West Virginia Executive Summer 2023 | Page 33

WestVirg i n ia ’ s World w ide Exports
WEST VIRGINIA EXECUTIVE
2020 www . wvexecutive . com $ 7.50
2021 www . wvexecutive . com
$ 7.50
THE

BILLION

OPPORTUNITY
WestVirg i n ia ’ s World w ide Exports
A Global Impact
2022
PAIGE KOCOUREK
Not many would imagine a state the size of West Virginia “ Working closely with partners in the U . S . Commercial would be capable of having such a large , global impact , but Service , West Virginia District Export Council , Small Business Administration ( SBA ) and other state and federal agen- the Mountain State distributes goods to 147 out of the 196 countries in the world . West Virginia Executive found this cies , this program helps identify opportunities for West statistic awe-inspiring and felt driven to create a comprehensive export map to show the expansive nature of West assess export readiness for companies new to international
Virginia companies looking to expand internationally and
Virginia ’ s worldwide exports . trade ,” says Caitlin Ashley-Lizarraga , manager of international trade at the West Virginia Department of Economic
West Virginia is a global supplier of vital goods , such as coal , plastics , chemicals , automotive parts and machinery . Development . “ The Export Promotion Program also administers a grant program funded through the SBA that sup-
In the past 10 years , there has been an increasing trend in growth , and it is clear that West Virginia is making considerable moves toward further expansion . With advancements The goal of this map is to not only highlight West Virports international marketing efforts for small businesses .”
in technology and the way business is conducted , access to ginia ’ s impressive accomplishments as a global exporter but global customers has made this growth easier . Additionally , also to encourage the growth of small businesses . • many foreign companies , that are often exporters , have moved their manufacturing facilities to the state , contributing to the overall growth of exports .
Editor ' s Note : This map was compiled with help
As a small business , dreams of moving to the international level can seem daunting ; however , the West Virginia Department of Economic Development . Thank you
from Caitlin Ashley-Lizarraga and the West Virginia
Department of Economic Development has an Export for playing a pivotal role in spreading the knowledge Promotion Program designed specifically to support these about West Virginia ’ s global impact . organizations as they grow to international sales .
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