A recent editorial in the Wall Street Journal illustrates a real opportunity for the Upper Ohio Valley and West Virginia.

A number of states, including nearby states such as Maryland, New York and New Jersey as well as Massachusetts and Illinois, are seeing residents leave. The Journal’s data specifies that affluent families are at the center of the exodus.

The Journal further argues that progressive policies including high tax burdens, excessive regulatory powers and the impact of intrusive government driving up energy and housing costs are at the root for why so many families choose to leave these states.

The decisions by many to leave so-called progressive states is not just understandable — it is a chance to address our own period of stagnation.

West Virginia — and particularly the Upper Ohio Valley, with its cultural amenities and easy access to major cities such as Pittsburgh and Columbus — is in a period of transformation. Taxes have been lowered; regulatory impacts are being rolled back; a new, positive image is emerging. West Virginia offers much to families particularly when you compare it to New York, New Jersey, Maryland and others.

We believe our region’s civic and business leaders should aggressively court businesses and families to consider opening up shop, building homes and living in the Upper Ohio Valley. Lawmakers, during the legislative session currently underway in Charleston, should take time to consider incentives, as well. Look at the success West Virginia has had with the ASCEND program; why not build on that as a way to entice families?

We know that once we get people here, and they experience the beauty and wonder of the Mountain State, many are hook. We also are confident they will find the relief from big government’s burdens they seek here. And their contributions to the community would be an asset to all.