3/17/2011
WHEELING, W.Va. – Gov. Earl Ray Tomblin will deliver the keynote address at an economic development workshop in Wheeling. The session takes place on March 22 from 11 a.m. to 5 p.m. at the Oglebay Conference Center.
There is no charge to attend the workshops. Lunch will be provided but seating is limited. Participants are strongly encouraged to register in advance. To register, call Amanda McNealy at 304-957-2003 or e-mail
Amanda.m.mcnealy@wv.gov.
“As I have said previously, it is government’s job to create a positive environment to attract new businesses to our state and encourage existing business to grow,” said Gov. Tomblin. “West Virginia has made tremendous strides in this effort by putting our financial house in order. Our citizens want good paying jobs. Our state’s advantages such as a strategic location, a skilled work force and lower cost of living strengthen West Virginia’s attractiveness when it comes to developing such jobs and business opportunties in our state.”
“The governor has encouraged us to get the message out to our communities about the programs and resources available to them to generate economic activity,” said Commerce Secretary Keith Burdette. “We want to listen to what our business leaders have to say about how we can work together to achieve our shared goals even more effectively.”
Organized by the West Virginia Development Office (WVDO), the session in Wheeling launches a series of meetings to be held in several regions across the state. Additional dates and locations will be forthcoming.
The March 22 session opens at 11 a.m. with registration. Workshops, which will run concurrently, are:
Business Recruitment, Retention and Expansion, led by Business & Industrial Development and the International Division. The session includes an overview of current programs, update on activities and participation in a roundtable discussion.
Growing Your Entrepreneurial and Small Business Community, led by Small Business Development Center. The session delves into small business coaching tools and services for entrepreneurs and small businesses. Topics include access to capital and increased job creation.
Incentives & Tools for Investment and Job Creation, led by the West Virginia Economic Development Authority and Business & Industrial Development. The panel will talk about current state financial programs, available incentives and tools to finance projects. The roundtable discussion will focus on how to work together to finance projects and create jobs.
Community Matters, led by Community Development Division. The session takes a practical look at community development issues such as infrastructure investment, economic revitalization and sustainability. The workshop will highlight resources such as Small Cities Block Grants, Appalachian Regional Commission, Main Street West Virginia, Neighborhood Investment Program and more.
Contact Information
Jacqueline Proctor
304-558-2000