Parkersburg, WV — May 12, 2026 — The Polymer Alliance Zone (PAZ) continues to play a leading role in economic development across West Virginia’s Ohio River Valley by combining regional collaboration with decades of real-world experience in the public, private, and nonprofit sectors.
Representing a 10-county region along the Ohio River, PAZ’s primary objective is to recruit new industries, support existing employers, develop industrial sites and infrastructure, and position West Virginia as a competitive destination for business investment.
What separates PAZ from many organizations is the depth of experience behind its leadership team. Collectively, PAZ staff brings more than 75 years of economic development experience spanning government service to multiple West Virginia governors, private industry for TOP 500 companies, business recruitment, project management, site development, nonprofit leadership, workforce initiatives, and strategic relationship building.
That experience allows PAZ to assist companies through every phase of the site selection and development process — from initial inquiries and permitting assistance to workforce coordination, infrastructure planning and installation, and long-term project support.
“Economic development is ultimately a relationship business,” said Keith Burdette, President of PAZ. “Companies want partners who understand how to navigate challenges, solve problems, and move projects forward quickly and efficiently. Our team’s background gives us the ability to provide practical solutions and real-world insight to our members, local economic development authorities, and domestic and international prospects.”
The PAZ region is home to one of the highest concentrations of polymer and chemical manufacturing activity in the United States and continues to evolve into a hub for advanced manufacturing, automotive, energy innovation, and logistics.
PAZ leadership says the organization’s regional model is one of its greatest strengths, allowing communities, counties, utilities, educational institutions, and private industry to work together toward shared economic goals.
“Our focus has always been on collaboration and long-term growth,” said Pat Ford, Vice President of PAZ. “We work every day to support our local economic organizations and the companies already operating here while also helping recruit the next generation of industry to the region.”
In recent years, PAZ has continued expanding its role in industrial recruitment, site development, workforce partnerships, trade show outreach, and emerging technology integration — including the use of robotics, AI, and immersive technologies to market West Virginia to national and international decision makers.
As economic competition between states intensifies, PAZ officials say experience and responsiveness remain critical advantages for West Virginia.
“Companies have options when deciding where to invest,” Burdette said. “Our job is to make sure they understand the advantages this region offers and to help make projects successful from day one.”
About the Polymer Alliance Zone
The Polymer Alliance Zone is a regional economic development organization representing 10 counties in West Virginia along the Ohio River. PAZ works to recruit industry, support business expansion, develop industrial sites and infrastructure, and promote long-term economic growth throughout the region.