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Boone County has been designated a "Certified Business Location" by the West Virginia Development Office. The year-long process to achieve this designation included countless meetings, specialized training and a dedication to assist small businesses and entrepreneurs. "Through this process, the Boone County Community and Economic Development Corporation has achieved a level of preparedness that demonstrates a true commitment to economic development and your particular emphasis in entrepreneurship," said Ralph Goolsby, community development specialist for the West Virginia Development Office. Congratulations on your designation." Larry V. Lodato, director of the county development office, said the initial step in the process was to establish a leadership committee. That committee consisted of small business development specialists, a banker, a downtown revitalization person, county commissioner, entrepreneurial instructor at the community college, two local entrepreneurs who started their own businesses and were very successful, as well as staff from the county development office and a consultant. Through monthly meetings, the committee established goals and objectives, which included offering technical support, continuing education, leads to potential start- up funding, creation of a micro loan program, sponsoring quarterly small business workshops, recognition programs for entrepreneurs. Another goal was to provide office space at avery minimal cost for three new small businesses at the Boone County Business Development Center in Madison, and to conduct regular "Going Into Business" workshops at the business incubator. The project to add new offices at the Avenue C building will provide about seven new jobs for the community. The new addition was funded by state grants. Boone County Commission maintenance workers will construct the new rooms. "The leadership committee was a very diverse group of individuals who were very dedicated and shared a common goal to assist small businesses," Lodato said. "Certified Business Location" signs were erected on U.S. 119 and at the Boone- Kanawha border on Lens Creek Mountain. The Certified Business Location
designation gives the county more tools in its economic development efforts
to help diversify the local economy. |
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