How Advantage Valley Supports Business and Community

In this episode of the Kanawha Valley Hustlers podcast, I catch up with Marjorie Cooke right after the Advantage Valley board meeting at Area 34 in Putnam County. She tells me about her work promoting economic growth across a nine-county region along the I-64 corridor. Advantage Valley focuses on business attraction, retention, and entrepreneurship, targeting industries like metals, auto parts, chemicals, and aerospace. Marjorie shares how they're addressing workforce challenges by supporting housing and childcare access, including a workshop series for childcare providers. We talk about the Faster West Virginia program, which helps entrepreneurs with coaching, training, capital, and grants. With seven events across seven counties in just a couple of months, their team is busy helping build the region’s economy. She encourages anyone interested in starting a business or getting involved to reach out by phone, visit the website, sign up for newsletters, or follow Advantage Valley on social media.