Natural Resources
Profits from natural resources have long been a mainstay of the American economy. The lands and waters west of the Mississippi are blessed with abundant natural resources. Mining and energy companies have tapped into the region’s wealth of coal, oil, natural gas and other minerals. Logging and agriculture have taken advantage of the region’s fertile soils.
The dominance of extraction-based industries in the West has had a significant impact on the environment. Air and water pollution from mining, drilling and other activities has caused a significant decline in water quality, habitat degradation and soil erosion in many places. Wildlife and plant species have been affected by the decline in natural areas, and many species are now endangered or extinct as a result.
Manufacturing
Manufacturing and light industry are major employers in the Western USA. The economic and environmental benefits of developing locally-based manufacturing industries have encouraged many towns, cities and states to support local industry. California is home to the Silicon Valley – one of the world’s leading centers of technology and innovation. Many of the world’s leading computer, electronics and telecommunications companies are based in the area.
Growing demand for goods and services has also led to an increase in logistics, distribution and transportation jobs in the West. As the population of the region grows, so does the need for goods and services that can be efficiently and quickly delivered from centralized hubs to customers.
Business Services
The service industry has grown exponentially in the West. Financial, legal and public relations companies have offices in many of the larger cities across the region. Businesses in tourism, hospitality, education and health care are becoming commonplace.
The concentration of businesses in the region has assisted the development of a professional labor force that is well-trained and educated. People who have specialized knowledge and skill are becoming increasingly sought after, and wages and salaries are often higher than in other parts of the country.
Science and Technology
The West is home to some of the world’s leading research and development centers. Many of the country’s best universities and research institutions are found in the West, and are engaged in pioneering technological breakthroughs. Automation, robotics, artificial intelligence, renewable energy, nanotechnology and biotechnology are just some of the fields of science and technology that are flourishing in the region.
These advances have pushed the boundaries of what is possible in terms of efficiency and effectiveness, and have led to the development of many new products and services. Companies that are based in the West are well-positioned to capitalize on the innovations being made in the region, and to export them to other parts of the world.
Retail and eCommerce
Retail and ecommerce businesses are thriving in the Western United States. With the rise of online shopping and the increasing popularity of mobile technology, many retailers in the area have had to adapt quickly to meet customer needs. Brick-and-mortar stores are increasingly taking advantage of new technologies such as interactive displays, biometric scanning and virtual reality to enhance the shopping experience.
The West is home to some of the nation’s leading retailers, including Amazon, Target and Walmart. These companies are increasingly leveraging their presence in the region to create an efficient and effective distribution network.
Entertainment
The media and entertainment industry is booming in the West. Film and television studios are located in Hollywood, California and gaming companies have a strong presence in the Pacific Northwest. There is also a large concert and live music scene in many cities in the region.
The growth of the entertainment industry has been fueled by the introduction of new technologies such as streaming video and virtual reality. As the industry continues to expand, entertainment companies are investing in new infrastructure and services to create an even richer experience for their customers.
Conclusion
West of the Mississippi River, a broad range of industries have taken root in the region. From natural resources to technology, from entertainment to logistics, the region’s businesses are well placed to take advantage of the opportunities that are available in the West. With continued investment in infrastructure and technology, the industries of this region are sure to continue to prosper in the years to come.
