As we enter a new quarter, we’re happy to report that we’re wrapping up Q2 with a wide range of exciting news! From announcing our scholarship winner to involvement with various state and federal organizations to boost economic development, we’ve been busy — and all that hard work has paid off.
Below, we’ve rounded up the latest updates that have taken place at the Wyoming County Economic Development Authority since April.
As you’ve seen in previous blogs, these two items have been at the forefront of our focus the last couple of months. At this time, we’re still awaiting response from the USEDA regarding the Manufacturing Facility Award, as well as the funding Senator Shelley Moore Capito dedicated for Wyoming County from this year’s federal fiscal budget. We expect to hear from the senator’s office regarding the congressional spending in the next 30 days and from the USEDA in the weeks to come, too. Be sure to keep an eye on our social media and follow along for project and award updates!
This year’s awardee of the Wyoming County Community Fund Scholarship is Makenzie Justice! Makenzie is a 2022 graduate of Wyoming East High School and plans to attend Southern Community and Technical College in the fall.
The Literature Fund’s annual Wyoming County Writing Contest winners have also been selected. On July 25, a formal ceremony will take place to honor their achievements. We’ll be publishing the full list of winners, as well as their written works, on our website.
The Wyoming County EDA is also working with the Appalachian Regional Commission to change the requirements and eligibility for our COVID loan funds. We want to be able to offer funds to start-up businesses that either weren’t able to start the process of opening or held off because of COVID. To date, we still have $150,000 available, which could potentially fund three loans! Stay tuned for more announcements about this program.
On May 20, the State Small Business Credit Initiative Program awarded the West Virginia Capital Access Program with $72.1 million in funds! West Virginia’s program is one of the first five in the country to be approved. The projected launch date is expected to be September 1st.
Read the U.S. Department of Treasury’s full press release here.
Our Executive Director Christy Laxton spoke at the Philanthropy West Virginia Conference that was held at Glade Springs Resort on May 18-20. With two decades of expertise, Christy spoke about economic development in our state, and the Wyoming County Community Fund. The conference included Susan Landis Attendees, philanthropy organizations from across the state, NRGRDA team members, and 20 other sponsors. This multi-day event was the perfect opportunity to network with other changemakers in West Virginia.
The Wyoming County EDA will be sending out our second newsletter of 2022 on July 7, 2022. Subscribe here to stay up to date with exclusive project updates, lending information, important dates and deadlines, and more.