The Business Development Corporation In 1993, the five existing economic development organizations in Brooke and Hancock Counties were consolidated to form a single organization dedicated to creating jobs and encouraging economic investment in the northern panhandle. The county commissions appointed board members and provided funds to the new organization. These funds were matched by the West Virginia Development Office. Chartered as a 501-C3 (private, not for profit) organization, the BDC has established Brooke and Hancock Counties as a Certified Development Community. We continue to expand the economic development capabilities within the two counties. Certification shows the business community that the region is prepared for their expansion or relocation