Kimball, W.Va. (November 6, 2023) – Peter S. Corum, owner of SEE Appalachia, LLC, earned
second place in the recent Pitch Southern West Virginia Business Idea Competition with his
multi-faceted concept of developing much-needed affordable housing in Kimball. His business
plan resonated with the judges and live audience and yielded him an award valued at $2,500.
Now, Corum is gearing up to allocate the award funds toward the acquisition of business
insurance, creating a digital presence, and expanding his content. He said the technical
assistance offered by the WV Hive – who coordinated the pitch competition in partnership with
the West Virginia University Institute of Technology (WVU Tech) Launch Lab — will be
instrumental in streamlining the setup of the company’s accounting and human resource
systems while refining his business plan.
SEE Appalachia is developing an open-source financing and training model for building and
remodeling affordable housing in McDowell County and other communities. His initial project in
Kimball would develop four housing units.
Corum credited the WV Hive for its overall counsel and for steering him to resources of the
Communities of Healing program, a recovery to work initiative created in southern West
Virginia. “This milestone wouldn’t have been possible without the valuable insights and

exposure gained from participating in the Communities of Healing Investment Lab Cohort,” said
Corum, who resides in Shepherdstown. “The lab validated and energized my goal of helping
people in the community while achieving my business goals.”
Corum has been spending time collaborating with leaders in McDowell County, including
Kimball Mayor Adam Gianato; Jason Tartt, owner of Appalachian Gold; and Professor Crystal
Cook Marshall, new owner of the Big 4 Motel. “These folks were pivotal in SEE Appalachia’s
focus of starting our business in the Town of Kimball and potentially utilizing the shuttered
99,000-square-foot Walmart building,” he said. “SEE Appalachia is now on a footing to
manufacture affordable homes, while embracing at-risk community members and future
homeowners in collaboration with local, state, and national governments, and non-profit
partners.
Corum invites community members interested in the project to reach out to him and share
their community knowledge and skills.
Presentations of community and student business ideas were presented October 12 on the
campus of WVU Tech. Judges for the evening’s competition included:
 Ryan Thorn, State Director, West Virginia, Rural Development, United States
Department of Agriculture (USDA)
 Dr. Scott Fleming, Dean, College of Business, Humanities and Social Sciences, WVU Tech
 Connor Golden, Business Banking Portfolio Manager, United Bank
 Christopher R. Vaught, President and CEO, Vaught, Inc.

Entries were open to residents and businesses located in Raleigh, Fayette, Nicholas, Summers,
Webster, Pocahontas, Greenbrier, Monroe, Mercer, Wyoming, McDowell, Logan and Mingo
Counties and WVU Tech students, faculty and staff. Businesses being pitched are required to be
new start-ups or in operation for less than three years.
Funds for the awards were contributed by private sponsors, including United Bank and the New
River Gorge Regional Development Authority (gold sponsors) and Stephens Auto and WV Auto
Buyers (silver sponsor). All sponsorship funds are provided to the contestants as winnings.

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SEE Appalachia LLC is devoted to the manufacturing of affordable homes by tapping into the
potential of at-risk members of the community. By forming meaningful alliances with local,
state, and national entities, as well as nonprofits and individuals dreaming of homeownership,
SEE Appalachia is weaving a tapestry of community empowerment and housing accessibility.
Contact: Peter S. Corum, Founder, SEE Appalachia, (304) 283-2467, petercorum@gmail.com
The WV Hive is the entrepreneurship program of the New River Gorge Regional Development
Authority. More information about the WV Hive can be found at wvhive.com.