CHARLESTON — Gov. Joe Manchin has released the latest “Open for Business” report documenting the state’s economic progress. The August 2009 report highlights projects and related announcements from businesses both large and small that will assist with the creation of new jobs and the preservation of existing jobs.
Forbes to produce special section on West Virginia business
Forbes will produce a special section on business in West Virginia. West Virginia: Open for Business will appear in the Dec. 14, 2009, issue of Forbes and Forbes Asia. It will also be featured on the Forbes Custom Web site and in reprints. Topics will include the state’s business climate including pro-growth tax reforms; leadership in key growth clusters such as energy and biometrics; educational institutions, from vocational schools to universities, and their role in preparing a skilled and educated work force; and quality of life. The special section follows up the appearance of Steve Forbes at the business summit hosted by the West Virginia Chamber of Commerce on Sept. 2.
Auto engineering firm plans to recruit talent, move to Jefferson County
Automotive engineering company STaSIS announced plans to transfer its corporate headquarters from California to Summit Point Motorsports Park. The company also intends to hire engineering, operations, accounting and sales professionals. STaSIS specializes in performance-enhancing brake, suspension, driveline and engine products. Among the reasons the company cited for its move to Summit Point were access to the one of best automotive test facilities in North America, proximity to major air and sea ports, access to its European partners and major East Coast technical universities, and the high quality of life. STaSIS expects to relocate nearly a dozen of its California staff to West Virginia in August and conduct interviews for five to 10 new workers within the next 60 days.
CDI IT Solutions to add workers, expand operations in Kanawha County
Information technology firm CDI IT Solutions announced plans to double its work force and expand its service operations in Cross Lanes. Based in Philadelphia, Pa., the company provides technical service desk support to a broad client base throughout the country. The majority of support is being delivered through its West Virginia facility.
Toyota plant in Putnam County to produce Highlander engines
Toyota Motor Manufacturing West Virginia in Buffalo will begin producing engines for the Highlander mid-size sport utility vehicle beginning in late 2009. Currently the Buffalo plant makes four- and six-cylinder engines for Toyota and Lexus.
Boy Scouts Of America selects West Virginia as site for National Scouting Center
The Boy Scouts of America (BSA) announced plans to build a multimillion dollar high adventure base in southern West Virginia. After reviewing 80 proposals from 28 states, the BSA has entered into an agreement with Meadow Creek Coal Corp. to purchase more than 10,000 acres in Fayette County. In its press release, BSA said West Virginia offers Scouts unique opportunities to experience some of the best white-water rafting, rappelling, mountain biking and other activities not found anywhere else.
WVEDA approves $517,500 for two business loans
The West Virginia Economic Development Authority approved loans totaling $517,500 for two companies during its July meeting:
• Tech Seal Products Inc., $337,500 to purchase and upgrade equipment for its plant based in Wheeling. The 27-year-old company manufactures custom cap liners and tamper-resistant inner seals.
• Zeeospheres Ceramics, $180,000 to purchase assets of 3M, including land, building and equipment in Rock Branch Industrial Park, Nitro. Zeeospheres are primarily used as an additive in paint to make it more durable.
West Virginia Counties receive $7.7 million In ARRA funds for water projects
The U.S. Department of Environmental Protection’s Clean Water State Revolving Fund has made loans for five West Virginia communities using funds from the American Recovery and Reinvestment Act (ARRA) of 2009. The Clean Water State Revolving Fund program provides loans for water quality protection projects. More than $7.7 million has been loaned to Clarksburg, Elkins, Harpers Ferry, Kermit and Marmet in Kanawha County for sewer system work. According to ARRA guidelines, the loans will be totally forgiven. In addition, Elkins received a loan for $883,280 from the State Revolving Fund at 0 percent interest to be repaid over the next 30 years; and Harpers Ferry received $629,612 at 0 percent interest over the next 20 years.
West Virginia organizations participate in National Plastics Exposition 2009
Several West Virginia organizations participated in Chicago’s National Plastics Exposition 2009 in June. The show draws approximately 75,000 plastics professionals from 120 countries. West Virginia’s Polymer Alliance Zone exhibited at this prestigious event, supported by the West Virginia Development Office and partner companies SDR Plastics, Star Plastics and Commercial Plastics Recycling. West Virginia companies exhibiting in their own booths were SABIC and DuPont.
Quickfix Computers opens in Kanawha County
New computer repair café Quickfix Computers will open its doors this August in Charleston. The business has created three new jobs. In addition to repair and hourly computer rental, Quickfix will offer computer classes for novice users. The new start-up company received one-on-one consulting assistance from the West Virginia Small Business Development Center (SBDC). The West Virginia SBDC, part of the West Virginia Development Office, works with colleges, universities and other host institutions to provide free business consulting and technical assistance statewide.
New Morgantown clothing company launches line
The new recycled clothing line from SustainU will premiere in Morgantown this fall. The initial launch will be through Adventure West Virginia, an outdoor orientation program for first-year students at West Virginia University. Founded by Morgantown native and WVU graduate Chris Yura and two former football teammates, SustainU uses U.S. labor and recycled fibers to produce the shirts. By fall 2009, SustainU plans to expand distribution to stores in the Morgantown area. The new company recently joined the WVU Research Corporation Business Incubator.
If you have business news for Open for Business Report consideration, contact Catherine Zacchi at catherine.m.zacchi@wv.gov or 304.558.2003, ext. 340.
Posted by Matt Livengood on August 16, 2009 at 10:45 am in the following categories: SustainU
