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.
From the tip of each of its two panhandles to the southernmost coalfield, West Virginia’s communities run the gamut of size, topography and industry. The struggles and successes of some of the state’s smaller communities are sometimes overlooked in favor of its population, health care, athletic and political hubs; however, these small communities pack a powerful punch when it comes to finding creative solutions to reversing population decline, diversifying economies and repurposing existing infrastructure.
West Virginia’s automotive manufacturing companies comprise an extensive industry in the state, playing a large role in West Virginia’s economic success. With an impact of $711 million and 6,004 jobs just in 2021—numbers directly related to the automotive sector and not including third-tier suppliers—the staggering amount of revenue and jobs brought into the state contributes to the welfare of West Virginia and its communities.
West Virginia relies on strong leaders to carry the state forward and make vital decisions that benefit its people—leaders who inspire others to do the same. This type of leadership is embodied by the West Virginia Executive (WVE) Sharp Shooters Class of 2022.
West Virginia’s chemical industry has seen many phases since its early beginnings as the nation’s leading salt producer in the 1800s. The industry has been transformed by technology and smart manufacturing, a global market and sudden spikes in demand, along with increased diversity in leadership.
Not many would imagine a state the size of West Virginia
would be capable of having such a large, global impact, but the Mountain State distributes goods to 147 out of the 196 countries in the world. West Virginia Executive found this statistic awe-inspiring and felt driven to create a comprehensive export map to show the expansive nature of West Virginia’s worldwide exports.