(Editorial - Graphic Illustration - MetroCreativeConnection)

“We are here today, because we are here today, together.”

Those words from Form Energy CEO and co-founder Mateo Jaramillo speak volumes about what it takes to bring forward-looking economic development to West Virginia. During the groundbreaking for the company’s new facility in Weirton, Jaramillo talked about a project that began with five co-founders and has blossomed into an effort that includes 500 colleagues.

“They are amazingly talented, and we have worked incredibly hard developing our product, building our market, to be here today,” he said, also thanking the company’s investors, customers and suppliers, as well as their families and the communities of which they have become a part.

But Jaramillo also knows the company had the support of U.S. Sen. Joe Manchin, U.S. Sen. Shelley Moore Capito, Gov. Jim Justice, U.S. Energy Secretary Jennifer Granholm, West Virginia Economic Development Secretary Mitch Carmichael, state Sen. Ryan Weld, Delegate Mark Zatezalo, legislative leaders and elected officials from the City of Weirton and Hancock County.

Weirton Ward 1 Councilman Tim Connell talked to Granholm about the many generations of his family who had worked in the local steel mills and are now able to witness new growth there.

“It is so moving to be here and be a part of that,” Granholm said. “This is just the tip of the iceberg.”

It will be, if we can continue to put such a team effort into bringing these exciting new large employers to our state.

As Manchin pointed out, bringing this kind of growth to our state is “not political. It’s not Democrat or Republican; it’s about West Virginia.”

Lawmakers who try to stand in the way (and there were a few, in Form’s case), and double down on their own communities’ struggles in the misguided belief it will earn them a few political points had better get out of the way. Should they continue their obstructionist and backward-looking efforts, voters must show them the door.

What is happening in the Northern Panhandle is the result of a strong enough team working FOR West Virginia that Weirton is able to look forward to a brighter future. Well done, to those who made it happen. And may there be many more such efforts on the horizon.