Steve Forbes, publisher of the magazine that ranks West Virginia as the worst state to do business in, will speak at this year's Business Summit, West Virginia Chamber of Commerce President Steve Roberts announced.
Forbes and Gov. Joe Manchin are expected to share the Thursday morning, Sept. 3, time slot.
"There are some details to be worked out but probably they're going to do a duet," Roberts said. "Both will talk about their views of West Virginia, economic development and job creation - how you make those things happen, particularly in this challenging economy."
"We're very excited that Steve Forbes has agreed to come speak and the Forbes people say he's very excited about coming to West Virginia," Roberts said. "He has some things he wants to say."
The "duet" is likely to generate some headlines. Forbes is a frequent national commentator on business, tax and economic issues. He was a Republican presidential candidate in 1996 and 2000. Manchin, an accomplished speaker, often describes himself as West Virginia's top salesman. Roberts said Manchin will discuss the state's economy and share his views on national issues involving energy, health care and education.
"It's good for West Virginia to get national exposure like this," Roberts said. "Getting nationally known speakers has worked out very well for West Virginia. The year we had Willard Scott, the "Today" show came and put us on the show. We're thinking this may be an opportunity to show off a little bit of the best of West Virginia, to talk about what our state has to offer with somebody who has a national and international audience.
Read full story [Daily Mail]
More members . . . guaranteed
Comments