West Virginia Executive Spring/Summer 2020 | Page 28

Photo by Putnam
County CVB.
Photo by Corey Zinn.
Photo by Putnam County CVB.
do here—particularly from those outside the area, and that is
simply not true. Our community calendar is usually packed.”
Gritt’s Farm, located in Buffalo, WV, has been adding to
its agritourism repertoire and creating new experiences for
Putnam County residents for the past several years, offering
everything from planter and basket workshops and a selfpick
sunflower patch to an adult Easter egg hunt, farm-to-
table dinner series and farm yoga classes. The highlight of the
Gritt’s Farm experience is its annual fall fun farm. Every year
the farm adds a new attraction, and visitor favorites include
the corn bin, corn maze, pumpkin patch, wagon rides, apple
canons, zip lines and archery.
“Our fun farm allows the kids to play outside and create
memories while spending time with the entire family,” says
Marketing and Agritourism Director Maggie Parsons. “Our
farm isn’t something you just pass by or drop in to see what
it is—it’s a destination in Putnam County. We appreciate that
people will drive out of their way to visit and support our
small family farm.”
Putnam County’s small-town feel and big-city access to
amenities really do attract people of all ages.
“I think our biggest challenge might be to assume we are
going to have the same incredible growth even if we don’t keep
putting in the effort,” says Glance. “That’s why I go to work
every day and try to think of how we can not only maximize
our existing advantages but also maximize our potential. We
can always do more to help businesses get started and grow.
No matter how well we are doing—and there is no question
Putnam County has done exceptionally well over the last 20
years—we can do even better in the next 20. The secret is out
about Putnam County. Obviously, there is the old saying about
location, location, location, but that is only part of the equation.
What we have are some of the best schools in the state,
some of the safest communities with small-town charm and
tons of good-paying jobs. Once you move to Putnam County,
there is no reason to leave.” •
MARK URSO
Congratulations
on being selected
as a member of
West Virginia
Executive’s
Sharp Shooters
Class of 2020.
Powerful leadership
We believe in working together to build
a stronger community for all.
From your Forum buddies:
John Boyle, John Crites, Pat Esposito, Chris Miller,
Don Robinson, Mike Shaver, & Gary Sims
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WEST VIRGINIA EXECUTIVE