The House Committee on Small Business, Entrepreneurship, and Economic Development convened at 9 a.m. on Thursday, Jan. 17 in 215-E to hear two presentations regarding state economic development.
The committee heard two informational presentations regarding business engagement throughout the state, as well as recommendations for improvements.
Executive Director of the WV Development Office, Michael Graney, presented on behalf of his office and what they’re doing to improve business retention and recruitment in the state of West Virginia.
The WV Development Office, which is mostly federally funded, is responsible for the maintenance and engagement of small business and entrepreneurship in the state. Graney cited that in the year of 2018, the office helped to create or retain around 690 jobs.
“That’s great,” Graney said of the accomplishment. “It’s great but it’s not enough.”
Graney stated plans of the office to better engage with West Virginia universities and technical schools. The office believes that recruitment in schools such as West Virginia University, Marshall, and a number of state technical schools will play an integral part in inspiring entrepreneurship within the state.
Graney stated two policy facets that the committee could advocate for that would greatly help them achieve outreach.
“Access to capital is critical for our office,” said Graney. “Several pieces of legislation are going to come up this session that considers increasing funds for us, I ask that you consider them.”
Graney also stated that the office would greatly benefit from the passage of any legislation regarding broadband expansion, stating that access is key for his office to do their job effectively.
Delegate Joshua Higginbotham (R-Putnam), the Chair of the House Committee, stated a desire to communicate state business incentives more effectively to spur small business.
“We want to be able to communicate these incentives and benefits well to our communities,” said Higginbotham. “I am willing to work with your office, and I’m sure the committee is willing to work with your office as well.”
The second presentation to the committee featured new Secretary of West Virginia’s Department of Commerce, Ed Gaunch.
Most of Gaunch’s presentation detailed his plans as the new secretary of the department, which include advocating an image change for business in West Virginia.
“I want this office to be a catalyst,” said Gaunch. “I want my children and grandchildren and your children and grandchildren to have a future in this state.”
Gaunch stated that the committee should advocate for the budget that their office will be presenting in the coming weeks. He hinted that the Office of Tourism would be asking for $14 million this fiscal year, and that the committee should be open to fighting for that.
“Tourism is an investment in this state, it’s proven to be a multiplier by at least eight times.”
Gaunch also wants to put a more positive spin on West Virginia’s entrepreneurial image.
“I know we don’t have beaches, and we don’t have flat ground,” said Gaunch. “But we need to start talking about what West Virginia does have, what we can have, and what we will do.”
Gaunch said that we need to focus on bringing new business into the state, but also show appreciation for the successful entrepreneurial ventures that exist in the state already.
In the Spring, Gaunch is launching a state-wide campaign in which the Department of Commerce will travel around the state and celebrate the small businesses that have excelled, and help them in any way that they can.
The House Committee members vocalized their support and optimism for Gaunch’s ideas.
“I like the idea of not only bringing in new development, but appreciating what we already have,” said Delegate Martin Atkinson III (Roane-R). “We need to ask people who want to be business owners, ‘Why not West Virginia?’, and we need to stop apologizing for having mountains. We need to embrace the positive facets that business owners can find in this state.” Atkinson said.
Gaunch said he was looking forward to working with the committee and the rest of the legislature this session. From strengthening tax incentives to increasing outreach and communication, Gaunch stated that the office has a lot of work to do this year.
“The sun is about to shine brightly in West Virginia,” said Gaunch.
