Roadmap to West Virginia’s Future
West Virginia is on the cusp of transformative change. With its rich history, abundant natural resources and resilient population, the state is poised to leap into a new era of prosperity. Central to this vision is the 21st Century Competitiveness Agenda, a comprehensive plan put forth by the West Virginia Chamber that addresses 12 critical areas to ensure the state’s success in the coming decades.
“Our initiatives are led by the needs of our members, who have consistently reported their top challenges in the categories detailed in the competitiveness agenda,” said Steve Roberts, president of the West Virginia Chamber. “While they are all important areas for West Virginia to succeed, the top focus is on education, workforce and economic development, a healthy West Virginia and a competitive business climate.”
Excellence in K-12 Education
The 21st Century Competitiveness Agenda prioritizes excellence in K-12 education, recognizing that a well-educated workforce is essential for attracting and retaining businesses. According to Roberts, West Virginia must prioritize student-centered education that meets students’ needs and encourages their success. To achieve this, he said, the state must enhance transparency in measuring student progress, provide resources for better teacher compensation, streamline charter school authorization and improve student transportation. Additionally, increasing pathways to alternative certification, auditing the K-12 public education system for efficiency, allowing calendar flexibility and virtual learning options and examining relevant state laws are crucial.
Building a Strong Workforce and Talent Pipeline
West Virginia’s persistently low workforce participation rate has led to a workforce crisis, with employers struggling to fill numerous job openings. To address this, the state must revamp the Workforce Innovation and Opportunity Act Board, improve WorkForce West Virginia efforts and strengthen communication between community and technical education and employers, Roberts said. Additional measures outlined in the agenda include creating incentives to retain graduates, appointing a cabinet-level workforce development leader, supporting job training initiatives, expanding apprenticeship opportunities, increasing child care availability and ensuring the state is attractive to workers from diverse backgrounds.
Supporting Economic Development
Economic development is at the heart of the 21st Century Competitiveness Agenda. The plan emphasizes the need to support initiatives that drive growth, create jobs and increase the state’s GDP. This includes investing in infrastructure, promoting entrepreneurship and attracting new industries to the state, Roberts said.
“It’s essential to expand the site readiness program, foster public-private development initiatives and increase capacity within community and regional development departments,” he said. “Coordinating economic development programs across the state will enhance focus and effectiveness, while leveraging coal-derivative products and expanding access to capital will support growth and innovation.”
Enhancing Health and Wellness
A healthy population is a productive population, and the 21st Century Competitiveness Agenda seeks to enhance health and wellness across the state. West Virginia consistently ranks low in health and well-being, making the health and safety of citizens and visitors a top priority, Roberts said. To drive positive change, the state must measure and support better health outcomes, monitor the restructuring of health-related departments and improve resources and care in the foster care system. Other essential steps include increasing access to medical, dental, prenatal and mental health services; creating school-based health centers; and providing nutrition support for students during off-school times.
“A healthy West Virginia is a stronger West Virginia,” Roberts said.
Creating a Competitive Business Climate
A favorable business environment is essential for attracting new companies and encouraging existing ones to expand. The Chamber’s agenda advocates for policies that reduce red tape, lower taxes and provide incentives for businesses to invest in West Virginia. By lowering the Corporate Net Income Tax rate from its current 6.5%, Roberts said, the state can position itself as a top contender for corporate tax competitiveness. Additionally, reducing insurance tax rates to align with the national average, along with addressing costs and outcomes in unemployment compensation, would make West Virginia more attractive to businesses. By creating a competitive business climate, the state can position itself as a leader in economic growth.
Roberts described the agenda as “a roadmap” for the state’s future — one that not only addresses problems but also harnesses strengths.
“The 21st Century Competitiveness Agenda is not just a plan,” he said. “It’s a vision for the future of West Virginia. It’s a roadmap that addresses the state’s most pressing challenges and leverages its greatest strengths.”
Roberts said the development of the agenda can be traced back to at least a decade ago, when the Chamber began exploring the competitive strategies of nearby states.
“We looked around the country to see where success could be found,” he said. “Not surprisingly, North Carolina, given its proximity and cultural similarities, kept bringing us back to what they had done to be successful. That led us to the genius behind the Triangle Research Park, Ted Abernathy, who provided data-driven insights that led us to developing the 21st Century Competitiveness Agenda, focusing on the top issues West Virginia faces.”
The West Virginia Chamber is committed to this vision, Roberts said.
“We are sharing this information with legislative candidates, leaders in the Legislature and the candidates for governor,” he said. “We are beginning to see results in the announcements that have come from companies like Nucor, Procter & Gamble, Chemours, BHE Renewables, Form Energy and so many other world-renowned companies that are looking at West Virginia.”
As the voice of business in the state, the West Virginia Chamber and its members are dedicated to engaging in these issues to create a prosperous and successful state — and the 21st Century Competitiveness Agenda is a critical step in making that vision a reality.
The 12 Focus Areas of the 21st Century Competitiveness Agenda
Excellence in K-12 Education
Building a Strong Workforce & Talent Pipeline
Competitive Business Climate
Supporting Manufacturers’ Needs
Enhancing Health & Wellness
Fair Legal Landscape & Judiciary System
Promoting Quality of Life & Public Safety
Supporting Economic Development
“All of the Above” Energy Approach
Advancing Small Business Opportunities
Fostering Tech Advancements
Leveraging Travel & Tourism Assets