By Pat Lawrence
When Karen Price discusses labor, she’s talking about the West
Virginia workforce. When she talks about delivery, the conversation
concerns the distribution of manufactured goods. As President of the
West Virginia Manufacturers Association, Karen’s energy is focused
on protecting West Virginia's manufacturing base and working toward
a business climate that stimulates investment and job growth in her
native state.
Representing employers from a diverse variety of industries, she
has most recently been in the legislative frontlines fighting for
workers compensation reform. With 13 years as President of WVMA, her
credentials and reputation as a knowledgeable, politically savvy industry
envoy are well established. But, she came to the position well prepared.
After working in the legislature while she attended Morris Harvey
(now University of Charleston) Karen went to work at the State Department
office as an industrial development representative, working with companies
that might want to open shop in the East Central Region of the state.
She says, “We also worked with existing companies in case they
had problems or issues like expansion.” She continued to promote
the state as an attractive business base under three governors. She
was also the assistant to the Secretary for Commerce, Labor and Environmental
Resources under Governor Caperton. In 1991, she left to take the position
as President of the WVMA.
Karen says “WVMA is the collective voice in the legislative
and regulatory process. Members have access to state and federal agencies,
legislators, regulators and, just as importantly, to each other. They
benefit from the collective experience of other manufactures who experience
the same challenges - taxation, wages and benefits, workers' compensation,
safety and health, economic development, public education and environmental
issues.”
She believes manufacturing is the catalyst that can spark West Virginia's
economy, and although she represents manufacturers, she says, “The
employer community recognizes that we need to work together. More
coalitions are being built every year, rather than each of us working
independently. If we stick together, we can get something done. Together
we’re a force that commands attention.”
Much of her work involves legislation concerning issues critical
to the state’s future, like what kinds of businesses may locate
along the river, what kinds of chemicals they may use and their degradability.
She joins with representatives from the Farm Bureau, coal, forestry
and member manufacturers to develop recommendations for legislation
that preserve the state yet promote development. “It’s
more effective for legislators and we all benefit.” It is the
coalitions she’s helped foster, rather than any single piece
of legislation passed, that generates the most gratification from
her career.
It is hardly a 9-5 job. Sometimes she spends all day at the legislature,
including weekends. There are evening and night meetings. And, she
travels all over the state gathering information and issue ideas from
members.
The long hours made her give up an 1882 home on the river in Winfield
that she had restored. “When I bought it in 1978, there was
no electricity, no running water and no windows. I learned carpentry
and how to glaze and did a lot of work myself. But, the drive was
so long and the hours so late, I had to give it up. Long drives alone
at midnight wasn’t what I wanted at all.” Despite offers,
she chose to give up the house rather than a position where all her
efforts help make WV a better place to live and work
Now she lives on over an acre near Charleston, trying to get her required
volunteer hours in as a Master Gardener and still take care of her
own garden.
Environmental issues are close to her heart professionally as well
as personally. Karen says, “There’s great awareness by
manufacturers about environmental stewardship. Their employees live
here as well. People are more aware now of what companies can and
must do to protect the environment. Environmental issues are always
on the agenda.”
According to Karen, the 200 members of WVMA strive for survival,
acceptance and success, which seem fair and reasonable goals for just
about any business or person. She places the full force of her knowledge,
experience and personal commitment into the effort. “I try to
do the right thing. I may not always make the right choice, but I
always try, because we’re making changes that will make a difference
to West Virginia.”
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