The Regional Economic Development Partnership (RED), led by President and CEO Josh Jefferson, has long been instrumental in fostering economic growth in the Wheeling metropolitan area and beyond. With a legacy dating back to the 1920s, RED has evolved through name changes and organizational shifts, but its mission remains steadfast: to create business opportunities in West Virginia’s Northern Panhandle by generating jobs and stimulating the economy.
Jefferson often describes RED’s approach with a well-known adage: “A rising tide lifts all boats.” This philosophy underscores RED’s commitment to partnerships at every level – federal, state, local and private – and ensures the organization’s impact stretches across sectors and benefits West Virginia as a whole.
West Virginia Chamber of Commerce President Steve Roberts said the team at RED is exceptional at forging connections, addressing regulatory challenges and leveraging opportunities that benefit the region. 
“West Virginia is on the cusp of significant growth, and RED is a key player in this progress, with their well-managed team and strategic location near Cleveland and Pittsburgh,” Roberts said. “Josh Jefferson and his team bring energy, professionalism and the deep industry knowledge needed to navigate today’s economic landscape.”
RED has achieved significant milestones across various industries. Key projects include: 
- Industrial Development: The successful location of international companies such as TCL Specialties and ADO Industries in Marshall County, which together invested over $100 million in their first North American locations.
- Tourism and Commerce: The introduction of GUNTRY, a state-of-the-art indoor shooting and training facility, and the retention of the Wheeling Nailers professional hockey franchise, which bolsters local tourism.
- Broadband Expansion: Collaborating with federal agencies and Citynet to extend over 80 miles of broadband in Wetzel County, connecting nearly 2,000 homes and businesses in rural areas.
As if that weren’t enough, RED has continued to play a pivotal role in the renaissance of the Wheeling metropolitan area through the $32 million Streetscape Project, supported by the West Virginia Governor’s Office and West Virginia Division of Highways. The project has spurred other major initiatives, including:
- WVU Medicine Regional Cancer Center: A planned 75,000-square-foot to 90,000-square-foot facility that will bring world-class care to the heart of downtown Wheeling.
- Wheeling Gateway Center: A forthcoming construction project that will welcome travelers along I-70 between Ohio and Pennsylvania.
- Commercial Growth: A proposed hotel and convention center near WesBanco Arena and reinvestment by companies like Williams Lea, which has retained 500 employees in the region.
According to Jefferson, RED’s primary goal is to continue driving meaningful growth. He said he envisions a future where new investments lead to a larger population base and more families calling West Virginia home, noting that community involvement is essential to achieving this vision.
In celebrating RED’s achievements, Jefferson also acknowledged the region’s challenges and emphasized the importance of collaboration across government, education and industry sectors to address these issues. Housing poses a significant challenge as new investments and expansions attract workers to the region.
“The limited housing stock forces workers to consider options in neighboring states,” Jefferson explained. “We are actively engaged with state and county partners to address this issue and make progress.” 
RED’s focus on workforce development is equally critical, noted Jefferson, highlighting partnerships with institutions like Marshall University and West Liberty University as well as high school career and technical programs. These collaborations aim to align workforce training with the needs of local businesses, ensuring a pipeline of skilled talent to support the region’s growing industries.
Looking ahead, RED’s goals include capitalizing on the momentum of recent successes to attract more families and businesses to the region and beyond. Jefferson said he’s optimistic about the future.
“Our goal is to ensure that new investments translate into long-term growth and increased opportunities for people to live, work and play in West Virginia,” he said.
Roberts said he sees big things in the future for RED as well, both in the Wheeling area and across the state. 
“There’s a saying, ‘Time kills deals,’ which is why Josh doesn’t waste any time – he makes things happen,” Roberts said. “At the West Virginia Chamber, we never hesitate to connect a business prospect to Josh and his team because we know they will deliver exceptional results.”
At its core, RED thrives on partnerships. Jefferson said this means everyone – from individuals to nonprofits, businesses and elected officials.
“We want to be a statewide partner,” Jefferson asserted. “We want to have economic growth, and ultimately success and prosperity, in every county in West Virginia. We all have a role to play, and when we pull the rope in the same direction, we accomplish great things.”
RED’s story is one of resilience, vision and collaboration. As West Virginia continues its journey toward economic transformation, the Regional Economic Development Partnership remains a steadfast leader, creating opportunities and building a brighter future for the Mountain State.