We know West Virginia is full of possibilities! How do we continue to tell our story? The West Virginia Development Office has some of the best advocates in the business. We’ll hear from their representatives from around the state as they share their experiences and successes, and opportunities and challenges in attracting manufacturing investment to the Mountain State.
Employers face ongoing challenges in managing Employee Benefit programs. Geoff Christian, of Assured Partners, will the delve into the current trends in employee benefits and discuss the impact of skyrocketing health care costs, while offering insights into new cost containment solutions and strategies. He will also discuss emerging trends and how employers are adapting to continue to offer options for high quality benefits for their employees.
LAST-MODIFIED:20241023T194652Z SEQUENCE:20643 X-ACCESS:1 X-HITS:159 X-COLOR:3366cc X-SHOW-END-TIME:1 END:VEVENT BEGIN:VEVENT DTSTART;TZID=America/New_York:20241212T103000 DTEND;TZID=America/New_York:20241212T104500 UID:D9A165FB-C622-445B-B69D-F1FE28804459 SUMMARY:BREAK CREATED:20241023T140343Z DTSTAMP:20241023T140343Z URL:https://convention.wvma.com/agenda/break-3 LAST-MODIFIED:20241023T140343Z SEQUENCE:0 X-ACCESS:1 X-HITS:102 X-COLOR:3366cc X-SHOW-END-TIME:1 END:VEVENT BEGIN:VEVENT DTSTART;TZID=America/New_York:20241212T104500 DTEND;TZID=America/New_York:20241212T113000 UID:85A6AF82-857D-4725-AEDF-B9CB9C28FB62 SUMMARY:Energy Cost Outlook CREATED:20241023T140647Z DTSTAMP:20241023T140647Z URL:https://convention.wvma.com/agenda/energy-cost-outlook DESCRIPTION:As any increase in the cost of doing business can destabilize a company’s profitability, viability, and its ability to invest in the future, rising electricity costs combined with transmission concerns and an increased regional demand have made energy a key issue for both future and existing manufacturers. This panel will discuss the electric power pricing issues that exist now as well as future challenges for West Virginia employers navigating costs attendant to retaining and growing their businesses in the state.\N\NDerrick Williamson, WVEUG & Spilman Law, Moderator\NCharlotte Lane, WV Public Service Commission\NLarry Stalica, Messer Americas\N X-ALT-DESC;FMTTYPE=text/html:As any increase in the cost of doing business can destabilize a company’s profitability, viability, and its ability to invest in the future, rising electricity costs combined with transmission concerns and an increased regional demand have made energy a key issue for both future and existing manufacturers. This panel will discuss the electric power pricing issues that exist now as well as future challenges for West Virginia employers navigating costs attendant to retaining and growing their businesses in the state.
Manufacturing companies are often the heart of small communities. In addition to providing good paying jobs, they support schools, little leagues and other community groups through various partnerships. In other words, they’re doing “cool things” in their backyards. We’ll hear from a few and get a better understanding of what they mean to their communities.
A benefit of WVMA membership is participating in one of our committees. We hope you are taking advantage! We’ll hear from the WVMA committee chairs about the 2024 year in review as well as what we can expect in 2025.
While new companies are investing in West Virginia, existing companies are expanding their operations and finding greater success. Hear from representatives of manufacturers who have increased their footprint and employment during challenging times, and what lessons were learned that can benefit your company.
LAST-MODIFIED:20251118T152533Z SEQUENCE:2167597 X-ACCESS:1 X-HITS:118 X-COLOR:3366cc X-SHOW-END-TIME:1 END:VEVENT BEGIN:VEVENT DTSTART;TZID=America/New_York:20251209T100000 DTEND;TZID=America/New_York:20251209T103000 UID:3CDE5319-5F23-4B5D-A1FA-ADF2E17F57CF SUMMARY:Zones of Possibility: Making OZ 2.0 Work for WV Industry CREATED:20251024T131956Z DTSTAMP:20251024T131956Z URL:https://convention.wvma.com/agenda/the-case-for-eliminating-the-business-inventory-tax-in-west-virginia DESCRIPTION:\NWil Durbin, LNE\NJason Smith, LNE\N\NWith the federal Opportunity Zone (OZ) program permanently extended under the 2025 OBBBA legislation, West Virginia has a fresh chance to position its manufacturing sector at the heart of OZ 2.0. This session will break down the new nomination process, explain how rural incentives uniquely benefit West Virginia, and provide manufacturers with actionable strategies to prepare for designation, attract capital, and drive long-term industrial investment. Whether you're expanding operations, redeveloping a site, or seeking new funding avenues, this is your roadmap to making OZs work for your business and community. X-ALT-DESC;FMTTYPE=text/html:With the federal Opportunity Zone (OZ) program permanently extended under the 2025 OBBBA legislation, West Virginia has a fresh chance to position its manufacturing sector at the heart of OZ 2.0. This session will break down the new nomination process, explain how rural incentives uniquely benefit West Virginia, and provide manufacturers with actionable strategies to prepare for designation, attract capital, and drive long-term industrial investment. Whether you're expanding operations, redeveloping a site, or seeking new funding avenues, this is your roadmap to making OZs work for your business and community.
LAST-MODIFIED:20251202T195157Z SEQUENCE:3393121 X-ACCESS:1 X-HITS:122 X-COLOR:3366cc X-SHOW-END-TIME:1 END:VEVENT BEGIN:VEVENT DTSTART;TZID=America/New_York:20251209T104500 DTEND;TZID=America/New_York:20251209T111500 UID:F60EFA70-1817-4DD5-B78C-094C0FA2116D SUMMARY:Solving Your Workforce Challenge: Using Apprenticeships to Create Pipelines & Partnerships CREATED:20251024T132325Z DTSTAMP:20251024T132325Z URL:https://convention.wvma.com/agenda/solving-your-workforce-challenge-using-apprenticeships-to-create-pipelines-partnerships DESCRIPTION:\NDerek Scarbo, Marshall Advanced Manufacturing Center, Moderator\NCarol Howerton, MAMC, Workforce Development Director\NHeather Cooper, MAMC, Apprenticeship Unit Director\N\NData gleaned from a new Statewide Workforce Analysis will be shared during this presentation as well as hearing from members of the Marshall Advanced Manufacturing team about their successful work with apprenticeship and pre-apprenticeship pipelines with both Career Technical Education (CTE) and Community & Technical Colleges (CTCs). X-ALT-DESC;FMTTYPE=text/html:Data gleaned from a new Statewide Workforce Analysis will be shared during this presentation as well as hearing from members of the Marshall Advanced Manufacturing team about their successful work with apprenticeship and pre-apprenticeship pipelines with both Career Technical Education (CTE) and Community & Technical Colleges (CTCs).
LAST-MODIFIED:20251120T163713Z SEQUENCE:2344428 X-ACCESS:1 X-HITS:166 X-COLOR:3366cc X-SHOW-END-TIME:1 END:VEVENT BEGIN:VEVENT DTSTART;TZID=America/New_York:20251209T111500 DTEND;TZID=America/New_York:20251209T121500 UID:1CE08192-A5F3-4F51-8DA1-482B08AC1FDA SUMMARY:The Return on Investment: Economic Development in West Virginia CREATED:20251024T132144Z DTSTAMP:20251024T132144Z URL:https://convention.wvma.com/agenda/the-return-on-investment-economic-development-in-west-virginia DESCRIPTION:\NAaron Sporck, Moderator\NLibby Reasbeck, Form Energy\NAaron Valentine, TIMET\NMarkee Schindler, Nucor \N\NWith billions of dollars of economic development occurring in West Virginia, manufacturing in the Mountain State is poised for continued growth that will benefit our citizens for generations to come. Hear directly from economic developers and company representatives as to how they succeed in a changing and competitive environment to grow new businesses and expand existing employers in West Virginia. From finding investment to developing partnerships, this panel will give you the possible next steps to meet the needs of your business now and in the future. X-ALT-DESC;FMTTYPE=text/html:With billions of dollars of economic development occurring in West Virginia, manufacturing in the Mountain State is poised for continued growth that will benefit our citizens for generations to come. Hear directly from economic developers and company representatives as to how they succeed in a changing and competitive environment to grow new businesses and expand existing employers in West Virginia. From finding investment to developing partnerships, this panel will give you the possible next steps to meet the needs of your business now and in the future.
LAST-MODIFIED:20251204T163052Z SEQUENCE:3553748 X-ACCESS:1 X-HITS:102 X-COLOR:3366cc X-SHOW-END-TIME:1 END:VEVENT BEGIN:VEVENT DTSTART;TZID=America/New_York:20251209T121500 DTEND;TZID=America/New_York:20251209T130000 UID:77771FB7-6AA5-4421-BE1C-D5E2E4CFD517 SUMMARY:Encova Safety Award/Networking Lunch CREATED:20251007T140436Z DTSTAMP:20251007T140436Z URL:https://convention.wvma.com/agenda/encova-safety-award-networking-lunch-2 LAST-MODIFIED:20251120T165800Z SEQUENCE:3812004 X-ACCESS:1 X-HITS:114 X-COLOR:3366cc X-SHOW-END-TIME:1 END:VEVENT BEGIN:VEVENT DTSTART;TZID=America/New_York:20251209T130000 DTEND;TZID=America/New_York:20251209T134500 UID:AFE81879-CD23-4079-95FD-F1B56DB4497A SUMMARY:New Power Generation & FirstEnergy CREATED:20251125T160155Z DTSTAMP:20251125T160155Z URL:https://convention.wvma.com/agenda/new-power-energy-firstenergy DESCRIPTION:\NChris Beam, FirstEnergy\N\NHear from Chris Beam, Vice President of Generation Project Development at FirstEnergy, who has more than three decades of experience in the energy industry and now leads FirstEnergy’s efforts to develop new generation resources that strengthen reliability and keep energy costs competitive for businesses like yours.\NChris will share details on our planned natural gas and solar facilities—critical projects outlined in the recent filing of the MonPower/Potomac Edison Integrated Resource Plan (IRP)—designed to ensure dependable power for West Virginia’s manufacturers and West Virginians while supporting long-term affordability.\NThese investments will help meet growing industrial demand, reduce risk of supply disruptions, and provide a diverse energy mix that positions our region for economic growth.\NChris will walk through project timelines, technology choices, and how these initiatives align with FirstEnergy’s commitment to delivering reliable, cost-effective energy solutions for their customers. X-ALT-DESC;FMTTYPE=text/html:Hear from Chris Beam, Vice President of Generation Project Development at FirstEnergy, who has more than three decades of experience in the energy industry and now leads FirstEnergy’s efforts to develop new generation resources that strengthen reliability and keep energy costs competitive for businesses like yours.
Chris will share details on our planned natural gas and solar facilities—critical projects outlined in the recent filing of the MonPower/Potomac Edison Integrated Resource Plan (IRP)—designed to ensure dependable power for West Virginia’s manufacturers and West Virginians while supporting long-term affordability.
These investments will help meet growing industrial demand, reduce risk of supply disruptions, and provide a diverse energy mix that positions our region for economic growth.
Chris will walk through project timelines, technology choices, and how these initiatives align with FirstEnergy’s commitment to delivering reliable, cost-effective energy solutions for their customers.
LAST-MODIFIED:20251125T160937Z SEQUENCE:462 X-ACCESS:1 X-HITS:111 X-COLOR:3366cc X-SHOW-END-TIME:1 END:VEVENT BEGIN:VEVENT DTSTART;TZID=America/New_York:20251209T134500 DTEND;TZID=America/New_York:20251209T141500 UID:A7FBBED7-0077-41D1-9D8B-9B7E634870B7 SUMMARY:What Does MAHA Mean for Manufacturing? CREATED:20251024T132558Z DTSTAMP:20251024T132558Z URL:https://convention.wvma.com/agenda/what-does-maha-mean-for-manufacturing DESCRIPTION:\NJosh Young, American Chemistry Council\N\NWhile all of us want a healthier West Virginia, what does the national grassroots movement known as MAHA (Make America Healthy Again) mean for manufacturing? From products bans to changes in state and federal policies as to how businesses operate, MAHA brings a new uncertainty to markets, production and regulatory oversight.\N X-ALT-DESC;FMTTYPE=text/html:While all of us want a healthier West Virginia, what does the national grassroots movement known as MAHA (Make America Healthy Again) mean for manufacturing? From products bans to changes in state and federal policies as to how businesses operate, MAHA brings a new uncertainty to markets, production and regulatory oversight.
LAST-MODIFIED:20251112T172008Z SEQUENCE:1655650 X-ACCESS:1 X-HITS:121 X-COLOR:3366cc X-SHOW-END-TIME:1 END:VEVENT BEGIN:VEVENT DTSTART;TZID=America/New_York:20251209T141500 DTEND;TZID=America/New_York:20251209T141500 UID:81AF7658-35DA-4B61-8F84-2D74A9F34DA6 SUMMARY:Adjourn CREATED:20251007T140515Z DTSTAMP:20251007T140515Z URL:https://convention.wvma.com/agenda/adjourn-2 LAST-MODIFIED:20251024T133100Z SEQUENCE:1466745 X-ACCESS:1 X-HITS:99 X-COLOR:3366cc X-SHOW-END-TIME:0 END:VEVENT END:VCALENDAR