West Virginia Executive Spring/Summer 2020 | Page 78

The WVDO also organizes several programs to help increase
investment, including its Export Promotion Program, International
Trade Exhibition Program, West Virginia Trade Show
Pavilions Program and Market Finder Reimbursement Program.
“We offer an annual schedule of trade shows, trade missions
and other opportunities that enable a West Virginia company to
meet with end users, potential agents or distributors capable
of representing the company in that market,” says Spence.
“These programs assist our existing companies in expanding
their export sales. Increased exports can be a strong factor in
a company’s long-term growth and can assist the company in
maintaining sales levels during a downturn in the U.S. economy.”
Identifying international business opportunities isn’t just
about promoting the state as a prime location for international
investment, though. Spence’s team also assists West Virginia
companies in expanding their exports, and in 2018, the state’s
exports were valued at $8.1 billion.
“A company with an exportable product or service has
almost unlimited opportunities to find new customers around
the world if they make exports one of their priorities,” he says.
Above all, the WVDO is committed to customer service
when engaging with potential investors, and this attention to
detail has allowed it to be successful despite the COVID-19
pandemic.
“We win projects by offering a location that meets the
criteria the client specifies,” says Spence. “Our staff knows
the information must be delivered thoroughly, accurately and
promptly to meet the client’s needs, and they are accustomed
to being available at nontraditional hours
and working remotely. We have heard from
investors that they appreciate the personal
attention and support West Virginia offers
their company even for small projects. In
some cases, the investor contacted competing
states and found that some did not respond
or did so by sending a brochure or referring
the company to their website. We give the
same level of service and attention to small
and large projects. As we look forward to the
next months and years, we will continue to
evaluate our target sectors and markets and
adjust our activities accordingly.” •
Congratulations ,
Sandy
Hamilton,
on becoming
a 2020 WVE
Sharp Shooter.
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WEST VIRGINIA EXECUTIVE