at the annual Governor’s Export Awards ceremony held Tuesday. Seven of the honored businesses were first-time recipients of the award.The Governor’s Export Award is presented to companies that made their first export sale to a...Continue Reading

“The Paws Relax,” a canine grooming and training center, officially cut the ribbon on Tuesday at 29 North Main Street in Masontown.The business has been open since the middle of May and offers a variety of services, including bath and tidy, full grooms, de-sheds, dog classes and various trainings.Owner Shanna...Continue Reading

“The Paws Relax,” a canine grooming and training center, officially cut the ribbon on Tuesday at 29 North Main Street in Masontown.The business has been open since the middle of May and offers a variety of services, including bath and tidy, full grooms, de-sheds, dog classes and various trainings.Owner Shanna...Continue Reading

The United States is moving to rebuild its defense manufacturing base as munitions shortages, supply chain vulnerabilities and rising geopolitical tensions expose gaps in production capacity. Across the country, companies are investing in new facilities and expanding output in areas such as missile systems, propulsion and advanced electronics.From Ohio to...Continue Reading

West Virginia’s state tax revenue was ahead of monthly projections by $44 million, driven largely by strong returns in personal income and consumer sales taxes.General Revenue collections for May totaled $381,488,880, exceeding the monthly estimate of $336,962,000.Headed toward the end of the fiscal year, year-to-date figures show a surplus of...Continue Reading

Governor Morrisey paid a visit to Preston Memorial Hospital in Kingwood on Monday to announce the addition of $3.4 million toward the Rural Health Transformation Program, an incentive-based program that aims to get citizens throughout the state more active and invested in a healthier, sustainable lifestyle.With the additional funding Governor...Continue Reading

A new initiative and startup that aims to play a role in increasing the supply of critical rare earth minerals to support infrastructure in the United States has been officially launched at West Virginia University.WVU Vice Provost Mark Gavin announced on WAJR’s Talk of the Town on Friday that the...Continue Reading

Economic growth is the foundation of a thriving community. The ability of local businesses to operate and thrive generates energy and momentum toward jobs for residents, robust financial opportunities, and a healthy quality of life. Businesses do not operate in a vacuum, though. Established business owners and entrepreneurs alike need...Continue Reading

A decade ago, West Virginia University researchers were among the first to find rare earth elements in acid mine drainage seeping from retired coal mines. Now, the University is ready to expand that work to help secure a domestic supply of the critical materials essential to modern technology, enhancing national...Continue Reading

Governor Patrick Morrisey today announced that the West Virginia Department of Commerce is officially accepting applications for the newly established West Virginia First Small Business Growth Program, a major economic development initiative designed to expand access to private investment capital for West Virginia small businesses.“West Virginia’s small businesses are the...Continue Reading

Governor Patrick Morrisey today announced that the West Virginia Department of Commerce is officially accepting applications for the newly established West Virginia First Small Business Growth Program, a major economic development initiative designed to expand access to private investment capital for West Virginia small businesses.“West Virginia’s small businesses are the...Continue Reading

When we talk about infrastructure for a local economy, most people picture roads, sewer pipes, broadband, or parks. But there is an invisible type of infrastructure that shapes where capital flows and which businesses are considered investable. These are the narratives shape how a city talks about itself and its...Continue Reading

In May, leaders from across West Virginia gathered in Charleston for Pathways to Progress: Building Careers, Communities, and Opportunity in West Virginia, a statewide conference focused on the future of workforce development, economic opportunity, and community growth across the Mountain State.Throughout the day, attendees engaged in conversations around talent retention,...Continue Reading

Nearly every state in the United States now recognizes life sciences as a key targeted industry for economic development purposes. It’s reflected in state and local targeted industry studies, strategic plans, workforce training initiatives, and incentive policy. The playbook often looks familiar: recruit a marquee life science manufacturing company, assemble...Continue Reading

While commercial and foreign direct investment has cooled considerably heading into 2026, one sector of the U.S. economy is experiencing a renaissance unlike anything seen in decades: defense aerospace. For site selectors and industrial developers paying attention, the implications are profound — and the window for smart positioning is now.A...Continue Reading