Economic Development Profile: Why…West Virginia?

By the BF Employees
From the March/April 2022 Situation

Enterprise Services: Inform us in regards to the standing of financial improvement in West Virginia. How is it going?

Mitch Carmichael: Financial Improvement is on a roll in West Virginia. Our workplace is busier than it has been in a long time, attending revolutionary occasions corresponding to South by Southwest in Texas, worldwide commerce reveals and upkeep, restore, and overhaul occasions. We’re getting in entrance of an increasing number of world manufacturing, expertise, aerospace, logistics and protection firms and lots of of those firms are saying “sure” to West Virginia.

BF: Why ought to firms contemplate The Mountain State for relocation or enlargement? What does the state supply?

MC: West Virginia affords a singular aggressive benefit. There actually is not any higher place to construct and develop a enterprise within the japanese U.S. than right here in West Virginia. Increasingly firms are benefiting from the alternatives we provide, together with a loyal workforce, pro-business local weather, and our prime location. Corporations profit by beginning or increasing their enterprise in West Virginia. Being in The Mountain State might help firms scale back distribution, workforce, manufacturing, and power prices. Search #YesWV on LinkedIn or Twitter and also you’ll see what I imply.

BF: What are you able to inform me in regards to the Ascend West Virginia program? 

MC: Initially funded by Brad and Alys Smith, this program has skyrocketed curiosity in Virtually Heaven, West Virginia. The standard of life right here, paired with our dedication to investing within the individuals and locations of West Virginia, is creating a singular neighborhood and attracting tons of consideration. You may be taught extra about Ascend West Virginia at ascendwv.com.

BF: Are there different applications within the state that you’re concerned with?

MC: We’re embarking on a brand new broadband program. In late 2021, West Virginia dedicated to a billion-dollar technique—the most important funding in broadband in its historical past—to extend entry to West Virginia’s residents and companies. This technique combines federal, state and native authorities funds and matching investments from private-sector companions to extend the broadband availability to 300,000 extra West Virginians.

BBB Regional Problem—With regards to recovering from the Covid-19 pandemic, cities and cities in West Virginia are in a greater place to construct than many different communities within the nation and a bunch of state companies and organizations are out to show it. The Resilient West Virginia coalition is a finalist in the USA Financial Improvement Administration’s $1 billion Regional Problem due to a proposal to leverage West Virginia sources and workforce expertise to advance the nation’s nationwide safety and financial pursuits. Extra data is offered at westvirginia.gov/resilientwv.

BF: What do you see taking place sooner or later when it comes to financial improvement?

MC: We hope that firms will proceed trying on the large image. Since we’re a smaller state, it’s simple to work with our native, state and federal officers. In West Virginia, we take delight in our loyal workforce. With regards to attracting companies, we’re inexpensive and conveniently situated near uncooked supplies and the end-users of most of the merchandise created right here.

From the pandemic, we now have seen large financial shifts taking place globally and in West Virginia too. We now have each the infrastructure and adaptableness in place to proceed to assist the companies who relocate right here and assist our current companies thrive. That’s the reason firms are increasing, investing and finding in West Virginia.

We test all of the containers and might help firms meet their aims.