MERCER COUNTY, WV (LOOTPRESS) – The third day of Mercer County’s Economic Mobility Leadership Network event continued the illumination of both advantages and challenges faced by residents throughout the community.
These experiences are being shared to the end of informing the perspectives of leaders from around the country, in the hope that mutual understanding of different areas can lead to unity among lawmakers, and consequently, more efficient and effective legislation nationwide.
The facilitation of the four-day event by Mercer County Commissioner and NACo Board Member Hon. Greg Puckett saw participants partaking in several tours and presentations.
Tuesday, this included a panel discussion on substance abuse, mental health, physical health, and how these elements pertain to economic mobility and the overall mission of the Economic Mobility Leadership Network.
This panel was moderated by Community Connections Inc Program Director, Dr. Jamie Styons, and saw participation from several esteemed community figures. These included Southern Highlands Community Mental Health Center Executive Director, Lisa Jones, WVU Medicine Executive Vice President of Government Affairs and President/CEO of Princeton Community Hospital, Karen L. Bowling, and Bluestone Health Association Inc Chief Executive Officer, Linda Hutchens.
Following the discussion panel, the group made the journey to Camp Creek State Park and Forest, where local tourism was discussed with Executive Director of the Mercer County Convention and Visitors Bureau, Jamie Null. A tour of Camp Creek State Park and Forest was conducted by park Superintendent Monty Ball.
On the heels of a catered lunch courtesy of Princeton’s own A Taste of Memphis came remarks from several local leaders including Executive Director of Mercer County’s Development Authority, John O’Neal, who discussed local economic development, and Mercer County Commissioner Hon. Bill Archer, who touched on the historic Garden Center Property.
Local zoning, broadband, and infrastructure challenges were discussed with Jason Roberts, Executive Director or the Region I Planning & Development Council, as was activity within the local Chamber of Commerce with Two Virginias Chamber CEO and President, Jeff Dissibbio.
After a short break, the group began a trek toward Spanishburg, during which Clay County Family History was discussed. This journey also entailed a tour of the city of Matoaka, as well as a view of one of Mercer County’s most interesting fixtures, the Lake Shawnee Amusement Park. The park became operational in 1926 and operated for 40 years before being shut down in 1967. According to local legend, the park is now occupied by supernatural entities, earning the abandoned location its long standing reputation of being haunted.
Mercer County Courthouse was the next stop for the lawmakers, and it was here they took in a historical overview of the courthouse, as well as a presentation on dilapidated structures and the Keep Mercer Clean Initiative and recycling program.
The latter was facilitated by a number of community leaders, including Mercer County Dilapidated Structures Officer, Lori Mills, Mercer County Litter Control Officer, Josh Parks, Mercer, Mercer County Recycling Coordinator, Steve Cline, and Mercer County Commission President, Hon. Gene Buckner.
A visit to Mercer Street’s Grassroots District afforded participants with time to explore the local community, as well as meet with local figures such as RiffRaff Arts Collective Director, Lori McKinney, Princeton Mayor, Hon. David Graham, and Princeton City Manager, Mike Webb.
The remainder of the evening was, for the most part, reserved for winding down with dinner and entertainment courtesy of Sophisticated Hound Brewing Company and Mercer County-based musician Matt Deal.
The events and activities scheduled throughout the four-day Economic Mobility Leadership Network in Mercer County reflect the pride in the area held by facilitator, Mercer County Commissioner, and NACo Board Member, Hon. Greg Puckett, who said of the community, “We know in Mercer County that we still see the American dream as an attainable goal.”
The NACo facilitated event will conclude Wednesday following a morning workshop and Mercer County Asks EMLN session. More information on the National Association of Communities can be found here.
