Area and Regional business leaders met with the Chairman of the Board of the American Medicine Company, Crystal Mersh, on Thursday May 16th, 2024 to determine the community direction on the brink of the biggest opportunity Calhoun County has had the privilege of being a part of. Robin and Crystal Mersh just returned from Alexandria, Virginia where their meeting with the AMC Executive Team proved that the project funding is on a very good track.
This is good news for many Americans who are dependent upon prescription medications that are currently manufactured abroad, primarily in China and India. The U.S. Government has pushed for more domestic manufacturing with little result, and as API (Active Pharmaceutical Ingredient) prices increase they are all too aware that a 30 day freeze on exports could devastate the nation’s health. The health crisis during the pandemic highlighted structural supply difficulties and the vulnerability of the United States to have to depend upon other Countries for our medicine. The U.S. imports nearly 95% of all medicines for long term chronic conditions.
The news of a possible contract for the American Medicine Company is more than a step in the right direction of health care recovery, for Calhoun County it’s a step in the direction of financial recovery of a community that has been considered poverty stricken for greater than 60 years. The business leaders that met at the table today were eager to create a strategic action plan to give Calhoun County a competitive edge of consideration.
The Mersh’s explained that the reason that pharmaceutical manufacturing went abroad was because the pharmaceutical industry lobbied for it and the profit margin was huge in comparison to manufacturing it in the United States. As our relationship with China becomes questionable, so does the U.S. medicine supply and now is the time for America to take back control of the critical need. Crystal warned that the motives behind the manufacturing in other countries are vastly different than that in America. They (China and India) are just trying to survive, quality and safety are not always a priority.
Robin Mersh, who operates the software management side of the business, reassured those in attendance that Crystal Mersh had the wherewithal and the connections with CEOs and Chief Quality officers in the pharmaceutical industry, saying that she was very well known by the FDA and that’s why she can get agreements done.
The track record of the U.S. Government hasn’t always been at a level necessary for success in pharmaceutical manufacturing with the previous contract with Phlow, totaling a potential $899,430,248.00 dollars, that was received after one presentation during the COVID crisis.
Because of the experience and potential for the success of the American Medicine Company Project, Calhoun County, West Virginia finds itself in the middle of a business deal that could change the lives of every citizen in Calhoun County from the aspect of the economy, health care, education, business growth and opportunities that our youth have never been afforded. That is why, Thursday’s meeting was well attended and well participated in by banks, the hospital, schools, real estate, business and government.
Much of the discussion was centered around how Calhoun County could handle success. Currently, Calhoun is not ready with appropriate housing, infrastructure, government incentives and business. But those at the table were prepared to get those matters in line. Calhoun County does have many appealing features to those looking to relocate to a rural area. The workforce in rural West Virginia is the most loyal in the nation, our neighborhoods are safe and although we’re very rural, we’re still only a few hours from major cities.
Should Calhoun County be successful with their pitch to the American Medicine Company there are 500 jobs on the horizon, many of which will be filled with local residents. The boost to the economy will no doubt create more opportunities for business growth and the eyes of the Nation will be on Calhoun County, West Virginia as we are set to rescue America from the threat of offshore pharmaceuticals.
I’m loving this. That would be an amazing opportunity for Calhoun & surrounding counties. To even be considered is huge. Thank you Mershs.
Though I am not a Calhoun Resident full time, I am an honorary Mountaineer. I have spent days, weeks and months in Sunny Cal over the last 10 years. I would love to see Calhoun thrive and stop being dependent on anything corporate America. Change your eating habits and think about what you put into your body. Take care of yourselves which in turn would allow residents to not need medical prescriptions and pills. This is totally possible with lifestyle changes and some effort.