GLENVILLE, WV – Dr. Mark Sarver, Associate Professor of Business and Workforce Learning Experiences Manager at Glenville State University, has been selected as one of 20 coal community leaders from across the country who will deepen their knowledge of economic resilience through national subject matter experts as well as their counterparts’ community-based experiences. Selectees represent local, regional, and state government entities as well as the nonprofit and private sectors. Over two years, the selected leaders will attend in-person site convenings and virtual workshops and share their experiences through Building Resilient Economies in Coal Communities’ (BRECC) national storytelling platform.
“I am excited to have been selected to be part of this great initiative and look forward to bringing new and relevant information back to central West Virginia,” Saver said.
The BRECC initiative is made possible with support of the U.S. Department of Commerce Economic Development Administration and the American Rescue Plan funding. The National Association of Counties has partnered with the West Virginia Community Development Hub, Community Builders, and EntreWorks Consulting to develop educational programming and to provide community coaching support.
“The U.S. Economic Development Administration is committed to supporting coal communities currently facing and experiencing transition,” said U.S. Department of Commerce Assistant Secretary of Commerce for Economic Development, Alejandra Y. Castillo. “Through the Building Resilient Economies in Coal Communities initiative, we’re delighted to recognize and support the 20 local leaders and eight community teams who were selected to participate in the Commitment Coalition and Action Challenge. They represent the innovative, entrepreneurial leadership that is needed to help coal communities across America build and access new opportunities for growth in the years ahead.”
“I am pleased that Dr. Sarver was selected for the BRECC Commitment Coalition. He and the other leaders involved in this project truly have the best interest of our communities in mind. They are a great example of what can happen when we all come together to help move West Virginia and the whole country forward,” said Glenville State University President, Dr. Mark A. Manchin.
