As business debts mount, Justice take stage at The Greenbrier to announce economic investments • West Virginia Watch

WHITE SULPHUR SPRINGS, W.Va. — Gov. Jim Justice took the stage Wednesday at his family’s Greenbrier resort to announce a string of high-profile business investments totaling $219 million in the state of West Virginia.

His public remarks in White Sulphur Springs came one day after the resort had been scheduled to be auctioned off because the Justice family defaulted on loans for the property. Justice and his family reached an agreement to pay on the loan by October, but financial issues linger and Greenbrier employees’ health insurance could be cut off next month. 

The Republican governor, who has been under fire for additional family debts soaring over $1 billion, made no mention of the financial muddle as he spoke at the West Virginia Chamber of Commerce’s Annual Meeting and Business Summit.

“This road started on pretty doggone rough, but absolutely today we are celebrating in this great state like we can’t imagine,” said Justice, who is pursuing a U.S. Senate seat. “What I’ve wanted is right here, right now — for Toby and Edith to do so much better and to be so much happier.”

Justice received a warm welcome from the chamber, who touted his gubernatorial tenure focused on improving roads, lowering the state’s personal income tax and economic investments.  

He told the crowd that three new businesses will bring hundreds of jobs across the state.

Prime 6, which makes fire logs for grilling, will open a new facility in Upshur County. The $35 million investment is expected to bring 75 jobs. 

The company got its start on the TV competition show, “Shark Tank.”

In a video announcement, Shark Tank host Kevin O’Leary, who goes by “Mr. Wonderful,” praised Justice and West Virginia. 

“Not all states are the same … One great place to do business is West Virginia. Why? Great leadership,” O’Leary said. “Gov. Jim Justice and the entire team, they get it … They run businesses. They’ve made payroll. These are not politicians, these are leaders.”

Justice also said that HandCraft Services, a medical linen and apparel company, will invest $59 million to open a new facility in Berkeley County, creating 220 new jobs.

“We’re going to start moving dirt next week and start washing laundry next year. We’re excited to be a part of the West Virginia community,” said Ward Hackett, the company’s vice president of business development.

Additionally, energy and environmental technologies company Babcock & Wilcox (B&W), will invest $125 million in Mason County involving low-carbon hydrogen production. It is expected to bring 28 high-paying jobs. 

“Today we are doing great things like you can’t possibly imagine,” Justice said.

Along with financial issues plaguing the Greenbrier, Justice is facing a mountain of debt due to unpaid mine safety violations at his family’s mining companies, nonpayment of a $35 million COVID-19 relief loan in 2021 and more.

Justice has maintained that none of the financial challenges are legitimate. He said that they were political attacks due to his U.S. Senate race.