Editorial: A New Direction

Chambers hear good news from Roberts

Bluefield Daily Telegraph, September 23, 2005

In contrast to past years when the West Virginia Chamber of Commerce held local meetings to talk about the welfare of business in West Virginia, the 2005 report is encouraging - even exciting - in view of the discouraging news delivered to us in previous years.

State Chamber President Steve Roberts carried an encouraging message to members of the Princeton-Mercer County and Greater Bluefield chambers of commerce Wednesday. Among his reports was, "data is beginning to suggest the ship has turned and going the other way" in West Virginia." He even suggested our natural resources - coal and natural gas - may return the state to its long ago economic status in the nation - a leading force.

The chamber official cited changes in the business climate in the Mountain State including Workers' Compensation's upcoming privatization, a reduction in workers' comp permanent disability cases, the medical malpractice insurance and insurance reforms which brought rates down, and other improvements. He said many changes that have occurred in the past few years, especially this year, are beneficial to bringing substantial economic improvement in the state.

Roberts said West Virginia now ranks 20th or 22nd in the nation's unemployment ranks instead of number 1 or 2, a bottom of the ranks position that branded us for several years.

Even better, Roberts predicted, "We think West Virginia's position to become an economic leader" due to the use of coal and natural gas for energy is possible.

"We may be able to flip flop and position ourselves to be an economic leader instead of being an economic trailer," Robert said. Coal, which he said accounts for 25 percent of the state's economy, is "going great guns."

He also predicted eventually the state may be able to produce a substantial amount of gasification that would cost substantially below the market for gas.

It's been a long time since we have heard such rosy predictions for our state. It's music to our ears to hear state business leaders express excitement about the future and praise the state Legislature for the advancements it has made for business.

It appears West Virginia is finally moving in the right direction, helped by the leadership of a strong governor and a Legislature that is willing to cross party lines and take action that is best for the state.

Obviously, state business leaders think we are on the right path to not only recover but to emerge as a national leader in energy production once again. Our state leaders should take notice and pledge to continue on the route they have taken for the benefit of all West Virginians.