meeting the current and future needs of West Virginia ’ s citizens and economy .
West Virginia also has six nonprofit , private higher education institutions from as far south as Beckley and as far north as Wheeling . These institutions are home to roughly 6,000 students , two-thirds of which are out-of-state . This makes the private institutions an important draw of talent for the state in addition to its in-state students . More than 1,700 of the state ’ s private higher education students are first-generation college students . West Virginia ’ s private institutions play an important role in serving less economically advantaged students as 40 % of the students are eligible for Pell Grants , which are aimed to serve lower income families . Together , the six private higher education institutions tout a $ 233 million annual economic impact on West Virginia .
Total Workforce : 9,303 GDP Contribution : $ 442,000
* Top Education Employers : 1 . West Virginia University 2 . Kanawha County Board of Education 3 . Berkeley County Board of Education 4 . Marshall University 5 . Monongalia County Board of Education
Energy
By Nicholas Preservati Director , West Virginia Office of Energy
West Virginia stands at the forefront of the energy sector , fulfilling its role as a traditional energy provider and embracing its leadership position . This means not only harnessing and protecting its natural resources but also adopting a proactive approach in communicating the realities of the energy market . By emphasizing cost-saving measures and operational efficiencies , the state energy market strives to address the diverse needs of its constituents while simultaneously nurturing sustainable growth and development .
At the heart of this vision lies the recognition of the importance of building and supporting a skilled energy workforce . To ensure it remains competitive within an ever-evolving energy landscape , West Virginia needs to position itself as a hub of expertise and innovation . Through a concerted and forward-thinking approach , West Virginia is poised not only to meet its immediate energy requirements but also to emerge as a global leader in energy innovation . This dedication to progress and responsible stewardship underscores the state ’ s plan to shape a future defined by prosperity and resilience in the energy sector .
* Top Utilities Employers : 1 . FirstEnergy Corp . 2 . American Electric Power Company 3 . Mountaineer Gas Company 4 . Hope Gas , Inc . 5 . West Virginia American Water
Forest Products
By Robert L . Morris , Jr ., Executive Director , Randolph County Development Authority
The forest products industry in West Virginia is crucial to the state ’ s economy . It is the only manufacturing sector that can be found in all 55 counties and contributes nearly $ 3.5 billion in GDP to the state , employing more than 30,000 West Virginians directly and even more indirectly .
While many think of this industry as logging and sawmills , it offers so much more . From hardwood flooring , cabinets and mouldings to home heating pellets , railroad ties and landscaping mulch , the forest products industry serves as a renewable and sustainable industry for all of West Virginia . World renowned companies such as AHF Products , Weyerhaeuser and American Woodmark are sprinkled throughout the state ’ s 12 million acres of beautiful forests .
West Virginia forests boast more than 75 billion board feet of lumber inventory and continue to grow nearly three times faster than they are harvested , providing economic growth opportunities that will span well into the future . Furniture , cross laminated timber and other growth sectors have the raw materials needed for success in West Virginia . The forest products industry is here to meet the increasing demands of the domestic and world consumer markets for products made from sustainable sources .
** Total Workforce : 30,000 ** GDP Contribution : $ 3.5 billion
Total Workforce : 23,376 GDP Contribution : $ 19.5 million
* Top Mining , Quarrying , Oil & Gas Employers : 1 . Alpha Metallurgical Resources 2 . American Consolidated Natural Resources 3 . Arch Coal 4 . Sev . en Energy AG 5 . Coronado Global Resources , Inc .
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