Gov. Earl Ray Tomblin today announced plans for an investment mission to the United Kingdom and Ireland scheduled for October 14-22. During meetings in London, Belfast and Dublin, Gov. Tomblin will focus on strengthening relations with companies currently doing business in West Virginia, as well as building relationships with prospective companies.
Under Gov. Tomblin’s administration, West Virginia has seen more than $13 billion in new investments from small and mid-sized businesses to global companies. In total, West Virginia is now home to more than 130 international companies, representing 27 countries from around the world.
“When I became West Virginia’s Governor, I promised to go anywhere and sit down with anyone to bring jobs to our state, and I intend on keeping that promise until the final days of my administration,” Gov. Tomblin said. “Over the years, we have worked hard to maintain our strong fiscal climate, cut business taxes and build up our skilled workforce. These advantages are just a few of the many that make West Virginia a great place to relocate, invest and expand. I look forward to sitting down with current and prospective business partners in the coming days to find ways we can grow our state’s economy and bring new jobs home for hardworking West Virginians.”
This tour will mark Gov. Tomblin’s fifth international mission, including previous missions to Japan, Europe and Brazil. Last May, Gov. Tomblin led his second mission to Japan to celebrate 25 years of successful business relations. As a result of his previous investment missions, 12 Japanese companies have announced expansions in West Virginia.
“The importance of building relationships with business leaders from companies around the world cannot be overstated,” Gov. Tomblin said. “Nothing compares to a face-to-face meeting, and it is in these types of settings where long-term partnerships are developed and maintained – and where job opportunities are created.”
