Polymer Alliance Zone, Inc.

09/03/2026

🏭 **What’s Happening in PAZ?**

A major investment is helping build the future of advanced manufacturing in West Virginia!

BridgeValley Community and Technical College and WVU Parkersburg have received nearly **$2 million through the Appalachian Regional Commission’s POWER Initiative** to expand advanced manufacturing education and workforce development across 11 West Virginia counties.

The three-year initiative will:

✅ Establish two open-access advanced manufacturing training labs
✅ Modernize manufacturing equipment and technology
✅ Serve approximately 900 students and 100 current workers
✅ Engage local businesses, high schools and workforce organizations
✅ Create stronger pathways to in-demand manufacturing careers

Several counties within the PAZ region—including Jackson, Pleasants, Ritchie, Tyler, Wirt and Wood—will benefit from the program. Investments like this help manufacturers access the skilled workforce they need while creating more opportunities for West Virginians to build rewarding careers close to home.

🔗 Read the full story:
https://www.msn.com/en-us/money/economy/bridgevalley-community-and-technical-college-and-wvu-parkersburg-receive-2-million-for-manufacturing-workforce-program/ar-AA2b4hjM?ocid=socialshare

09/02/2026

Congratulations to Adam Phillips on this exciting next chapter!

Adam’s nine years of service to HADCO have made a lasting impact on economic development across the Huntington area, and we’re excited to continue working with him as he joins Advantage Valley, Inc.

Strong partnerships and experienced economic development professionals like Adam help move our entire region forward. Congratulations, Adam!

Recognizing incredible service!

Thank you, Adam Phillips, for your nine years of dedicated service to HADCO and the Huntington Area! We know today isn't goodbye, but "see ya around". Adam has been serving in roles including Business Retention & Expansion Manager and Vice President of Real Estate & Business Development. Moving forward, Adam is taking a step over to join one of our partners, Advantage Valley, Inc. In his new role, Adam will not only partner closely with HADCO but several other organizations in the region to improve business retention & expansion efforts.

Congratulations, Adam, on your new position and chapter in your career!

08/31/2026

When local partners align, regional economies thrive.

The Polymer Alliance Zone is proud to highlight the ongoing collaboration securing investment, infrastructure, and job creation for West Virginia.

Read the feature in WV News: https://www.wvnews.com/jacksonnews/building-opportunities-together/article_584e2268-3354-4f9e-aa83-dc08bce77db6.html

As the doors opened for another school year across Jackson County, students, teachers, and families returned to classrooms with the usual excitement, but this year, there is another reason for

08/27/2026

We’re excited to welcome this manufacturing prospect back to the area for a second visit! 🏭📍 PAZ is proud to support the site tours and join our regional partners in showcasing the opportunities—and hospitality—our region has to offer. 🤝✨

We're excited to have a manufacturing prospect back in town for a second visit! We're looking forward to site tours and a group dinner with our friends at Shale Crescent USA and the Polymer Alliance Zone, Inc.

08/27/2026

🏗️ **What’s Happening in PAZ?**

Big progress continues in Mason County! Nucor has confirmed that construction and commissioning of its $4 billion West Virginia sheet mill remain on schedule and within budget, with commercial production expected to begin in 2027.

Commissioning activities will continue throughout this year as equipment across the facility is inspected, tested and prepared for startup. The mill successfully ran its first coil through the pickle line in June—another major milestone as the project moves closer to production.

Located along the Ohio River in Apple Grove, the 1,700-acre facility will eventually produce up to 3 million tons of sheet steel annually. Production capabilities are expected to expand gradually throughout 2027 and 2028.

This historic investment represents tremendous momentum for advanced manufacturing, job creation and continued economic development throughout the PAZ region and West Virginia.

Read the full article:
https://www.wvnews.com/news/wvnews/nucor-says-4b-west-virginia-steel-mill-remains-on-schedule-for-2027-production/article_919d1a5a-2eb9-471a-bd2f-83d0b70f86fa.html


Nucor image staff photo by Chad Vaughn

08/20/2026

📣 WHAT’S HAPPENING in PAZ?

Big things are happening in Huntington! HADCO has announced plans to move its future headquarters into Marshall University’s $300 million IDEA District.

HADCO will call the IDEA Collaborative—the former Latta’s building—home, sharing space with Marshall’s iCenter and other regional partners. This exciting collaboration will help accelerate entrepreneurship, support local businesses and create new opportunities for economic growth across our community.

Congratulations to HADCO President & CEO Toney Stroud, Marshall University President Brad D. Smith and everyone helping bring this bold vision to life!

Huntington’s future is bright—and we can’t wait to see what’s next. 💚

08/17/2026

We’re feeling lucky at PAZ! 🎉

Congratulations to our very own Pat Ford, who was the lucky winner of the date night door prize at the Chamber Breakfast Club! 🎟️❤️

Thank you to the Chamber of Commerce of the Mid-Ohio Valley for bringing our business community together—even on a rainy morning—and to Peoples Bank and Vienna Branch Manager Emily Martin for sponsoring such a warm and welcoming event.

Rain or shine, it’s always wonderful connecting with our Chamber friends! ☔☀️



Link: https://www.facebook.com/share/p/1DqazYtq7T/

08/13/2026

🚧 WHAT’S HAPPENING IN PAZ? 🚧

A major transformation is taking shape in Huntington! Marshall University leaders have shared the next phase of the more than $200 million IDEA District—an innovation and economic development corridor designed to bring together education, research, business and community life.

Plans include new office and retail space, dining, housing and hospitality, alongside Marshall’s Institute for Cyber Security. The district is expected to create new opportunities, attract businesses and strengthen our regional economy.

Big ideas are becoming real investments right here in our community! 💡🏗️

Read more: https://www.wowktv.com/news/west-virginia/cabell-county-wv/marshall-leaders-detail-next-phase-of-200m-idea-district-project/

08/10/2026

✅PAZ is proud to announce a new partnership with Reshore Technologies as a design partner for the ReshoreWV Portal pilot—an initiative focused on bringing manufacturing home, strengthening West Virginia’s supply chains, and transforming import data into actionable business-development opportunities.

The partnership will help ensure the platform reflects the needs of West Virginia’s polymer and chemical industries, from identifying reshoring opportunities to positioning companies and development sites for future investment.

Cam Huffman, PAZ’s Director of External Relations, has been appointed to serve as PAZ’s lead representative and primary point of contact for the partnership. Cam will test the portal’s features and provide industry-focused feedback as Reshore Technologies prepares the platform for broader statewide deployment.

We look forward to working with the ReshoreWV team to advance manufacturing, attract investment, and create new opportunities throughout West Virginia.