The New Economy Key Issue Area Committee addresses such critical goals as economic diversification, capital formation, entrepreneurship, technology integration and development incentives.

Performance Measures

• Per capita income increases
• Exports by state-based firms
• Small business creation rate
• Existing business investments
• Tourism visitation and expenditures
• Retail sales tax revenues
• Reduction in poverty rate

• 5/9/2002
  Roundtable member Mark Prince helps evaluate potential projects on West Virginia Economic Development Grant Committee
  West Virginia Roundtable member Mark Prince says that the state's Economic Development Grant Committee represents economic development in its finest form - cooperation between the public and private sectors. As a member of the committee, the Chairman of Bank One, West Virginia, N.A., said a bond issue made possible by the West Virginia Legislature will enable the state to build for the future. He also emphasized that this economic development function is highly consistent with Vision Shared, the state's economic development strategy plan. Based upon the $19 million earmarked by legislators, existing interest rates could provide an estimated $200 million for economic development projects across the state.
  
• 7/31/2001
  The WVHTC Foundation: A Catalyst for Technology
  The strategic plan developed by the West Virginia Council for Community and Economic Development points to technology as playing a significant role in the economic future of the state. West Virginia has a technological jewel located in the I-79 Technology Park in Marion County -- the West Virginia High Technology Consortium (WVHTC) Foundation. The Foundation, under the direction of president and CEO James L. Estep, also a Roundtable member, focuses on the vast expansion and potential explosion of technology in West Virginia. In this article, Estep looks at the future of West Virginia and the ciritical role technology plays in improving the state economy, attracting business and creating good, high-paying jobs.
  
• 7/24/2001
  The Dow Chemical Company: Transforming West Virginia and the Industry
  When the Dow Chemical Company announced a merger with Union Carbide Corporation, West Virginians did not know what they could expect. After streamlining its workforce, Dow has been involved in attracting two significant companies to West Virginia. From its involvement as a good corporate neighbor to plans for building a future in West Virginia, all indications thus far are that Dow has been good for the state. This article is the result of an interview with Peter Berner, Vice President of Dow West Virginia Operations and a member of the West Virginia Roundtable.
  
• 4/24/2001
  Technology transfer: Is higher education intruding on the private sector?
  This piece takes a look at technology transfer, the process of commercializing the intellectual property of university researchers through patents, licensing and spin-off companies. Written by West Virginia University President David C. Hardesty, Jr., this article examines the process that has been highly successful in areas such as North Carolina's Research Triangle, Boston University, MIT and Georgia State University. President Hardesty writes that, as technology transfer is established, there will be significant economic development rewards for West Virginia.
  
• 3/20/2001
  So, You Want to be an Entrepreneur?
  This piece, written by David C. Hardesty, Jr., President of West Virginia University, is a refreshing look at entrepreneurship. Hardesty writes that there are more opportunities for entreprenurship today than ever before, and encourages the entrepreneurial spirit. Of entrepreneurs, Hardesty writes, "They thrive on change and they focus on success." Hardesty is a member of the West Virginia Roundtable Board of Directors and serves as Co-chairperson of the New Economy Key Issues Committee.