West Virginia: An Old-Fashioned Work Ethic Meets a Progressive Vision

Who's the No.1 Southern state for big deals per capita for 2001? It's West Virginia, the first time that state has earned the honor. West Virginia turned some great deals in 2000. Pictured are selected members of the West Virginia Development Office.

Just a few years ago, when Toyota advertised for 300 production workers for its West Virginia engine plant, nearly 30,000 people responded. Toyota's faith in the quality and availability of West Virginia's work force was so strong that the company announced a $300 million engine plant and a $200 million transmission plant in the state before the initial facility had ever been completed. In 2001, Toyota announced the production of engines and transmissions for the Lexus RX 300 sports utility vehicle, the first time Lexus has produced engines outside of Japan.

The economic outlook of West Virginia -- not just in the automotive industry, but also in other burgeoning industries like aerospace and value-added wood processing -- depends on a skilled, educated and dedicated work force that is the heart of this state. The award-winning Governor's Guaranteed Work Force Program, which administers training funds to help new employees learn their jobs and to improve the skills of existing employees, ensures that new businesses can meet employment demands.

Businesses are drawn to success when looking for a home and West Virginia has earned its share of satisfied customers. Dupont, Dow Chemical, Toyota, BASF, GE Plastics, AT&T, Georgia-Pacific and Weyerhaeuser are among the state's prized corporate citizens. Employment from new investment in the state routinely outpaces the national average.

In recent years, the state has also taken impressive steps towards recruiting new businesses, streamlining state government and reducing operating expenses in order to establish more incentives for new investment. For example, the Warehouse Freeport Tax makes goods in transit to an out-of-state location exempt from ad valorem property taxes when warehoused in West Virginia. As a result, companies like Coldwater Creek and Orgill, Inc., have established warehousing complexes in the state. Other incentives reward businesses for their contributions to the state's economy. A business that creates 50 or more jobs, for instance, can offset up to 80 percent of basic state business tax liability over 10 years. In addition, the state's business climate is bolstered by enthusiastic efforts to create venture capital for businesses.

Appalachian scenery and folk traditions give West Virginia an intriguing cultural allure. But technology and innovation are powerful components of the state's business, government and culture. The state is one of only two nationwide to offer 100 percent digital switching and more than 100,000 miles of fiber optic cable ensure speedy connections between businesses and the information that drives them. Research and technology initiatives at West Virginia University and Marshall University generate knowledge and foster other scholarly and creative works.

Life is good in West Virginia and it's safe. For 24 straight years the state has had the lowest crime rate in the U.S. Wages are below the national average, benefiting employers. But, so is the cost of living, benefiting workers. Combine technical infrastructure and employees ready to clock in with a pro-business climate that emphatically welcomes new investment, and there can be no doubt that West Virginia is primed to meet the needs of business in the 21st century -- while preserving the best of a simpler time.

To learn more about what West Virginia can do for your business go to www.wvdo.org or contact the West Virginia Development Office (email: jdickinson@wvdo.org) at 1-800-982-3386.