Jefferson, Belmont, Harrison and Carroll counties are now a part of a state-funded partnership that solely serves to help local businesses grow and develop, according to Jefferson County Community Action Council officials. It combines several agencies into one-stop shopping for economic and workforce development.

The Business Resource Network, a state grant-funded program, now serves 16 counties in eastern Ohio to gives an avenue for businesses to find employees partnership that provides all kinds of services to any local business that need it.

CAC officials commented how the BRN adds to the changes they are seeing locally in the oil and gas industry.

"We're also seeing a shifting going on. I'm seeing other job orders that are not oil- and gas-related that being individuals are going to the oil and gas industry," said Mike McGlumphy, of the CAC Workforce Development.

The BRN will include local government, chambers of commerce, port authorities, and legal services, among other agencies, said BRN Manager Angie Peters.

"Some of the agencies and companies around here are doing work out there. Our one-stop in (Carroll and Harrison counties) also operate the same way we do. We share information, and we post those jobs on our boards," said McGlumphy, who talked about the growing numbers of oil- and gas-related jobs.

All 16 counties will be able to share information for one-stop shopping to help fill job orders, get acquainted with the area, or whatever a business may need, no matter the industry or the size.

Peters said they hope to meet with local agencies in each county by the end of March.