From humble beginnings, the Mon-Forest Towns Partnership (MFTP) has best been described, “internally,” as “building the plane while flying it.”
What began as a dream in 2017 has grown into a collaborative mission to bring sustainable economic development to West Virginia’s hidden gems, improving the quality of life for residents and tourists alike.
Since February 2023, the MFTP, Inc. is a stand-alone 501(c)3 non-profit corporation with an emphasis on the recreation economy. Josh Nease is the Executive Director. But, the MFTP is not just recreation and bike trails. We are also seeking to address other forest opportunities, workforce housing needs, and workforce training in our conversations. Recreation is a part. Recreation is not the whole.
During the April board meeting at the Tygart Hotel in Elkins, many subjects were discussed. Each will elevate the economy in the eight county region. Among the 37 in attendance were representatives from all 12 towns.
Sessions included Woodlands Lending Projects and Opportunities with Karen Jacobson.
Karen will speak at the upcoming Tourism Summit at the Opera House, Wednesday, May 22. Local businesses looking to start-up or expand will hear of potential funding opportunities.
A Goal of Woodlands is to Move Businesses Towards Bankability. Half of their lending is Real Estate Finance. Helping Businesses and Borrowers meet Equipment and Furnishing Needs is what Woodlands is about. Information for big and small loans is available online at woodlandswv.org
At the time of the board meeting, business loans to Mon Forest Towns was at $2 million, or 62 percent of Woodlands Lending. In order to raise awareness, Woodlands will come to town council or chamber of commerce meetings, or will meet with other interested parties to discuss options.
With 175 projects either completed or in play, Mon Forest Town Partnership has submitted an application for a POWER Grant, with the intention to support the development of gateway town infrastructure, communication and resources. Woodlands has agreed to serve as MFT’s fiscal agent for POWER, per ARC recommendation. A Benedum Foundation Proposal (contingent on POWER) has been submitted.
Other outreach opportunities can be found at bike packing.com and development of bike packing routes town-to-town, along with town-to-forest. Interested parties should keep their eyes open for Expanded Grants Coordination Program, Communication and Engagement coordination, Visitors Guides, Collaboration with WV Tourism Cooperative (Digital Bill- boards), and a host of other specific areas, that I would never have imagined before.
“Together, this will be transformative for the region.”
Worthy of mention, Sara Cottingham has been a huge part of the total projects, thus far. As such, a Transition Fund award will allow Sara to continue to work her magic as Mon Forest Towns Grants Coordinator. Having been awarded $1.9 million, and having leveraged $7.4 million within the MFTP footprint since 2022, keeping Sara as Grants Coordination seemed like a no-brainer to the board.
In closing, remember – May 12 through May 18 is Peace Officers Memorial Week. Every day, police officers pin on their shields and walk out the door, willing to rush into harm’s way to keep the rest of us safe. Being a police officer is more than what they do — it is who they are.
On Peace Officers Memorial Day, May 15, and during Police Week, we recognize the incredible courage of all police officers and honor the fallen heroes, whose ultimate sacrifice we can never repay.