Marlinton is an old town tucked away deep in the Allegheny Mountains but don’t let that make you think nothing goes on there.  A new group, developed by a small group of business people sprang up literally over a jam session at a local coffee house.

Through a local survey over six months, the group, calling itself GoMarlinton, soon learned that people come to the area as a referral from friends and neighbors rather than any set of advertising or marketing plan.  Word of mouth, about great travel opportunities and experiences, is still the best advertiser.

The colorful new flags in the downtown area are courtesy of GoMarlinton as is the signage as one is coming to Rt 39 from either side of the Greenbrier River Trail.  The group’s beautification committee is working on a grant to increase green areas in the community as well as help build a special shelter for the ever-popular farmers market.   The downtown area was spruced up with painting and trim during the fall, flags of the state of West Virginia and the United States (flown over the WV State Capitol) are now flying over the old depot site in Marlinton.

What’s unusual about this group is their partner list and how they get funding.  The Town of Marlinton government is a partner as is the local State Farm Insurance office, the newspaper, the Marlinton Rotary, a local car dealer, and many other private entities.  The group’s website boasts over 60 partners which are each featured in one of several categories which offer services or products.

What this group actually does may not be as important as what it shows us.  Working together produces a plethora of great ideas, and numerous ways to accomplish things.  Basically – in this group – people leave their egos at the door.  It’s not important who owns the idea but who will work together to make it a reality.

The love they have for their hometown is far greater than who gets the credit, or whose name is mentioned in the press.  They know that by working together they stand to accomplish much more than any one person alone.  We congratulate GoMarlinton and all they are putting forth into making Marlinton West Virginia a great small town to visit and to live.