<div>Sep. 26—bluefield — Trailers loaded with ATVs and UTVs being hauled toward the gateway into the Hatfield-McCoy Trail system are both a common sight in southern West Virginia and a business opportunity. So an upcoming seminar will show entrepreneurs how they can tap into the local tourism industry.The Hatfield-McCoy Effect: How to Expand Your Tourism Business is coming Oct. 15 to the Bluefield Art Center Theater in downtown Bluefield. The seminar will be from 6 to 8 p.m. that day.Jim Spencer, executive director of the Bluefield Economic Development Authority, said Wednesday the seminar is free and registration is not required."This is the second time we've had this event," Spencer said. "Our goal is to bring in established businesses that are in the adventure tourism industry as well as entrepreneurs that are interested in starting a business in adventure tourism."Spencer said he will start off the seminar with business coach Harold Patterson of the West Virginia Small Business Development Center. Then Jamie Null, executive director of the Mercer County Convention & Visitors Bureau, will present a short course on marketing a business.The seminar's keynote speaker, Jeffrey Lusk, executive director of the Hatfield-McCoy Trail Authority, will speak about the trail system's impact, the industry's needs and how to grow tourism-related businesses.The Hatfield-McCoy Trail has seen increasing ridership each year. In 2023, the trail authority sold a record 92,500 trail passes and the goal this year is 95,000.Mercer County has seen a lot of entrepreneurship with lodging investments in Bramwell, Bluewell and the Bluefield area, Lusks said. Besides lodging, there are opportunities for businesses offering ATV rentals, parts and services for off-road vehicles, restaurants and food services."Everything you need when you go on vacation, they're going to need here," Lusk said.Riding the Hatfield-McCoy Trail has become a recreational activity that's available all year. While rain is often a problem for outdoor sports, it doesn't present an obstacle for ATV riders. Lusk said ongoing rain that has helped make the trails muddy again has been "a blessing.""We had some real issues with dust on the trails," he said Wednesday. "It's going to be excellent riding in the fall."Snow and cold are not obstacles, either. Accessories such as heated ATV seats allow riders to visit the Hatfield-McCoy Trail throughout the winter."It's making a huge difference," Lusk said about the new equipment allowing ATV riders to visit the trail system even during the off season for other tourist activities, which creates more opportunities for entrepreneurs.</div>

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Bluefield looking to grow businesses near ATV trails

Sep. 26—bluefield — Trailers loaded with ATVs and UTVs being hauled toward the gateway into the Hatfield-McCoy Trail system are both a common sight in southern West Virginia and a business opportunity. So an upcoming seminar will show entrepreneurs how they can tap into the local tourism industry.