Three of Calhoun County’s Political and Business leaders met Wednesday with Speaker of the House, Roger Hanshaw in his Charleston office to discuss the future of Calhoun County. Calhoun County Commission Candidate Craig Arthur presented his platform and hopes for the community that he grew up in as well as his desire to change the current business and economic climate. He wanted to open doors with State leaders to initiate that change. Eric Lupardus, owner of The Outdoor Store, which now has locations in Arnoldsburg and Big Otter, spoke of the declining jobs and loss of residents which directly effect the retail market in Calhoun. He and Speaker Hanshaw had an intense conversation about future projects that bring hope for Eric’s business and others. Republican Executive Committee Vice Chairman, Roger Propst, came to seek support for the community and make it known that the Republicans are revived and excited about the potential business growth coming to Calhoun. All three men requested help from their Charleston representative.
“We need jobs.” Lupardus said impassioned. ”We need infrastructure money to develop sites for businesses to move into the area. We need to work with farmers, Forestry and the Department of Agriculture. We don’t have flat land.” He went on to tell of a friend in Parkersburg looking to relocate a portion of his business and there was no warehouses to be found.
Speaker Hanshaw said that he had companies ready to build warehouses for businesses prepared to sign a lease, and that he was willing to travel with Lupardus to Parkersburg to work to bring that business opportunity to Calhoun. The conversation then focused on the feed business that Lupardus himself currently has a 200% growth in. The Outdoor Store is marketing their own feed and would like to expand the production. Speaker Hanshaw asked ”What about expanding it nationally? I have conversations with Bass Pro Shops before, and I’d be happy to arrange a meeting.” Speaker Hanshaw told the leaders when discussing the potential for business growth in Calhoun, that if he had to make a choice between working for a new business to come to the area, or working with an existing business to help it grow, he would always choose the existing business.
The three men shared the current attitudes of the community that had changed drastically when Crystal Laughlin Mersh returned to Calhoun County and began the work with The 1982 Foundation. She sparked hope and they want to capitalize on it. Roger Propst told the Speaker of the work in Grantsville to create a Town worthy of tourist day trips, the new facelift on Main Street buildings and the pride that the businesses have taken in decorating and creating a pleasant atmosphere for their patrons. “Morale is at an all time high” Propst said.
Lupardus spoke of Arnoldsburg and how the citizens were willing to work to bring opportunities for themselves and that there are unused business locations to look at to offer economic growth and jobs in the area. Lupardus told the Speaker, ”There’s an educated workforce in Calhoun County that is ready to work, but they’ve had to leave the area to make a living.”
There was lengthy conversation with the Speaker regarding current infrastructure funding available that could be used for water and sewer projects. He asked where Calhoun had spent their previous infrastructure funding and the three explained all of Calhoun’s money had been put into one basket. The expansion of broadband.
The meeting closed with Speaker Hanshaw encouraging the Commission Candidate by saying ”We have to motivate and recruit people for County offices and do it well. I can’t vote for you but I’m pulling for you.”
Following their meeting with the Speaker an opportunity was given to go downstairs and meet with Governor Jim Justice who walked over from the Governor’s mansion to meet with Arthur, Propst and Lupardus.
