White Sulphur Springs, WV (WOAY) – The West Virginia Chamber of Commerce opened its 90th annual Business Summit on Wednesday at The Greenbrier in White Sulphur Springs, bringing business and government leaders together for three days of speeches and panels focused on the state’s economy.
The summit runs through Friday in Greenbrier County. Speakers include the governor, both U.S. senators, and leaders across the energy, education and health care sectors.
Kevin Craig, the incoming chairman of the West Virginia Chamber of Commerce, described the event as a statewide gathering built around a single goal.
“This is really a meeting of business leaders, thought leaders across the state all focused on improving the economy of the state of West Virginia … We have a great lineup of presenters, speakers from multiple industries across the state. But if you’re here listening, it’s a way to spark ideas,” Craig said.
Panels and breakout sessions cover topics ranging from energy costs and childcare to the workforce and the role of artificial intelligence in education. Craig said the discussions are meant to build momentum toward policy change.
“It’s an opportunity to help guide policy, both at the federal level, the state level and even local level, because those policies are so important to growing the economy,” he said.
He said the work is ultimately aimed at expanding economic opportunity for people across the state.
“A good job solves a lot of problems. And it’s really about growing the opportunities for the citizens of West Virginia through more jobs, more opportunity,” Craig said.
Governor Patrick Morrisey and U.S. Sens. Shelley Moore Capito and Jim Justice are scheduled to speak Thursday.
