Tourism marketing opportunities expand for top of West Virginia CVB

Tourism Marketing Opportunities Expand for Top of West Virginia CVB

WELLSBURG -- The Top of West Virginia Convention and Visitors Bureau will have more opportunities to market the region following a presentation Tuesday to the Brooke County Commission.

CVB Executive Director Rachel Keeney attended the commission's meeting to provide the organization's annual report and discuss its objectives for the coming year.

Keeney noted an increase in visitors to the region, as reflected in increased revenue from local hotels.

"It was great to see, this year, our hotel occupancy tax, overall between Weirton, Brooke County and Hancock County, was up 13 percent," Keeney said. "We’re able to use our marketing dollars a little more effectively that way."

Under state law, a portion of hotel occupancy taxes, whether collected at the municipal or county level, must be used for tourism efforts.

In addition to traditional marketing covering the entire region, the CVB entered into partnerships this year to promote specific groups or events, such as the Brooke County Farmers Market, held every Wednesday through Sept. 2 from 4 to 7 p.m. at 535 Charles St., Wellsburg.

Other opportunities arose from the America 250 campaign, organized in celebration of the nation's semiquincentennial.

Those included efforts to create two murals in the area, one in Weirton and one in Wellsburg, which are featured on West Virginia's America 250 Mural Trail.

The CVB also is working with local historian Paul J. Zuros to chronicle elements of the region's past, with features published on topics including the Peter Tarr Furnace and its influence on early American industry; Patrick Gass, the last surviving member of the Lewis and Clark Expedition, who settled in Wellsburg in his later years; and the founding and importance of Weirton Steel.

"You can find those stories on our website," Keeney said.

The CVB is a nonprofit bureau established to promote tourism and travel in Hancock and Brooke counties, as well as promote the arts and increase economic activity in the region.

The visitor center is located at 243 Three Springs Drive, Suite 17, Weirton, and also is home to the Summit Art Gallery, which showcases the work of local artists.

In other business Tuesday, commissioners:

-- Approved a request to pay the $25,000 commission for the sheriff for the 2025-26 tax year.

-- Reopened the estate of Norman Johnson regarding banking matters.

-- Approved a proposal from Lyle's Auto for a 2019 Ford EcoSport at $13,929 for use by the Compliance Department. Commissioner Tom Diserio abstained from the vote.

-- Approved the deed transfer with the City of Weirton for 840 Charles St.

-- Approved the appointments of Jim Boniey and Stacey Wise to represent the county on the Northern Panhandle HOME Consortium Council. The county continues to seek interest in a third seat.