As COVID-19 rocked the world and shut down much of the country, 2020 proved to be a lonely and empty year—empty streets, empty stores, empty offices and empty restaurants and bars. Much of everyday life was canceled—holiday parties, weddings, retreats and nights out at local haunts. As a result, the hospitality industry suffered greatly.
Business leaders and corporations are increasingly prioritizing corporate social responsibility—the practice of engaging in philanthropic and charitable endeavors and supporting volunteer and ethically oriented practices. According to the Association of Corporate Citizenship Professionals, the crises communities continue to face along with the challenges brought on by the COVID-19 pandemic have only accelerated this practice.
The year 2020 was difficult for everyone, but it seems there is hope to be found in 2021, with more of the population receiving coronavirus vaccines and restrictions lessening. People are starting to feel safe once more and are picking up where they left off before the COVID-19 pandemic put a halt to their normal, everyday lives.
While the onset of the coronavirus pandemic took a significant toll on the economy, the manufacturing industry across the country and in West Virginia remains a bright spot. As efforts continue to re-shore manufacturing, evaluate supply chains and integrate new technologies, manufacturing production will continue to rise.
During the 2021 session of the West Virginia Legislature, House Bill 3239 was introduced and called for the creation of the West Virginia Energy Diversity Study Commission to identify areas where additional electric power generation facilities may be located that utilize renewable energy sources to lower carbon emission. While the bill did not make it to the Senate, it is not the first to be introduced stirring discussion on the potential for the increased use of alternative and renewable energy sources in West Virginia.
In celebration of those who have adopted our Mountain Mama as their own, “Talent Transplant” recognizes Mountaineers who were born elsewhere but relocated here, embraced our beloved state and now help us work toward a brighter future.