Editor ’ s
Someone once told me , “ West Virginians are West Virginia .” Their implication was that the people of West Virginia are what make it so special . As a West Virginian by choice , I could not agree more .
It was New Year ’ s Eve 2016 when I moved to Charleston from Elizabethtown , KY . I was embarking on a new year and a new season of life . The decision to move here was made due to what I believed at the time to be a career move , but my faith today tells me it was divine intervention . Somehow , six years later , West Virginia has become the place I belong , and the people here are absolutely what gives it that feeling of home for me . My West Virginia-born , blue-and-goldbleeding husband , Blake , is one of many reasons I ’ ve stayed .
To be able to celebrate this place every day as West Virginia Executive ’ s associate editor is an honor . In my first issue on the job — the one you ’ re reading — I learned about some
of the people behind the Mountain State ’ s energy economy and how fossil fuels play an important role not only as our state ’ s power source but as a supplemental source for other states through PJM Interconnection . I learned this state is already equipped for nuclear energy , and I learned West Virginia politics haven ’ t always leaned red as I ’ d assumed .
In this issue , we explore the Mountain Lakes region , which consists of seven counties and four lakes . You might be able to figure out how this part of the state got its name , but did you know there ’ s an entire museum dedicated to the Flatwoods Monster or that the Golden Delicious apple was first discovered in this region ? Timber and woodchopping are king in Webster County and Nicholas countians are very fond of potatoes . All are good things celebrated by our fellow West Virginians .
I can ’ t forget to mention our Sharp Shooters . These men and women are among the elite of the Mountain State , and they work hard every day to make it even better . From military , law , finance , education and small business , there ’ s no industry or profession we don ’ t consider for this recognition each spring , so go ahead and submit nominations for next year .
It ’ s a joy to learn more about my neighbors and friends throughout the Mountain State and to share their stories of perseverance , determination and accomplishment . I ’ m so happy to be able to live in Almost Heaven . •
Anna Moore Associate Editor
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