Tucker County's Laurel Fork Farm named one of America's top 100 small businesses
The U.S. Chamber of Commerce recognized the agritourism destination as a 'Champion of Adaptability'
Laurel Fork Farm in Tucker County has been named one of the top 100 small businesses in America by the U.S. Chamber of Commerce.
The farm, owned by Marsha Waybright and located near Bowden, earned the 2026 CO-100 honor in the "Champions of Adaptability" category, which recognizes businesses demonstrating "extraordinary resilience and tenacity in overcoming significant challenges."
Laurel Fork Farm was selected from more than 12,000 applicants nationwide. The 2026 CO-100 honorees collectively generate over $340 million in annual revenue, employ more than 2,500 workers, and represent 36 states and Washington, D.C.
West Virginia's first certified agritourism farm
The 400-acre farm in Jenningston is West Virginia's first Certified Agritourism Farm. It operates as a living classroom offering guided farm tours, educational workshops, school programs, and seasonal events focused on regenerative agriculture, medicinal plants, forest farming, and wildlife conservation.
The farm's Mountain Medicine Trail provides hands-on learning about traditional Appalachian skills. Laurel Fork Farm also supports and hosts the West Virginia School of Traditional Skills, a nonprofit that teaches planting, harvesting, hunting, and fishing.
Since opening to the public, the farm has welcomed visitors from all 50 states and more than 70 countries.
National recognition
As a CO-100 honoree, Laurel Fork Farm receives a one-year U.S. Chamber membership, national exposure, and networking opportunities. Category winners receive $2,000 each.
The U.S. Chamber announced the 2026 CO-100 list on Monday, Sept. 9. Honorees were invited to a VIP experience Oct. 19–21 in Washington, D.C.
"Small businesses embody the spirit of opportunity that drives America's economy forward," said Jeanette Mulvey, vice president and editor-in-chief of CO— by the U.S. Chamber.
