community
Celebrate Southern West Virginia Reception
Written by Megan Bevins Photos by Seth Stover
O n September 16, West Virginia Executive hosted its Celebrate Southern West Virginia reception at Tamarack Marketplace in Beckley. Business leaders and community advocates came together to discuss their accomplishments and celebrate the area’ s ongoing growth, all in an iconic space in the heart of the region.
Lisa Strader, director at Visit Southern West Virginia, appreciates the event’ s ability to bring together professionals who love where they live and work.
“ It is always great when you get the opportunity to speak with people who love Southern West Virginia as much as we do, and although we may all be working to improve it in different ways, we all have the same heart and passion for our state,” she says.“ These days we all get so busy that we don’ t take the time to get together in person and catch up on things going on around us. I think having events bringing people together to network and just relax in such a great atmosphere is important.”
Joshua Cline, executive director of advancement at Concord University, says events like these can be motivational, as attendees are inspired through hearing how their peers are working to better the region.
“ Meeting with other professionals from Southern West Virginia, listening to what others are working on and sharing about our endeavors was the best part of the event,” Cline says.“ Opportunities to gather together are not just good for networking. Events like Celebrate Southern West Virginia provide an opportunity to hear how others are finding success in West Virginia, and that good news is always motivating.”
While Southern West Virginia is a tight-knit community, meeting new professionals in the community is always beneficial. Rebecca Harless, chief administrative officer and vice president of Greenbrier Valley Medical Center, echoes this.
“ I really enjoyed the networking event. It was a great opportunity to catch up with folks I hadn’ t seen in a long time and meet new people,” she says.“ It’ s always interesting to see how we can work together across different industries to further support businesses in West Virginia. I was born and raised in West Virginia and couldn’ t imagine working anywhere else. We recently moved to Greenbrier Valley and still can’ t believe the beautiful scenery we see on our drive to and from work.”
Attendees left the Celebrate Southern West Virginia reception inspired to continue bettering the corner of the Mountain State they call home. The event served as a reminder of the community’ s pride and incentive to continue pushing the region forward. •
SPONSORS
Summersville
Arena & Conference Center
22
WEST VIRGINIA EXECUTIVE