Steve Roberts: West Virginia saw job growth in 2016 (Daily Mail)

February 6, 2017

The U.S. Department of Labor reports that in 2016, West Virginia added 7,000 new jobs to its overall economy.

This net gain in employment reverses a multi-year trend and indicates an improving jobs outlook in the mountain state.

Most job creation comes from existing business. As West Virginia’s largest business advocacy and member-supported network, the West Virginia Chamber of Commerce has the unique ability to hear from employers who love West Virginia and want the opportunity to grow and prosper here.

To assist our state’s continued recovery, the West Virginia Chamber has a jobs plan for the state’s future. We support more legislative action to continue fueling job growth in 2017.

Our ideas include:

Energy exploration and production: The world needs our fuel, plain and simple. Nearly 70 percent of U.S. electricity is produced by natural gas and coal.

Technology, research and infrastructure are needed to assure the viability of these resources. West Virginia competes with states that have lower taxes and less burdensome regulatory overhead.

Reducing taxes and regulations will encourage additional production of natural resources by allowing West Virginia to compete with lower-cost states. Additionally, adding pipeline infrastructure to facilitate the export of West Virginia natural gas will increase severance tax collections by more than $100 million annually. Those revenues will go far to repair our ailing finances.

Manufacturing: Manufacturers tell us West Virginia’s tax structure impedes job creation. The tax on equipment and inventory, which is not charged in most states, is identified as the No. 1 tax problem hindering manufacturers.

Regulations that impede investment and growth must be reviewed and modified. Manufacturers say replacing an aging workforce with competent, well-trained and drug-free new workers is a must for the 21st century workplace.

Banking and insurance: States in our region are attracting back office jobs from banks and insurance companies. Our low commercial occupancy costs, competitive wages and good location can make us a center of banking, insurance and credit company support jobs. West Virginia is already experiencing some success in attracting these jobs. Our community and technical colleges can readily train the needed additional workers.

Department of Defense contracting: West Virginia is 50th in the nation in sales to the U.S. Department of Defense. The Pentagon is the largest purchaser of goods and technical services on Earth. Let’s further develop technology jobs for our nation’s military needs. West Virginia is ideally located to supply America’s defense contracts.

Tourism and state image: Regrettably, West Virginia’s image suffers in the national media. It will take a real campaign with substantial funding to change national perceptions.

We have a wonderful story to tell and unparalleled beauty and attractions. Let’s recommit ourselves to a bigger, better message and to training a workforce for the hospitality and tourism industries.

Small business and entrepreneurs: Long identified as the engine of job creation, small business needs well-prepared, drug-free workers, high-speed internet and freedom from overly burdensome paperwork. Businesses also require access to capital and customers.

Small businesses welcome all customers and seek a welcoming and inclusive business environment and encourage diversity among customers and workers.

Health care and education: With so many people living in close proximity to our state, continuing to attract patients to world class health facilities is a must. Health providers demand good schools and a culture of innovation and acceptance in our communities. We must also redouble our efforts to bring more local control and freedom of choice in education to our state’s communities. States that lead in education results provide school choice for students and encourage local control of education policy. A one-size-fits-all, top-down system of education belongs to the past and will not serve the needs of students in the 21st century.

Universities and research: Universities attract talent. Harnessing the innovation and horsepower of faculty and students is a must. Surrounding states have created research parks and innovation zones with great success. West Virginia must invest in this proven vehicle for innovation and job creation.

Our community and technical colleges must focus on becoming engines of job creation. Too few West Virginia students can afford our technical and community colleges. Employers are seeking skilled, trained workers right now. Tax credits to employers who pay for worker training should be encouraged.

More collaboration and coordination is necessary between employers and educators, and students need affordable school-to-work options.

The West Virginia Chamber believes strongly in West Virginia’s future. We see opportunity on the horizon. New laws are creating more opportunity.

As the 2017 legislative session begins, let’s urge our Legislature and governor to keep enacting laws that put our people back to work.

Steve Roberts is president of the West Virginia Chamber of Commerce.