More Than Just 500 Jobs Could Be Lost
| Contact: Robin A. Holstein Phone: (800) 815-2754 |
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
Charleston, W.Va. - Governor Joe Manchin is about to show the extent of his leadership abilities. His decision regarding the fate of the Dow Technology Park will influence the financial standing of more than just a few state laboratories and employees. The rippling effect will touch the lives of West Virginians for decades.
Economist Henry Hazlitt is reported to have said, “The art of economics consists of looking not merely at the immediate but the longer effects of any act or policy; it consist of tracing the consequences of that policy not merely for one group, but for all groups.”
The Charleston Area Alliance, Chemical Alliance Zone, and MATRIC have been very vocal in their support for Governor Manchin’s acceptance of the donation. Governor Manchin has noted that it could be the case that we cannot afford the maintenance on the gift. The question should also be asked, can we afford not to accept the gift?
Losing the Technology Park may mean more than the loss of over 500 quality jobs. It may mean 500 new claims for unemployment compensation. With the loss of income comes the cutbacks in spending, likely down now due to economic uncertainty. As spending is cut small businesses see a reduction in customer purchases, and may cut payroll to make ends meet.
Highly educated and experienced citizens will eventually move to where the jobs are, and take their families with them. Dow will raze buildings to lower tax and maintenance burdens. Local governments will suffer as revenues decline. Schools will see enrollment drop.
This decision should go beyond politics as usual. Coal jobs depend on the demand for coal. Future demand depends on new technologies. Without research and development opportunities, there will be no new technologies.
People love to hate big corporations, like oil companies and electricity providers with their high rates and outsourcing of customer service. However, without the cultivation of small companies, without the research of our colleges and universities, the only option we will have are those same big companies.
Robin Holstein is the president of Robin’s Desktop, LLC. Established in 2005, Robin’s Desktop provides administrative consulting and virtual administrative services to small businesses. Robin holds a BS in Organizational Leadership from Mountain State University, an AS in Office Administration from WV State Community and Technical College, and the Certified Professional Secretary and Certified Administrative Professional rating from the IAAP.
xxx
Charleston Area Alliance, Chemical Alliance Zone, Dow, economy, employment, Governor Manchin, jobs, MATRIC, Tech Park, technology