Feb 17, 2020Our West Virginia Group Has Been Active Recently

West Virginia Economic Development Council 2020 Legislative Conference

The West Virginia Economic Development Council 2020 Legislative Conference was held on January 21st to January 22nd with members of the ELR team sponsoring and attending the legislative reception and full day on seminars. Council President Robbie Morris opened the conference with remarks. Rebecca McPhail of the WV Manufacturer’s Association addressed the regional competition for industry. Governor Jim Justice emphasized that the members are the engines of the state with regards to developing the economy. Jason Pizatella of Spillman Thomas & Battle gave the usual round of legislative updates. Brand acceleration and career readiness were highlighted with Coleen Walton and Frank Vitale, respectively. John Stump of Steptoe & Johnson briefed the conference on public finance solutions. ELR understands that site readiness, including the full suite of infrastructure, is of utmost importance in positioning West Virginia to be a global competitor for industrial and economic development and continues to work with local economic developers to accomplish this.

West Virginia Municipal League 2020 Mid-Winter Conference

The ELR team sponsored and was an exhibitor for the West Virginia Municipal League 2020 Mid-Winter Conference on January 26th to 28th. The conference saw presentations on the Fair Labor and Standards Act by Jimmy Smith along with topics of Developing Your Project and Opportunity Zones in Appalachia. The following day the conference attendees visited the Capitol for Municipal Lobby Day. The local elected officials were able to meet in person with their legislators to discuss topics important to them and their municipalities. A municipal reception followed in the evening with more opportunities to engage legislators. The team at ELR recognizes that the challenges large cities face also effect the smaller municipalities. ELR relishes the opportunity to explore options to enhance the community and quality of life for citizens in the cities and towns within West Virginia.

County Commissioners’ Association of West Virginia’s Annual Legislative Priority Conference

On January 26th to 28th members from the ELR team sponsored and attended the County Commissioners’ Association of West Virginia’s Annual Legislative Priority Conference. Discussions led by CCAWV President Jack Woodrum with a host of special guest’s and presenters including Governor Jim Justice, Dave Hardy the Secretary of Revenue, Del. Roger Hanshaw the Speaker of the House, Sen. Mitch Carmichael the Senate President, along with representatives from NACo and the West Virginia Courthouse Authority. We’re thankful for the on-going partnership with CCAWV and many other state and professional organizations for promoting networking opportunities, education seminars, and updates regarding upcoming legislation that may affect our counties statewide.

West Virginia Association of Counties Conference of Counties 2020

The ELR team sponsored and was an exhibitor for the West Virginia Association of Counties Conference of Counties 2020 on February 9th to 12th. The conference held remarks from Legislative Leaders for Counties with 3 representatives and the State of the Counties Address by the President Phyllis Yokum. Along with this there was a keynote address from Keith Matheny, motivation and mentalist. Guest speeches and awards were also given including Governor Jim Justice and NACo Vice President, the presentation of Richard Shelton Memorial Award, the Lighthouse Award Presentation and the Patti Hamilton IMAGINE award. Member association specific workshops were also held for accessors, circuit clerks, commissioners, county clerks, prosecuting attorneys, sheriffs, and tax deputies. We’re grateful for the opportunities, education, and connections that were made during the conference and are happy to continue having a presence in such a productive environment that benefits everyone.