Chamber News

RANSON - The outcome of a legal battle over an insulation production plant in the Eastern Panhandle could set a new precedent regarding the state’s payment in lieu of taxes, or PILOT, practices.

CHARLESTON — Several state business leaders and academics agree that the Mountain State’s economy is starting to rebound following years of decline.

West Virginia has a $83.7 billion investment agreement in place with a China-owned energy company for shale gas and chemical manufacturing projects in the state over the course of 20 years, the state Department of Commerce announced Thursday morning.

CHARLESTON – An $83.7 billion agreement with China Energy has state leaders downright giddy. Early on Nov. 9, the West Virginia Department of Commerce announced an agreement with China Energy to invest that much money in shale gas development and chemical manufacturing products in the state. Gov. Jim Justice called it the largest private investment in state history.

CLARKSBURG — With citizens voting to approve Gov. Jim Justice’s “Roads to Prosperity” road bond amendment and federal regulators approving two pipeline projects that will cross through the state, West Virginia will soon be flush with economic opportunities and thousands of new jobs.

ELKINS — Two major natural gas pipeline projects on the East Coast have been granted approval. The Federal Energy Regulatory Commission has granted approval for the Atlantic Coast and Mountain Valley natural gas pipelines. The recently announced approvals mean the pipeline developers will have the authority to use eminent domain to acquire land if they can’t reach an agreement with a landowner.

As the campaign for the road bond referendum winds down, proponents of the Roads to Prosperity 2017 amendment are hopeful that a healthy turnout Saturday will help lead to passage of the $1.6 billion bond plan. “At this point, we’re optimistic, but taking nothing for granted,” West Virginia Chamber of Commerce President Steve Roberts said Thursday. “In a low-turnout election, anything can happen.

WHITE SULPHUR SPRINGS — Political experts don’t know exactly which way West Virginia’s political winds will blow in upcoming elections, but they’re certain the state’s political climate is changing.  “West Virginia is now a deeply red state,” said pollster Rex Repass, who conducts the periodic West Virginia Poll for statewide media.

CHARLESTON — West Virginia lawmakers are gearing up for another try at passing tax reform in the state. How sweeping those reforms may be appears to be something that will be open for a great deal of debate.

WHITE SULPHUR SPRINGS - During this month's 81st annual Meeting and Business Summit of the West Virginia Chamber of Commerce at The Greenbrier in White Sulphur Springs, the chamber's board of directors voted unanimously to support the Roads to Prosperity Amendment of 2017.