The 4-C Economic Development Authority has been instrumental in helping grow my business. They are always there with information and support – definitely a “business positive” for the State of West Virginia.
Historically, the economic base of the region has been coal industry driven. However, employment within the coal industry has dropped dramatically. Technological advances have resulted in more production with a fraction of previous employment. Although mining and processing are still important components of the total economic picture, a concerted effort has helped to diversify the regional economy.
In recent years, new jobs have been created in 1) manufacturing – value added wood products, plastics, electronics assembly, modular homes; 2) teleservices; 3) tourism; 4) scientific services; 5) information technology; and 6) retail sector.
This new growth is the result of the many locational advantages available within the region.
Location
West Virginia is located within 500 miles of approximately 60 percent of the United States population and 1/3 of the Canadian population. The 4-C region is located in southeastern West Virginia.
Transportation
A well-developed primary road transportation system provides for easy commuting into and within the region. Located within the NAFTA Corridor and Southern Auto Corridor, the region is served by several interstates including:
- I-64 – an east/west route connecting to I-81 at Lexington, VA
- I-77 – a north/south route connecting to I-81 at Wytheville, VA
- Corridor L (U.S. Rt. 19) – a north/south divided highway linking I-64/77 to I-79
- Coal Fields Expressway – linking Beckley to Slate, VA via divided highway (under construction)
- Beckley Bypass – linking I-64 with Corridor L (under construction)
Other methods of transportation available in the area include CXS and Norfolk Southern Railroads, FedEx and UPS for movement of product and Amtrak for passenger service. Several airports operate within the region the largest of which is the Raleigh County Memorial Airport.
Telecommunications
A sophisticated suite of telecommunications options are available to the region. Verizon, Fiber Net and Charter Communications provide an array of services.
Population
The region is home to approximately 170,000 residents; however, this number swells substantially during the day when residents from surrounding counties commute into the region for jobs, services and shopping.
Labor
Workers have demonstrated a willingness to commute forty-five minutes to one hour for quality employment. Since the geographic area of the 4-C region is large, the available workforce varies depending upon specific site location. Please contact 4-C staff or visit the Data Center on this site for additional workforce information.
Education
Seven colleges and universities offer classes to more than 11,000 students within commuting distance of the region.
Utilities
West Virginia offers abundant, low cost, and reliable electricity. West Virginia's average industrial utility costs are 20% below the national average and the state recently ranked fourth lowest in the U.S. in average cost per kilowatt hour.
Cost of gas service is also lower than the national average with West Virginia ranking eighth lowest in the nation.
Quality of Life
West Virginia has one of the lowest crime rates in the nation. Since this has been the case for more than 30 years, we offer a safe environment in which to live and work.
Health care costs are estimated to be 20% below the national average.
