Economic Development

Income figures indicate that a significant number of families earn incomes below the poverty level. Efforts should be directed to create unskilled jobs, and training and placement services for low and moderate income persons.

Steady growth has occurred in retail and service employment in Barbour County since 1970. Continued support for local businesses and institutions will help to further strengthen these sectors of the economy.

Employment in the mining industry has declined dramatically since the late 1970's and early 1980's. There needs to be continued support for retraining programs and job replacement and recruitment.

Locally owned businesses are considered one of the important values of Philippi. However, retail sales for general merchandise indicate that residents are shopping outside of the county for most items.

The future of the economy ideals identified:

• Modem motels
• More jobs - keep youth
• Good paying jobs
• Industrial park developed with environmentally stable industries
• All stores occupied
• More grants for more jobs
• Economic development
• New jobs
• Jobs for college grads
• New businesses outside the downtown Needs of commuting workforce met
• No Wal-Marts
• Welcome Wal-Mart
• Industrial park full
• Major industry
• Shopping facilities expanded
• Fewer government employees compared with private
• Route 250 expanded for commercial businesses Provide 'job-incubator' for youth businesses No B & 0 tax
• Welfare need reduced
• Longer store hours
• More service businesses, i.e., plumbers, electricians Blue and Gray enactment developed
• Tourism expanded and developed
• More money

Through an Economic Development Administration Adjustment Strategy Grant, an economic development strategy has been developed by Thomas Point Associates, Inc. for Barbour County under contract to the Barbour County Development Authority. The plan includes recommendations and implementation strategies for Barbour County and, in some categories, the City of Philippi. Philippi in collaboration with the Barbour County Development Authority should utilize that plan to direct its economic development activities.