CNBC 2019 Top States for Business Shows Improvement for W.Va.
July 10, 2019
Charleston, W.Va. – Today CNBC released its annual “Top States for Business Rankings,” and West Virginia saw improvement over the previous year, rising from 48th to 45th in the rankings.
West Virginia Chamber President Steve Roberts stated, “the positive movement for West Virginia in these rankings is another indicator that policy changes implemented in the state are making a difference for West Virginia citizens. In fact, in 2017 West Virginia ranked 50th, so in two short years, our state has moved up five spots.”
Improvement in several individual categories drove the state’s positive movement in the overall ranking. Roberts commented, “West Virginia’s ranking for Infrastructure jumped ten spots to #35, Cost of Doing Business rose to #6, and Economy rose to #33. Unfortunately, Education slipped one spot to #42. This has a direct correlation to Workforce, which is currently ranked #44, and is further validation that the Legislature made the right move in addressing education reform during the recent special session.”
West Virginia’s improved ranking in the Top States for Business Report is the latest piece of information that shows we are moving in the right direction. The state led the nation in personal income growth for the 1st Quarter of 2019, and the most recent data from Workforce WV shows that total employment in May was the highest for that month since 2009.
Roberts concluded, “I commend policymakers who have maintained a laser-like focus on addressing issues that affect job creation and economic development. Make no mistake, we still have a lot of work to do, but we’re on the right path.
Members of the West Virginia Chamber of Commerce are your small business neighbors. Chamber members employ over half of our state’s workforce and are found in every county and region of our state. More information on the West Virginia Chamber of Commerce can be found at www.wvchamber.com.