Scotty Stone on Transportation and Business Growth in Clay County

In this episode of the Kanawha Valley Hustlers podcast, I talk with Scotty Stone, board secretary of the Clay County Business Development Authority. He explains that Clay County is part of the Charleston metro area, so it qualifies for many of the same grants and programs. We talk about new public transportation coming to the area thanks to a partnership with Mountain Transit Authority, helping people access food, jobs, and healthcare. Food security is a top concern, and transit gives residents access to grocery options in nearby towns. Scotty also shares updates on recreation, including new pickleball courts, improved soccer fields, and efforts to promote youth sports for better community health. We discuss the Elk River Trail and how the county supports outdoor development, but the focus is shifting toward small business growth. Clay saw the highest per-capita business startup rate in the state recently, especially with food trucks taking advantage of the central location. Looking ahead, Scotty sees more family-friendly experiences and outdoor opportunities on the way. He invites everyone to visit, ride the Rail Explorers, and try the pepperoni rolls at Legacy Foods, which he says are Facebook-famous.