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Opinion

The store’s sign says ‘open’ but the door is locked

Columnists

An engaged employee knows and supports the business goals. They know the impact of achieving the goals. It could be that “winning organization” feeling. It could be the opportunity to acquire resources the person would love to have (like a chef’s showing off a new piece of kitchen equipment). It could be increased compensation or other types of recognition. The ability to connect the dots with each person on how they contribute to the needed organizational goals — and how they personally benefit from doing so — is critical to a company’s success.  Every ...

Boos & Applause

Editorials

Applause to the Randolph County Fair, which entertained for a full week before wrapping up last weekend, and also the Tucker County Fair, currently underway, and the Barbour County Fair, which kicks off today. Local residents are offered a bonanza of fun-filled family activities every August, with all three festivals taking place back-to-back-to-back. We salute the small army of volunteers who work so hard each year to bring us this area’s county fairs. Applause to the local residents who made their voices heard by submitting comments to the West Virginia Department of Environmental ...

Reader: Unions are under attack

Letters to the Editor

Just a few more days and it will be Labor Day. For many, it is just another long weekend for hot dogs, hamburgers, boating, swimming and many other activities before cooler weather prevails. But for Union members, true dedicated union members, it is more. It is a time to reflect on what it means to be a union member. My union, the United Steelworkers, and many other unions it means it is a shield, a voice, a force that ensures no worker left behind. Unions fight for fair wages and benefits, safe working conditions, dignity and respect. That fight wasn’t just for ourselves but ...

SBA official says bill is beneficial

Letters to the Editor

Since my appointment as the Mid-Atlantic Regional Administrator at The U.S. Small Business Administration (SBA) in April this year, I have traveled the Mid-Atlantic Region meeting small business owners in all facets of industries — from a hair salon in Denton, Maryland to ship repair and maintenance provider in Suffolk, Virginia, to a dairy farm in Pennsylvania. Whether I’m in a rural area in West Virginia or an urban area in Delaware, one thing remains the same — taxes are one of the top issues for small businesses. The One Big Beautiful Bill (OBBB) extends the 199A ...

Disturbing

Editorials

While some are able to find numbers that show positive things happening for the economy, here in West Virginia, the reality is a little less pleasant. Some key indicators are downright disturbing. Workforce participation is steadily dropping. Unemployment is increasing. “These numbers are troubling,” said West Virginia Chamber of Commerce President Steve Roberts. “We’re seeing consistent signs of economic softening across several core industries. When the workforce is shrinking and job losses are sustained over time, we must treat it as a warning sign, and we must respond with ...

Safety

Editorials

“If you feel different, you drive different. Drive high, get a DUI.” That’s the theme of an effort by the U.S. Department of Transportation’s National Highway Traffic Safety Administration to help local law enforcement be highly visible from now through Labor Day as they crack down on those taking the risk to drive impaired. Even in states such as Ohio where (despite lawmakers’ best efforts to subvert the voters’ will) adult-use cannabis is legal for recreational use, it is still illegal to drive under the influence. It doesn’t matter what substance is to blame. But, ...