Hardy County Day at the State Capitol

The Hardy County Chamber of Commerce recently hosted its inaugural Hardy County Day at the State Capitol, and for a first-time event, it proved to be both enlightening and highly successful. The day provided a valuable opportunity to showcase Hardy County, strengthen relationships with state leaders, and highlight the collaborative spirit of our local business community.

One of the highlights of the day occurred during the House session, when Delegate Bryan Ward recognized the Hardy County delegation from the floor of the House of Delegates. This acknowledgment was a meaningful moment for those in attendance and underscored the importance of Hardy County having a visible presence at the state level.

While at the Capitol, Senator Shelly Moore Capito was also present as she filed for re-election to her United States Senate seat. Seeing federal and state leaders active in the same space served as a reminder of how important it is for communities like ours to engage in the legislative process and advocate for local interests.

Following the House session, members of the Hardy County delegation were able to meet with Delegate Bryan Ward in his office, where he shared insights on the current legislative session and discussed issues impacting Hardy County and the region. In addition, I had the opportunity to meet with Senate President Randy Smith, who offered perspective on statewide economic development efforts and his vision for bringing new business opportunities to West Virginia. While we may not have captured a photo together, the conversation itself was a valuable part of the day.

Another standout element of Hardy County Day was the boxed lunches provided to legislators and their staff. Thanks to the generosity of several local businesses, we were able to offer lunches that highlighted Hardy County’s quality, hospitality, and sense of community. The lunches were extremely well received and sparked positive conversations about our county, our businesses, and the people who call Hardy County home.

Events like Hardy County Day are important not only for advocacy, but also for relationship-building and storytelling. By coming together to share who we are and what we have to offer, we help ensure that Hardy County remains visible, engaged, and well-represented at the State Capitol.

The Chamber is grateful to everyone who participated, contributed, and supported this inaugural effort. We look forward to building on this experience and continuing to find meaningful ways to promote Hardy County and its businesses in the future.