Students in West Virginia University’s School of Journalism are taking their talents beyond the classroom.
Four public relations students – Kelsey Bignell, Shanin Buchowski, Lindsey Doebler and Megan Higgins, have lent their know-how to the Wyoming County Economic Development Authority (EDA) in Southern West Virginia.
The students, who are also members of WVU’s chapter of Public Relations Student Society of America, are tasked with branding and marketing a new and developing Barker’s Creek Industrial Park in Wyoming County.
The students have been working with the Wyoming County EDA since January 2013 and are making a positive impression.
“The participation and contributions by the professional experts in the Redevelopment Collaborative was expected, but the amazing part has been the significant contributions made by the WVU students,” said Ken Ellison, Director of Division of Land Restoration with the Department of Environmental Protection. “They have energized the Wyoming County project with tremendous skills, resourcefulness and enthusiasm.”
Led by WVU professor Dr. Elizabeth Oppe, the students are responsible for strategically marketing and branding the property to prospective buyers. They have been attending weekly conference calls with the EDA and creating materials to share with the media.
The students also have been collaborating with the Wyoming County Career and Technical Center to host a logo competition that kicked-off on Friday, April 12, 2013, and will be close on Friday, May 3, 2013. The winning logo will be integrated into all of the industrial park’s branding materials. The creator of the winning logo will receive $500 as a scholarship or to go to the purchase of design software.
For further information or questions regarding the Barker’s Creek Industrial Park, contact the Wyoming County Economic Development Authority at (304) 732-6707 or by fax at (304) 732-6963.