West Virginia leaders have been putting together the pieces of an economic, high-tech, game-changing puzzle. By offering a myriad of networking opportunities, financial assistance and expertise, the state is encouraging high-tech dreamers and doers to call or keep the Mountain State their home.
A beautiful golden-brown bun stuffed with spicy pepperoni is the perfect West Virginia snack. Maybe add in some melted cheese or sweet peppers, too. The pepperoni roll, the unofficial state food of West Virginia, is a shelf-stable, meat-stuffed roll that can be found in pockets all across the state. But its roots—much like those of the state itself—are traced back to the coal mining industry less than 100 years ago.
Marion County is filled with points of pride. It’s home to the I-79 Technology Park and Fairmont State University and it’s just minutes from West Virginia University in neighboring Monongalia County.
Two of the nation’s leading businesses, Toyota Motor Manufacturing and Procter & Gamble, are making a home for themselves in the Mountain State and elevating local small businesses in the process. With the innovative merging of a big business mindset and small-town charm, West Virginia is now enjoying more job opportunities, increased state revenue and successful expansion of its ever-growing small business community.
In April 2020, Governor Jim Justice and West Virginia University (WVU) President Gordon Gee announced a bold plan to attract remote workers to the Morgantown area, the Greenbrier Valley and the Eastern Panhandle—the Ascend West Virginia program. The brainchild of Brad and Alys Smith, the couple looked to WVU and the state to bring the program to life.
While much focus is placed on the ways in which West Virginia can improve and develop, it is just as important to identify and promote the various successes the state has experienced in the past few years. The tide is moving in the right direction. The victories are impressive and imperative to the overall well-being and longevity of the Mountain State.