West Virginia Executive Spring/Summer 2020 | Page 20

[ community ] SAMANTHA CART LINDA SKIDMORE/DAVIS & ELKINS COLLEGE CELEBRATE Corridor H A highway project that has been conceptualized since the late 1960s, the continued construction of Corridor H has generated a domino effect of positive changes in the counties it touches, increasing economic development and tourism opportunities for the many small towns along its route. For the 2020 issue of Discover West Virginia magazine, the staff partnered with companies and organizations from Lewis, Randolph and Upshur counties to help celebrate everything the up-andcoming area has to offer. On March 12, business leaders from the three counties came together as a united region to eat, drink and network while also appreciating the history, beauty and possibilities the area holds. The charming Graceland Inn and Conference Center, historic summer home of Senator Henry Gassaway Davis, provided the perfect backdrop for the reception and brought these professionals together to celebrate and discuss the successes of Corridor H and the progress they hope to see in the future. • “The reception was such a wonderful evening celebrating Corridor H and what it means to the region. Hosting the event at the Graceland Inn on the campus of Davis & Elkins College was such a fitting location as we paused to consider how our past informs and shapes our lives today and will shape our future. It also provided a clear indication of the seamless town-and-gown partnership we cherish and nurture throughout the region, across the state and beyond.” – Rosemary Thomas Vice President for Enrollment Management and Institutional Advancement Davis & Elkins College “As a member of the Corridor H Authority representing Lewis County, I especially enjoyed the reception at the Graceland Inn in Elkins because it gave me a chance to network with interested local business owners and the president and educators from Davis & Elkins College. It has been fun to be involved in the Corridor H project and watch it progress. Everyone at the event agreed that existing businesses in Lewis, Upshur and Randolph counties will greatly benefit from the increased commerce in our area when this important highway is completed. It will bring new businesses, hospitals and medical centers and increase the attendance at our educational institutions. My favorite part of the West Virginia Executive event was sharing stories with others who have traveled the state of West Virginia and experienced the true beauty traveling that section of Corridor H provides.” – John Cobb Member Corridor H Authority “The Celebrate Corridor H reception at Graceland Inn was beautiful. Along with getting a tour of the historic mansion, I appreciated having time set aside just to network and chat with people in my area. It seems like we email and talk on the phone for various projects a lot, but connecting face to face is much more rewarding.” – Laura Meadows Executive Director Upshur County Convention & Visitors Bureau SPONSORED BY 18 WEST VIRGINIA EXECUTIVE