CHARLESTON ROOTS INITIATIVE NOW ACCEPTING APPLICATIONS

Application Portal Open through June 30

Charleston, WV – (June 3, 2022) The Charleston Area Alliance and the City of Charleston today announced the reopening of the Charleston Roots Initiative application portal. Charleston Roots Initiative is a relocation incentive program targeting people with West Virginia ties seeking full-time employment in Charleston. The portal will be open through June 30, 2022, at 5 p.m.

“Charleston has come to life over the last year as we make our way out of the COVID-19 pandemic,” said Mayor Amy Shuler Goodwin. “The Charleston Roots Program offers an amazing opportunity for individuals to come to Charleston, live affordably and find activities to fit every lifestyle. As we experience job growth throughout all parts of our city, we are excited to work with companies looking to engage those in high-demand positions.”

The relocation incentive package includes $5,000, networking opportunities, local experiences, and memberships tailored to applicants’ lifestyles. A $500 incentive is available for West Virginians who recruit a family member or friend to move to Charleston. Selected applicants have 90 days following program commitment to move to Charleston and must provide proof of residency and employment to receive the incentive payments.

“The Roots program has shown us that there is a significant interest in relocating to the Charleston area,” said Nicole Christian, President/CEO, Charleston Area Alliance. “According to the Talent Wars study published by Development Counsellors International (DCI) in 2021, the top three motivators for the 7,000,000 people who moved in 2020 were to have an improved quality of life, be closer to family, and access larger living space. If job opportunities are equal, then the top location factors are cost of living, housing cost, and housing availability. More than 50% of those people were offered cash incentives. The Roots puts us right in the mix as a great option for relocation since our community aligns with the top decision factors.”

Applicants must be 18 years of age or older and currently reside outside of a 50-mile radius of Charleston, West Virginia. The program targets people seeking full-time employment in the area. The selection committee includes representatives from the City of Charleston, Charleston City Council, and the Charleston Area Alliance Board of Directors.

For complete program guidelines and timelines or to apply, please visit CharlestonRoots.com. The application portal closes on Thursday, June 30, at 5 p.m.

The Charleston Area Alliance is a multi-faceted economic, business and community development organization as well as the largest regional Chamber of Commerce in West Virginia. The Alliance attracts and retains innovative industries and workforce, revitalizes urban spaces and improves Charleston, West Virginia and the Kanawha Valley through a unified mission and strategic goals. Learn more about Alliance programs and events at www.charlestonareaalliance.org.

Development Counsellors International (DCI) specializes in economic development, tourism and talent attraction marketing. “Talent Wars” is their national research study on the behaviors and preferences of relocating talent. The report has been conducted and published annually since 2017.

Charleston Area Alliance Contact

Johanna Miesner | 304-340-4253

jmiesner@charlestonareaalliance.org