Suzanne Stewart
Staff Writer
Last Thursday the Pocahontas County Chamber of Commerce co-hosted a Small Business Resource Fair with the Greenbrier Valley Economic Development Corporation at Rivertown in Marlinton.
Businesses and non-profits in the Greenbrier Valley were set up with information about programs and services available to the community.
While attendees dined on hors d’oeuvres made by Rivertown Café and discussed business in the area, the Chamber recognized the 2025 Business of the Year –Kenny Woods State Farm Insurance, of Marlinton.
It was a bittersweet moment for Woods and his staff. That evening was the two-year anniversary of the tragic accident that took the life of State Farm agent Darren Jackson, and his son, Ryan.
Through great adversity and the willpower of his team, Woods went through the necessary steps to become the State Farm agent and has continued the legacy left by Jackson.
As she announced the award, chamber officer Clair Rose talked about the hurdles the business overcame in the past two years that led to this honor. Rose was joined by Chamber president Bill Jordan in presenting the award.
“We’re lucky to have many successful and thriving businesses in Pocahontas County,” Rose said. “From time to time, businesses face tribulations and, in some cases, huge tragedies that require a great deal of resilience and dedication to overcome.
“This particular business has faced the ultimate challenge of rebuilding and continuing to serve the residents of Pocahontas County and beyond, and has done so with great success,” she added.
Woods graciously accepted the award and was joined by his staff – Kelley Pyles, Jerdina White, Dalton Irvine and the recently retired Julie Gibson.
Rose said the award for the Volunteer of the Year will be given at a later date.
