On March 4th and 5th, the Days Inn Conference Center in Flatwoods became the epicenter of change as 80 local, regional, and state stakeholders gathered for the Braxton County Strategic Planning Summit. The event, spearheaded by the Braxton County Development Authority (BCDA) and the Braxton County Commission, aimed to forge a roadmap to guide the county forward over the next 15 years.
Gabby Gregory, Executive Director of the BCDA, emphasized the urgency of a synchronized plan designed to address the county’s challenges while leveraging its strengths. “Braxton County is known for its central location and boasts a wealth of resources, including a rich, deep-rooted heritage, recreational opportunities, exceptional education, and committed and caring residents. However, the loss of businesses and population are straining these resources and impacting our ability to thrive and grow as a County. We can continue to try and find solutions separately or be purposeful in our efforts and find solutions together. This strategic planning summit was about working together to ignite positive change for Braxton County.”
The summit saw participation from a diverse group of stakeholders, including representatives from local and regional businesses, education, government, financial institutions/banks, consulting firms and resource and support agencies, as well as residents from Burnsville, Sutton, and Gassaway. Notably, representatives from Senator Justice’s and Senator Capito’s offices were in attendance. Adding a unique perspective, students from Braxton County High School’s Future Business Leaders of America (FBLA) and Career Technical Education (CTE) Program actively contributed to the discussions.
The Strategic Planning Process – Kicking off with introductions by Gabby Gregory, the summit quickly delved into the core of strategic planning. COL (R) Kevin Gregory, a seasoned leader with extensive experience in strategic, operational, and tactical planning, facilitated the process over the two-day summit. The participants focused on defining the Braxton County Strategic Plan 2040 Vision and Endstate, while also brainstorming a new slogan to be revealed with the Strategic Plan publishing in July 2025.
Highlight: Engaging the Next Generation – A standout moment of the summit was the involvement of Braxton County High School students. These young leaders participated in workgroups alongside regional, county, and national congressional representatives. In several instances, they even co-led the discussions and presented their group’s work at the end of the summit.
“Both Gabby and I received numerous positive comments about the young men and women from the high school,” said Kevin Gregory. “It was refreshing to get their perspective on how we are going to shape the county’s future. They understand the challenges the county faces and were actively seeking ways to improve all aspects of Braxton County.”
Challenges and Opportunities – Braxton County is grappling with several pressing challenges. The county has experienced a population decline of over 16% since 2010, with the median age rising to nearly 47. Housing availability is limited, both for small family starter homes and low-income rentals, as well as for senior living options. The workforce has dwindled to below 6,000 and 40% of those individuals are working outside the County. The school district has seen a sharp decrease in student population, with two elementary schools now serving fewer than 70 students each. Infrastructure repair and replacement issues persist as the county works to expand water, sewer, and broadband to more residents. As our population ages, residents retire and rely on fixed incomes, so the affordability of infrastructure expansions put an increasing burden on that group of residents. Additionally, the County’s revenues are not growing and despite a $20 million increase in GDP since 2010, inflation has resulted in a negative 7% GDP growth.
However, Braxton County’s central location along major highways, I-79 and US-19 presents significant opportunities. These transportation arteries provide the County with potential for new businesses and ease of commuting, positioning Braxton County as a hub for growth and development and new county revenue options to benefit all of Braxton County.
Looking Ahead – As Braxton County moves forward, the strategic plan developed at the summit will serve as a guiding document to address the County’s challenges and seize its opportunities. The collective effort of stakeholders and the enthusiastic involvement of the next generation offer a beacon of hope for a prosperous future. With a clear vision and a commitment to collaboration, Braxton County is poised to navigate the road ahead and begin our ascent in the coming years.
In closing, Gabby Gregory expressed gratitude for the event sponsors. “The event was made possible by the generous support of Civil & Environmental Consultants (Bridgeport), People’s Bank (Gassaway), Braxton County Commission, and Braxton County Development Authority. Each of these organizations not only supported our event monetarily, but they also participated fully in the event and workgroups, expressing ideas and sharing diverse experiences. It is exciting to think of the lasting impact this collective effort will have on Braxton County.”