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About Us
The LKADC achieved its 501(c) 3 status in 2002, and that status was made permanent in 2007. The organization functions as the lead economic development organization in Calhoun & Wirt Counties and does an extensive amount of community development as well. The organization is identified as an “economic and community development non-profit”.
Our Mission
The mission of Little Kanawha Area Development Corporation is to enhance the welfare of the citizens of Calhoun and Wirt Counties by promoting and assisting the recruitment, startup, growth, and prosperity of responsible business and industry and to leverage all resources to further economic growth within these counties.
Meet The Team
Shelia Burch worked in the legal field dealing with economic development issues for more than 35 years prior to her position with LKADC. She brings a vast array of business and life experience. In fact, Shelia was part of a consortium working with the Brushy Fork Institute in development of the revolving loan fund, started in the early 1990s, which is still operated by LKADC.
Shelia, a long-time resident of Calhoun County, graduated from Calhoun County High School and earned her bachelor's degree with high honors from Marshall University. With strong people skills and a diversified career, she brings a skill set that complements LKADC’s mission of creating, retaining and expanding businesses and growing communities throughout the region.
Shelia and her husband Cleo raised their children Jamie and Holly on their family farm in Calhoun County and now enjoy farming with their grandchildren. She has many family ties in this area, has served on various boards, and has been deeply involved in community activities for many years. She is presently Chair of the Mt. Zion PSD, member of the Little Kanawha Area Community Foundation, board of trustees of Mt. Zion UM Church, the Mid Ohio Valley Regional Council and serves on various other community organizations from time to time.
Brooklyn is a recent graduate from Glenville State University with a bachelor’s degree in administration of criminal justice. Upon graduation she was inducted into Alpha Phi Sigma, the national criminal justice honor society as well as the National Society of Leader and Success. Although a temporary member of LKADC Brooklyn is an asset when working with the social media page and has strong community ties to Calhoun.
Board Members
Bradley, Stevens, President
Shelia Burch, Executive Director
Alvin Engelke, Treasurer
Roger Propst, Calhoun County Commissioner
Bob Gunnoe, Wirt County Commissioner
Joyce Sellers, Wesbanco (retired)
Nicki Boatright, Calhoun Insurance
Bryan Sims, Sims Greenhouse and Farms
Robert Petrovesky, Grantsville Mayor
Bobby Moore, Elizabeth Mayor
Garland Martin, RM Builders
Kristi Ritchie, Sisters' Mercantile
Ronald Blankenship, Calhoun County Schools (retired)
Brooklyn Parsons, Coordinator
Annual Reports
2020-2021
2021-2022
2022-2023
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