Pictured: Beth Atkins, Peggy Ball, Lily Ballengee, Tom Brown, Sheila Burch, Jeff Campbell, Gerald Dornburg, Tyler Ferrell, Brittany Frymier, Lisa Mace-Godwin, Kara Greathouse, Whitney Humphrey, David Hutchison. Sherri Jack, Dr. Mark A. Manchin, Leslie Mason, Betsy Morris, Rocky Nutter, Teresa Overton, Brooklin Parsons, Amanda Pitzer, Richard Roach, Gary Roberts, Dr. Mark Sarver, Heather Shiflett, Anita Simpson, Kenneth Tawney, John Tuggle, Pam Wine, Jason Workman
By: RPN Staff
On November 14th, the West Virginia Pioneer Community Network held a full partner meeting at Glenville State University to celebrate the one-year anniversary of the Rural Partners Network. The day kicked off with welcoming remarks from David Hutchison, Vice President for Advancement & Governmental Affairs, Glenville State University and Executive Director, GSU Foundation, followed by updates from Lee Jones, Executive Director of the Rural Partners Network, and Christine Sorensen, National Lead for Engagement of the Rural Partners Network.
Participants at the event were able to network, ask questions of presenters, and speak about their projects. The most pivotal moment of the day was when Executive Director of Friends of Cheat, Amanda Pitzer, asked the network members how many of them sat on multiple boards or held multiple jobs in the community. The number of raised hands was incredible and demonstrated the tireless work of Central West Virginians working hard every to make a positive impact in their communities. West Virginia RPN continues to support and connect resources to central West Virginia communities so that they can make a difference!
The morning session was focused on recreational economic development in central West Virginia with assistance from The US Department of Transportation ROUTES Program who discussed updates on the rural grant applicant toolkit for competitive federal transportation funding. The Federal Highway Administration’s Transportation Community Planner provided information on the DOT Navigator, assistance opportunities, pedestrian and bicycle trail funding, and The Recreational Trails Program Opportunities. Amanda Pitzer, , provided a presentation of what they have been able to accomplish, how they have been able to accomplish it, and lessons learned through the process. Community leaders had the opportunity to ask questions, develop partnerships and worked along RPN to determine funding sources and resources necessary to complete their signature projects.
Dr. Mark A. Manchin, President of Glenville State University spoke of leadership and how working to make a difference in one person’s life is true leadership in his keynote address.
The afternoon session was focused on housing. Dr. Mark Sarver, Professor of Business at Glenville State University, presented findings from his research project focused on rural housing issues in West Virginia. Whitney Humphrey, Communications Administrator at the WV Housing Development Fund presented multiple housing programs that are administered by her department. The University of Virginia Tadler Graduate Fellow Program students presented their findings on rural housing in West .
RPN in WV is working with community leaders to develop a recreational economy focused on the future. Central West Virginia is poised to develop water trails, hiking trails, flatwater kayaking, and mountain biking. Using the natural resources, the communities are working on further economic development strategies by promoting the trails and recreational hubs.