Weirton unveils new promotional video series

WEIRTON - The City of Weirton is hoping to bring some new eyes on the community by highlighting some of the elements officials feel make the area special.

City officials launched a series of promotional videos Friday, available for viewing on the municipal website -- www.cityofweirton.com -- as well as its social media.

"We have a total of seven videos," explained Assistant City Manager DeeAnn Pulliam, noting the videos include a message from Mayor Dean Harris, a general welcome to the community, as well as videos focusing on quality-of-life aspects, economic development, shopping and dining, public safety and community organizations. "We feel they will best represent what we have to offer."

The videos were made possible in partnership with CGI Digital, which produced them at no cost as part of the city’s membership with the National League of Cities.

In particular, city officials wanted to put a focus on developments within the community in recent years, including the opening of Form Energy and Premium Guard, as well as the incorporation of Weirton Medical Center into the WVU Medicine system.

Videos showcase growth of locally owned small businesses, such as Fifth Label Clothing, Prime, Havana Nights and the Plaza Theater, as well as new opportunities along Main Street, Three Springs Drive and Park Drive.

There are profiles on the city’s safety forces, highlighting the work of the Weirton Police Department and Weirton Fire Department, and information on various community celebrations, such as the Festival of Nations and Christmas on Main Street.

Harris said the campaign is a continuation of efforts to reach outside of Weirton to encourage individuals and businesses to visit, and possibly invest in, the area.

"We’re looking to rebound," he said, adding the community continues to take pride in its steel-making foundation, while looking for innovative ways to market the area for future growth and opportunity.

Harris noted it takes a community effort to see such growth, offering thanks to the Weirton Area Chamber of Commerce, the Business Development Corp. of the Northern Panhandle and others for partnering with the city to showcase the continuing transformation Weirton has been experiencing in recent years.

Harris said, while those living here now can see the change on a regular basis, others who have never been to Weirton, or who haven’t visited in many years, may be unaware of the differences.

"We need to let people outside of the community know," Harris said. "Weirton is growing. This is going to help us grow even more."