West Virginia Executive Summer 2017 | Page 83

We have some key things that are in our favor. Contrary to popular opinion, we have a great workforce. Every year these great high schools are turning out kids with a lot of potential that are leaving. We have to find the sort of activity that is going to keep them at home. I also think we have huge opportunities in tourism. In conjunction with our state parks, it has great potential for West Virginia. WVE: Tell us about the state’s shale gas opportunities and how you are working with manufacturing organizations to turn these resources into new manufacturing investments and jobs. WT: The shale gas initiative has the oppor- tunity to be a total game changer for West Virginia. I think we can have a whole renais- sance of that chemical, plastics and carbon fibers activity. The reason I believe that is, first and foremost, we have the raw materi- als. When you look at the Chemical Alliance Zone and MATRIC—they are populated with a whole lot of smart people who understand how to make this a success. The combination of a steady supply of raw resources—those raw materials that industry needs—for the next 50-100 years coupled with the brain power we have within the Chemical Alliance Zone and MATRIC is a great combination that ought to produce great results. WVE: You’ve identified state infrastructure, building sites for companies and workforce training incentives as top priorities. Tell us more about your plans in these areas. WT: In terms of infrastructure, the broad- band bill was important. The governor’s highway bill is the key element, and that is really going to generate economic activity and provide the kind of highways we need to get from point A to point B. Workforce training is an area we need to improve. I am really excited about working with two people. Steve Paine, who is an old friend of mine, has returned as superintendent of schools, and I am a great believer in Steve and his abilities. I am also really excited about Sarah Tucker, who is the chancellor of the community and technical colleges. I think she has a lot of potential and a lot of great ideas. I am in the preliminary phase of putting together a collaboration between the three of us to really make our workforce training top-tier. WVE: What types of projects are you currently working on that will help move West Virginia forward? WT: Within the department of commerce, we are working on a significant initiative to rebrand West Virginia. We need to rebrand it for a variety of reasons. First of all, we need to feel good about ourselves, and we need to project that positive image to everybody else. We can own our mistakes, but let’s not let that define who we are. Second, we need to rebrand who we are because it’s a very positive message. Tourism is going to be the immediate beneficiary of that. You’re going to see within tourism a significant increase in marketing activities, and it’s going to be a cohesive message that ultimately will translate not only into tourism but into parks and really over into commerce as we attract businesses. We’re going to come up with a new image that West Virginia wants to reflect and is reflective of who we are.  Elevate your next meeting. Perched on the rim of the gorge, The Lookout Post features 2,000 square feet of indoor meeting space in up to five meeting rooms that can accommodate groups from 50 to 200. Thanks to a unique setting, outstanding facilities and amazing adventures, The Lookout Post is the foundation for effective meetings and unforgettable events. Let us st a r t plan nin g you r n ex t retreat , me etin g or event . 877.806.4648 | meetingsonthegorge.com WWW.WVEXECUTIVE.COM S U M M E R 2 017 83