On Feb. 3 the Wetzel County Chamber of Commerce passed a resolution supporting appropriate efforts by the natural gas industry to explore and develop the resources located within the county to promote economic development through job creation and investment.

The resolution states that

Whereas, WCCC represents over 150 businesses located in Wetzel County and surrounding counties as well as partners with city, county, and state government; and,

Whereas, being concerned citizens, business owners and community leaders; and,

Whereas, our mission is to

-serve as a valuable resource to its members and community

-work as an advocate for our business community

-sponsor aggressive programs of work and stimulate activities that will provide and encourage the employment of our human and economic resources

-provide business leadership and coordinate interested parties in solving community problems and in initiating community action

-create a broad understanding and appreciation of the great opportunities in the Wetzel County area, and to promote the advantages and assets of our community within the area, the state and the nation

-be a strong partner in the enhancement of our economic, cultural, and civic welfare.

Whereas, the Chamber is alarmed by the unemployment rate in the county which has climbed to 11.4 in December.

Be it further resolved, that the Wetzel County Chamber of Commerce:

1. Is encouraged by the political, community, and business leaders as well as county residents who are supporting the local oil and gas entities in the county which promote economic development and create jobs,

2. Is encouraged by those oil and gas companies who hire locally when possible and provide a safe work zone for both employee and residents of Wetzel County,

3. Is encouraged by the oil and gas companies who are working with local educational institutions to develop training programs necessary to train and certify the local workforce to work in the oil and gas industry,

4. Is encouraged by the oil and gas leadership and state politicians who are working diligently to locate a cracker plant in the northern panhandle of West Virginia,

5. Is committed to providing whatever support and services possible to area oil and gas workers and companies.

The resolution is signed by WCCC Board President Don Riggenbach, Vice-President Larry Tackett, Secretary Mindy Mall, and Treasurer Eric Vincent.