The Challenge

The Challenge

Borne of a philosophy that cast aside “business as usual,” the Alliance has emerged as a powerful catalyst for growth, positive change and bottom-line results in the Kanawha Valley.

 

As your multi-faceted economic, business, and community development organization, as well as the largest regional Chamber of Commerce in West Virginia, the Alliance has delivered real results for our region: attracting new jobs and investments, helping businesses like yours accelerate profitability, launching visionary community and cultural enhancement projects and developing the talent and resources to sustain success for today and tomorrow.

 

Results

 

The reorganization and consolidation that created the Alliance has led to administrative efficiencies, but even more importantly, has sparked the creativity and excitement that have enabled us achieve many successes in a very short time:

 

  • Helped TRG expand operations and create 220+ new good-paying jobs at its Corridor G facility.

 

  • Successfully advocated, through our Chamber division, for further reductions in the business franchise and corporate net income taxes.

 

  • Worked with state and local partners to attract a Japanese polymer manufacturer to Belle, planning $100 million investment in facilities and 50 new jobs by 2010.

 

  • Built an energy-efficient home on Charleston’s East End that was used as a “green” teaching tool during construction phase for contractors.

 

  • Secured the CASCI operation and its 600 employees in downtown Charleston for up to 31 years.

 

  • Engaged and empowered young professionals through Leadership Kanawha Valley and “Generation Charleston,” (our young professionals organization) which now has 600+ members.

 

  • Recruited several international companies to our region, including DPR LLC, New Finishing Line LLC, B&W Creative LLC, Applied Computing and Engineering, and IPS LLC.

 

  • Revitalized the East End Washington Street business district through façade grants, which stimulated hundreds of thousands of dollars in new investment, free wireless Internet service and other innovative projects.

 

  • Forged the path for the Gateway Greenspace project in the block near the Clay Center.

 

  • Created a Land Task Force to identify and develop sites and facilities to attract and expand new businesses and industries.

 

These projects just skim the surface of the many recent improvements we’ve helped achieve for the Kanawha Valley. 

 

Thumbs-up

 

Our members and the community confirm that we are on the right path. Our “Project Pulse” research found that:

 

  • 71% rated the Alliance “effective” or “very effective” in advancing its overall mission
  • 71% rated the Alliance “effective” or “very effective” in promoting economic development
  • 73% rated the Alliance “effective” or “very effective” in promoting community development

 

Here’s what they tell us:

 

“We go to the Alliance first when we have a question or need and we get quick results.”  Tom Provost, plant manager, Kureha PGA PLLC


”I believe the Alliance is making a large improvement in our community.”  Michelle Wilson, President, ServiceMaster of Kanawha Valley

 

“What has impressed me about the Alliance is the follow-up.  They do what they say they’ll do.”  Lloyd Scarbro, service manager, Joe Holland Service Center

 

“The Alliance provides a diverse set of resources and experience that both community newcomers as well as those wishing to locate, relocate or expand can call on for guidance and advice.”  Tom Wetzel, Vice President & Chief Administrative Officer, NGK Spark Plugs

 

“Our city and the professional and technical expertise available, and in general what the region has to offer new businesses is marketed very well by the Alliance.”  Michelle Twohig, CASCI

 

The Alliance’s leadership and support allows downtown businesses a way to coordinate and plan which would otherwise not be possible.”  Chuck Hamsher, Purple Moon

“The Alliance is the trusted and respected keeper of the Kanawha Valley’s vision for the future.  The Alliance does an outstanding job of expressing the collective voice of the community.”  Tom Heywood, managing partner, Bowles Rice

 

“The Alliance benefits the community through its efforts to invigorate the local economy and help provide for an improved quality of life for current and future residents of our area.  The organization reflects the very best the area has to offer.”  Maureen O’Toole, ImageServ

 

Much to be done

 

We are proud of the tremendous progress we have made and the positive change we have inspired, but we know there is much work to be done to meet the challenges that continue to face our region.  We embrace these challenges and look forward to continuing to drive the destiny of the Kanawha Valley, building a more vibrant community and prosperous economy.

 

We have developed ambitious, measurable Work Plans that serve as a framework for achieving our economic, business and community development goals and continuing to deliver results for our members and the citizens of the Kanawha Valley.  Our board and staff are committed.  The opportunities are there.  Momentum is high.

 

But we can’t do it on our own.  The tremendous progress we have achieved is a direct result of the strength and vitality of our membership support.  To ensure that our community continues to move forward, we have launched a “Return on Investment” campaign for the next three years.

 

Your Return on Investment

 

The “Return on Investment” campaign engages visionary business and community leaders in sustaining the Alliance’s progress through their annual investments of $5,000 and up.  Contributors participating at this level join our exclusive “Investors” panel, and enjoy a range of privileges and unparalleled partnership opportunities that enable them to showcase their commitment to the community.

 

But their real “Return on Investment” can be seen in the progress that this support makes possible:

 

  • Economic vitality and growth for our region
  • New jobs and new customers for your businesses
  • Capital investments and improvements in your community
  • Legislation and policies that promote bottom-line results
  • Retention of our youth and growing the talent that fuels innovation
  • Enhanced quality of life and quality of place
  • A promising future in a community that you and your family can be proud to call home.

 

 

Drive Destiny

 

We invite you to join your peers who are collectively shaping the future of Charleston – and making a wise investment in their own success – through their Investor-level participation in the Charleston Area Alliance. 

 

As an Investor, you join prestigious group of individuals and businesses that is driving the destiny of our community.

 

At the Charleston Area Alliance, we’re not waiting for things to change – we’re making it happen every day throughout our community.  As an Investor, you will too.

 

Return on Investment

Investor Opportunities

 

Chairman’s Circle

$50,000 + Annual Investment

 

President’s Council

$30,000+ Annual Investment

 

Cornerstone Partner

$20,000+ Annual Investment

 

Executive Partner

$10,000 Annual Investment

 

Vision Builder

$5,000 Annual Investment

 

An exclusive Investor benefit package will be tailored for your level of participation and area of interest. Investor recognition options include building naming opportunities, Alliance leadership participation, event sponsorships, program and committee partnerships and marketing, and other visibility mechanisms.  We would be pleased to explore these options with you.