Shepherdstown Will Host Unique Remote Worker Program
The JCDA is honored that the Corporation of Shepherdstown has been selected as one of the first three communities to participate in the Brad & Alys Smith Outdoor Economic Development Collaborative. Shepherdstown joins Lewisburg and Morgantown in the first phase of the program. These communities were selected by a team from West Virginia University (WVU) and the West Virginia Department of Tourism who created a framework to serve as a guide for understanding a community’s current readiness to support a remote worker program.
Supported by the State and WVU through a $25 million gift from Brad & Alys Smith, the program is differentiated from others by its unique outdoor recreation components. The program targets fully employed individuals from outside the state who can work anywhere and want to be part of a contemporary, experience-driven lifestyle. Outdoor enthusiasts or young families who are inspired to help create a more diverse, inclusive, and purposeful community will be given preference in a competitive application process.
Here’s some remote work/worker trends that supports the development of the program:
Remote Work Trends:
37 percent of workers are or will have the ability to work remotely in the future
9 million people have moved since the COVID-19 pandemic began
39 percent of urban dwellers said the COVID-19 crisis has promoted them to consider leaving for less crowded places
Remote Worker Facts:
$90,000 average annual salary of remote employee
55 percent are moving greater than two hours away from their current location
53 percent are seeking more affordable housing
14 to 23 million are planning to move out of major cities and into less expensive markets
Danny Twilley, assistant dean of WVU's Brad & Alys Smith Outdoor Economic Development Collaborative, outlined why a community in Jefferson County was an attractive location to host the program.
“The three communities – Morgantown, Shepherdstown, and Lewisburg - all have unique characteristics that make them great communities but also have similar traits that are attractive to remote workers,” Twilley said. “These towns have a recipe that make them vibrant places to live with great local food, shopping, arts, culture and tremendous outdoor recreation assets. When you pair this with access to good schools, medical care, and access to transportation, we have three communities that will appeal to remote workers who want to have a great place to live, work and play.”
Twilley added that Shepherdstown, as a historic college town on the banks of the Potomac River, provides convenient access to larger metropolitan areas.
Our strategic location to the Washington, D.C., Metropolitan Statistical Area (MSA) and the northeast corridor will assist in the recruitment of candidates and help ensure the sustainability of the program. We are looking forward to getting our community prepared to accept our first group of remote workers and making them feel at home.
Dennis Jarvis II
Executive Director, JCDA
Speedway Motors Announces Distribution Center for Jefferson County
Speedway Motors, a manufacturer, retailer, and distributor of high-quality automotive parts and racing products, is opening a distribution center in Jefferson County, bringing 25 new jobs to West Virginia.
Speedway Motors is locating its new facility in a 300,000-square-foot building in the Burr Business Park in Kearneysville. The company started as a tiny parts shop in Lincoln, Nebraska. Today, Speedway Motors offers more than 250,000 products for race, street, muscle, and rod cars, and employs more than 450 people.
"I personally want to thank all of our new friends in West Virginia," said Clay Smith, president/owner of Speedway Motors. "West Virginia, to us, already feels like home, where - together - we can just get this done. We love your attitude and we're glad to be in the Mountain State."
Since 1952, Speedway Motors has been committed to providing a broad selection of high-quality, affordable automotive parts delivered quickly, efficiently, and without any hassles, Smith said. This new West Virginia location will cut shipping times for our customers on the East Coast, helping us fulfill our promise of fast delivery, he added.
The company worked with the West Virginia Development Office and the Jefferson County Development Authority to make the new manufacturing and distribution operation a reality for the Eastern Panhandle.
"We are excited Speedway Motors has selected Jefferson County as its new parts distribution and manufacturing facility, bringing new jobs to the area," said Dennis Jarvis II, executive director of the Jefferson County Development Authority. "Speedway Motors is a family-owned operation committed to quality products and outstanding service."
Speedway Motors started hiring for the new distribution facility in January and February. Positions include human resources, warehouse, and maintenance jobs. For more information about Speedway Motors and career opportunities with the company, visit https://www.speedwaymotors.com.
Sheetz Will Build $2 Million Distribution Depot in Burr Business Park in Jefferson County
Convenience store chain Sheetz announced in February that will build a distribution truck transfer station in Burr Business Park.
The approximately $2 million investment includes 5.5 acres in the industrial park, construction of a 1,900-square-foot building, and designated parking area for tractor/trailers hauling grocery and retail items.
“The new Sheetz transportation depot is another step forward for West Virginia’s economy,” said Secretary of Commerce Ed Gaunch. “Much of the credit for this success goes to the Jefferson County Development Authority. We also have the advantage of West Virginia’s prime location close to distribution hubs, supply lines and customer markets.”
When completed, the truck transfer station will employ 34 workers. That number includes the creation of 30 new jobs, primarily for truck drivers and delivery assistants. Interviews will begin in the summer of 2021 for positions starting in early 2022.
“We are pleased that Sheetz has chosen to locate its new distribution terminal in the Burr Business Park,” said Neil McLaughlin, president of the Jefferson County Development Authority. “We welcome the 30 new jobs, their match with our mission, and the additional investment in Jefferson County.”
Sheetz operates 614 stores throughout Pennsylvania, Virginia, West Virginia, Maryland, Ohio, and North Carolina. The new truck transfer terminal will serve stores primarily in northeastern Virginia and eastern Maryland.
Sheetzwas established in 1952 as a family-owned business and remains so today. As it expanded over the years, the convenience store chain adapted to changing markets with innovations such as Sheetz coffeez, bakery goods and quality “made to order” food that customers can order electronically on a touchscreen or online.
JCDA Seeks Real Estate Broker Services for Burr Business Park
The Jefferson County Development Authority (JCDA) is seeking proposals from real estate brokers/firms to sell real property located in theBurr Business Parkin Jefferson County, W.Va.
Burr Business Park is home to more than 1,500 employees and approximately 65 companies, including recent additions of Speedway Motors, Sheetz, and Devils Due Distillery. Strategically located in the mid-Atlantic region and conveniently off of WV Route 9, the park has easy access to Interstate 81, US Route 340, and Dulles International Airport. The final phase of development of the Burr Business Park was designed for a mix of uses, and lots range in size from one to five acres. Lots can be combined to accommodate larger needs. Lots are shovel ready with all utilities to the property and fiber runs throughout the park. Jefferson County has a growing population of nearly 60,000 residents and a large influx of seasonal tourists. TheBurr Business Park mapis available online or by request.
It is the intent of thisRequest for Proposal (RFP) to have the successful broker/firm enter into a Professional Services Contract with the JCDA to supply real estate services as outlined herein. Further information is available in the complete RFP.
Proposals should be mailed or delivered to the JCDA at 1948 Wiltshire Road, Suite #4, Kearneysville, WV 25430 on or before 5 p.m. on April 9, 2021. Any questions may be directed to Dennis Jarvis II by email atdjarvis@jcda.netor by phone at 304-728-3255.
The JCDA consists of a 15-member board of directors, including representatives from the county commission and each of the five municipalities within the county as well as industry, business, labor, education, and citizens representatives. The JCDA aims to sustain and grow our county's strong economy and outstanding quality of life by providing leadership and resources for business creation, expansion, and retention.