Calhoun is 56 out of 56 in Business Ranking for New Business in WV

Business Statistics by County listed on the Secretary of State’s website found Calhoun in the most dismal of spots, the very last; with two new businesses opening and one business closing. While the website does not list the business, Stinson Grocery announced on Social Media yesterday that they would unfortunately be closing their doors.

As someone who has failed as well as survived being a business owner in Calhoun, Ridgeview News knows first hand the struggles with living in such an economically depressed area. It’s hard to cast the blame on anyone when everyone is struggling. The businesses struggle because the residents struggle. Statistics may look like numbers on a piece of paper but they are families, and we (collectively) need to do more in Calhoun to insure our businesses have the opportunity to survive and our people have the opportunity to have their needs met.

When a local business like the Stinson Grocery closes their doors that means that perhaps those on the West Fork who did shop there will now spend more money on gas to travel further when something is needed on the spur of the moment. But it is far more than that. Small businesses shape the identity of the area. Being a substantial presence within the local community can shape the character of the people as well, directly influencing tourism as well as connecting with everyday individuals passing through. Not only are local businesses important for creating a culture for the community, but they also build connections and relationships with the people. Owners welcome friendly unfamiliar faces and are delighted when they see familiar and returning customers. There’s a small-town feeling that arises when anyone walks into a local business — the staff is polite, the owner is present and friendly, we know far more about each other than we probably should in an area where the population is 6,000 (more or less).

And while some would call that knowledge un-necessary gossip, it can also lead to the saving grace of a person’s life when someone doesn’t stop by and a business owner or other resident is concerned about their safety or well being. They notice things. It is then we are grateful that people know who we are and a little more about our lives than most.

Both the opening and the closings are a reflection of Calhoun County’s present economic state. We had two new businesses open in July, that is a reason to celebrate. We had one business close, that is a reason to mourn. The question now is, what will next month look like and what can we do as citizens and government do to change the forecast?

1. Business owners and leaders can and should be attending and participating in local County Commission and City Council meetings.
2. Businesses should make use of every form of media to connect with their community: Print and web based news (shameless self promotion), social media, business signage, sporting events and school activities.
3. Local Government should be inviting business involvement.
4. Group meetings such as the Bootstraps Organization should be attended and used as a resource to promote and grow community.

In its most simplistic form, business growth means community growth and that benefits every single person living in the area. What we should never lose sight of is the fact that community is a connection with families, just like the one’s that we come home to and would defend with our very lives. Although we can’t save every business that chooses to close its doors, we can do our part to be a positive impact in Calhoun County.

Below are the rankings statewide business rankings:

Rankings based on number of new businesses*

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