Hampshire County Development Authority
"Steeped in Tradition & Prepared for Transition" in Hampshire County, West Virginia
What does the HCDA do?The HCDA seeks to enhance the business prosperity and economic welfare of Hampshire County by helping businesses take advantage of the market environment and available incentives. Specifically, the HCDA:
- leases industrial space
- provides infrastructure, training programs, and business- pertinent information.
- owns and manages industrial buildings
- owns and manages two industrial parks, located in Romney & Capon Bridge
- assists with infrastructure development
- supports community development, visitor industry, and quality-of-life projects
Who composes the HCDA?
All members of the HCDA are resident citizens of Hampshire County.
Questions about Starting/Relocating/Expanding Businesses
In determining whether Hampshire County is the right place for my business, from whom do I gain information about the work force, wage rates, tax rates, tax incentive qualifications, highway and traffic characteristics, etc?
Most questions involving business location and operating costs related to labor, state and local government, regulations, and incentives can be obtained from the HCDA office. Contact us at 304-822-4320 or hampcodo@frontiernet.net.
If we do not have your answer, we will seek it for you from other sources.
Who do I talk to about starting a business or relocating/expanding an existing business?
The HCDA would be delighted to discuss your plans for a new, re-locating, or expanding business. Our small staff has over 50 years of experience in assisting entrepreneurs with getting started and growing in rural communities like those of Hampshire County. We can provide you with the information to make intelligent choices regarding your business plans. Often, we will refer you to specialists who can provide you with the needed assistance to move your business forward. To get started, contact Executive Director Tom Jones at (304) 822-4320 or by email at hampcodo@frontiernet.net.
Are there incentives, such as grants, loans, and tax credits for new and expanding businesses?
Yes, depending upon the type of business, number of people employed, profitability of the business, and employee training needs, new and expanding Hampshire County businesses can qualify for valuable business incentives. The HCDA would be happy to discuss the nature of incentives for which you business may qualify. Call Tom Jones, executive director, at (304) 822-4320.
What do I need to know about starting a business in HC?
- While there may be certain local regulations and information specific to your planned location in Hampshire County, it is of utmost importance to get your business started right by complying with the applicable federal and state regulations pertaining to new businesses. Additionally, it is important that every new business rests on a solid business plan. We at the HCDA recommend that you contact the West Virginia Secretary of State’s office or visit the Secretary’s helpful website: http://www.wvsos.com/common/startbusiness.htm.
- Valuable technical assistance can be easily obtained from the Small Business Development Center (SBDC) at the Eastern West Virginia Community and Technical College in Moorefield, WV. The SBDC can be reached toll free at (877) 982-2322 or by e-mail at mludewig@eastern.wvnet.edu.
- We also recommend you visit www.business4wv.com/, a useful source of guidance for new West Virginia businesses.
What are the tax rates on businesses and real estate?
Tax rates depend upon a variety of factors, but the HCDA will be happy to assist you in determining your likely rates.
Does the HCDA deal with commercial or residential development?
The Development Authority is concerned with commercial, i.e. business and economic, development.
Is the HCDA a private or public agency?
The HCDA is a public agency and a public corporation. Although it involves the private sector, the HCDA is entirely public.
How does the HCDA promote a better community/place to live?
The HCDA strives to improve the economic welfare of Hampshire County, thereby allowing residents a higher quality of life. We are also instrumental in community development and tourism projects, such as supporting the Potomac Eagle train, historical sites, a new fitness center, and the county's farmland protection program.
Please visit our Community Development Projects page for more information.
What projects has the Development Authority been involved in?
The HCDA has primarily concentrated its efforts upon projects relating directly to locating manufacturing businesses in Hampshire County. Examples include
- Establishing, developing infrastructure for, and operating the Hampshire County Industrial Park in Romney
- Establishing, developing infrastructure for, and operating the Capon Bridge Industrial & Technology Park
- Building and operating the multi-tenant industrial building, housing up to four small processing businesses at the Hampshire County Industrial Park.
- Building and operating a multi-tenant industrial building at the Capon Bridge Industrial Park.
- Acquiring and operating the former Kinney Shoe Manufacturing Plant as a single and/or multi-tenant processing facility in the Hampshire County Industrial Park.
The HCDA has played a key supportive role in the establishment, development, and retention of many private and public sector enterprises that are essential to the growth of our local and regional economy. They include
- Potomac Eagle Scenic Railroad
- Fort Mill Ridge Foundation and Historic Area
- Fort Edwards Historic Area
- Hampshire County Farmland Protection Program
- Hampshire County Wellness & Fitness Center, a private-public partnership
- Visual Link Acquisition/Conversion of Western Union Facility
More information about many of these projects can be found on our Community Development Projects page.
What’s the average annual wage in Hampshire County?
$24,254 per year. Visit our Economic Profile page for labor force, wage, commuting, and other economic information.
Do I contact the HCDA to obtain a building permit?
No. Direct building permit, subdivision, flood map, and infrastructure questions to the Planning Office (304-822-7018).
How do I contact the Development Authority?
Tom Jones, Executive Director. 91 South High St. Romney, WV 26757.
Phone: 304-822-4320, Fax: 304-822-767, E-mail: hampcodo@frontiernet.net.
Where is the Development Authority office located?
91 South High St. Romney, WV; at the corner of Gravel Lane, one block from the County Courthouse.
Hampshire County Wellness Center Questions
What is the Wellness Center?
This facility, currently under construction, will be located two miles east of Romney, adjacent to the South Branch Inn Conference Center. Upon completion in mid 2007, the multi-faceted community facility will blend a personal and group recreational fitness setting with extensive clinical and therapeutic offerings. Fitness facilities will include an indoor track, four-lane indoor swimming pool, weight machines, and aerobic exercise area. Clinical services will include physical therapy and various personal health and diagnostic screenings. This 22,000 sq. ft., $7.9 million state-of-the-art wellness center will be operated by East Mountain Health Advantage, Inc., an affiliate of Valley Health Services of Winchester, VA.
Where is the Wellness Center located?
1000 Heritage Circle. Site is two miles east of Romney, across Rt. 50 from Hampshire High School, and adjacent to South Branch Valley Inn.
When will the Wellness Center be available for use?
The HCDA expects the Wellness Center to be open on or near September 1, 2007.
How can I learn more about the Hampshire County Wellness Center?
Beginning early in 2007, a Hampshire County Wellness Center website will be providing detailed information on services offered, operation schedules, fee structures, and how you can become a part of the Wellness Center. Until that time, the Hampshire Review will provide updates.
Who’s paying for the Wellness Center construction and operation?
The Hampshire County Wellness Center will be owned by the Hampshire County Development Authority. This $7.9 million facility was financed, in part, by the West Virginia Economic Development Authority and loans from FNB Bank and the Bank of Romney.