The City of Wheeling

WHEELING, W. Va. – In an effort to better serve the public and government employees in Wheeling, W. Va., the city is partnering with Verizon to expand wireless broadband access to key downtown areas.
With a $75,000 grant from Verizon West Virginia, the City of Wheeling now can construct a secure Wi-Fi network in the downtown area that will improve the efficiency of certain government operations and allow visitors and local residents to enjoy wireless broadband access at local downtown venues.
In a press conference today at the Wheeling City-County Building, Mayor Andy McKenzie applauded Verizon for the grant.
“Technology is important to the progress of the City of Wheeling,” said Mayor McKenzie. “Through partnerships with companies like Verizon, we are able to make this a reality. We look forward to providing wireless access in the City-County Building and elsewhere in downtown for our city employees and the public.”
Wi-Fi – a system of connecting computers to the Internet using radio waves instead of telephone lines or cable – is expected to be expanded in the City of Wheeling early next year.
John R. Ruddick, vice president of public affairs, policy and communications for Verizon West Virginia, said, “As West Virginia’s leading broadband company, Verizon is enabling more residents and employers to make the high-speed connections that are important to them. This project will improve Wheeling city employees’ efficiency and make the downtown area even more attractive.”
About the City of Wheeling:
A charter change in 1992 created a dynamic partnership among local government, residents and the business community. The City Council and Administration forged a team that is user- and customer-friendly. A newly reorganized Department of Economic and Community Development is customer and project-oriented, distinct from a bureaucratic, permit-based operation. The City Council, working with a broad base of residential and business citizens, has adopted a new Comprehensive Plan for the city that calls for preserving and improving its wonderfully distinct neighborhoods as well as for focused economic growth. City government is proving itself with its commitment to the plan as well as with its partnerships with the Chamber of Commerce, neighborhood organizations and the Wheeling National Heritage Area Corporation.

About Verizon Communications:
Verizon Communications Inc. (NYSE:VZ), headquartered in New York, is a leader in delivering broadband and other wireline and wireless communication innovations to mass market, business, government and wholesale customers. Verizon Wireless operates America’s most reliable wireless network, serving nearly 71 million customers nationwide. Verizon’s Wireline operations include Verizon Business, which delivers innovative and seamless business solutions to customers around the world, and Verizon Telecom, which brings customers the benefits of converged communications, information and entertainment services over the nation’s most advanced fiber-optic network. A Dow 30 company, Verizon employs a diverse workforce of more than 228,000 and last year generated consolidated operating revenues of $93.5 billion. For more information, visit www.verizon.com.
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Wheeling, WV- There is a lot of buzz about what young people think in Wheeling. Students at West Liberty State College, Wheeling Jesuit University, and West Virginia Northern Community College will get the chance to have their voices be heard on numerous issues. They have a lot to say and community leaders are listening.

The City of Wheeling and partners The Wheeling Area Chamber of Commerce and the Regional Economic Development Partnership will be holding a series of town hall-style meetings. The purpose of the meetings is to engage college students and faculty in the forward progress of Wheeling. The panelists will ask and answer questions from the audience on the various college campuses throughout the region. The discussions are designed to get people involved in and excited about life in Wheeling.

Wheeling Mayor Andy McKenzie said, “It’s very exciting to reach out to the community, especially to young people, to help us move forward with economic development. We are interested in what people want and how we can work together to use their ideas for the enhancement of the City.”

The schedule for the meetings is:
Wednesday, November 12th at 12:30pm, West Liberty State College, Student Union
Thursday, November 13th at 11:00am, Wheeling Jesuit University, Swint Hall (The Ratt)
Tuesday, December 2nd, at 11:00am, WVNCC (Wheeling Campus), B & O Building Auditorium

All students, faculty, administrators, and media are greatly encouraged to attend. Those who are attending may answer the panelists’ questions or bring their own. The goal of these events is to connect with the community to make life in the Wheeling area extraordinary by promoting development and creativity. Anyone who lives, works, attends school, or just has an interest in Wheeling is welcome.

For more information on how you can get involved, please contact (304) 234-3617 or info@wheelingwv.gov.

After several months of development, the City of Wheeling has unveiled its new Web Site at http://www.wheelingwv.gov!

 To say we’re excited about this new site is a gross understatement.  This is a positive step toward progress, growth, and the regeneration of our city.  There is an obvious and contagious new ‘energy’ here.  I don’t remember another time when young people were actively trying to stay here after college, trying to move back, and/or choosing Wheeling as their home. This feeling transcends demographics.  It’s good for everyone.

Something as seemingly mundane as a new web site is just part of this movement. 
It’s powerful. It’s happening, folks. It’s happening.