BDC names new director

A new chapter is starting for the Business Development Corp. of the Northern Panhandle, with the announcement of a new executive director.

Patrick Ford has been selected as the BDC's new director, according to the local economic development agency's executive board.

Ford has more than 20 years of experience in community and economic development, most recently serving as the executive director of the Urban Redevelopment Authority for the City of Pittsburgh.

Ford also has worked as a development executive in several communities throughout West Virginia, Virginia, Maryland and Florida.

He holds bachelor's and master's degrees in urban planning from the University of Virginia, was a member of the 2000 Class of Leadership West Virginia and was selected as one of "Who's Who Top Entrepreneurs in West Virginia" by the West Virginia Business Journal.

The announcement was made this week, following months of searching for a new director as part of efforts to reorganize the agency, which is focused primarily on economic development for Brooke and Hancock counties.

"Realizing the importance of this position to our area, the BDC board conducted a fairly exhaustive search for the executive director position," William D'Alesio, BDC chairman, stated. "After reviewing many candidates, we feel fortunate to have been able to attract someone with the education, background and record of success in economic development Pat will bring to Hancock and Brooke counties."

Some of the projects the BDC has worked on include Roll Coater, the Three Springs Business Park, the Baymont Inn and Rue 21 in Weirton; Rig Packaging in Wellsburg; and moving Aladdin Signs to Beech Bottom in an attempt to keep the business in the area.

"This is a great opportunity and I am really looking forward to working with the BDC board, as well as the elected officials and other local community leaders," Ford said. "I welcome the opportunity to work with an organization that possesses the expertise, desire and commitment to improve the quality of life as well as expand the tax base and employment opportunities in West Virginia's Northern Panhandle."

Founded in 1993, the BDC is a non-profit organization formed to serve as the lead economic development agency for the two county region. As part of the efforts to reorganize, proposals have been made also to put together a new board of directors.

In recent months, officials with the agency have been working to gain financial support from local municipalities, as well as the two counties, in the hopes of being able to work on additional projects throughout the area. In the past, the BDC's funding primarily came in the form of a state grant.

(Howell can be contacted at chowell@weirtondailytimes.com)