KURT ZENDE

WHEELING — City officials had been looking to hire an economic development specialist to fill a role similar to the one previously handled by Kurt Zende before he was named president of the Wheeling Area Chamber of Commerce nearly four years ago.

This week, Wheeling City Manager Robert Herron announced that they found the perfect candidate for the job — none other than Zende himself.

“Kurt’s deep knowledge of the Wheeling business community, coupled with his proven track record in building relationships and fostering growth, make him an asset to the city,” Herron said. “Kurt has been an active leader in the community for many years. His return to the city reflects a commitment to building on recent success and positioning Wheeling for long-term, sustainable growth.”

Zende’s previous role in the city was multifaceted. He not only served in the capacity of an economic development liaison, he worked as the Centre Market manager. When the city acquired the former Ohio Valley Medical Center campus, Zende ended up managing that property, as well.

“I worked for Bob Herron for about 17 years beforehand, and I’m excited to get back in,” Zende said. “That’s sort of my natural position. I really enjoy economic development.”

City leaders said Zende brings a wealth of experience to the role, having most recently served as the chamber president. Prior to taking on his current role at the chamber, Zende served in a similar economic development capacity in the Wheeling and has worked in other municipalities.

He previously held positions with the Jefferson County Chamber of Commerce and with the Main Street program in Steubenville.

In his new position, Zende will oversee and administer Wheeling’s economic development initiatives, focusing on business recruitment, job creation, retention and expansion, as well as fostering new business and industry development throughout Wheeling.

Zende is expected to begin in his new role as Wheeling’s economic development specialist on Sept. 2. Until then, Zende will continue serving as president of the chamber and this week said he looks forward to working with Wheeling City Council and the city administration in the future to discuss priorities for economic growth in the city.

“I know that site identification is very important, and using my contacts and matching up those sites with potential developers and people interested in opening up business in Wheeling will be a priority, I’m sure,” Zende said.

“I think I know exactly what the business community needs when they’re looking at reestablishing a location in the city or if they’re looking for something new.”

“We did some great things redeveloping Centre Market 15 years ago, and I think that’s something we can learn from, move this thing forward and develop other pockets in the city,” Zende said. “I’m excited to come back to the city of Wheeling in this economic development role. We had great success in the past, especially in the redevelopment of Centre Market, and I’m very confident that the table is being set for even bigger developments.”

Last month when members of Wheeling City Council discussed the possibility of bringing back an economic development specialist to the city, officials agreed to launch the position in September for an initial 10-month period through the end of the current fiscal year. The city manager indicated at that time that the position would be a $90,000 one, with an overall annual cost to the city of about $102,000 with salary and benefits.