First Impressions
Community, Economic, & Workforce Development

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First Impressions

For more information on the program, contact
Alison Hanham
Business Research Analyst
(304) 293-6131 Ext. 4207


WVU Extension Service
Community Resources and
Economic Development

2106 Agricultural Sciences Building
P.O. Box 6108
Morgantown, WV 26506-6108
(304) 293-6131 Ext. 4207
Fax (304) 293-6954



Have you ever wondered what people think about your community? Communities trying to envision the future need an accurate and unbiased picture of the present. The First Impressions program provides this perspective by helping a community learn about its strengths and weaknesses as seen through the eyes of a first-time visitor.

How does the program work? A team of anonymous visitors travels to the community and records their first impressions. Team members pose as prospective business owners, vacationers, shoppers and potential residents. Retail stores, residences, education, government, tourism and accessibility to services are investigated. Team members drive and walk through town. They visit local schools, government offices and the Chamber of Commerce.

Appearance, access to services and friendliness are just a few of the community characteristics that the visitors evaluate. Observations are recorded and then compiled into a community report, which includes recommendations.

  • First Impressions brochure: basic program information - PDF format, 2 pp
  • First Impressions Program Community Application: used by communities to apply for the program - PDF format, 2pp
  • New Fee Structure:

    $750 per community
    $500 per community in ARC defined "distressed counties"
    $500 per community with a population less than 1,000

  • Communities visited to date (for a hard copy of any of the following reports, e-mail Alison Hanham or call (304) 293-6131 x 4207).

    • Beckley
    • Berkeley Springs
    • Bluefield
    • Cabin Creek
    • Charleston - West Side Neighborhood
    • Clarksburg Downtown
    • Clay
    • Cowen/Camden-on-Gauley
    • Crum
    • Elizabeth
    • Elkins
    • Fairmont - Maple/Ogden, Jackson Addition Neighborhood
    • Franklin: PDF format, 33 pp
    • Glenville
    • Grafton
    • Grantsville
    • Hardy County Schools
    • Harrisville/Cairo
    • Harts
    • Hinton
    • Hurricane: pdf format, 17 pp
    • Logan:
    • Marlinton: pdf format, 28 pp
    • Martinsburg
    • Matewan
    • Moundsville: pdf format, 38 pp
    • Oak Hill
    • Parkersburg Downtown
    • Pennsboro/Ellenboro
    • Point Marion, PA
    • Richwood
    • Ripley
    • Rupert
    • Sistersville
    • Spencer
    • Teays Valley Area
    • Terra Alta
    • Union
    • Wayne
    • Webster Springs
    • Weirton
    • Wellsburg
    • West Union
    • Wheeling

Last modified: June 20, 2006
Comments to: Extension Service Web

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