Closing West Virginia’s Skills Gap

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.

Natural Resources, Industrial Advantage

Concerned by the amount of greenhouse gases produced by coal-fired power plants, the power industry has been calling for alternative sources of energy for decades. This transition led industry leaders to focus on natural gas, a more sustainable and cost-effective power source that releases less than half the amount of carbon dioxide than coal, as part of its comprehensive energy strategy.

Economic Grand Slam

n the Mountain State, sports complexes drive more than just physical fitness and family fun—they also drive tourism. Across West Virginia, state-of-the-art sports facilities bring in athletes and spectators who book hotel rooms, eat at restaurants and shop at stores.