When West Virginians think about frontline heroes—those fighting for our physical, mental and emotional well-being and keeping us safe from all types of harm—most minds immediately jump to thoughts of the brave men and women serving our state. However, what some Mountaineers may not realize is that not all the state’s heroes are human—some have paws.
In June 2016, Greenbrier County was devastated by a flood that destroyed lives and debilitated towns. Following the tragedy, the county united and began to rebuild its community, which caused a resurgence that has been growing exponentially since. Greenbrier County is rich in spirit and grit, and its citizens have worked tirelessly to build back all that was lost and more.
State leaders have recently deliberated repealing West Virginia’s personal income tax. Renowned economist Dr. Arthur Laffer has a proven plan for rationalizing the state’s tax code to create economic growth and prosperity.
West Virginia manufacturers are a driving force in the state’s economy. According to the National Association of Manufacturers, West Virginia supported $3.54 billion in manufactured goods in 2019 and $1.67 billion in exports for free trade agreement partners. Together, those pre-pandemic numbers created jobs and supported growing businesses in the Mountain State.
West Virginia ranked fifth nationwide in total energy production in 2019, accounting for 5% of the U.S.’s total energy. While riding the waves of the past few years, including a pandemic, global supply chain disruptions and workforce shortages, West Virginians proved their resiliency once again. Despite obstacles decades in the making, advances in technology and the exploration of new opportunities provide excitement within West Virginia’s energy portfolio.
All hours of the day and night, the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration (NOAA) is gathering terabytes of information from multiple satellites at the West Virginia High Technology Foundation’s I-79 Technology Park. As the data silently streams through the satellites, Jim Estep, High Technology Foundation president and CEO, hears money and opportunity pouring into the Mountain State.