– ‘AA’ Rating to Unlock Underutilized Feedstock and Ignite Biobased Investment –
August 1, 2023
The BDO Zone Initiative has issued a ‘AA’ rated BDO Zone designation for Greenbrier Valley, West Virginia for 850,000 green tons per year of woody biomass.
The Greenbrier Valley Economic Development Corporation and Ecostrat are pleased to announce the issuance of a new Bioeconomy Development Opportunity (BDO) Zone designation for woody biomass.
The Greenbrier Valley BDO Zone is rated ‘AA’, or very low risk, attributed to its consistent and abundant production of biomass, supported by a proficient and well-established forest industry that is keen on utilizing woody biomass. Additionally, the zone boasts four well-equipped business parks, making it an ideal location for industrial projects focused on biomass utilization. Situated within a 75-mile driving distance from the Town of Renick, WV, the zone yields an impressive annual output of 850,000 green tons of woody biomass.
We are thrilled that this rating will help leverage some of our biggest assets – the existing sawmill, transportation, and forestry industries – into increased investment for economic growth of the region,” says Ruthana Beezley, Executive Director for the Greenbrier Valley EDC. “This data is vital in promoting sustainability, business attraction, and adding additional opportunities for our existing companies.”
The Greenbrier Valley BDO Zone has achieved a significant milestone by becoming the first in West Virginia to earn an ‘AA’ rating. This recognition positions the region as a frontrunner in the bio-based industry showcasing its leadership and potential for other communities across the state. The ‘AA’ rating underscores the zone’s significance and sets the stage for exciting progress and development, particularly, in the expansion of the forestry sector throughout the state.
Jordan Solomon, Chairman of the BDO Zone Initiative added, “We extend our congratulations to Greenbrier Valley for achieving a well-deserved rating for woody biomass and infrastructure utilization. This accomplishment showcases Greenbrier Valley’s commitment to sustainability and forward-thinking initiatives that not only address environmental concerns but also pave the way for lucrative investment opportunities. With the ‘AA’ BDO Zone Rating, Greenbrier Valley solidifies its position as a prime destination for new biobased facilities.”
To see the full BDO Zone Rating for Greenbrier Valley please click here, or visit www.bdozone.org.
This technical assessment and BDO rating was made possible through a grant from the USDA.
About Greenbrier Valley
The Greenbrier Valley is known for world class resorts, outdoor recreation, and small-town charm. With extensive natural resources, proximity to major business and population centers, and a workforce that continues to believe in employer loyalty and a job well done, the Greenbrier Valley also offers an ideal setting for innovative companies.
West Virginia’s business climate is geared for growth, while continuing to offer some of the lowest costs of doing business. Greenbrier Valley’s regional transportation network includes Interstate 64, major highways, an airport with commercial service, and rail options. The region’s labor shed encompasses more than 282,000 people, many of whom grew up around timber production, mining, and other industries demanding a good day’s work. Education partners keep the region’s workforce strong by promoting skills in the areas employers need most while tailoring training for business needs – often at little or no cost.
The Greenbrier Valley, perched on the West Virginia’s eastern border with Virginia, creates a supportive environment for growing businesses and a comfortable place for workers to call home.
About the Greenbrier Valley Economic Development Corporation
The Greenbrier Valley Economic Development Corporation is the local economic development authority for Pocahontas, Greenbrier and Monroe Counties in southeast West Virginia. The agency, formed in 1994 by state legislature, assists in business retention and expansion, supporting entrepreneurship and attracting outside business and talent investments to the region. The authority partners closely with local and state partners to ensure that business have access to the resources they need.
The Greenbrier Valley EDC is also a partner with communities and government to ensure adequate infrastructure and resources are available to support its residents, while planning for smart growth. For more information about the Greenbrier Valley Economic Development Corporation, visit www.yesgreenbriervalley.com. The BDO Zone Local Development Leader (LDL) is Ruthana Beezley, Executive Director (rbeezley@gvedc.com ).
About The BDO Zone Initiative
The BDO Zone Initiative is an economic development platform that enables local communities to deploy powerful economic development tools – BDO Zone Ratings – to drive, accelerate, and catalyze biobased investment and commercial project development in BDO Zones.
A BDO Zone rating is a standards-based technical risk assessment of biomass feedstock, supply chain, and infrastructure attributes of a region with respect to the feasibility and development potential of new biofuel, renewable chemical, biogas, bioproduct, or clean hydrogen plants.
BDO Zone ratings help regions and communities attract new biobased project development and participate in the growing global bioeconomy by demonstrating the maturity of local biomass supply chains and whether or not they are developed enough to support biobased manufacturing without excessive risk.
For more information on the BDO Zone Initiative, please contact info@bdozone.org. To view all current and upcoming BDO Zone designations, visit https://bdozone.org or check out the BDO Zone LinkedIn page for all news and updates.
About Ecostrat
Ecostrat is the North American Leader in supplying biomass due diligence for biofuels, renewable chemicals, biogas, and bio-product project development and finance. Ecostrat led the USDOE/BETO funded project to develop the new investment Standards and Ratings for Biomass Supply Chain Risk which were subsequently used in the development of the CSA W209:21 Biomass supply chain risk National Standard of Canada.
The Advisory Group combines the BSCR Standards with powerful predictive analytics to understand and minimize supply chain risk. The Biomass Supply Group has 25 years of experience in sourcing and supplying more than 5 million tons of biomass feedstock for bioenergy, biofuel, and biochemical projects across North America.
Jordan Solomon is Chairman of the BDO Zone Initiative and President of Ecostrat. He has overseen the development and operation of biomass supply chains for more than 5,000,000 tons of feedstock over two decades for bioenergy, biofuel, and biochemical projects.
Jordan Solomon can be reached at jordan.solomon@ecostrat.com. For more information about Ecostrat, visit the company’s website at www.ecostrat.com/standards or check out the Ecostrat LinkedIn page for all news and updates.
