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Zone promoting region at SelectUSA 2026

Keith Burdette, right, president of the Polymer Alliance Zone, speaks to a company representative at the SelectUSA Investment Summit 2026. The summit ends on Wednesday. (Photo provided)

PARKERSBURG – The West Virginia Polymer Alliance Zone through Wednesday is participating in the SelectUSA Investment Summit 2026 where it is promoting the region for manufacturing.

The Polymer Alliance Zone, headquartered in Davisville and represents 10 counties including Wood, is in partnership with the state Division of Economic Development at the annual event organized by the U.S. Department of Commerce.

The summit brings together investors, corporate leaders and site selection consultants and is an opportunity for the Polymer Alliance Zone to promote the region’s assets to companies actively evaluating locations. The event is being held through Wednesday at the Gaylord National Resort and Convention Center in National Harbor, Md.

“SelectUSA gives us the chance to have direct conversations with companies that are making real decisions about where to invest,” Keith Burdette, president of the Polymer Alliance Zone, said. “We’re able to clearly show what our region offers and how we can support their needs.”

Representatives of the Polymer Alliance Zone are highlighting regional advantages including proximity to major U.S. markets, access to natural gas liquids used in polymer and chemical production, an existing base of manufacturing companies such as Chemours, Celanese, Braskem, SOMAR, Hino and Star Plastics and infrastructure assets, including 30 designated Super Sites, many with access to river, rail, highways, power and other critical industrial scale infrastructure.

Discussions with companies are increasingly focused on practical considerations such as permitting timelines, utility access, workforce availability, long-term operating costs and regional collaboration, Burdette said.

“These are the types of questions companies need answered before they make an investment,” he said. “We’re in a position to provide clear, detailed information and connect them prospects with the right partners.”

The Polymer Alliance Zone operates through a regional partnership model that includes local economic development organizations from 10 counties, state officials, and private industry. According to Burdette, that coordination helps streamline the process for companies exploring the region.

“When companies engage with PAZ, they’re working with a group that’s aligned and focused on moving projects forward,” he said.

At the completion of the summit, the Polymer Alliance Zone will follow-up on leads including continued communication with prospects and coordination of potential site visits.

The region is well-positioned to compete for future investment, Burdette said.

“We see ongoing interest in areas that can offer reliability, access to materials, and proximity to customers,” Burdette said. “That’s how we position our region as a good fit for these investment opportunities.”

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