The most important part of any West Virginia business is the quality of its workforce, and we have several industries that will need an influx of new employees in the coming years.

To maximize job development opportunities, BIC encourages state leaders to address the following:

• Tax Fairness — West Virginia has made substantial strides revising its state and local tax code to make West Virginia a better place in which to do business. WVBIC recommends that the West Virginia Legislature continue with its present policy of reasonable tax rates for businesses and individuals.

West Virginia’s infrastructure is one of our greatest assets and most important responsibilities. A critical underpinning of our state’s economic future is the safety, security and stability of our roads, bridges, water and sewer facilities, schools, higher educational facilities and airports.

West Virginia is one of only four states that maintains its entire highway system, which is why our state has the sixth-largest system in the nation. Nearly half the bridges on West Virginia’s interstate system will need significant repairs or reconstruction by the year 2026, and 36 percent of our major roads are in either poor or mediocre condition. A total of 35 percent of West Virginia’s bridges are structurally deficient or functionally obsolete.