Wise:
A natural safe haven for data back-up
Business and government officials also like its cheap electricity & educated workforce

When you think of Wise County, you probably think first of its rural beauty, rich Appalachian history, and renowned liberal arts university. But there’s another face to Wise. With its safe location, redundant fiber optic networking infrastructure, and commitment to industry, Wise County is becoming the number one choice for a range of businesses that want a safe place to back up their mission-critical data.

A natural safe haven
Wise County’s physical location is ideal for providing disaster recovery (DR) and continuity of operations services (COOP) to both government and commercial clients. The reasons are clear:
• Remote mountain location is a natural safe haven from disasters both natural and manmade.
• A recent climatology report supports Wise County as the “safest place on earth.” (Report available at www.safestplaceonearth.net.)
• Historically low instances of natural disasters and other environmental challenges.
• Located 400 miles from Washington, D.C., Wise is safely outside the 50-250 mile “blast zone.”
• Just a day’s drive from government mission-critical locations if airports are shut down.
• Large, modern airport for easy accessibility.

Abundant, low-cost electricity
Typically power is the second-largest expense for businesses, making Wise County the smart fiscal choice.
• Electric rates are considerably lower than surrounding areas.
• Old Dominion Power Company provides low-cost, reliable electrical service to Wise.

Educated work force
A business is only as effective as its employees; and Wise County offers some of the most loyal and educated workers in the state.
• U.Va. Wise offers an undergraduate software engineering degree — one of just eight in the nation.
• Wise County’s emphasis on math, science and technical education creates some of the best-prepared workers in Virginia.
• Math & Science Initiative targets talented high school students for no-cost, college-level work at U.Va., creating additional educated workers.
• Gov. Timothy M. Kaine’s Return to Roots campaign brings educated and experienced workers back to Wise.
• Stable workforce — employees are unlikely to switch jobs after relocating to Wise.
• Mountain Empire Community College offers customized training programs for business and industry.

Wise: a great place to live
People who live in Wise County praise its uncomplicated, wholesome lifestyle, stunning natural beauty and outstanding educational system.
• Approximately 36,000 acres of the Jefferson National Forest support a rich variety of outdoor recreational activities.
• Diverse mix of Fortune 500 companies, small businesses, professionals and retailers.
• Three well-equipped and staffed hospitals for state-of-the-art health care.
• Wise County schools offer a full range of K – 12 programs and an outstanding community college.

All of which helps explain why more and more companies are choosing Wise County — companies like Crutchfield, Sykes and Verizon have made the smart, safe choice.

See it to believe It
Experience for yourself all that Wise County has to offer. Contact Carl Snodgrass at 276-328-2321 or email econdev@wisecounty.org to arrange for a personal tour, complete with complimentary air transportation from Northern Virginia to our sophisticated corporate airport.