The Kanawha Valley: An Attractive & Prosperous Place to Live & Work
Economic Development
From site selection to innovation support, we help attract and grow businesses across industries large and small.
Community Programs
Enhancing local engagement with initiatives like #KeepItLocalKV, Downtown Open, Charleston in Bloom, and the Holiday Window Display Contest.
Small Business & Startup Support
Expert training, funding, and mentorship via our Business Incubator, Small Business Grants, and Faster WV programs.
Chamber of Commerce
Driving local business growth through networking, advocacy, affinity programs, and exclusive member opportunities.
Catalyst for Change in the Kanawha Valley
The Charleston Area Alliance serves as a catalyst for change for Kanawha County, leading with innovative and collaborative approaches to shape a prosperous economy that fosters growth and attracts people and investment. The Charleston Area Alliance is: proactive, thinks long-term, aligned with our partners and the community, collaborative, efficient, and provides value in all our services.
Become a Member
Join our network of entrepreneurs, nonprofits, and corporate leaders driving regional progress.
Recent News & Events
Latest News
Charleston Area Alliance partners with Breeze Airways, the State of West Virginia, Yeager Airport, Kanawha County, and the City of Charleston to expand air service.
CHARLESTON, WV– Governor Patrick Morrisey today announced that Breeze Airways, the acclaimed...
Charleston Area Alliance Welcomes Ellen Cappellanti as New Chair of the Board of Directors
Charleston, WV (June 24, 2025) – The Charleston Area Alliance is proud to announce that Ellen...
Charleston Area Alliance & Optimum Business Announce Lifting Up Small Business Grants
Optimum Business will award 25 small businesses each a $5,000 grant to further support the...
Upcoming Events
Join us for professional development, advocacy sessions, networking, and more.
Building a Thriving Region
Charleston, WV is growing through a blend of historic industry and emerging opportunities. The Charleston Area Alliance supports this progress by driving economic development, strengthening local businesses, and leading community-focused initiatives that enhance the region’s vitality and appeal.
Program Spotlight:
Workforce Initiatives
Leveraging partnerships like Faster WV and internship programs to build local workforce pipelines.
Downtown Revitalization & Housing Initiative
Making our downtown more vibrant and livable for residents, workers, and visitors.
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What a busy (and exciting!) week it’s been for the Alliance & our team! 👏
We kicked things off Tuesday with conversations on 580 Live with Dave Allen and Danny Twilley about the inaugural West Virginia Outdoor Economy Summit, followed by staff participation in the Summit itself — learning how we can better leverage our region’s incredible outdoor assets to drive opportunity and growth.
We were also proud to see our team showing up across the community:
✨ Maria Belcher participated in FestivALL's “3 Things” series, sharing insights on her path to entrepreneurship.
✨ Victoria Russo moderated one of the UC Downtown Innovation Hub's Two Views series, leading an important discussion on funding sources for small businesses.
On the horizon, we’re also thrilled to celebrate our Senior VP of Community Development, Susie Salisbury, and long-time Board Member, Nancy Bruns, as they are being recognized as part of the 2026 YWCA Charleston Women of Achievement — a well-deserved honor for two incredible leaders.
There’s so much happening and we truly couldn’t do it without all of you. Thank you for being part of this work with us! ... See MoreSee Less
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Thank you to the University of Charleston for having our President & CEO, Mara Boggs, on the latest episode of Discover UC! We’re grateful for the opportunity to share the important work happening across our region and for leaders like Mara and President Roth who are committed to strengthening our community and driving progress forward. 🤝✨ ... See MoreSee Less
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A big win for Kanawha County & the City of Charleston! ✈️ Thank you to Senator Capito and Senator Justice for championing this vital funding that will bring economic growth and increase quality of life for West Virginians. ... See MoreSee Less
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We are grateful to be part of the innagural West Virginia Outdoor Economy Summit! It’s inspiring to join leaders, partners, and advocates from across the state who are working together to showcase and strengthen West Virginia’s incredible outdoor assets. Opportunities like this highlight how collaboration can drive economic growth, community development, and quality of life for our region. We’re proud to be here & are looking forward to a great day! (Our display table is brought to you by our fantastic interns, McKenzie & Chase!) ... See MoreSee Less
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Our very own Victoria Russo will be moderating one of UC Downtown Innovation Hub's Inspiring Innovation Speaker Series: Two Views, Funding Sources for Small Businesses. It will be a great discussion, and we hope you can join her THIS Thursday for the panel beginning at 4 pm at the UC Downtown Innovation Hub!
Register here: www.ucwv.edu/event/funding-sources-for-small-business/?fbclid=IwY2xjawQBwvpleHRuA2FlbQIxMABicmlkE... ... See MoreSee Less
Victoria Russo and Ben Adkins stopped by to tell you more about the event they are speaking at on Thursday! Don't forget to register for Two Views: Funding Sources for Small Businesses. #UCWV #UCDIH #Innovation #Funding #SmallBusinesses
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❤️ Happy Valentine’s Day from the Charleston Area Alliance & Chamber of Commerce! ❤️
Today we’re celebrating the businesses, entrepreneurs, leaders, and community champions who make the Kanawha Valley such a special place to live, work, and grow.
We are so grateful for our members and partners who pour their hearts into strengthening our region every single day. Because of YOU, our community continues to thrive. ... See MoreSee Less
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