Development officials are looking for ways to attract business to downtown Philippi in the vicinity of the Barbour County Courthouse, as well as other areas of the county.
PHILIPPI, W.Va. — Making Barbour County more of a destination could be the solution county officials are looking for when it comes to promoting business growth.
And 2016 could see a boost in business if a Barbour County Development Authority idea comes to fruition.
Reg Trefethen, manager of business development for the authority, said he has reached out to Amish communities in Ohio that have expressed a strong interest in coming to Philippi and creating 16 businesses to sell Amish foods, wares and other products.
This could happen by Christmas 2016, Trefethen said. Six Amish leaders are planning a February visit to Philippi to meet with authority members.
Trefethen said they already have expressed interest in potentially expanding from 16 to 25 businesses and extending into Belington, if they find success in Philippi. They also plan to discuss the dilemma of horse and carriages as a means of transportation on busy downtown streets…