In the Ohio Valley, there’s a long tradition of building things that last — not just structures, but skills, careers, and communities. At the center of that work are two organizations helping shape the region’s future: Project BEST and the Upper Ohio Valley Building & Construction Trades Council (OVBTC).
I had the pleasure of getting to know both Nathan Butts and Kyle Kull through the 2025 Leadership Wheeling cohort, where it quickly became clear that they’re not just knowledgeable about their field, they’re deeply committed to making Wheeling better. Through their work with Project BEST and OVBTC, they’re building pathways for the next generation, creating long-term career opportunities, and strengthening the backbone of our local economy.
The Power of Partnership
The Upper Ohio Valley Building & Construction Trades Council (OVBTC) has been part of Wheeling’s story for generations. Chartered in 1939, it represents more than 6,000 skilled union members across trades like electrical, roofing, masonry, and more. For decades, OVBTC has worked to uphold high standards of craftsmanship, protect workers’ rights, and make sure the building trades remain a respected and viable career path in the Ohio Valley.
On the contractors’ side, the Ohio Valley Construction Employers Council (OVCEC) grew out of the old Ohio Valley Builders Exchange, founded in the 1940s by a group of local contractors who wanted a stronger voice in labor relations and construction standards. Together, OVBTC and OVCEC recognized that collaboration could be more powerful than conflict. In the early 1970s, they began working together more intentionally, and by 1984, they formally established Project BEST (Building Everyone Stronger Together)—a nonprofit labor-management partnership designed to promote union labor, support local contractors, and provide the region with a safety-conscious, highly skilled workforce.
Today, Project BEST encompasses roughly 500 contractors and thousands of tradespeople, functioning as a bridge between workers, contractors, and the broader community. Beyond advocating for fair labor practices, Project BEST and OVBTC lead outreach efforts, coordinate apprenticeship pipelines, and make sure that even large-scale projects involving out-of-town developers prioritize local labor. Their shared vision goes well beyond physical infrastructure—they’re building skills, careers, and an economy that stays rooted in Wheeling.
Training the Next Generation
The 2025 Career Fair, hosted on Wednesday, September 17 at Wheeling Park Ice Rink, showcased this mission in action. More than 1,000 students from 31 regional school districts attended the event, which featured 29 vendor booths and five hands-on construction activities. Students tested out demolition simulators, flew drones, and explored poly-pipe fusion demonstrations, guided by union representatives and instructors.
Apprenticeship coordinators and contractors were on hand to answer questions, explain training pathways, and discuss wages and benefits. “It might seem more expensive at first,” said Nathan Butts, Executive Director of Project BEST, “but union labor is often more efficient, more reliable, and better trained—which saves time and money.”
Pride and Accountability
Kyle Kull, a field organizer with LIUNA and representative for OVBTC, addressed common misconceptions about union labor. “People think unions protect bad workers, but that’s simply not true. Our members are held to high standards. We protect people from unfair treatment—not from accountability.”
Currently, the most in-demand trades include roofing, bricklaying, cement masonry, and painting. While Kyle primarily recruits for LIUNA, he noted that most local unions accept applications year-round and conduct interviews based on need. And the work doesn’t stop at job sites, union members also give back through programs like Laborers Rising, volunteering with organizations like Special Olympics and Augusta Levy, and stepping up during natural disasters.
Building What Comes Next
For students, parents, or job seekers interested in joining the trades, there are clear and accessible next steps. Many programs are Department of Labor–accredited apprenticeships, offering on-the-job training with the option to earn college credits through partnerships with institutions like West Virginia Northern Community College.
Learn more about each program at the following sites:
– OVBTC
– WV Laborers’ Apprenticeship Program
As Wheeling continues to grow, the work of Project BEST and OVBTC remains essential. Together, they’re laying the groundwork for a strong, skilled, and community-driven future.
