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PAIGE KOCOUREK
KENSIE HAMILTON FAUBER
Celebrate the Northern Panhandle
West Virginia ’ s Northern Panhandle received particular attention in the Summer 2021 issue of West Virginia Executive ( WVE ) magazine with a story focusing on its business community and a special advertising section featuring organizations and businesses in the prospering region .
On September 21 , 2021 , a reception celebrating the Northern Panhandle was held at The Pointe Sea & Steakhouse in Wheeling , WV . This celebration was one for the books as a diverse group of business professionals gathered to share the positive impact and many successes the area has seen in the past year .
“ Attending the reception was an exciting reminder of just how many people , businesses and organizations are dedicated to ensuring the Northern Panhandle is a great place to live and work ,” says Jennifer Rohrig , manager of business retention and expansion for the West Virginia Department of Economic Development . “ In a time when it ’ s easy to feel disconnected , networking events like these are more important than ever . They allow us to share in each other ’ s successes and collaborate to face challenges . They bring fresh perspectives and new ideas to the table and renew my enthusiasm for our state all over again .”
These celebratory receptions remind West Virginians of the innovation and dedication driving the state forward . They
also invoke pride in the Mountain State ’ s extensive accomplishments and fuel excitement for the future of the region .
“ It was nice to be able to see new businesses I didn ’ t know existed and learn about the products and services they offer that could help my company ,” says Paul Lauttamus , president of A . V . Lauttamus Communications , Lauttamus Security and Lauttamus Holding . “ It is also important to put business leaders in front of policymakers so they can learn the challenges of businesses , which is the beginning to making a difference .”
WVE continues to host events like these across the state to foster connections between attendees , promoting the growth of ideas and a sense of community .
“ I love living and working in West Virginia because of the people ,” says Rohrig . “ I enjoy meeting with innovative companies who already call the Northern Panhandle home and listening to why they ’ re here and what their plans are for the future . I cannot convey the sense of pride I feel when I hear from prospective businesses how much they enjoyed their visit , how impressed they were by the state ’ s beauty and how welcomed they felt by our people . It might be something we take for granted , but it ’ s the West Virginia way . I couldn ’ t be prouder to call it — and the Northern Panhandle — home .” •
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WEST VIRGINIA EXECUTIVE