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New Opportunities

For decades, Belmont County has been a crossroads for commerce. Few counties in Ohio have the direct access to major highways, railways and waterways that are used to transport cargo across the nation.

With access to Interstate 70 and Interstate 470, U.S. 40, Ohio 7, and the Ohio River, as well as railways along the river and through the county, the area has always been poised to serve as somewhat of a hub for transportation, or at least a stopping point.

Many businesses have taken advantage of Belmont County’s assets in this regard over the decades. In recent years, even more companies are opening their eyes to the benefits of the area’s access to these many shipping routes.

According to the federal government, the recent recession ended in June of last year, but individuals and businesses are still feeling the effects of the economy’s downward turn. Yet, there may be a silver lining to the scenario.

In the wake of tough economic times, many businesses both locally and across the nation have failed. Those that have survived have done so by finding ways to become more efficient.

As companies across the nation tighten their belts, many businesses that must rely on cross-country shipping of products and cargo have been forced to seek new ways of cutting expenses.

Gasoline prices remain high, and the cost to ship products across the country by road via trucks has skyrocketed in recent years. These are key reasons why companies are looking at other means of shipping.

Enter the assets of these crossroads in Belmont County.

Ohio-made products being shipped to other parts of the nation can be shipped by road to Bellaire, loaded onto barges on the river and transported to all points south, even out of the country once the goods reach the Gulf of Mexico via the Mississippi River.

The rivers can also carry cargo from the south to be unloaded in the area, then shipped by road to its final destination.

This concept is being eyed as a new opportunity for business along the river banks here. Bellaire Harbor Services has seen new business, and MPR Industrial Solutions has created a buzz in Bellaire and along the riverfront with new opportunities in the translating business.

We hope these opportunities continue to grow, create jobs and support our local economy.

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