Do you have any innovative ideas for West Virginia or the industry you work within ?
“ The tourism industry has so much potential to collaborate with partners and develop more assets . Gone are the days when a convention and visitors bureau was just the destination marketing organization . We are also working with West Virginia departments of tourism and commerce , cities , counties , local economic development authorities and even federal agencies in crafting , developing and funding projects that enhance the community .”
Annette Bates , CEO of Jefferson County CVB ,
Harpers Ferry
“ We have an opportunity to position the state as a leader in data sciences . There is more climate and weather data passing through West Virginia than any other state . That data provides the fuel for a multibillion-dollar commercial climate and weather industry . If we can successfully establish a local interface to that data stream , it could position the state as the epicenter of a multibillion-dollar knowledge sector expansion .”
“ Our technical programs must be able to prepare a workforce that is ready to work based on the needs of local industry . It makes good business sense to encourage and facilitate collaboration among public schools , higher education and local businesses to create pipelines to jobs and careers .”
Torie Jackson , President of WVU Parkersburg ,
Parkersburg
“ West Virginia should set a goal to have the fastest internet available and invest in that endeavor to see it yield returns many times over . This investment in broadband should also coincide with an investment in innovative ideas to reuse coal mine sites and invest in downtown coal communities .”
Eric Lewis , Chief Financial Officer at Civil-Military Innovation Institute Inc ., Shepherdstown •
Jim Estep , President & CEO of High Technology Foundation ,
Fairmont
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