Last week Bethany's council members voted to join the Business Development Corporation of the Northern Panhandle.

Town leaders believe partnering with the BDC will give them a fresh set of eyes that will help move the town forward.

In a conversation with NEWS9, Mayor Jay Eisenhauer cited the corporation's recent success in Brooke and Hancock counties as a key reason why they made the decision.

"What we're hoping is that the BDC will help us with the technical aspect of things. We're a small town. Everyone is on a part-time basis and we're hoping to grow our economic base," said Eisenhauer. "We need it to be broader, more diverse and what Bethany brings to the BDC is that small town touch."

Eisenhauer will now be a board member. He says he will quickly begin looking at properties in town and will discuss ways with the BDC to draw in small businesses.