Tourism and Economic Development Working Together

February 20, 2004

By Governor Bob Wise

West Virginia is blessed with natural beauty, friendly communities and a rich history. These combine to make the Mountain State one of the best tourist destinations in the nation. We continue to see our tourism industry grow each year, and, as more people discover the adventure that awaits in West Virginia, others return for a second or third trip.

Some of the same qualities that make the Mountain State a great vacation destination are strengths in our efforts to create jobs. Our dedicated work force, the same people who welcome visitors with West Virginia hospitality, are an asset to any business. West Virginia's proximity to major metropolitan areas is attractive to shippers and manufacturers as well as day travelers. Crime and pollution are low in our communities, a welcome change for a business owner and his employees.

We must take the lessons learned in the tourism industry and apply them to our economic development strategy.

Each year, the Division of Tourism receives 3 percent of lottery revenues. This share has grown from $800,000 10 years ago to $24 million this year and may grow larger in the coming years.

Under my proposal, Tourism will receive 2 percent of lottery revenues, or about $16 million. For two years, Tourism will give the Development Office $3 million to $5 million annually to assist in our efforts to recruit and retain businesses in the state. Today, the Development Office receives only $267,000 for this purpose.

The remaining 1 percent of lottery revenues will go to fund an investment in research at our state higher education institutions. To create an environment conducive to innovation and entrepreneurship, our state must provide access to the best researchers, brightest students and latest technologies. A small startup technology firm in Huntington or Morgantown has the potential to become the next IBM or Microsoft; we must make West Virginia the place where these success stories will occur in the 21st century.

We have had great success showing the world what a wonderful place West Virginia is to visit. We must now prove that it is a terrific place to start a business, find a job and develop the industries of the future.