The Berkeley County Farmland Protection Program was approved by the Berkeley County Commission on January 16, 2003 . Under the program, landowners can voluntarily donate or be compensated for the placement of a conservation easement to best ensure that the land stays available for agriculture use. This program establishes uniform standards and guidelines for the eligibility of properties and the ranking criteria utilized to prioritize funds allocation to purchase conservation easements, or to pay associated costs for the purchased or donated easements. The guidelines established by this program outline the various methods of farmland protection available to prospective participating property owners, and the procedures to be followed in applying for program consideration.

Our Executive Director Jennifer Smith had the opportunity to sit down with the Vice President of CMC Steel, Billy Milligan. They discussed CMC's approach to the communities they build in, how their company differs, and how they plan to embrace Berkeley County! We are so excited to welcome them to the community and learn more about them through this episode!

Our executive Director Jennifer Smith interviewed the Executive Director of Main Street Martinsburg Robert Blair and discussed the organization and Downtown Martinsburg. #development #mainstreet #martinsburg #berkeleycounty

Dr. Peter Checkovich has been a life-long educator and involved in higher education since 1974. After completing service to his country as a Naval Supply Corps officer he returned to the University of Virginia as a graduate student and earned 3 degrees over a 10 year span, culminating in a Doctor of Education degree in curriculum and instruction. He has served in almost every capacity including faculty member, staff member, registrar, director, dean, provost, and now as president of Blue Ridge Community and Technical College since 2004.

This episode features a conversation between Donna Van Metre; Director of James Rumsey Technical Institute and The Development Authority of Berkeley Counties very own Executive Director - Sandy Hamilton