The West Virginia Economic Development Council (WVEDC) held its Annual Conference in the capitol city of Charleston last Wednesday. Economic Development Directors and WVEDC members from around the state learned of economic updates and discussed experiences, challenges and expectations for West Virginia in 2015. “The winter conference provides development directors an opportunity to enhance strategies and adjust program plans based on new information received from state officials, industry experts and business leaders,” said Robbie Baylor, WVEDC president. Conference speakers provided updates on West Virginia’s economic trends, legislative initiatives, legal matters and issues facing economic development. Topics ranged from US EPA rules and how they will affect West Virginia businesses to STEM initiatives and the demand to fill the needs of the state’s expanding high-tech workforce. Speakers included West Virginia Secretary of Commerce Keith Burdette, West Virginia Secretary of Transportation Paul Mattox and West Virginia Superintendent Dr. Michael Martirano. The West Virginia Manufacturers Association, Community and Technical College System of West Virginia, West Virginia Hospital Association, State Tax Department, WV Division of Energy, WV Division of Forestry and representatives from the West Virginia Development Office provided presentations and/or updates to conference attendees. Special guests Senate Majority Leader Mitch Carmichael and House Speaker Tim Armistead spoke about working to move West Virginia forward during the Legislative Session.
