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By DEREK REDD
Commitment, teamwork and communication are tenets that Josh Jefferson learned and took to heart back when he was delivering newspapers with his family throughout Moundsville.
Now the president and CEO of the Regional Economic Development Partnership is keeping those close to heart as he leads RED in creating and maintaining economic development opportunities throughout the region.
Jefferson has been with RED for 19 years in multiple capacities and has served as the organization's president since January 2021. RED serves Ohio, Marshall and Wetzel counties by marketing the communities and commercial and industrial properties of that region. RED also recruits new business investment, assist with local business expansion, encourages business start-ups through entrepreneurial activity, offer financial assistance through state and local loan programs and administers leases and manages building/real estate and land.
What Jefferson loves most about his workday is the opportunity to sit down and brainstorm with the RED team to put together or support projects. He also loves that he's able to do these things in the area in which he grew up.
"The opportunity to stay and play a small role in supporting the region that provided and formed such a solid foundation for me is really a blessing," Jefferson said. "I'm really a reflection of so many great people who have and continue to surround me."
That foundation came from the start from Jefferson's family. Delivering newspapers around Moundsville was a family affair. Jefferson remembers joining his grandfather, mother, father and brother all assembling, banding and delivering those papers in his grandfather's truck, regardless of the weather.
It was there, he said, that he really learned the importance of being committed to the job, working well with others on each task, and communicating both clearly and sincerely.
"When a customer was missed or the paper was rained on, you had apologize and make it right," he said. "Those three staples rang true during my time at the WVU Alumni Association (where he started after college graduation) and still do to this day.
"It seems most any opportunity can be had and any challenge addressed by being committed, having a great team and communicating from a point of real sincerity," he continued.
Teamwork and collaboration continue to be a major part of Jefferson's professional life. It is in collaboration that he sees economic development in the region continue to grow and even prosper.
Among the mottos he lives by is "rising tides lift all ships."
"Economic Development is incredibly competitive and we are on a global playing field," he said. "Looking at collaborations and ways we can work together I believe is key to West Virginia's overall success. To see projects happening all over the Mountain State is exactly what we need to be on the map for companies like Nucor, BHE Renewables, TCL Specialties, ADO and others to consider expanding into our market."
Jefferson sees a bright future for the Ohio Valley from his perspective at RED. There is significant interest in companies from all over the country and world looking to expand or locate in the region. In January, Jefferson introduced India-based TCL Specialties, a subsidiary of Thirumalai Chemicals Limited, which is building two manufacturing plants in New Martinsville -- one to produce food ingredients and a separate plant to make maleic anhydride, which is used in plastics or polymers. The project has an anticipated economic impact of $150 million for the region.
"With new companies coming in, existing companies expanding, tourism opportunities growing, new projects developing and a new streetscape coming to downtown Wheeling, I think the region is positioned for exciting growth," he said.
He also thinks it’s a great time for young professionals to throw their hats in the ring to help that growth in the Ohio Valley.
Jefferson's advice to those young professionals is to find something they enjoy doing and learn from every experience. Those experiences aren't just found in the working world, he added. They can be found in community organizations as well.
Jefferson knows that first hand. He has served on volunteer boards of Easterseals, Grand Vue Park and WVU Medicine Reynolds Memorial Hospital, among other organizations.
"Right now there are numerous opportunities to be part a great organizations, trades, institutions and companies throughout our region, both large and small," he said, "and your impact can make a difference in the direction of not only who you work for, but our entire region and even the State of West Virginia."