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The National Organization of Counties (NACo), has partnered with the National Association of Development
Organizations (NADO) Research Foundation to launch an exciting new program: Innovation Challenge for Coal-Reliant Communities. We are thrilled to announce that McDowell County has been selected as one of seven teams to participate in the program’s inaugural workshop!
The program aims to provide coal-reliant counties and communities with the tools they need to re-imagine their communities’ economic futures, and blueprints to begin moving forward. There are three competitions slated for this year.
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To celebrate “County Government Month”, CCAWV has launched its annual essay contest. Held every April, we ask eighth grade students to write a 500 word essay describing how their county commission helps them in their daily lives. In previous years, some commissions have used this as an opportunity to engage their young community members. They have gone to schools and spoken about what they do. They’ve explained how some processes, like budgeting, which may seem abstract to an eighth grade mind, work to provide very tangible benefits to residents (like parks!).
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Each year, CCAWV holds eight regional roundtable meetings across the state. These meetings are a crucial component of CCAWV’s three-pronged mission. REC (representation, education and communication). They provide our members and their legislators with an opportunity to discuss issues they are facing regionally.
Additionally, it is a chance for members to review and discuss the Association’s legislative priorities for the coming legislative session. Each of the meetings brings to light the issues and challenges commissioners from different parts of the state are facing.
Many times, the issues align (Regional Jail costs, for example), but it is important for CCAWV to learn about problems that are specific to counties or regions. This enables us to better advocate for all commissioners at the Capitol.
If you haven’t registered for your roundtable, please do so today.
Encourage your legislators to attend as well!
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CCAWV’s new Quarrier Street office is on track for completion this month! We hope to be moved in by the New Year. The floors have been stained and the kitchen is nearly finished. The kitchen upgrade included a new sink, painted cabinets, and an updated backsplash. As soon as the floors are installed, it will be all done. Bathrooms are also looking good! We have started packing boxes as the Washington street office.
It won’t be long now!
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CCAWV’s Basic Training for Veteran and Newly Elected Commissioners was held November 19-21 in Bridgeport, WV. The three day event provides comprehensive training for newly elected Commissioners and serves a a “refresher” course for those who have been in office for some time. In addition, it offers an opportunity for Commissioners from across the state to connect and exchange ideas. With well over sixty attendees, the conference was quite a success! Attendees received a copy of CCAWV’s Commissioners’ Handbook, which is a valuable resource for Commissioners veteran and new! The program coved a wide range of topics.
Ron Watson of the Harrison County Commission was on hand to welcome everyone to Harrison County. Greg Bailey of Bowles Rice LLP covered ethics and the Sunshine Law. Former Commissioner John Sorrenti led a session on how to conduct an effective meeting. Commissioners were introduced to NACo by former CCAWV President and NACo Board Member, Tim McCormick.