Background

Central Appalachia Empowerment Zone was incorporated in 1994 to address the need of citizens residing in this distressed community.  CAEZ is a private nonprofit (501-3C) corporation and was created in response to the EZ/EC program and is dedicated to improving the quality of life for residents of this zone. When the EZ/EC program was announced, representatives from a five (5) county region collaborated on an application. The region serviced by the zone includes nine (9) census tracts and it covers all of Clay County and portions of Braxton, Roane, Nicholas, and Fayette Counties. It covers 800 square miles and contains 29,000 residents. The Board of Directors are elected by the residents of the census tracts and proportioned according to the poverty levels, with the tracts having the highest rate of poverty, having the greater number of representatives. Each county represented has one (1) elected County Commissioner serving on the Board of Directors. One of the focal areas adopted was the development of economic activities as an identified and documented need.  The effort of CAEZ’s Micro-Loan program is currently involved in six (6) new business startups and twenty nine (29) jobs have been created. 

     During the planning process, over 100 community meetings were held to discuss issues and priorities for the Zone's strategic plan. All of this information was distilled into a strategic plan that focuses on the following: infrastructure, economic development, housing, education, and health/emergency services. The resulting application for EZ/EC designation was successful and CAEZ of WV is one of 30 rural enterprise communities. The CAEZ was one of the first in the country to sign its Memorandum of Agreement with the Federal Government. We immediately began implementation of our strategic plan, and during the past ten (11) years the bulk of what we have accomplished is as follows:

1. Implementation of a building construction trades program to teach construction skills and provide affordable housing for zone residents. The program has built their second house and is in the process of being sold.

2. Development of a housing rehabilitation program and revolving loan fund. The Housing Committee has given thirty eight (38) loans to zone residents for new roofs, septic systems, wells, etc.

3. Development of a new home construction program to leverage outside funding sources for construction of affordable housing. Three (3) loans have been given.

4. Completion of a site planning and targeted industries study.

5. Purchased land to develop an industrial site.

6. Creation of a loan fund to provide "gap" financing for new and expanding zone businesses. Four (4) loans have been given to businesses within the zone.

7. Creation of an entrepreneurial development program funded by ARC.

8. Development of a multi-county economic development effort for marketing.

9. Initiation of six (6) preschool programs.

10. Expansion of ABE Program to serve 100-150 zone residents per year.

11. Creation of six (6) FRN's to link school resources with community needs.

12. Development of ambulance station’s in all 5 covered areas.

13. Funding for two (2) wellness centers.

14. Creation of a seven (7) county arts & crafts coop and store at a regional factory outlet mall.

15. Funding for fire departments in all served areas.

16. Funding for a Medical Center in Roane County.

17. Development of a Learning Lab in our Clay County office to use for business development training programs.

18. Partnered with the Workforce Investment Board and Youth Advantage to have an office in Clay County to serve the underserved in the area.

19. Was instrumental in the creation of the Buffalo Creek & Gauley Railroad Cooperative to assist in the development of a rail excursion and a campground along Buffalo Creek.

      CAEZ has played the role of developer, facilitator, and resource coordinator. In most cases, CAEZ has taken the lead in project conceptualization, and then found the appropriate entity for implementation. If an appropriate implementing group is not available, CAEZ will organize one. This approach has been taken to ensure that grassroots participation remains strong in the program.

     CAEZ has an industrial park at Mt. Hope, WV at a cost of $2,758,000.00.  This park has allowed us to attract business interest to our area and have a substantial import by providing jobs in this distressed area. The park houses Global Contact Services, the Central Youth Correctional Facility and Mankin Mining Equipment. These three (3) businesses have over a $ 9 million payroll. The Mt. Hope Industrial Site has approximately 7 acreas left for development.        

       CAEZ has successfully implemented a Micro Loan revolving fund with the SCBG program and there remains an immediate need for us to continue this work.  Our successful experience in prior implementation will enable this program to be effective in addressing the needs of our citizens.