On September 22, at the annual Governor’s Conference on Tourism in Charleston, the Mon Forest Towns Partnership received two Almost Heaven Achievement Awards from the West Virginia Department of Tourism for its work strengthening recreation-based economic development in the Monongahela National Forest’s gateway communities.
“These awards are a testament to the strength of our coalition,” said Josh Nease, MFTP executive director. “Our convention and visitors bureau partners are key to showcasing all the Mon Forest region has to offer.”
One of the greatest strengths of the Mon Forest Towns Partnership is the ability to take the work our CVBs and gateway communities are already doing and amplify it beyond our individual destinations
Across the eight-county region, MFTP’s coordinated marketing efforts have introduced its 12 small mountain towns as one cohesive outdoor destination to new audiences, generating over seven million impressions this year alone.
“One of the greatest strengths of the Mon Forest Towns Partnership is the ability to take the work our CVBs and gateway communities are already doing and amplify it beyond our individual destinations,” said Chelsea Faulknier, executive director of the Pocahontas County Convention and Visitors Bureau.
Every day, we’re working with residents and partners to build thriving communities through our connection to the forest
“But marketing is only part of the story,” noted Nease. “Every day, we’re working with residents and partners to build thriving communities through our connection to the Monongahela National Forest while caring for the landscape that unites us.”
Community-led recreation projects are expanding opportunities to explore the forest and its gateway towns through new trails, like those at Peters Mountain, Smoke Hole Canyon, and White Sulphur Springs downtown Connector, cycling routes, and wayfinding signage. At the same time, with support from Woodlands Development & Lending, the Mon Forest Business Initiative connects local shops, outfitters, and restaurants to coaching, loans, and third-party resources.
