West Virginia Executive Spring 2017 | Page 84

[ industry ] Winner’s Circle 2017 ACCORDING TO OLYMPIC GOLD MEDALIST Summer Sanders, “To be a champion, I think you have to see the big picture. It’s not about winning and losing; it’s about everyday hard work and about thriving on a challenge.” Hard work and thriving under pressure are old hat to the many West Virginia businesses that have seen the changing tides of the state’s economy, industries and population. Despite these challenges, businesses in an array of industries continue to thrive in the Mountain State, whether they originated here or relocated to reap the benefits of being within a day’s drive of half the U.S. population; easy access to waterways, railways and highways; an abundance of natural resources; or a work- force with a reputation for integrity and hard work. In conjunction with the energy and manufacturing issue, West Virginia