For the past few months, the Charleston Regional Chamber of Commerce, Vision Shared and other likeminded organizations, have been working on a job creation and innovation public policy called “Project Launchpad” (SB 520).

This legislation would revive, renew and rebuild West Virginia’s business climate and create abundant job opportunities. It addresses new technology benefits for existing businesses and the student loan debt crisis, which are critical issues affecting our state.

Today is a very important day for “Project Launchpad,” as it must come before the Senate Finance Committee.

The committee MUST pass this bill today in order for it to stay alive in the legislative process. The Senate Economic Development committee has already passed the bill unanimously.

By acting now, we can secure a brighter economic future for our state – for all West Virginians.

Please take a few minutes to do the following today:

• Call or e-mail members of the Senate Finance Committee  and tell them “I support Project Launchpad (SB 520). Please place this  bill on the Senate Finance Committee today.”
• Share this message with friends by forwarding this e-mail or putting its content on your social media outlets.
• Direct anyone who wants more information about this legislation to a two page description HERE.

A list of committee members and their contact information is below. We encourage those that support an innovative approach to job creation, talent retention and attraction, to contact committee members and let them know you support “Project Launchpad.”

Roman Prezioso (Committee Chair)
Capitol Phone: (304) 357-7961
E-mail: roman.prezioso@wvsenate.gov

Douglas E. Facemire (Vice-Chair)
Capitol Phone: (304) 357-7845
E-mail: douglas.facemire@wvsenate.gov

Truman Chafin
Capitol Phone: (304) 357-7808
Email: truman.chafin@wvsenate.gov

Larry J. Edgell
Capitol Phone: (304) 357-7827
E-mail: larry.edgell@wvsenate.gov

Mike Green
Capitol Phone: (304) 357-7831
E-mail: mike.green@wvsenate.gov

William R. Laird IV
Capitol Phone: (304) 357-7849
E-mail: william.laird@wvsenate.gov

Brooks McCabe
Capitol Phone: (304) 357-7990
E-mail: brooks.mccabe@wvsenate.gov

Robert H. Plymale
Capitol Phone: (304) 357-7937
E-mail: robert.plymale@wvsenate.gov

Ron Stollings
Capitol Phone: (304) 357-7939
E-mail: ron.stollings@wvsenate.gov

John R. Unger II
Capitol Phone: (304) 357-7933
E-mail: john.unger@wvsenate.gov

Erik Wells
Business Phone: (304) 357-7841
E-mail: erik.wells@wvsenate.gov

Jack Yost
Capitol Phone: (304-357-7984
E-Mail: jack.yost@wvsenate.gov

Clark Barnes
Capitol Phone: (304) 357-7973
E-mail: clark.barnes@wvsenate.gov

Craig Blair
Capitol Phone: (304) 357-7867
E-mail: craig@craigblair.com

Donna Boley
Capitol Phone: (304) 357-7905
E-mail: donnaboley@suddenlink.net

Mike Hall
Capitol Phone: (304) 357-7901
E-mail: mike.hall@wvsenate.gov

David Sypolt
Capitol Phone: (304) 357-7914
E-mail: davesypolt@wvsenate.gov

With “Project Launchpad,” the current workforce, our children, and our grandchildren will have the opportunity for good jobs, with good wages, in the promising industries of the future – right here in West Virginia.

Thank you.

Matthew Ballard