Another opportunity coming to fruition in Greenbrier County is broadband access . Broadband coverage is a common obstacle of growth in many Appalachian communities , and Greenbrier County is no exception . Broadband access throughout Greenbrier County would mean more opportunities for its people . From job searching to online education , broadband is a crucial part of the area ’ s growth and development . Distribution of high-speed internet access will not only be pivotal for many individuals , but it will also be highly impactful for the entire county .
“ The county is doing very well . As a commission , we are focused on broadband . We have worked diligently for the last three years , even before COVID-19 , to create a plan to bring broadband fiber from Beckley through Raleigh and Summers counties into Greenbrier County along the I-64 Corridor ,” says Greenbrier County Commissioner Tammy Tincher . “ Our goal is to distribute broadband coverage throughout the county , from the Meadow River Valley to White Sulphur Springs , giving us the ability to connect with counties to the north and south of us , as well as over the state line into Virginia .”
The community is home to many daring leaders , like Tincher , the Cross Creek Hospitality team and Tom Crabtree — an innovator in Greenbrier Valley who has diligently worked to bring prosperity to the county . They all make it a priority in their various roles to continue the growth and revitalization of the area .
Photo by Greenbrier County CVB .
Outdoor Recreation
Outdoor recreation is an integral part of Greenbrier County . While the Greenbrier State Forest and Greenbrier River Trail are highlights in the area , the county is developing additional trails that will increase visitation rates and positively impact the health of county residents . The Meadow River Trail is a new rail trail that is currently underway . By completion , it will be about 23.1 miles of trail between Rainelle and Nallen .
In addition to the creation of the Meadow River Trail , the Trail Accelerator , a grant designed to advance and accelerate more trails closer to communities , was awarded to The Greenbrier Valley Hellbenders in partnership with the Smith OEDC . This will have a vast impact on the health of Greenbrier County through increasing access to trails , which will promote exercise and provide an economic boost .
“ It is important to develop access close to town because when people start in communities and end in communities , they spend in communities ,” says Twilley , explaining that Greenbrier County does not need to be a pit-stop on the way through the state — it should be a destination .
Greenbrier Outfitters is aiding in the goal of Greenbrier County being a destination rather than a pit-stop along the way . The organization , founded in 1994 , is committed to helping guests deeply immerse in nature and find adventure in the Mountain State . It is value-driven and works to bring guests a top-notch experience , leaving them wanting more of Greenbrier County .
Photo by Gum Store Studios .
Arts and Culture
Arts and education are also significant contributing factors to the growing culture of the county . After the flood and the ongoing COVID-19 pandemic , the arts are seeing renewed life , beginning with Carnegie Hall , a nonprofit performing arts and education center . Its extensive history started in 1902 and continues today to serve the Greenbrier County community as an outstanding arts organization .
“ Greenbrier County is a vibrant arts community ,” says Cathy Rennard , president and CEO of Carnegie Hall . “ The City of Lewisburg was named a Certified Arts Community in 2007 . Carnegie Hall has three art galleries with rotating exhibits — as do other venues in town , including Greenbrier Valley Theatre ( GVT )— in addition to three separate performance series : the Main Stage Series , the Ivy Terrace Series and our new Second Stage Series , which features a more intimate setting for guests to enjoy a variety of performance genres .”
Carnegie Hall not only offers performance programming , it also has a robust arts education program , which includes classes and workshops , Carnegie Kids ’ College and many others . The organization is living by its motto : bringing the arts to life . It is strengthening Greenbrier County communities by making the arts accessible to everyone .
Carnegie Hall is not the only arts organization making its mark on the area . GVT is dedicated to creating live , quality theatre in West Virginia to enrich life in Greenbrier County .
“ We like to think of GVT as both a cultural and economic driver for the community . We strive to tell diverse and meaningful stories that help our audiences engage with different people , places and ideas . Along the way , we know we ’ re also supporting the local economy by promoting tourism ,” says Ethan Serr , development director at GVT . “ For our 2021 season , 42 % of our audience came from beyond Greenbrier County . Patrons at GVT have a massive impact on other
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WEST VIRGINIA EXECUTIVE