NFIB Endorses Cole for Governor

Press Release

Republican gubernatorial nominee Bill Cole was endorsed by the National Federation of Independent Business West Virginia Save America's Free Enterprise Trust today at an event in Clarksburg. Cole visited City Construction Company, where he took a tour of the facility, met with workers, and spoke about the importance of creating good-paying jobs in West Virginia.

At the event, NFIB State Director Gil White said, "Bill Cole is the only choice for West Virginia's small, family businesses. He is a business owner himself, and he understands the burden government places with high taxes, paperwork, and compliance." White went on to say, "Bill Cole recognizes the need to bring new businesses and new jobs to West Virginia and to create an environment where our existing businesses can grow and prosper."

"I am honored that the more than 2,000 members of the NFIB in West Virginia have placed their trust in me based on my track record as a job creator, pro-job legislator and my agenda to move West Virginia forward," said Bill Cole. "West Virginia suffers not only from a lack of jobs, but good-paying jobs. As Senate President, I have worked hard to pass meaningful legal reforms that are lowering the cost of doing business; rolling back outdated regulations; as well as making West Virginia the 26th Right to Work state which sends a loud message that we are truly open for business."

Cole went on to outline his priorities as Governor that include:

Initiating a manufacturing strategy that is based on low-cost energy, takes advantage of our large supply of water, retrains workers for the jobs available, and cuts regulations allowing businesses to grow.
Realigning our job training programs to ensure every West Virginian has access to the training and skills needed to get a job and allowing every employer access to a skilled workforce.
Working with the private sector, our public institutions, and non-profit organizations to ensure that every community has access to high-speed broadband without continuing to waste taxpayer dollars.
Combatting our growing drug epidemic with a three-prong attack: First, we need to send a loud and clear message to those that come into our state to peddle their poison, if you are caught selling drugs in West Virginia, you will pay a huge price. Second, we need to bring all the resources of state government together by calling on cabinet secretaries to establish an intra-agency task force to meet this crisis head on. Third, we must get help for people who are addicted to drugs by working with our federal delegation for funding to reuse existing buildings as treatment facilities to ensure that anybody who reaches out for help has access to treatment and the help they need.
Cole concluded by stating, "There is nothing wrong with West Virginia that the strength of our work ethic and the pride of our people can't fix. United, we can become West Virginia Proud and West Virginia Strong."

Background:

Small business is truly big business for West Virginia.
Ninety-six percent of the employment sector in our state falls under small businesses.
According to the Small Business Administration, in 2013 there were more than 115,000 small businesses with almost 90,000 businesses employing almost 300,000 workers.
Small businesses create almost two-thirds of the new jobs created nationally.
There are more than 2,000 NFIB members in West Virginia.

Source