Leaders gather at Boone Memorial to discuss job initiatives and rural employment solutions
November 5, 2025
A special luncheon was held at Boone Memorial Hospital Wednesday. The Workforce Unifiers Luncheon is the first of its kind. It’s meant to bring together different organizations and people to discuss what’s working and what’s not when it comes to employment in the state.
The dialogue focused on initiatives that are helping to grow and strengthen employment in rural areas like Boone County and across the state.
At this event, representatives from the West Virginia Chamber Foundation, Boone Memorial Health, various businesses, and state leaders talked about successes and challenges.
Some of the unique issues facing the state are low participation rates, childcare, and transportation. They talked about solutions for getting people facing these types of challenges into the workforce and how to keep them there.
This is just one of many events planned. They hope for outcomes that eventually shape policy and programs that will help long-term.
The Workforce Unifiers program was started by the West Virginia Chamber Foundation in 2024.
Story by Fallon Pierson, WCHS