The state’s natural environment, including the Monongahela National Forest, is one of its greatest assets. The “Mon” provides a recreational outlet for thousands of residents and visitors, offering some of the best hiking, fishing, camping and hunting opportunities on the East Coast. The hills, streams and trees provide a needed escape from the hustle-and-bustle [...]

Posted in Culture, Economy, Government, Tourism, West Virginia 7 Comments »

Large employers such as Toyota Motor Manufacturing, Charleston Area Medical Center, and Verizon provide a significant foundation for West Virginia’s economy, but the small business community is equally important. Business ventures are a continuous challenge, and fortunately the Advantage Valley Entrepreneurial League System (ELS) is working with 100 business owners who receive coaching, professional collaboration, [...]

Posted in Business, Economy, West Virginia 2 Comments »

A few months ago, I attended a lecture by Stephen Dubner, co-author of the best-selling book Freakonomics. The book is heady, quirky, interesting, and informative. You must understand this book is written by economists that study questions in depth. I’m talking thousands of data points and years of observation. None of their answers are anecdotal [...]

Posted in Business, Culture, Economy, Government, West Virginia 4 Comments »

Okay – unless you have been living under a rock, you’ve probably heard about the July 11 special report from Forbes.com, entitled “The Best States for Business.” The business report placed West Virginia at number 50. Dead last!
I do business mostly in two states, West Virginia and Virginia. The latter ranked number 1 [...]

Posted in Business, Economy, West Virginia 3 Comments »

When I started a business in West Virginia several years ago, my venture began in Charleston. As I developed relationships with local business owners, a few took me under their wings and gave advice on the do’s and don’ts of conducting business in West Virginia. One don’t I occasionally heard was: “People in [...]

Posted in Business, Culture, Economy, West Virginia 6 Comments »

In recent years mobile phone / wireless Internet services have expanded significantly across the United States. Such expansion has provided benefits in terms of safety, business, and economic development. However, many rural areas throughout the nation still lack a sufficient wireless structure. Within its larger towns/cities and along its Interstate system, West Virginia has good [...]

Posted in Business, Economy, Government, Media, Tourism, West Virginia 2 Comments »

What will West Virginia’s economic future look in 10 to 25 years? According to various experts, the state should capitalize on opportunities to expand its “new economy” capacity, which includes more jobs in technology, science, research & development, and the creative arts.

Culture, Creativity, and Innovation: West Virginia in the New Economy was recently released via [...]

Posted in Business, Culture, Economy, Tourism, West Virginia 2 Comments »