Author Malcom Gladwell argued in “Tipping Point” that great societal change stems from sustained, incremental efforts. In West Virginia, we stand at a tipping point. With a low cost of living and abundant land and natural resources, the Mountain State is positioned to become an economic driver for our nation. As our neighboring states have attracted billions in investment, we can do the same. The WVBankers team and members, through advocating strong banking policy and providing our industry’s perspective on broader legislation, will be a critical resource in placing West Virginia on the right side of its tipping point.
During the legislative session, our focus is on advancing legislation that strengthens West Virginia’s banking climate. This includes supporting legislation that eliminates red tape, protects our customers and ensures our communities maintain access to strong banking services. It also entails strongly opposing a troublesome trend in legislation, typically premised on national issues, that creates liability, unnecessary regulations or excessive mandates for business. Our advocacy ensures that banks will be best positioned to be vital partners in West Virginia’s economic future.
Advocating for banks sometimes extends to legislation affecting West Virginia’s economy more broadly. Because of our consistent presence at the Capitol and our strong relationships under its gold dome, we are increasingly asked to provide a banking perspective on broader economic development legislation. The Association and its members alike frequently receive requests from legislators asking for our perspective and input on a wide array of bills. Our contributions are sometimes as simple as explaining a bill to a legislator or answering a technical question. At other times, we have been able to offer support or suggest changes to enhance a bill’s efficacy. These efforts, even the smallest, are collectively powerful.
The Association and its members’ perspectives have become valued as the legislature considers measures to create jobs, encourage development and attract investment in manufacturing, energy and technology. Extending our knowledge to ensure that legislation strongly positions banks to partner in West Virginia’s economic growth has empowered our team and our members. We have provided a banking perspective on legislation that encourages construction and small business growth, as well as other areas critical to economic development. Likewise, because our members across West Virginia are active in their local economies, we can provide legislators with a localized perspective from trusted members of their communities. These contributions are vital to banking’s role in West Virginia’s economic future.
West Virginia’s tipping point is near. The Mountain State has an opportunity to realize its potential and become a keystone of America’s new economic frontier. As our legislature considers policies to drive this growth, we will ensure that our industry’s perspective is voiced. We will likewise stand against efforts that imperil this potential for prosperity and put our banks and businesses at risk. Through these sustained and incremental contributions, our association and industry will remain critical resources and partners in West Virginia’s prosperous future.
