Mountain State Stewardship: A Q&A with Austin Caperton
Austin Caperton’s long-time career as a coal executive and his family’s history in politics seem to have groomed him for a position in public service. A successful, self-made entrepreneur and the cousin of a former West Virginia governor, Caperton was appointed cabinet secretary of the West Virginia Department of Environmental Protection (DEP) by Governor Jim Justice in January 2017. With a proven record of working with companies and creating jobs in the energy industry, he brings a unique perspective to the role that he hopes will allow him to balance protecting West Virginia’s land, air and water with eliminating inefficient red tape that prevents growth and prosperity.
A Blueprint for Success
The manufacturing industry has long been a vital component of the American economy. Despite the rapid-fire challenges resulting from globalization, automation and technological advancement, according to the 2016 Global Manufacturing Competitive Index, the U.S. remains one of the top three countries for manufacturing, along with China and Germany. Currently, the U.S. produces close to 20 percent of all products worldwide, and by 2020, the U.S. is expected to retake the number one spot.
The Supply Chain Advantage
By embracing supply chain management within West Virginia’s manufacturing industry, the state will not only benefit from industry and revenue growth but will be better able to accomplish the economic diversification it so strongly needs.
The Heart of West Virginia
West Virginia is ranked highest in the nation in the prevalence of heart attacks among adults at 7.8 percent and second highest in the prevalence of angina or coronary heart disease, according to the West Virginia Department of Health and Human Resources. The WVU Heart and Vascular Institute is working to combat these deadly statistics by bringing the most advanced therapies, procedures, clinical research and technologies in cardiovascular care to West Virginia.
Inside the Industry: West Virginia’s Health Care Facilities
West Virginia hospital CEOs offer professional insight into the challenges of the state’s health care industry, including advances in technology and the impact of the ACA and Medicaid expansion. Compiled by Jennifer Jett Prezkop Health care is an ever-evolving industry, and what is good for one patient, doctor or facility is by no means […]
Fighting for Life in West Virginia
The evolution of the nation’s drug epidemic has taken many turns. In Appalachia, leaders fought prescription pill addiction, and now heroin, while national leaders transitioned from a treatment-based approach to the War on Drugs. While the epidemic has changed and both federal and state entities have contemplated the best approach for combatting it, drug addiction remains a major problem, particularly in the Mountain State. Opioid-related deaths have quadrupled in the U.S. since 1999, and West Virginia ranked number one in drug overdoses in 2015. We’ve established what the problem is, but the question remains—how do we fix it?