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304-744-7440
76
west virginia executive
3135 16th Street Road
Suite 14
Huntington, WV
304-781-7440
the benefit of hindsight and we’re grading
someone else’s work. But then the second
question is asked: what will the next generation wish we had done today to set them
up for a better future many decades from
now? So for any industry, I would apply
this same test. What industries should we
invest in today that will be in demand and
play a vital role for the next several generations to come?”
While many people have expressed doubts
about West Virginia’s future after the controversial legislative session, devastating flooding and provocative election cycle, Smith
remains optimistic about the state’s future.
“I see leaders committed to shaping
the mindset, instilling self-confidence and
building new capabilities for the next generation,” he says.
He is particularly excited about two new
partnerships he sees as great stepping stones
for embracing the technology economy.
Gallup is partnering with West Virginia
University (WVU) to identify and train entrepreneurs, one of many educational programs WVU is building to reinvigorate the
economy and invest in tomorrow’s work
force. The partnership with Gallup will teach
students how to build and grow a business.
Additionally, Cultivation Capital is partnering with Marshall University in an effort
to create technology jobs in West Virginia. Funding from Cultivation Capital will
allow entrepreneurs the opportunity to
secure investments in the Mountain State
without having to relocate. In turn, Marshall is creating a program that will offer
paid scholarships to teach entrepreneurship and technology skills. When students
graduate with these skills, they will be able
to build careers in West Virginia, giving
them a reason to stay.
Through his experience at Intuit, Smith
has learned what a vital role education and
small business play in the economy, and he
is confident West Virginia has everything it
needs to succeed in the technology sector
and the world market.
“Today in West Virginia, one half of the
state is employed by small businesses,” he
says. “With focused education, global marketing skills and universal broadband connectivity, we can begin to move the needle
and make a real difference in building a
vibrant state where small businesses start
and succeed. As we pursue this opportunity,
we must respect our past, but not revere
it; stay true to who we are, but lean into
the future.”