Something about the relationship between Toyota and West Virginia should be studied by those hoping to expand and diversify our state’s economy. Since the days of former U.S. Sen. Jay Rockefeller’s encouragement of the Toyota Motor Manufacturing project in Buffalo, W.Va., the partnership between the state and Japan has been rock solid.

Now, Toyota Motor Manufacturing West Virginia is expanding with a nearly half-billion-dollar investment in increasing the assembly of four-cylinder hybrid-compatible engines, sixth-generation hybrid transaxles and rear motor stators.

There are still plenty of those around who remember how the Mountain State forged its partnership with Japan and are still able to guide today’s economic development officials — those truly interested in steering West Virginia forward, that is.

Building good relationships and pitching West Virginia as a state with its eyes on the horizon, and bureaucrats and elected officials interested in uplifting the quality of life for everyone is a start. Making sure those with whom we wish to partner know they will be welcomed with open arms is another step.

Sticking to “the way things have always been done” is not what helped us build the relationship (and future) this state has with Toyota. Today that relationship is thriving.

And while we are grateful for it, the excitement can’t help but make us wonder: What’s next?