Polymer Alliance Zone, Inc.

06/11/2026

What’s Happening in PAZ

A new partnership between Marshall University and the Huntington Area Development Council (HADCO) is helping develop the next generation of community and economic development leaders.

The newly launched Huntington Area Development Council-HADCO Fellows Program will provide Marshall students with hands-on experience working alongside community leaders and development professionals on projects that support growth and development throughout the Huntington region.

Anna Holstein, a journalism and mass communications major at Marshall University, has been selected as the inaugural HADCO Fellow and will gain firsthand experience in economic development, strategic planning, collaboration, and community engagement.

Programs like this help strengthen the workforce pipeline, connect students with real-world opportunities, and invest in the future leadership of our region.

Congratulations to Marshall University, HADCO, and Anna Holstein on the launch of this exciting new initiative.

Read more: https://www.marshall.edu/news/2026/05/marshall-university-hadco-launch-new-fellowship-program/

Driving Growth. Building Connections. Creating Opportunity.

06/10/2026

Progress is underway at the YesWV Ready Site in Davisville.

Economic development doesn't begin when a company announces a new facility. It begins long before that—with preparing land, investing in infrastructure, and creating opportunities for future growth.

As part of its mission to attract investment and create jobs, the Polymer Alliance Zone actively develops and manages industrial properties throughout the region, helping ensure sites are ready when opportunities arise.

Thanks to support through the YesWV Ready Sites Program, work continues to advance one of PAZ's key development sites, positioning the property for future industrial investment and business growth.

Site readiness is one of the most important factors companies consider when selecting a location. By investing in development today, we are helping position the Mid-Ohio Valley for future jobs, capital investment, and economic opportunity.

Stay tuned as progress continues.

06/09/2026

Strong communities help create strong economies.

A recent article from the Jackson County Development Authority highlights the people, partnerships, and investments that continue moving Jackson County forward. From workforce development and community engagement to infrastructure and quality of life initiatives, these efforts help create places where businesses can grow, families can thrive, and future opportunities can take root.

Economic development is about more than sites and buildings. It's about building communities that attract investment, support employers, and create opportunities for future generations.

Communities across the Polymer Alliance Zone region continue demonstrating how collaboration, leadership, and long-term vision help drive growth and strengthen West Virginia's economy.

Read the full article here:
https://www.wvnews.com/jacksonnews/building-communities-together/article_d3627a61-68d5-4c81-9d30-b71024419464.html

Driving Growth. Building Connections. Creating Opportunity.

The Jackson County Development Authority is proud to announce the launch of a new lifestyle video showcasing the people, places, and quality of life that make Jackson County a special

06/04/2026

What's Happening in PAZ? From Our PAZ Partners

What's next for Jackson County?

A strong community. A skilled workforce. Natural beauty. Opportunity. Growth.
The Jackson County Development Authority recently released a new community lifestyle video designed to help tell the story of Jackson County and the people who call it home.

While economic development often focuses on sites, buildings, and infrastructure, quality of life plays an equally important role in attracting new businesses, residents, and workforce talent. This video showcases the people, communities, outdoor recreation, natural beauty, and opportunities that make Jackson County a great place to live, work, and raise a family.

As communities across the PAZ region continue growing, building connections, creating opportunity, and shaping what's next, Jackson County stands as a great example of why West Virginia remains an attractive place to live, work, raise a family, and do business.

As the video reminds us, while the world keeps moving forward, so do we, growing, building, creating. What's next? Jackson County is ready.

Thank you to Veronica Lewis and the Jackson County Development Authority for sharing their story and helping showcase another great community within the PAZ region.

06/02/2026

Today, companies from across the Polymer Alliance Zone region were recognized at the 2026 Governor’s Export Awards in Charleston for successfully exporting West Virginia products and services to customers around the world.

The companies recognized represent a diverse range of industries, including polymers and resins, manufacturing, automotive, industrial equipment, glass, logistics, technology, and international trade, highlighting the strength and diversity of the PAZ region’s economy.

Congratulations to:

• Baron Blakeslee, Wood County
• Blenko Glass Company, Inc., Cabell County
• Cooper Industries, Jackson County
• Direct Online Marketing, Ohio County
• Huntington Drum Company, Cabell County
• Intercontinental Export-Import Inc., Wood County
• J.H. Fletcher & Co., Cabell County
• Marble King, Inc., Tyler County
• Matheny Motor Truck Company, Wood County
• Mull Group, Ohio County
• TROY Group, Inc., Ohio County

In addition to receiving recognition, Matheny Motor Truck Company participated in a panel discussion hosted by the West Virginia Export Council, sharing insights and experiences related to international trade and export opportunities.

PAZ was also proud to participate in the event as a featured resource partner alongside the West Virginia Division of Economic Development, U.S. Commercial Service, Small Business Administration, Small Business Development Center, World Affairs Council of West Virginia, Advanced Manufacturing Center, Charleston Area Alliance, and other organizations dedicated to supporting export growth across the state.

Successful exporting requires more than a great product. It requires market connections, technical assistance, financing resources, strategic partnerships, and access to the right support network. PAZ serves as a regional connector, helping businesses identify opportunities and connect with the resources needed to grow in both domestic and international markets.

According to information shared during the event, West Virginia is home to approximately 900 exporting companies, with 76% classified as small businesses. Export-related jobs also tend to pay wages approximately 16% higher than non-export positions.

We are proud to celebrate these companies and their contributions to West Virginia’s economy, demonstrating that products, innovation, and expertise from the PAZ region continue to compete and succeed on a global stage.

06/02/2026

Building strong communities and growing our regional economy starts with collaboration.

Recently, PAZ President Keith Burdette met with the Wood County Commission to provide an update on economic development activity across the Polymer Alliance Zone region. The discussion highlighted ongoing efforts to support existing industries, attract new investment, strengthen infrastructure, and create opportunities for long term job growth throughout our 10 county service area.

Partnerships between local governments, businesses, educational institutions, and economic development organizations remain critical to positioning our region for future success.

Thank you to the Wood County Commission for the opportunity to share updates and discuss the continued momentum taking place throughout the PAZ region.

05/29/2026

Economic development requires strong partnerships, strategic planning, and infrastructure that supports future growth.

This week, PAZ President Keith Burdette provided an economic development update to the Wood County Commission, highlighting ongoing efforts to strengthen industrial development opportunities throughout the region.

As PAZ continues working across its 10-county service area, collaboration with local governments, businesses, and community leaders remains essential to attracting investment, supporting existing industry, and creating opportunities for future job growth.

Read the full WTAP story here:
https://www.wtap.com/2026/05/28/wood-county-commissioners-discuss-sewer-project-polymer-alliance-zone-courthouse-security/

Photo courtesy of WTAP.

05/28/2026

What’s Happening in PAZ

This week marks the launch of a new weekly series highlighting the momentum, investment, infrastructure, partnerships, workforce initiatives, and economic development activity happening throughout the Polymer Alliance Zone region.

For our inaugural “What’s Happening in PAZ” feature, we’re highlighting the proposed Mason County data center development, a major regional investment project expected to bring significant infrastructure activity, long-term economic impact, and continued growth opportunities to West Virginia and the Ohio River corridor.

According to the Charleston Gazette-Mail, construction on the project is expected to begin in the coming weeks, with the facility projected to become operational in early 2027.

Projects like this continue reinforcing the growing importance of the PAZ region in advanced manufacturing, energy, infrastructure, technology, and industrial development.

Follow along each Thursday as we continue highlighting the projects, progress, partnerships, and opportunities shaping our region.

Driving Growth. Building Connections. Creating Opportunity.

Read the full article - https://www.wvgazettemail.com/business/construction-weeks-away-mason-county-data-center-operational-in-early-2027-builder/article_0edb4165-114e-4b92-ba1c-9acbdd240893.html

05/25/2026

This Memorial Day, PAZ honors the brave men and women who made the ultimate sacrifice in service to our country.

We remember their courage, honor their legacy, and remain deeply grateful for the freedoms their sacrifice helped protect.

Today, we pause in remembrance of those who gave everything for our nation.

Wishing everyone a safe and meaningful Memorial Day.

05/22/2026

As Memorial Day weekend approaches, PAZ would like to encourage everyone to take a moment to remember the true meaning behind the holiday.

Originally established in 1868 as Decoration Day, Memorial Day was created to honor those who lost their lives during the Civil War. Over time, it became a national day of remembrance for all American service members who made the ultimate sacrifice in service to our country.

We hope everyone enjoys a safe and meaningful holiday weekend with family and friends while also remembering the brave men and women whose sacrifice made those freedoms possible.

From all of us at the Polymer Alliance Zone, thank you to those who gave everything in service to our nation.