West Virginia Executive Summer 2019 | Page 22

[ community ] CELEBRATE Wheeling is a city known for breaking away from the norm, defying the odds and paving its own path to success. It is home to National Road, the nation’s first roadway, and as a result it became known as the Gateway to the West in the early 1800s. In 1863, it earned the des- ignation as the birthplace of the state of West Virginia. In the late 19th century, it welcomed the arrival of iron and steel mills and with them its reputation for producing cut-iron nails that earned it the nickname of Nail Capital of the World. By the end of the 19th century, Wheeling was one of the richest cities per capita in America. The decline of manufacturing over the years left a trail of empty industri- al sites in the area. Population loss from industry downturn had its impact on neighborhoods and the downtown area. Rather than succumbing to a fatalist mentality and accepting that the glory days were over, though, local business and community leaders came together to create a new future for Wheeling and the surrounding area. Earlier this year, Wheeling was named one of three win- ners of the 2019 Great American Main Street Award, which recognizes com- munity Main Street programs that act as a model for comprehensive, preserva- tion-based commercial district revitaliza- tion. Through renovation, creative reuse, innovation and an unfaltering passion for Wheeling, the Friendly City is making a name for itself once again. JENNIFER JETT PREZKOP Wheeling It was all the amazing successes of the area that inspired the Celebrate Wheeling special section in the Spring 2019 issue of West Virginia Executive (WVE), and it’s also the reason WVE was proud to join forces with local businesses to host the Celebrate Wheeling reception at The Pointe Sea & Steak at Wheeling Island Hotel-Casino-Racetrack in June. Bring- ing together professionals from a variety of backgrounds, all who are invested in the future of the Wheeling area, created an opportunity to celebrate the city’s re- surgence as a leader and discuss new op- portunities for partnership and growth.  WEST VIRGINIA EXECUTIVE “Events like West Virginia Executive’s Celebrate Wheeling reception are important because they are all about nurturing relationships. By taking a break from the busyness of the work week to attend these events, we are able to strengthen our relationships with each other. The simplicity of making time for others nurtures greater connections and yields significant rewards, like building and supporting local businesses as well as the community.” – Joelle Moray External Affairs Manager, Appalachian Power “The Celebrate Wheeling event was a great way to celebrate all the wonderful things about Wheeling, including those highlighted in the spring issue of West Virginia Executive. It was also a great way to connect with others who are helping make Wheeling a fantastic place to live and work. Being newer to this community, it has been refreshing to see how much pride people have in the Wheeling area, and it was never more apparent than at this event.” – David Barnhardt Director of Marketing and Public Relations, West Virginia Northern Community College SPONSORED BY 20 KENSIE HAMILTON FAUBER “Networking events like Celebrate Wheeling that are coordinated by the West Virginia Executive team are very important because they bring together those who are committed to making our community—and all of West Virginia—more successful and prosperous for future generations. At this event, I really enjoyed visiting with other local community and business leaders and celebrating the many successes—as well as the exciting future—of Wheeling and the surrounding communities.” – Zach Abraham, MSIR, SPHR Principal, AlignHR, LLC