President & CEO, Barnes Agency By Maggie Hatfield Jeff Barnes, president and CEO of the Barnes Agency, credits his career success to integrity, honesty and respect. “I have tried to navigate my professional career by doing the rights things for the right reasons even when nobody is looking,” he says. It was under his father’s…
According to the U.S. Census Bureau, Putnam County is the only county in its region that has recorded population growth on every census since 1970. The burgeoning area is a tapestry of charming small towns nestled between West Virginia’s two largest cities. Community leaders are embracing this strategic location and sustained growth to create an intergenerational place that appeals to everyone from college graduates looking for their first jobs to families to retirees. Putnam County is more than a bedroom community for Charleston and Huntington—it is a unique and vibrant place that is home to a variety of small businesses, industries, restaurants, recreational opportunities and developable land.
Business is at the forefront of the current national dialogue. In West Virginia and across the U.S., small businesses are the heart and soul of numerous communities, creating jobs, rebuilding downtowns and attracting tourists. In spite of the international impact of the COVID-19 pandemic on the world economy, many businesses are staying the course, and with the important role exporting is playing in the Mountain State, hope for a brighter future remains.
Whether it is a new company coming to West Virginia or an existing business park or modern community expanding to accommodate new tenants, development is key to moving the Mountain State forward. Not only do development projects create jobs, invigorate the construction industry, impact the economy, aid growing industries, encourage entrepreneurship and spur community growth, but they also serve as a reminder of the vibrant landscape and wealth of natural resources available throughout West Virginia.
Long before Mac Warner became West Virginia’s 30th secretary of state, his parents set an example of political and community involvement. His father, who served in World War II, passed this dedication to service on to all six of his children, most of whom have served in the Army or Navy.
In response to the call to diversify West Virginia’s economy, many programs have been created over the past several years to train Mountain State residents to work in new industries. With the coronavirus outbreak and the impact it has had on the economy, local businesses and employment rates, these training programs have never been more important. At the onset of the statewide shutdown in March, West Virginia faced more than 90,000 unemployment claims, and that number increased as businesses temporarily halted operations or closed for good due to the pandemic. This shift in available jobs could leave many people looking for new career opportunities.