Wood County Development Meeting: Business Growth Highlights
By Gwen Sour | October 15, 2026
Dozens of business, government, and development representatives gathered at Discovery World on Market for the annual meeting of the Wood County Development Authority and Parkersburg-Wood County Area Development Corporation. Held in Discovery World's Ember Theater for the first time, the event aimed to review economic development efforts, connect local businesses, and discuss future opportunities.
Key Focus Areas:
- Business Retention and Expansion: 42 visits, 176 leads, prospects, and follow-ups during the past fiscal year.
- Site Preparation, Job Training, and Workforce Development: Highlighting mentorship and community support for job seekers.
- Statistical Sharing: Presenting data on economic development activities and projects in the pipeline.
Keynote Speaker:
Christine Davies, West Virginia's Deputy Secretary for Economic Development and Workforce Participation, shared insights on state efforts to:
- Prepare development sites
- Expand job training programs
- Connect residents with employment opportunities
Organizers noted:
"I think that you know the common person has an idea of what economic development is... but they maybe don't understand how we get there or why we don't have a certain thing." - Lindsey Piersol, Wood County Economic Development office
The meeting provided a platform for business leaders to learn about the year's achievements, challenges, and future prospects in Wood County's economic development landscape.