BRIDGEPORT, W.Va. — Business leader from around the state gathered in Bridgeport this week to discuss economic development opportunities.
The West Virginia Economic Development Council staged its fall conference with a clear message for the state’s future success.
“Our theme was ‘Economic Diversity Equals Economic Stability,'” said Kathy Wagner, president of the Harrison County Chamber of Commerce and co-sponsor of the conference.
The two-day event included speakers from different industries, all discussing how everyone can work together to improve the business climate in the state.
One such speaker was Woody Thrasher, president of Thrasher Engineering, Inc., who told those in attendance that diversity in the state’s economy—and in one’s own business—goes a long way in opening up opportunity for workers.
Another theme of his speech Tuesday was that the state needs more businesses to take risks in order to see the likes of Proctor and Gamble come in.
“Being willing to take a risk on economic development, I think, is the only way you’re going to be able to move forward,” Thrasher said.
He also stressed that those risks take time to pay off and it’s OK to make mistakes.
With economic diversity as a theme, Wagner said she felt Harrison County was an appropriate host.
“We just have such a diverse economy that we’re not reliant on one particular industry,” she said. “We’ve been able to nurture that here in Harrison County, in North Central West Virginia and we want to showcase that. Hopefully, the people that are here can take away something to their communities and replicate that.”
The WVEDC will soon be gearing up for a Legislative Conference that is hosted yearly in Charleston during the legislative session.