WEST VIRGINIA RECORD

CHARLESTON -- Gov. Joe Manchin on Dec. 6 announced the appointment of Kenneth F. Lowe Jr. of Shepherdstown to serve as his designee and Chairman of the West Virginia Infrastructure and Jobs Development Council (IJDC).

Lowe replaces Mark Prince of Charleston, who is stepping down from the position that he has held since November 2003.

"I thank Governor Manchin for allowing me the opportunity to serve as his designee since the 2005 restructuring of IJDC," Prince said. 'Now that we have transitioned through our first year with a new director, I look forward to leaving the leadership of this board in the very capable hands of Ken Lowe, who uniquely understands the importance of infrastructure development and its impact on stimulating economic and community growth."

A successful regional and national real estate and business developer, Lowe is the owner/operator of Ken Lowe Management Company, and currently serves a general partner of Panhandle Ventures Investment Group, and a managing partner and developer of Liberty Business Park. He is responsible for the development and operation of the Clarion Hotel & Conference Center, Comfort Suites Hotel, and two restaurants in Jefferson County, in addition to several major development projects in the Mid-Atlantic region.

"Infrastructure growth is critical to support economic development and create good paying jobs for West Virginians, and we cannot build the foundation for our economic future without strong business leaders like Mark Prince and Ken Lowe being a part of our efforts," Manchin said. "I appreciate Mark's service as IJDC Chairman, and I look forward to working closely with Ken as we move forward with our infrastructure development efforts, which remain a top priority of this administration."

Lowe is a graduate of Shepherd University, and previously served as a member of the West Virginia Council for Community and Economic Development, West Virginia Tourism Commission and the West Virginia Cable Television Advisory Board.

"I'm humbled that the Governor has asked me to serve, and I look forward to doing my best for the betterment of West Virginia," Lowe said. "Infrastructure is the very core of our economic development and quality of life assurance in West Virginia. With the limited amount of dollars that we have to address the infrastructure needs of our state, it is critical that we leverage our resources to get the best return possible for our businesses and communities."