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February 17, 2000
ROCKEFELLER SAYS TECHNOLOGY IMPORTANT FOR WEST VIRGINIA'S FUTURE
WASHINGTON, D.C. —U.S. Senator Jay Rockefeller (D-WV) spoke yesterday at the I-79 High Tech Corridor Authority Meeting, emphasizing the importance of the Internet and technology in the "new economy."
"The new economy, spurred by exciting new technologies and innovative entrepreneurs and companies, is giving West Virginia a new opportunity to make a quantum leap forward. This new economy has the potential to eliminate the geographic barriers that have stood in our way for generations," Rockefeller said.
Rockefeller continued, "Companies that have been around for a century can vastly improve their operations using new technologies and new ways of doing business. Small businesses doing low-tech things can use high-tech tools to improve their operations and reach more customers. The new economy is exciting because its benefits can help our coal and steel companies just as much as it can create exciting new industries."
In his speech, Rockefeller outlined four goals he believes are essential if West Virginia is to take advantage of the new economy.
"Quality education and worker training are critical for a workforce to be able to fill managerial, technical and professional jobs. The more qualified people a state can offer for these jobs, the better it can support new economy companies," Rockefeller said when speaking about his goal making sure West Virginia provides education and worker training.
A second goal of Rockefeller's is for West Virginians to have access to technology. "The more "wired" a state is, the better prepared its citizens will be to participate in the new economy. If individuals and families have computers and Internet service, they will be able to engage in electronic commerce, they will have access to high tech information and jobs opportunities, and they will have a far better understanding of computers when called upon to do so for a job," said Rockefeller.
Another goal is for West Virginia to attract new economy companies to West Virginia. "West Virginia needs to bring new companies in, as well as ensure that native West Virginian companies use the Internet to do business. West Virginia already is among the top states in the nation for its access to international markets and the Internet gives our state a chance to do access international markets even more," noted Rockefeller.
Lastly, Rockefeller said that West Virginia needs to support entrepreneurship. "We have to work together to make West Virginia a place where entrepreneurs and new companies can thrive. The new economy rewards entrepreneurial risk taking and West Virginia needs to award venture capital to these companies. Often, young, innovative companies best utilize new technologies, and rely the most on knowledge-based professionals," said Rockefeller.
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