Local
1. Bluefield Area Transit Authority: http://ridethebatbus.com/
Whether you’re going shopping or to visit friends or family, Bluefield Area Transit provides a convenient, easy way to get to your destination. Bluefield Area Transit serves Mercer and McDowell counties with routes into Bluefield, Princeton, Athens and Welch.
2. Center for Applied Research and Technology: http://cartinc.com/
From applied research to technology transfer and training, unmanned systems to rapid prototyping, software development to program support and web solutions.
3. Development Authority of the Greater Bluefield Area
To encourage, promote and assist the industrial and commercial development of the Bluefield area and surrounding territory in whatever way and by such means as may improve employment opportunities, advance the industrial and commercial life and strengthen the economy of the area. Contact: Marc Meachum, (304) 327-7184
4. Greater Bluefield Chamber of Commerce: http://www.bluefieldchamber.com/
To provide vision and leadership for the Greater Bluefield community with a commitment to strengthen economic development, stimulate growth of area businesses and enhance the quality of life for all its citizens.
5. Mercer County Commission: http://www.mercercountywv.gov
The County Commission is the governing body for Mercer County.
6. Mercer County Development Authority: http://www.mercercoeda.com/
The Development Authority of Mercer County is committed to economic growth. Now with new technological advances the area is open to all types of industry.
7. Region One Planning & Development Council: http://regiononepdc.org
Region I is one of eleven Regional Planning & Development Councils created in West Virginia to provide comprehensive planning of all types for our service area, consisting of six counties and twenty-seven municipalities located within these counties. Region 1 works closely with local Economic Development Authorities, Public Service Districts, and various other local state and federal organizations throughout the region.
Federal
1. Appalachian Regional Commission: http://www.arc.gov
The Appalachian Regional Commission is a federal-state partnership that works for sustainable community and economic development in Appalachia.
2. US Department of Agriculture: www.usda.gov
The Department of Agriculture provides leadership on food, agriculture, natural resources, rural development, nutrition, and related issues based on public policy, the best available science, and effective management.
3. U.S. Economic Development Administration: http://www.eda.gov
To lead the federal economic development agenda by promotion innovation and competitiveness, preparing American regions for growth and success in the worldwide economy.
State
1. Appalachian Power – http://www.aep.com/
AEP operates as Appalachian Power Company (APCo) in West Virginia, serving almost 475,000 customers in its 9,200 square-mile service territory that spans 23 of West Virginia’s 55 counties. We offer a single, convenient source for prospective businesses to access the people and information needed to support your growth.
2. Governor’s Guaranteed Work Force Program: http://www.wvcommerce.org
The Governor’s Guaranteed Work Force Program (GGWFP) attracts new enterprises to West Virginia and encourages growth and expansion of the state’s existing companies. The program provides training and technical assistance to support effective employee training strategies.
3. Robert C. Byrd Institute – For Advanced Flexible Manufacturing: http://www.rcbi.org
RCBI plays an important role in economic development by connecting small and mid-sized manufactures to the opportunities of first-tier suppliers as well as larger industrial sector ones. RCBI’s business and workforce development teams coupled with the RCBI 21st Century Manufacturing Network also support economic growth in many ways. RCBI has three locations in the state of WV:
1. Bridgeport Manufacturing Technology Center – Staff & Equipment
2. Charleston Manufacturing Technology Center – Staff & Equipment
3. Huntington Manufacturing Technology Center – Staff & Equipment
4. WV Department of Commerce: http://www.wvcommerce.org/default.aspx
The overall mission of the Department of Commerce is to promote and preserve the well-being of the citizens of West Virginia by providing a cooperative interagency system that stimulates diverse economic growth and increased employment opportunities for all West Virginians, encourages the appropriate use of our state’s abundant natural resources, improves the safety and productivity of our work force, and promotes the beauty and desirability of our state as a world-class tourism destination.
5. WV Department of Agriculture: www.agriculture.wv.gov
WVDA’s Executive Division houses the office of the West Virginia Commissioner of Agriculture and provides policy and direction for the rest of the agency. The Division is also the nerve center for a variety of ongoing regulatory and development programs, along with a host of special projects.
6. West Virginia Economic Development Authority: http://www.wveda.org
WVEDA is charged with the responsibility to develop and advance the business prosperity and economic welfare of the State of West Virginia, by providing financial assistance in the form of loans and direct financing and operating leases to industrial development agencies and enterprises for the promotion and retention of new and existing commercial and industrial development.
7. WV Department of Environmental Protection: www.dep.wv.gov
With the enactment of Senate Bill 217 during a special session of the West Virginia Legislature, the Division of Environmental Protection was created in October 1991. The legislation abolished the former Division of Energy and created two separate agencies: DEP and the Office of Miners’ Health Safety and Training. Both agencies operated as organizational units of the Department of Commerce, Labor and Environmental Resources.
8. WV Development Office: http://www.wvcommerce.org/business/default.aspx
The WV Development Office is a branch of the Department of Commerce and is committed to economic growth throughout West Virginia.
9. WV Secretary of State: http://www.sos.wv.gov
The Secretary of State of West Virginia is an elected office within the U.S. State of West Virginia state government.
10. WV SBDC: http://wvsbdc.wvcommerce.org/
The West Virginia Small Business Development Center (SBDC) is a statewide network that provides essential information for successfully starting, expanding and growing a business. SBDC programs are designed to provide high-quality business and economic development assistance to promote growth, expansion, innovation, increased productivity and management improvement.
Education/Workforce
1. American National University: https://www.an.edu/
Accredited on-campus and online degrees in business administration, medical management, network technology, and more. Affordable. Flexible.
2. Bluefield State College: http://bluefieldstate.edu/
Bluefield State College provides students an affordable, accessible opportunity for public higher education.
3. Concord University: http://www.concord.edu/
Concord University is a comprehensive, public, liberal arts institution located in Athens, West Virginia, United States.
4. Mercer County Career & Technical Center: http://www.mctec.net/
The Mercer County Technical School District provides rigorous career and technical education programs for high school students and adults.
5. Mercer County Schools: http://boe.merc.k12.wv.us/
Mercer County Public Schools offer a broad curriculum encompassing Basic Skills, Advanced Placement, Career Connections, High Schools That Work, Technical Education, Distance Learning, Internet and Computer Technology in all schools, Special Needs Programs, IASA Title I, Dual Credit Courses, JROTC, Adult Literacy Programs, Alternative Education Programs, Community Education, as well as adult evening classes at our Mercer County Technical Education Center.
6. New River Community & Technical College: http://www.newriver.edu
New River Community and Technical College is West Virginia’s newest independently accredited institution of higher education.
7. Valley College of Technology: http://www.valley.edu
Valley College prepares students to pursue careers in the following rewarding fields: Certified Nursing Assistant, Medical Clinical Assisting – Diploma, , Health Services Administration – AAS Degree , and Business Administration – AAS Degree.
8. WorkforceWV: http://workforcewv.org/
Employment service, unemployment compensation and unemployment board of review. Includes resources, forms, statistics and news.
Tourism & Recreation Partners
Local
1. Camp Creek State Park: http://campcreekstatepark.com
Enjoy tent, trailer, horse and rider campsites, fishing, playgrounds, music, and other amenities. There are 35 plus miles of trails open to equestrians, hikers and mountain bikers.
2. Hatfield & McCoy Trails: http://trailsheaven.com
The City of Bluefield is the Southern Gateway to the Hatfield & McCoy Trail System. The Hatfield & McCoy Trails is made up of over 700+ miles of trails and located in the rich mountains of southern West Virginia. As one of the largest off-highway vehicle trail systems in the world, Hatfield & McCoy Trails is open 365 days a year and offers something for every skill level. Trails range from the scenic mountain views of Pinnacle Creek, to the tight and twisting trails of Bearwallow. Many trails connect to West Virginia’s “ATV friendly towns” where visitors can grab a bite to eat and experience true Southern hospitality.
3. Mercer County Convention and Visitors Bureau: http://www.visitmercercounty.com
A non-profit organization, the Mercer County CVB creates economic growth promoting the county as a destination. The CVB uses digital and print marketing to attract visitors to Mercer County. The organization offers support to the major cities in the county, Bluefield and Princeton and the towns of Bramwell and Athens.
4. Pinnacle Rock State Park: http://pinnaclerockstatepark.com
This is a day park in the WV state park system offering 10-miles of hiking trails, unique rock formations, picnic areas and fishing at Jimmy Lewis Lake.
5. Pipestem Resort State Park: http://www.pipestemresort.com/
Pipestem Resort State Park is the “Year-round Crown Jewel” of West Virginia State Parks. The park is host to beautiful scenic overlooks, two lodges, vacation rental cottages, campgrounds, golf courses, restaurants, modern conference facilities, horseback riding and much more. You’ll find something for everyone at Pipestem Resort State Park.
State
6. Go to WV: http://gotowv.com
West Virginia is real, from the wild outdoors to the kind folks. A simple place for families to reconnect. For lovers to explore. Where adventure is the everyday. It’s one-of-a-kind, down-home, mountain living. And there’s more hidden in these hills than you could ever expect.
7. Visit Southern West Virginia: http://visitwv.com
Visit Southern West Virginia partners with Mercer County, as well as eight other counties, to promote tourist attractions and events throughout the area. This CVB highlights outdoor activities, the arts, history, dining and more to showcase cities like Bluefield in Southern West Virginia.