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| GOVERNOR'S
WELCOME |
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It’s a new day in West Virginia. The achievements of 2008 illustrate our progress in developing a welcoming business climate for companies that want to do business here and create good jobs for West Virginia families.
During the last several years, West Virginia has worked hard to secure its stable financial footing and has made dramatic progress. Our approach to responsible government has produced a positive business climate for new and expanding companies that want to create good jobs in West Virginia.
In 2008, West Virginia had the nation’s sixth highest growth rate in gross domestic product. The state’s economy grew at a rate of 2.5 percent, which is more than 3.5 times larger than the national growth rate of 0.7 percent. Even in these challenging economic times, West Virginia’s accomplishments have earned national recognition. The media drew national attention to Morgantown’s low unemployment rates. Other media outlets ranked Morgantown, Wheeling and Charleston among the “Best Small and Medium Cities for Jobs.”
The West Virginia Research Trust initiative, popularly known as Bucks for Brains, has been widely featured for its innovative drive to promote knowledge-based economic development in the state. Find out what well-known companies such as Amazon.com, Toyota, DuPont, Coldwater Creek and Lockheed Martin have already discovered about the advantages of locating in West Virginia. Please contact the West Virginia Development Office at 800-982-3386 to learn more.
West Virginia has made important strides in building a diversified economy. Historically, our state has depended on energy and manufacturing. Industries such as aerospace, automotive parts, chemicals and plastics remain valued contributors to the state’s economy. West Virginia also is expanding into new sectors such as biometrics, research and business services.
Contact the West Virginia Development Office to learn how the state’s open-for-business philosophy will make a difference for your business’s bottom line.
Sincerely,
Joe Manchin III
Governor
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