Local leaders say Northern Panhandle doesnt get a fair shake in poor W.Va. rankings

WEIRTON, W.Va. — West Virginia, again, came in 50th in a number of lists compiled by several national publications, including the best states in which to business.Despite the fact that magazines like Forbes had West Virginia last, local leaders say the northern panhandle isn't getting a fair shake. “West Virginia very different geographically,” said Pat Ford, executive director of the Business Development Corporation. “We don't have much in common with southern and eastern part of the state and we have more in common with Steubenville. That's why Weirton and Steubenville is the data set that is actually being evaluated.” Ford also rattled off a number of eye-popping statistics that include increased investment, declining unemployment and the cost of living.http://wtov9.com/news/local/local-leaders-say-northern-panhandle-doesnt-get-a-fair-shake-in-poor-wva-rankings