At the Greenbrier Resort, business executives and government officials gathered this week for the West Virginia Chamber’s Annual Meeting and Business Summit, an event with a nearly 90-year tradition of shaping the state’s long-term economic direction. Governor Patrick Morrisey used the platform Thursday to present his blueprint for transforming West Virginia into a thriving regional leader, describing a future where the state becomes a “shining state in the mountains.”
Morrisey emphasized the importance of collective effort, urging stakeholders to unite under a shared commitment to the state’s growth. “To build the future West Virginians deserve, we must all be on Team West Virginia,” he said, hinting at upcoming announcements that would reflect tangible progress from recent policy initiatives.
Central to his strategy are foundational improvements in education, infrastructure—both physical and digital—and increased workforce engagement. The governor stressed that state leadership should prioritize these areas to foster sustainable economic development.
A key component of Morrisey’s vision involves leveraging West Virginia’s abundant energy resources to attract technology firms with high power demands. He envisions the state emerging as a national hub where energy and innovation converge. “We’re laser-focused on expanding our energy capabilities while embracing the opportunities created by technological advancement,” Morrisey stated, underscoring his administration’s goal of positioning West Virginia at the forefront of this synergy.
Efforts are already underway. Earlier in the year, the passage of HB 2004 facilitated the development of independent microgrids essential for powering large-scale data centers. Currently, two such projects in Mingo County and Tucker County are moving through the permitting process.
In addition, Morrisey highlighted House Bill 2002, which streamlines bureaucratic procedures by creating a centralized system for business permits, licenses, and registrations. He argued that government operations must keep pace with the rapid tempo of the private sector. “Our policies are designed to ensure the state moves faster than the speed of business,” he remarked.
Tax competitiveness also featured prominently in his address. While acknowledging past improvements, Morrisey called for deeper reforms to make West Virginia more attractive for residents and entrepreneurs. Drawing on the “Backyard Brawl” metaphor, he advocated for greater regional competition through reduced taxes in areas that influence decisions about living, working, and recreating in the state.
— news from West Virginia Public Broadcasting
— News Original —
Morrisey Lays Out Vision For State’s Economic Future – West Virginia Public Broadcasting
Business and government leaders are meeting at the Greenbrier Resort this week to discuss West Virginia’s economic future. n nFor close to 90 years, The West Virginia Chamber Annual Meeting and Business Summit has aimed to “chart a course for a better, stronger, more resilient state.” n nGov. Patrick Morrisey told the summit Thursday he wants to make West Virginia “the shining state in the mountains.” n n“To build the shining state that our citizens deserve, we all need to be on Team West Virginia, working together and strategically investing in our state’s strengths,” he said. “Big news is going to be coming soon, and it’s going to show the fruits of our labor.” n nMorrisey said West Virginia needs to focus on fundamentals like higher educational attainment, physical & digital infrastructure and workforce participation to improve the state’s economy. n n“I think West Virginia deserves a state government that works for them and prioritizes these issues,” he said. n nMorrisey envisioned harnessing the state’s energy resources to attract a burgeoning, power-hungry tech industry as a path to a flourishing state economy. n n“We’re laser focused to build out our energy prowess while taking advantage of the new opportunities that technology brings us,” he said. “I believe West Virginia flourishes if it can lead the nation in the intersection of energy and technology.” n nThe governor has already taken steps to do so with the passage of bills like HB 2004 earlier this year, which smoothed the path for independent microgrids that will be needed to power data centers. Two such projects in Mingo County and Tucker County are already in the permitting stage. n nAnother, related focus of Morrisey’s statements was the need to cut red tape. He highlighted the passage of House Bill 2002, establishing a one-stop-shop for obtaining and renewing permits, licenses, and business registrations. n n“We need our government to move even faster than the speed of business, and the policies that we’re doing are designed to accomplish just that,” he said. n nCreating an appealing tax structure for business was also a priority highlighted in the governor’s speech. n n“There have been some good things done in that area,” Morrisey said. “We have to go a lot further, once again, taking that ‘Backyard Brawl’ concept and saying in all the key areas to have more competition, we have to have lower taxes on the type of issues that motivate people to live in West Virginia, to work here, to play here.”