The 2009 Moody’s North American Business Cost Review noted West Virginia has the nation’s third-lowest cost of doing business.

Among the factors contributing to West Virginia’s strong showing were its competitive wage rates – ranked 14th best in the nation - and its low energy costs – the second lowest in the country.

Following the announcement of the Presidential disaster declaration in West Virginia for several counties affected by the severe storms, flooding, mudslides and landslides beginning Administrator Karen G. Mills of the U.S. Small Business Administration issued the following statement: 

“The U.S. Small Business Administration is strongly committed to providing the people of West Virginia with the most effective and customer-focused response possible to assist homeowners, renters, and small businesses with federal disaster loans.  Getting our businesses and communities up and running after a disaster is our highest priority at SBA.”

The disaster declaration covers Fayette, Greenbrier, Kanawha, Mercer and Raleigh counties in West Virginia, which are eligible for both Physical and Economic Injury Disaster Loans from the SBA. Small businesses and most private non-profit organizations in the following adjacent counties are eligible to apply only for SBA Economic Injury Disaster Loans:  Boone, Clay, Jackson, Lincoln, McDowell, Monroe, Nicholas, Pocahontas, Putnam, Roane, Summers, Webster and Wyoming in West Virginia; and Alleghany, Bath, Bland, Giles and Tazewell in Virginia.

Disaster loans up to $200,000 are available to homeowners to repair or replace damaged or destroyed real estate.  Homeowners and renters are eligible up to $40,000 to repair or replace damaged or destroyed personal property.

Businesses and non-profit organizations of any size may borrow up to $2 million to repair or replace damaged or destroyed real estate, machinery and equipment, inventory, and other business assets.  SBA can also lend additional funds to help with the cost of making improvements that protect, prevent or minimize the same type of disaster damage in the future. (more…)

The Community Outreach Team of Generation Charleston has announced the beginning of a year-long health awareness campaign in response to West Virginia’s less-than-desirable statistics in the health arena.

Food for thought (pun intended): During 2006, two-thirds of WV adults were either obese or overweight, and the state’s children have not escaped this statistic.

To kick-off this campaign, the group will be hosting a Healthy Cooking Demonstration and Nutrition Talk from 5:30 to 6:30 p.m. Feb. 24 at Ferguson Enterprises, 160 Spring Street.  The free event will include a short session on “Nutrition 101″ and a cooking demonstration to show how to easily prepare healthy meals that taste good. 

Children are welcome, too. Fun activities will be available.

State income taxes could be slashed – or even eliminated – for state residents the first two years after graduation from an institution of higher education under a plan unveiled by the Charleston Regional Chamber of Commerce today at its annual “Issues & Eggs” legislative breakfast. The plan also calls for $500 state tax credit for interest paid on a qualified student loan.

Chamber Chairman Mike Basile, Spilman, Thomas & Battle, announced the proposals to an audience of nearly 300, including an estimated 65 West Virginia Senators and Delegates, at the Charleston Marriott Town Center.

The “Intellectual Capital” legislation outlined by the Charleston Chamber calls for a $25,000-per-year reduction of the federally-adjusted annual income for the purposes of calculating an individual’s state income tax. The reduction would only be available to West Virginians residing and working in the state for two years following graduation from a qualified institution of higher education with a two-year, four-year or advanced degree.

This proposal would translate into a sizeable pay increase for new graduates at the beginning of their careers when their salaries may be low and their student loan burden high.   There would also be a major benefit for graduates, particularly those from law, business and medical schools, whose salaries could be higher. For example, an individual earning $50,000 per year would see his or her taxes cut by approximately $1,100.

Senator Richard Browning (D-9th), chair of the Senate’s Economic Development Committee, and Senator Brooks McCabe (D-17th) have requested that the proposal to be drafted into legislation and assigned a bill number to be reviewed and considered in this legislative session.

“I cannot think of anything that would have a bigger impact on the future of West Virginia than expanding our intellectual capital and capacity for innovation,” said Basile.  “We will not be able to tackle the challenges and seize the opportunities facing the Mountain State if we don’t attract and retain the best and the brightest young minds.

“The continuing exodus of young, educated professionals from West Virginia requires decisive action,” he explained.  “We are excited to propose this bold step to reverse this troubling trend.” (more…)

Matthew G. Ballard

As we first reported last year, TRG Customer Solutions, the proprietary technology and outsourcing company formerly known as Telespectrum, is expanding its Charleston facility and hiring more than 200 new employees. The Charleston Area Alliance is proud to been a part of the company’s decision to base this expansion in the Kanawha Valley.  

TRG is hosting a career fair Nov. 30 at the Charleston Workforce West Virginia Center at 1321 Plaza East, located near Appalachian Power Park. The career fair runs from 9 a.m. to 4:30 p.m.  

Last year, TRG was considering a new expansion in its global network, and with locations all around the world, they had several alternative locations to consider. Thankfully, after working with the site consultant on this project and with our peers at the West Virginia Development Office and the Governor’s Office, we were able to propose a package that resulted in the company choosing Charleston for its next expansion. The new employees will have competitive wages, health care and retirement options.

The expansion includes a capital investment in the TRG Charleston facility, located in the Southridge Business Park along Corridor G. It currently employs more than 200 at the location.  

The 24,911-square-foot first facility opened in 1996 as SOMAR, Inc., a telecommunications firm based in North Carolina. It was the first company to locate in the business park. The original investment totaled more than $2.4 million.  

TRG ­– The Resource Group — became the new owner at the end of a 10-year lease that Telespectrum Worldwide, Inc. had in place with the Alliance. 

TRG has ownership in the community. That’s why Charleston was on their list of possible locations to grow their business. I’m sure our quality workforce also played a major role in their decision as well.

TRG boasts a broad knowledge of industry, including the automotive, health care, insurance, pharmaceutical and retail sectors. It offers voice and non-voice communications, along with data analysis. The company’s technological capabilities include intelligent call mapping, emotional response management and universal agent contact.   

The Alliance has worked with TRG for many years, and we are encouraged by its continued growth and investment in the Charleston area.

This announcement is a testament to the region’s ongoing growth. With your help and support, the Alliance can continue to work on projects like TRG that create an economic impact for our region.  We’re in the business of creating a rising tide for all.  Your support helps us all grow together. 

Until next time,

Matt Ballard
President/CEO

Please mark your calendar for West Virginia’s original legislative breakfast — Issues & Eggs – to be held Wednesday, January 13 at the Charleston Marriott Town Center.  

Join the Charleston Regional Chamber of Commerce in its 50+ year tradition of bringing lawmakers and business and community leaders face to face to discuss the issues that will shape our state’s future.  

Issues & Eggs, the largest and first legislative breakfast in the state, draws a sell-out crowd. Last year, more the 75 legislators and 250 business leaders attended.
 
“ In 2009, we had so many legislators from around the state attend this event, I joked with the Speaker of the House that we could have held a session of the  legislature at the Marriott that morning,” said Charleston Regional Chamber of Commerce President Matt Ballard. 

“ We look forward to seeing everyone at this highly-anticipated event once again.  Enjoy breakfast  and share views with senators and delegates and help us launch the legislative session,” said Ballard.  

Watch for upcoming announcements regarding ticket sales. 

Click here to download the event’s flyer, which includes sponsorship opportunities.

For years, Colorado has been at the forefront of outdoor recreation and tourism. Now West Virginia is becoming the premier destination for outdoor enthusiasts.

West Virginia boasts top-notch outdoor sports — including golf, skiing and world famous whitewater rafting — first-class resorts and spas and beautiful state parks all rich with tradition and history. It’s all right here in West Virginia.

Join Generation Charleston from 5:30 to 7 p.m. Oct. 21 at the West Virginia State Museum for a professional development seminar focusing on state-wide tourism.

West Virginia Commissioner of Tourism Betty Carver and guest speaker Jeff James will discuss statewide tourism as means of economic development. Guests will have the opportunity to take a self-guided tour through the newly-remodeled museum after the meeting.

Click here to RSVP or to get more information about the event.