The Northern Panhandle has always demonstrated resilience. From steel mills to manufacturing, this region has reinvented itself time and again. Today, the next economic frontier is digital — blockchain, decentralized networks, and digital assets are no longer abstract technologies. They are shaping the economy of the future — and the Northern Panhandle can lead this next frontier of innovation.

Leaders in Washington have already signaled that digital assets are a top priority.

This summer, the White House released a Digital Assets Report, highlighting more than 100 recommendations to modernize financial infrastructure, regulate markets responsibly, and position the U.S. as a global leader in blockchain technology.

The report also emphasized the need for clarity around stablecoins, digital commodities, and investment contract assets — and Congress is taking action to address this. Both the House of Representatives and the Senate have introduced much-needed market structure legislation that would provide the regulatory clarity crypto developers, users, and advocates need to continue innovating — and to solidify America’s global leadership in the blockchain economy.

A major bipartisan victory happened earlier this year when President Trump signed into law the GENIUS Act, which establishes clear rules for stablecoin reserves, ensuring transparency and security.

Together, these actions signal that the federal government is ready to embrace blockchain as infrastructure, not just financial speculation.

West Virginia is poised to seize this moment. Our state has already passed legislation that defines virtual currency for tax and legal purposes, and the Uniform Fiduciary Access to Digital Assets Act which enables fiduciaries to manage digital assets in estates.

Gov. Patrick Morrisey’s Microgrid Law supports decentralized, resilient energy systems, critical for powering data centers and decentralized physical infrastructure networks.

Locally, the Northern Panhandle has strong educational and infrastructure assets. Colleges such as Bethany College, West Virginia Northern Community College, Wheeling University, and West Liberty University offer programs in industrial business, technology, and applied sciences — though none currently teach blockchain or DePIN technologies. This presents an opportunity to partner with industry and statewide organizations to develop curriculum and workforce training for the economy of the future.

The recently launched Stand With Crypto West Virginia chapter is mobilizing these efforts. We’ve already recognized U.S. Sens. Jim Justice, R-W.Va. and Shelley Moore Capito, R-W.Va., and U.S. Republican Reps. Riley Moore and Carol Miller for their supportive positions on digital assets. By connecting educators, industry, and advocacy groups, Stand With Crypto aims to ensure blockchain innovation benefits local communities first.

Blockchain is more than cryptocurrency. It’s infrastructure for transparency, accountability, and economic growth. It can improve land records, track government funds, manage water systems, and even support environmental programs like carbon credits. These are practical applications with real impact for the Northern Panhandle.

Our region has the land, energy, and educational resources needed to lead. By leveraging federal guidance, state legislation, and collaboration with universities and organizations like Stand With Crypto, Wheeling and surrounding counties and communities can position themselves as a hub for blockchain, digital assets, and DePIN infrastructure.

Leadership requires vision and action. The federal government is setting the stage, and West Virginia is ready. With Stand With Crypto, local universities, and industry partners working together, the Northern Panhandle can turn blockchain from a concept into jobs, growth, and opportunity — ensuring that West Virginia thrives in the economy of the future.

Shekinah Apedo is the founder of the West Virginia Blockchain Association and president of Stand With Crypto’s West Virginia chapter.