The Wood County Resiliency Center is quickly becoming a hub for local and regional events, with growing demand prompting new marketing plans and discussions about expanded parking.
On Monday, Resiliency Center Director Sydney Weber briefed the Wood County Commission on recent activity at the facility. So far in 2025, the center has hosted 55 meetings and events, with a goal to reach 100 by year’s end. Looking ahead, eight events are already booked for 2026.
Since December 15, the center has welcomed a variety of groups, including WVU Medicine Camden Clark Medical Center, Workforce West Virginia, the Jump Start graduation, and even a court proceeding. Upcoming events range from a tech show and a wedding to meetings by the Mid-Ohio Valley Chamber of Commerce and the Amputee Center.
“We’ve had people use every part of the facility,” Weber said, noting that clients have utilized everything from small boardrooms to the full ballroom, depending on their needs.
Weber is actively working with local economic development leaders and the West Virginia Department of Tourism to position the Resiliency Center as a conference destination. “I think we would be a perfect fit for that,” she told commissioners. She’s currently collecting contacts from various professional associations to promote the center for future conferences and events.
However, Weber noted that many major event bids for 2025 were already finalized in 2024, so efforts are focused on securing 2026 bookings. “You usually plan a year in advance for that kind of thing,” she said.
Interest in the facility continues to grow, with many individuals and groups requesting tours to explore the space. Still, one recurring concern has been parking. Weber requested clearer signage to guide visitors on where to park, especially to avoid overflow into nearby Fiscal Services lots during work hours.
Commission President Blair Couch responded by saying the county hopes to tear down the old Sheriff’s Department and maintenance building at Second and Avery streets “soon,” which would allow for additional parking. That’s especially important with a large wedding event for 400 people already scheduled for October.
The Resiliency Center is also preparing new marketing materials and plans to launch its website by late summer or early fall.
Another topic of discussion was the presence of animals at the facility. Officials expressed concerns about non-certified pets being brought in under the claim of being service animals. Commissioner Jimmy Colombo noted that this issue is becoming more common in many businesses. Couch added that online purchases of support animal vests make enforcement difficult, and emphasized that only properly certified service animals should be permitted.
Couch encouraged all elected officials to connect Weber with their associations to continue promoting the facility. “The response to the center has been great,” Weber said. “They love it. Everyone who walks through is just so impressed and pleased with what we have to offer.”
In other business, the commission approved the hiring of Robin Mowery as a full-time maintenance employee. Officials also plan to set the county’s levy rate at 9 a.m. today at the Wood County Courthouse.
