Laurel Fork Farm Celebrates National Recognition at U.S. Chamber of Commerce CO-100 Event in Washington, D.C.

Laurel Fork Farm Celebrates National Recognition at U.S. Chamber of Commerce CO-100 Event in Washington, D.C.

West Virginia entrepreneur Marsha Waybright brings national attention to rural entrepreneurship, Appalachian heritage, and the opportunities found in small communities.

JENNINGSTON, W.Va., October 27, 2026 - Marsha Waybright, founder of Laurel Fork Farm LLC, recently traveled to Washington, D.C., to celebrate the farm's recognition as one of the U.S. Chamber of Commerce's 2026 CO-100 Top 100 Small Businesses in America. Laurel Fork Farm was recognized in the Champions of Adaptability category for its resilience, innovation, and ability to transform a multigenerational family farm into a diversified agricultural, educational, and tourism destination.

For Waybright, the trip represented more than a national business honor. It was an opportunity to represent West Virginia, connect with fellow small-business owners from across the country, exchange ideas, and demonstrate how rural businesses can create meaningful economic opportunities while preserving the traditions and natural resources that make their communities unique.

"From the mountains of West Virginia to Washington, D.C., we are proud to show what rural entrepreneurship can accomplish," said Waybright. "We have built our businesses around the things we love: our land, our Appalachian heritage, agriculture, education, and helping people discover new possibilities. This recognition reminds us that you don't have to leave a rural community to build something meaningful. You can build right here, rooted in the place you call home."

Building Opportunity in Rural West Virginia

Located in historic Jenningston, just outside Canaan Valley, Laurel Fork Farm is a 400-acre, third-generation family farm that has evolved into a regenerative agricultural operation, an educational living classroom, and a destination for immersive Appalachian experiences.

Under Waybright's leadership, the family has diversified its work to include farm-to-table hospitality, traditional skills education, agricultural tourism, conservation, and hands-on learning. Through farm tours, educational workshops, seasonal experiences, and opportunities to learn traditional Appalachian skills, the farm connects visitors with the land and the people who care for it.

The Waybright family also operates Laurel River Club Bed & Breakfast and supports the mission of the West Virginia School of Traditional Skills, a nonprofit dedicated to preserving Appalachian heritage through hands-on education. Through Mama Bear Protection, Waybright provides safety education and practical training designed to help individuals and families become better prepared and more confident.

Her approach to entrepreneurship emphasizes collaboration rather than competition, creating opportunities for local farmers, artisans, educators, and small businesses to share their work with visitors and strengthen the regional economy.

A Year of National and Statewide Recognition

The CO-100 recognition is one of several significant honors and achievements Waybright and her businesses have received in 2026.

This year's highlights include:

• U.S. Chamber of Commerce CO-100 Top 100 Small Businesses: Laurel Fork Farm was selected as one of the nation's leading small businesses and recognized as a Champion of Adaptability.
• $19,000 IgniteWV Pitch Contest Award: Funding was awarded to support the development of an educational facility and commercial kitchen, advancing hands-on learning opportunities through the farm and the West Virginia School of Traditional Skills.
• $5,000 Tucker County Pitch Competition Award: Funding was awarded to help with the construction of the commercial kitchen for the West Virginia School of Traditional Skills, moving the organization closer to expanding hands-on education and traditional skills training in rural West Virginia.
• 2026 West Virginia Wonder Woman: Waybright was recognized by WV Living magazine for her work, leadership, and contributions to her community.
• 2026 Influential Woman Recognition: An additional honor recognizing Waybright's leadership and impact.
• West Virginia Department of Natural Resources District One Hunter Education Instructor of the Year: Waybright was honored for her volunteer service teaching hunter education and promoting safe, responsible outdoor recreation.
• Tygarts Valley Conservation District Leadership: Waybright was appointed to serve as a district supervisor, reflecting her commitment to conservation, land stewardship, and the future of agriculture in the region.

These milestones build on Laurel Fork Farm's designation as West Virginia's first Certified Agritourism Farm and Waybright's previous recognition as a 2023 West Virginia Women in Agriculture honoree. She is also a graduate of the Goldman Sachs 10,000 Small Businesses program, through which she has engaged in small-business advocacy and national conversations about the needs of entrepreneurs.

Investing in the Next Generation

Beyond the awards, one of Waybright's most important goals is creating opportunities for people to learn practical skills, develop confidence, and discover pathways to success without having to leave their rural communities.

The West Virginia School of Traditional Skills is advancing plans for an educational learning center and commercial kitchen that will expand opportunities for hands-on instruction in food preservation, cooking, traditional crafts, agriculture, and other practical life skills. The project is intended to connect generations, preserve Appalachian knowledge, and provide meaningful educational experiences for students, families, and community members.

Waybright believes rural communities have tremendous untapped potential when local people are given the resources, education, and encouragement to pursue their ideas.

"Success isn't just about winning awards or growing a business," Waybright added. "It's about what you can build for the next generation. We want people to see that our rural communities have value, that our traditional skills still matter, and that there are opportunities here for people willing to learn, work together, and think creatively."

Experience the Mountain Life

Visitors can learn more about the Waybright family's businesses, farm experiences, historic lodging, educational programs, conservation initiatives, and Appalachian heritage at MountainLifeWV.com.

Mountain Life WV brings together the family's work in agriculture, hospitality, traditional skills, outdoor education, and regional collaboration while helping visitors discover the authentic experiences and welcoming communities that make West Virginia special.

As Laurel Fork Farm celebrates its national recognition, the Waybright family remains focused on its mission: strengthening rural communities, preserving Appalachian heritage, caring for the land, and creating opportunities for the future.

About Laurel Fork Farm LLC

Laurel Fork Farm LLC is a multigenerational, family-owned farm in historic Jenningston, West Virginia. The 400-acre regenerative educational farm serves as a living classroom for agriculture, conservation, traditional Appalachian skills, and immersive rural experiences. Alongside Laurel River Club Bed & Breakfast, Mama Bear Protection, and the West Virginia School of Traditional Skills, the farm works to connect people with the land, preserve traditional knowledge, and create opportunities for rural communities.

Learn more: www.mountainlifewv.com