Flex Building slated for Commerce Park
Commerce Park, located in the West End of Huntington’s Empowerment Zone, is set to receive a new kind of shell building.  The building is referred to as a “flex” building, because tenant uses may include office space, warehousing, and light industrial use, hence the name “flex” building.  The 32,000 square foot building will be able to accommodate six to 10 tenants when complete... more.

Zone Loan Enjoys Successful First Year
Zone Loan, the revolving loan program for businesses in the Empowerment Zone, has experienced a busy first year, closing four loans in excess of half a million dollars.  The program provides much needed capital to leverage bank and private equity financing.  The Zone Loan’s program goal is to help create and or retain much-needed jobs for Empowerment Zone residents.... more.

Kinetic Park Welcomes its First Tenant – Second Tenant Expected Soon
Kinetic Park, a 95-acre business and technology park in Huntington, welcomed the grand opening of its first commercial tenant, Bob Evans Restaurant, in July 2005.  The Huntington Municipal Development Authority (HMDA) closed on the first sale of property, 1.3 acres. Bob Evans Restaurant creates 30 new full-time equivalent jobs for the area..... more

The Empowerment Zone Continues Successful Scholarship Program
The Huntington, WV/Ironton, OH Empowerment Zone (EZ), in partnership with Ohio University Southern Campus (OU) and the city of Ironton, has named the second annual recipients for their newly created endowed scholarship program for Zone residents in Ironton who plan to attend OU Southern Campus.  The 2005-2006 Ironton Empowerment Zone Service Scholarship recipients are, William Cremeans, LeAnn Willis, and Alisa Carter, all residents of Ironton, OH...more.

Initial Project Approved for Downtown Huntington Tax Increment Finance District -- Construction to Begin Spring 2006
The West Virginia Development Office and the Huntington City Council approved the first project for the Tax Increment Finance (TIF) District. The new project includes streetscape improvements, new lighting, new signage and new signalization for Ninth Street Plaza, portions of Third Avenue and possibly Fourth Avenue. The purpose of the project is to unite Pullman Square with the existing fabric of downtown Huntington....more.