By GOV. JOE MANCHIN
CHARLESTON -- The last few weeks have been a busy time of travel for me. I've met with company officials and business leaders in New York City, and in Quebec and Ontario, Canada.
I visited manufacturers who have operations in West Virginia to solidify our relationships and to search for ways we can help expand their presence in the Mountain State. It's been an opportunity for me to share with them the positive direction in which West Virginia is heading, and the tremendous changes that are taking place to our business climate.
It also was a time for me to reaffirm that we are on the right track to success and to validate many of the principles we're using in the way we manage the state and its human resources. I was fortunate to attend the World Business Forum, where I saw world and business leaders, including former Federal Reserve Chairman Alan Greenspan and retired General Electric CEO Jack Welch.
Both Greenspan and Welch are recognized around the world as economic leaders. For years, Greenspan guided the U.S. economy through incredible changes. Welch led the world's most famous company to record profits.
Those famous speakers, among many others, shared their insight and helped me to get a better understanding of the world economy. Their management skills, no matter how different, have proven successful. I learned that I hold many of their same beliefs in management and that those principles can be applied to a small company, a large corporation or to state government.
We had successful meetings with the Consulate General of Japan and business leaders from Japan and Canada. Our relationship and reputation with Asian manufacturers continue to prosper. We must also remember that Canada is our second-leading importer, and there are many opportunities to grow our partnerships there. I also met with a top U.S. business publication's editors to share the news about West Virginia, and I think we surprised them with the changes we've been able to make.
Today, instead of trying to explain to potential employers why our state has a problem with debt, or a reputation for bloated government, I'm able to go to these companies and leaders and start on a positive note by sharing all the great things that are happening. I'm able to say, "We've changed for the better and you're going to like what you see."
This takes us to the next level of discussion and gives us the chance to reveal why West Virginia is a great location for business. And our state now is in a better position to fulfill the needs of these potential employers.
September saw the state's lowest unemployment rate on record – 4 percent. Every month so far this year has had record low unemployment. What we're doing is working. We must not slow down. I can't wait to learn more, share more and work with you to build a better West Virginia.