Published: September 07, 2008 12:12 am      

Mineral County Day plans under way

KEYSER, W.Va. — Mineral County Day is scheduled for Feb. 12 and a large group of key players began planning Tuesday for the 10th annual event.

Agreeing that all the components of last year’s trip to Charleston seemed to work well, the group of more than 20 people who attended the noon meeting expressed a desire to improve upon the successes of this year’s legislative event.

“It’s gotten better every year,” Mineral County Chamber of Commerce President Dave Vanscoy said as he chaired the meeting.

Mineral County Day, which has grown to include two days in Charleston, is traditionally held in January just as the state Legislature is beginning its annual session.

This year, however, everything has been pushed back to February due to the gubernatorial inauguration in January.

Mineral County’s day to shine in Charleston traditionally includes a hospitality room hosted by the county on the evening of the governor’s State of the State address, which this year is scheduled for Feb. 11.

Then, on the day actually designated as Mineral County Day, members of the county delegation meet with state legislators, department heads and other key people to discuss various issues that the county representatives have deemed as priorities for the county.

A luncheon is hosted by the chamber, and that evening, a reception is hosted by the Mineral County Development Authority.

“Last year was the first year for the reception, and I think it was very well attended,” Vanscoy said.

“It’s not on the same level as (Allegany County’s) PACE, but PACE has been around for 30 years.”

Part of the attraction of the reception were the displays set up by various businesses, industries and other entities as a means of showcasing what they have to offer in Mineral County.

This year, the planning group would like to expand the number of displays.

“Any business that wants to have a display should be invited to do so,” development authority director Mona Ridder said.

“I’d even like to see each municipality have a display.”

“We ought to use this opportunity to show off some of our growth potential,” Vanscoy agreed.

Sue Lusk suggested that attractions such as Jennings Randolph Lake and the Nancy Hanks Memorial would be good subjects for displays as well.

Ridder, Mineral County Chamber of Commerce Executive Director Anne Palmer and development authority member Jennie Shaffer will serve on a subcommittee designed to recruit people interested in setting up displays at the reception.

They hope to have a list of those who commit to sponsoring a display by the next planning meeting, scheduled for Oct. 15 at noon in the Grand Central Business Center conference room.

Contact Liz Beavers at lbeavers@times-news.com.