Monday, April 14, 2008
WV Governor Names Commerce Secretary
CHARLESTON, W.Va. – Gov. Joe Manchin has appointed West Virginia Department of Commerce Secretary Kelley Goes as executive director of the West Virginia Development Office effective immediately. Goes will play the dual roles of cabinet secretary and head of the Development Office.
She replaces Steve Spence, who continues as the director of the International Division of the Development Office. As part of the transition, Mark Julian will become deputy executive director of the Development Office, effective today. Julian’s new role will be to manage the day-to-day operation and administration of the Development Office. He also will continue in his role as the director of Business and Industrial Development, in addition to his new responsibilities.
“The appointment of Kelley Goes, cabinet secretary of the Department Commerce to also serve as the executive director of the West Virginia Development Office will help keep our state on a steady path toward attracting premiere businesses and create quality job opportunities for our citizens,” said Gov. Manchin.
The transition allows Spence to focus solely on work with the International Division he founded within the Development Office and which he has directed since 1996. During 2007, West Virginia’s international exports increased by nearly 23 percent, according to Global Trade Information Services. This increase was the seventh-highest percent increase of all 50 United States. In 2007, West Virginia businesses exported $3.97 billion in coal, machinery, automotive components, plastics and aluminum. International investment from 23 countries has created more than 22,000 jobs for West Virginians.
The transition strengthens the Department of Commerce’s mission to create a collaborative, interagency environment under Goes’ leadership, Manchin said.
The Department of Commerce is the cornerstone of economic development for West Virginia, and through the Development Office it serves companies from small entrepreneurs to global corporations. Commerce focuses on attracting and expanding business opportunities in the state, with a goal to create new and well-paid jobs with benefits.
She replaces Steve Spence, who continues as the director of the International Division of the Development Office. As part of the transition, Mark Julian will become deputy executive director of the Development Office, effective today. Julian’s new role will be to manage the day-to-day operation and administration of the Development Office. He also will continue in his role as the director of Business and Industrial Development, in addition to his new responsibilities.
“The appointment of Kelley Goes, cabinet secretary of the Department Commerce to also serve as the executive director of the West Virginia Development Office will help keep our state on a steady path toward attracting premiere businesses and create quality job opportunities for our citizens,” said Gov. Manchin.
The transition allows Spence to focus solely on work with the International Division he founded within the Development Office and which he has directed since 1996. During 2007, West Virginia’s international exports increased by nearly 23 percent, according to Global Trade Information Services. This increase was the seventh-highest percent increase of all 50 United States. In 2007, West Virginia businesses exported $3.97 billion in coal, machinery, automotive components, plastics and aluminum. International investment from 23 countries has created more than 22,000 jobs for West Virginians.
The transition strengthens the Department of Commerce’s mission to create a collaborative, interagency environment under Goes’ leadership, Manchin said.
The Department of Commerce is the cornerstone of economic development for West Virginia, and through the Development Office it serves companies from small entrepreneurs to global corporations. Commerce focuses on attracting and expanding business opportunities in the state, with a goal to create new and well-paid jobs with benefits.
# posted by Joe Kinzer @ 6:54 PM 
