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The West Virginia Manufacturers Association (WVMA) returned to Wheeling May 6-7 for a highly successful Manufacturing and Energy Growth Summit (MEGS).
The event brought together more than 120 industry leaders, professionals and enthusiasts from around the world to discuss the latest developments and opportunities for manufacturing and energy industries. The two-day summit was held at the Oglebay Resort in Wheeling.
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As this year’s May 16 Primary Election approaches, the West Virginia Manufacturers Association through its Political Action Committee, the West Virginians for Manufacturing Jobs PAC, released its list of endorsements today.
“West Virginia has seen massive political changes in recent years, and it is critical that we elect candidates that understand the importance of manufacturing in the Mountain State and its direct connection to the livelihoods of West Virginians,” said Bill Bissett, President of the West Virginia Manufacturers Association. “We believe that by electing these endorsed candidates, West Virginia will be in the best position to continue future economic development and create opportunities that not only allow our citizens to remain here but also attract new residents to our state.”
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By ROBERT SAUNDERS, Editor
Metro Valley Magazine
In January, Bill Bissett took over as president of the West Virginia Manufacturers Association. Bissett's former positions include serving as state director for Sen. Shelley Moore Capito (R-W.Va.), leading the Huntington Area Chamber of Commerce, and serving as president of the Kentucky Coal Association. In 2020, Bissett was inducted into Marshall University's W. Page Pitt School of Journalism and Mass Communications Hall of Fame. Robert Saunders spoke with Bissett recently about his new role with the WVMA.
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A recent survey by the American Energy Alliance shows that likely voters in eight key states want to see elected officials in Washington grow the economy and address inflation rather than focus on climate change. In fact, only 3% identify climate change as the most pressing issue facing our country. Moreover, a majority of voters — including 63% of Republicans — oppose a proposal in Washington to impose a new carbon tax on imported goods.
There is good reason to oppose this measure, called the Foreign Pollution Fee Act, as well as a related measure, called the PROVE IT Act. The idea behind taxing imports based on the carbon emissions in the country of origin may seem reasonable at first. But anyone with a fundamental understanding of economics can tell you that domestic job creators and working Americans are the ones who will actually pay for the increased costs associated with this new tax.
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The West Virginia Manufacturers Association announced today that an experienced professional in statewide policy and public relations, Dr. Bill Bissett, will take over as president on January 2, 2024.
The WVMA Board of Directors announced Bissett’s position during the association’s 8th Annual Meeting and Winter Convention in Bridgeport. The board selected Bissett to take the reins after its outgoing president, Rebecca McPhail, announced her resignation to join the American Chemistry Council as vice president of state affairs and political mobilization.
“Bill Bissett absolutely is ready to lead the WVMA into the future,” said WVMA Board President Barbara Buck. “There are not many people who could step in and run with the tremendous momentum that we have had under Rebecca’s leadership, but Bill is the right person for the job.”
Bissett’s career began in state government and later with Charles Ryan Associates, an integrated marketing firm located in Charleston. After executive leadership positions with Marshall University, the Kentucky Coal Association and the Huntington Regional Chamber of Commerce, Bissett most recently served as the state director for U.S. Sen. Shelley Moore Capito, R-W.Va.
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Dad was a carpenter. It was a skill he chose to develop. Maybe it was in his genes. He went through a carpentry apprenticeship to help him develop his skills. We lived in a rented row house in Pittsburgh. The landlord decided to sell the property and we had to move. I remember my parents talking in the evening. Mom was in tears. She called every available rental property in the newspaper. At the time I had three younger brothers. Every landlord Mom called asked how many kids they had. As soon as Mom said, “Four boys” they hung up.
My parents’ only choice was to be build a house. My grandfather loaned my parents enough money to buy a lot. They used the lot to get a construction loan. Dad used his carpentry skills and the help of friends and family to do much of the work on the house so he could afford to build it. I couldn’t fully appreciate it as a 7-year old. As an adult I marveled at the quality of Dad’s work. He also used his carpentry skills to do side jobs supporting our family. Dad chose to turn one of his strengths into a career.