Oak Hill, W.Va. (March 7, 2024) – Jina Belcher, Executive Director of the New River Gorge Regional Development Authority (NRGRDA), is slated to address stakeholders and citizens attending the 6 to 7:30 p.m. April 30 “A State Without Child Care” Town Hall Series at Lively Family Amphitheater on Main Street in Oak Hill, W.Va.
Belcher said, ”West Virginia ranks 50th in child care accessibility, and 64% of West Virginians live in a child care desert. Adequate and affordable child care is the backbone of a productive and ready workforce and a region must possess this critical service to experience job growth, business retention, and new business attraction. NRGRDA is adding its voice to the collective group seeking state tax credits and incentives for child care and an expansion of the tax credit the Legislature enacted in 2023 for the development of more child care facilities in our communities. We’re fortunate to have the strong voice of Melissa Colagrosso, owner of A Place To Grow, representing our region’s childcare needs and NRGRDA will staunchly advocate for innovative solutions to support childcare. ”
As working mother, Belcher said we need more business leaders to attend these town hall meetings and to get actively involved in sharing data about how the lack of accessible and affordable child care hinders our communities and the state overall.
The West Virginia Association for Young Children and West Virginia Chamber of Commerce are collaborating to encourage the West Virginia Legislature to act on childcare deficiencies during the May Special Session. This free community forum open to the public is one of 10 being held statewide to educate citizens on local, state and federal policies and activities that could help enhance childcare opportunities. Other town halls are being held in these locations:
Bridgeport – April 9
Charleston – TBD
Huntington – May 7
Keyser – TBD
Lewisburg – April 23
Parkersburg – May 9
Princeton – May 2
Shenandoah Junction – May 8
Weirton – April 11
Wheeling – April 17
Belcher joined leaders from across WV at the state’s annual “Child Care Day” at the Legislature on February 14 (Valentine’s Day) to meet with legislators and call attention to the child care needs of employers, college students, and families.
More details are available about the event by contacting Melissa Colagrosso at [email protected]
The West Virginia Hive Network proudly announces the addition of two new regional business advisors – Devon Fitzgerald and Matt Nichols. Both advisors have been actively serving small business clients and startups since joining the team in September, bringing a wealth of experience and dedication to their roles.
Bill Woodrum, Senior Program Officer at the Claude Worthington Benedum Foundation, delivered keynote remarks and 12 awardees were recognized at the West Virginia Hive’s annual Open House and Awards Ceremony on Friday, December 13, 2024.
Jina Belcher, Executive Director of the New River Gorge Regional Development Authority (NRGRDA), named Bowles Rice, LLP and Huntington National Bank, as recipients of its 2024 Partner of the Year award.
Click here to signup for our newsletter!
