Gov. Wise Announces New Business, Up To 100 Jobs

Gov. Bob Wise and officials from beBetter Networks Inc., today announced the company will locate in Charleston and create up to 100 jobs averaging $45,000 in yearly salaries.

"West Virginia targets business service companies as an important component of the state's economy," said Wise. "It is especially gratifying to know that business expertise, in this case, comes from a returning West Virginian."

John W. McClaugherty, originally of Charleston, is chief executive officer and co-founder of beBetter Networks. A native West Virginian and graduate of WVU College of Law, McClaugherty has, for the past 15 years, been associated with healthcare and technology business interests in the Atlanta area. He is the co-founder of A.D.A.M., a successful, publicly traded publisher of online medical information.

beBetter Networks will combine McClaugherty's experience in these healthcare delivery system areas. The company provides behavior management employee assistance services as well as coaching for managers and employees to a variety of organizations utilizing high-tech delivery systems.
Employees and individuals will be able to receive professional guidance over the telephone and the Internet at their convenience from anywhere in the world.

"West Virginia continues to offer great opportunities for entrepreneurs," McClaugherty said. "We look forward to augmenting the state's business climate."

A $500,000 economic development grant through the Business and Industrial Development Corp. (BIDCO); a loan totaling $453,870 from the West Virginia Economic Development Authority; and $75,000 from the Sunny Day Fund will support the project. beBetter Networks also is eligible for training assistance from the Governor's Workforce Investment Division of the West Virginia Development Office.

"Returning to my home state makes this business venture even more meaningful," McClaugherty said.

McClaugherty is the son of the late John McClaugherty, former managing partner of Jackson Kelly, PLLC, and a driving force for the creation of the Clay Center for the Arts and Sciences.

"Companies that use technology to improve business make the Charleston area better," said Tom Potter, chairman of BIDCO. "It is even better when bringing a company here means bringing somebody home."