Business View Magazine | October 2020

154 BUSINESS VIEW MAGAZINE OCTOBER 2020 region, the consulting firm reviewed 14 factors that typically stimulate relocation and expansion projects. Those factors included existing aerospace industries, training and education institutions, airports, workforce and support services, and several quality-of-life indicators. According to the assessment: “This airport,alone, has all the resources, services, and available industrial land to support aerospace manufacturing business and MRO operations.” Earlier infrastructure development at the Airport has prompted capital opportunities of Eight ($8) million dollars of committed Federal, State, County and Local funding acquired through New River Gorge Regional Development Authority of 105 acres of “Site Ready” Aerospace property. Construction start up is November 15, 2020. There is still plenty of room for more. “We, again, are a little bit unique in what we have in the abundance of land that we have to develop,” Cochran notes. “There is enough room on either end of the north-south runway for it to YOUR BANK for generations. Check us out online: YourBank.bank ALL THE PRODUCTS. . . all the service. Whether you are looking for the best checking account or the latest in bank technology, we want to be your bank for generations! We are your community bank and we can’t wait to make you feel right at home. Call us today to learn more about our unique accounts and services! WEST VIRGINIA: Beckley, Franklin, Marlinton, Moorefield, Mount Hope, Oak Hill, Petersburg, Wardensville VIRGINIA: Harrisonburg West, Harrisonburg Downtown be expanded to a total length of 8,000 feet.” That’s something Airport officials are looking at because, in addition to being well suited for aerospace industry businesses, the Airport has features that would make it attractive to the cargo industry, including a good infrastructure of highway entrances into the area. The convergence of Interstate 64 and Interstate 77 is only about a mile from the Airport site, and Interstate 81 is about an hour away. But connectivity alone won’t spur growth. It takes proactive leadership, something that can be found in the five-member, Raleigh County Airport Authority and local government leaders. Cochran sums it up well, stating, “I think we have a good visionary board and county officials that support what we are trying to do to better the use of the Airport.” The aerospace industry is a dynamic, emerging economic sector in West Virginia. Yes, West Virginia. Let us show you the competitive advantage. westvirginia.gov/yeswv @wvdevo YES