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By Jane K. Peters
It is with deep regret, but also great excitement that I have made the decision to
retire in May, 2009 from the position of Executive Director of the Jefferson County Development Authority.
This has been a difficult decision to make. Serving in this position has been a very fulfilling experience
for me, and I am extremely proud of the accomplishments that have been achieved in building our County’s
tax base, creating new jobs for our citizens, and improving the infrastructure and quality of life in our
community. However, I feel that after 27 years, this is a good time to leave and pursue other opportunities,
both personally and professionally.
I would like to thank the current and past members of the Development Authority Board for their sincere
interest, hard work, and unwavering support for the work of the Authority and pledge to work with the Board
and the new Executive Director toward a seamless transition. There are a number of important projects and
initiatives underway that will require continuity. I also want to thank the Jefferson County Commission for
their support for the Authority. The Jefferson County Development Authority was one of the first in the State,
created by the County Commission in 1979. The Commission has always understood and supported the County’s
economic development program. Millions of dollars in tax revenue and several thousand jobs have been generated
through the work of the Development Authority.
I also cannot say enough about the rest of the Authority’s staff. Their dedication and excellent work has
helped make everything possible. It has always been a team effort and I was fortunate to be able to work
with such great people.
The business locations and projects with which the Authority has been involved include DALB, Inc., Royal
Vendors, Automated Merchandising Systems, Kent Cartridge, American Public University System, Concert
Technology, expansions of the Bavarian Inn, Plethora Technologies, PROSystems, Schonstedt Instrument
Company, and the RC Cola/Dr. Pepper Distribution Center, to name a few. In addition, special projects
included the BizTech Federal Telework Center and Small Business Incubator, and the Children First
Child Development Center, as well as the infrastructure development and marketing of Burr Business Park,
now home to 56 businesses. The Authority also added an Agriculture Development component five years ago
and was also instrumental in initiating the Eastern Panhandle Entrepreneurs Forum.
I look forward to pursuing other opportunities in the community and watching the Development Authority
continue its important work under new leadership.
By Kellie Boles
Jefferson County Development Authority recipient of $50,000.00 from West Virginia Farmers Market Matching
Fund Grant
“Eastern Panhandle Year-Round Local Foods Processing, Distribution and Farmers Market Project”
In late 2008, the West Virginia Department of Agriculture (WVDA) announced a new funding opportunity
for Farmers Market development across West Virginia. Awards required matching funds from local community
sources along with adherence to program guidelines.
Matching Funds for grant eligibility were raised through funds obligated by the Jefferson County
Commission, the Jefferson County Development Authority, the Jefferson County Farm Bureau, Gladhill
Tractor and various local producers.
The Matching Fund Grant Program focused on proposals that support agricultural marketing enterprises
where farmers or vendors sell their own products directly to customers, and where the sales of these
farm products represent the core business of the entity. Projects appropriate for the WVDA award include,
but were not limited to:
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Improving access to relevant marketing and financial information.
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Consumer-based education and market access.
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Innovative approaches to market operations and management.
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Growing farmers.
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Innovative partnerships and networking.
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Professional development.
The Year-Round Market Project will consist of building on an existing seasonal market location through
expansion of service months, by providing debit/credit technology to vendors, and by incorporating a
small processing facility and distribution system into the current location. The project will also
facilitate producer involvement through two education workshops and through cost-sharing opportunities
on season extension. Work on the project will begin in March 2009 with upgrades to the existing seasonal
farmers market facility-including equipment purchase for small scale value-added processing and
infrastructure development for food distribution, with ongoing consumer and producer education throughout
each stage of the project. 
Jefferson County citizens will benefit through the development of a personal relationship with
agricultural producers, consumers will develop a better understanding of where the food that
feeds their families comes from, and have peace of mind that it was produced in a sustainable manner.
The farmers market will be an additional link between the urban consumer and the community, therefore
fostering a greater sense of pride in community and a stronger sense of belonging to that community;
ultimately building stronger communities and benefiting the community on a whole. The local consumer
also benefits through the development of healthier, whole foods and eating habits. The Year-Round Market
Project will make buying local more convenient for producer and consumer.
By Bev Bolger
For the Winter newsletter, the Eastern Panhandle Business Incubator at BizTech shines its spotlight on Mr.
Wayne Clark, business owner of Atlantic Federal Home Loans, LLC. In December 2005, Wayne opened the doors
of Atlantic Federal Home Loans, LLC. After a few stressful months of attempting to work in his home office,
he realized that his home office had too many distractions and was not conducive for customer visits.
As a new start up company, capital was low, but through research and finding BizTech, the initial cost to
move from home to a public office was favorable.
After signing his lease in July 2006, Wayne considers his move to have been the best thing for his business.
Over the past few years, Atlantic Federal Home Loans has become a recognized name in the community and Wayne
Clark has been able to focus on new loan applications and marketing his business; never having to worry about
the overhead for his business. BizTech has helped to make the transition convenient and affordable.
The incubator has helped to provide fully functional office space with shared office equipment; copier, fax,
scanner, wireless IT service, reliable broadband, receptionist , conference, and kitchen space in a 24/7
accessible, and secured facility. Wayne stated that if he had opened his office in a traditional office
space, the cost of office equipment alone would have bankrupted his company. The shared environment has
saved on overhead costs and helped Atlantic Federal survive the tough economic period. This has placed Wayne
in a position to expand his business.
Mr. Clark comments, “the overall image of my small start up business exploded and now looks as professional
as a major corporation”.
Moving to BizTech has allowed Wayne to also focus on other areas of interest such as the RNE (Referral
Networking Exchange, Inc); which is a growing business to business networking company. Wayne Clark is
one of the original founders. RNE currently has over 20 members and averages 30 businesses that attend
weekly meetings. Wayne has a passion for helping his community. He is a little league baseball coach
and is always involved in community projects and fund raising activities. He is presently pursuing a seat
for City Council, Ward 2 of Charles Town.
Wayne credits BizTech for assisting him with his business development, having given him the reassurance
to know that while he is working with RNE or campaigning, his mail and office files are secure.
Atlantic Federal Home Loans, LLC has become a model of success for the Eastern Panhandle Business Incubator.
Atlantic Federal Home loans, LLC
304-728-3051 ext. 120
www.atlanticfhl.com
By Whitney Burch
The Eastern Panhandle Entrepreneurs Forum has continued to be successful since its formation in 2001 by
the Eastern Panhandle Development Authority Executive Directors. Meetings are held every month and are
organized by the Berkeley, Morgan, and Jefferson County Development Authority’s along with key steering
committee members. Our goal is to help businesses in the area thrive by connecting owners with state and
county officials, investors, industry experts, and business service providers during the networking hour,
as well as, providing entrepreneurs with free information to help them stay successful during the program
hour. Free display tables during the meeting help local businesses receive FREE exposure!
A spin-off of the state’s West Virginia Entrepreneurs Forum, the Eastern Panhandle is the only area that
has kept its local forum alive. To receive notice of future meetings via email and to see a list of future
dates, location, and topics, please visit our website at www.jcda.net and click on the Eastern Panhandle
Entrepreneurs Forum tab.
Our February 5, 2009 meeting featured an Introduction to Government Contracting program with Christine
Todd from the Regional Contracting Assistance Center as the main speaker. Guests enjoyed a 60 minute
presentation covering the basics of contracting on a local, state, and federal level with Peggy Schaad
from the Eastern Federal Lands Highway Division - Federal Highway Administration , Nancy Ferner with the
SBDC, and Gary Rawlings with the City of Charles Town adding their expertise. Approximately 80 guests
attended the meeting held at The Inn at Charles Town and five local companies were featured as displayers.
As always, thank you to our yearly sponsors. Your support and generosity continues to make it possible
for us to offer this free resource to our community!
The March 5, 2009 EPEF meeting was held at the Country Inn in Berkeley Springs, with speaker Mike
McKechnie of Mountain View Builders. Speaking about creating a green house, Mike discussed the options
available to homeowners that desire an energy efficient home, detailing costs, criteria for each system,
and the long term benefits to the homeowner. Drawing a crowd of 50 people, the meeting was a great success.
Look for more details about the Entrepreneurs Forum in the upcoming Martinsburg Journal Progress section.
The Jefferson County Development Authority is actively seeking candidates for the Executive Director’s
position which will become vacant in May due to the retirement of current Executive Director, Jane Peters.
There has been aggressive advertising in trade publications such as the International Economic Development
Council and the Southern Economic Development Council as well as newspaper and internet advertising. The
deadline for accepting resumes is March 20th. An interview process involving the candidates and Development
Authority Board members will follow. Information regarding requirements and the application process is on the
Jefferson County Development Authority website www.jcda.net.
WVEDC Legislative Meeting
The West Virginia Economic Development Council held its annual Legislative Meeting in Charleston on
February 17-18, 2009. A Legislative reception was part of the program and was attended by Delegate
Tiffany Lawrence.
Key program speakers were Congresswoman Shelley Moore Capito and Governor Joe Manchin. Legislative
updates were given by Karen Price, of the WV Manufacturers Association and Steve Roberts, of the WV
State Chamber of Commerce. Kenneth Nemeth, Executive Director of the Southern States Energy Board,
discussed “Key Energy Issues for America and Economic Development”.
In addition, the meeting, attended by approximately 125 people from around the State, included
presentations on sustainable energy parks, angel investors, and prevailing wage regulations.
The WVEDC is West Virginia’s association of professional economic developers.
Building Resilient Manufacturing Economies Webinar
On January 15, 2009, JCDA participated in a Building Resilient Manufacturing Economies Webinar. The
first presentation focused on the trends in innovation and sustainability practices for manufacturing
and discussed tips for economic developers to connect with and support manufacturing in their local area.
The second presentation provided an overview of what is going on in the market, the challenges presented
to manufacturing because of global economic difficulties, and the challenges to the community and state
when trying to help manufacturers.
Chick-Fil-A Now Open!
Building Your Successful Business Plan Workshop
The Small Business Development Center of the Eastern Panhandle and BizTech
are offering a two hour workshop on “Building Your Successful Business Plan.
The workshop will guide you through the process of writing a successful business
plan, stressing the importance of a well written plan whether you are just starting
a business, seeking a loan, or even if you have already been in business for several
years.
Workshop details:
Tuesday, March 31, 2009
9:00 am to 11:00 am
BizTech
150 East Burr Blvd, Kearneysville
Registration Fee: $15
Please call 304-728-3051 ext 112 for more information and to reserve your spot!
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