SENATE RESOLUTION 57

(By Senators Palumbo, Stollings, Cline, Boso, Prezioso, Beach, and Plymale)

[Introduced March 1, 2018]

Designating March 1, 2018, as Innovation and Entrepreneurship Day at the Capitol.

Whereas, Research and innovation continue to be bedrocks of this nation’s economic strength and vitality; and

Whereas, Facilitating innovation-based economic development and the growth of entrepreneurial companies are critical to our state’s future and prosperity; and

Whereas, Entrepreneurs and small businesses create the vast majority of the new jobs in the United States; and

Whereas, Research and development activities being done in both federally funded, university, and private laboratories in our state are important for new discoveries, scientific and engineering solutions, and potential commercialization opportunities; and

Whereas, Innovations in manufacturing, such as 3D printing, are opening new opportunities for West Virginia’s small manufacturing firms to develop new products and processes to improve their bottom lines; and

Whereas, Access to risk capital remains a critical need for West Virginia entrepreneurs and innovators that is being addressed by existing and new public and private programs, such as the West Virginia Jobs Investment Trust, the INNOVA Commercialization Group, and other vital lending programs; and

Whereas, More than 130 organizations, agencies, and companies are working together to help advance the state’s innovation and entrepreneurship potential and capacity; and

Whereas, West Virginia has developed an integrated ecosystem of organizations, agencies, and financial firms working collaboratively to spur innovation enterprises and job creation; and

Whereas, Many of these innovation drivers are here at the Capitol today as part of the Innovation and Entrepreneurship Day hosted by TechConnect West Virginia and the TransTech Energy Business Development Program; therefore, be it

Resolved by the Senate:

That the Senate hereby recognizes March 1, 2018, as Innovation and Entrepreneurship Day at the Capitol; and, be it

Further Resolved, That the Senate acknowledges the long-term economic opportunities that an innovation-based economy and entrepreneurial culture can provide our state’s citizens; and, be it

Further Resolved, That the Clerk is hereby directed to forward a copy of this resolution to the appropriate representatives of TechConnect West Virginia.