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Celebrate Greenbrier County
PAIGE KOCOUREK
WEST VIRGINIA SCHOOL OF OSTEOPATHIC MEDICINE
The Spring 2022 issue of West Virginia Executive ( WVE ) featured a special section and story celebrating development and growth in Greenbrier County . The county is not only growing , but it is also flourishing because of the exceptionally dedicated people impassioned to better the community and county as a whole . Despite the flood in 2016 and subsequent tumultuous times , Greenbrier County banded together to create a thriving community full of hope . Today , a visit to the area will have a lively , vibrant energy .
“ I ’ ve been a resident of Greenbrier County for almost 40 years , and I tell people all the time that this is the best place I ’ ve ever lived . Our valley is rich with history and with culture and there ’ s a real sense of community ,” says James Nemitz , Ph . D ., president of the West Virginia School of Osteopathic Medicine ( WVSOM ). “ People care about others , and they do what they need to do in order to help each other . It ’ s a cliche to say that we ’ re better together , but it ’ s true .”
On July 11 , 2022 , a reception was held at WVSOM to celebrate Greenbrier County .
“ We greatly appreciated the opportunity to partner with WVE on the Celebrate Greenbrier County reception ,” says Linda Arnold , interim vice president of integrated marketing and chief communications officer at WVSOM . “ Since it ’ s WVSOM ’ s anniversary this year , there were extra reasons to celebrate , and what better way to do that than showing our appreciation for the county that has truly supported us over the years ?”
This event allowed business professionals and leaders to join in recognizing the area ’ s successes along with creating a space for networking and inspiring one another to continue hoping , dreaming and doing .
“ It ’ s a wonderful networking opportunity . It gives community and business leaders an opportunity to share ideas , talk about important issues in our region and make new connections ,” says Ashley Vickers , executive director of the Greater Greenbrier Chamber of Commerce .
Exchanging ideas and speaking about significant issues are necessary to enact change . Greenbrier County has been a model for just this , and its introspective take on growth has propelled the county further and positioned it for continued development .
“ Seeing government officials and business leaders come together for the same cause is incredibly fulfilling . It isn ’ t about one town achieving success , it ’ s about all the communities in our county working together , building partnerships and making Greenbrier County the best place to live and the best place for people to visit ,” says Nemitz . “ I ’ m so glad to see these relationships form because when it comes down to it , we all want what is best for Greenbrier County . This reception highlighted those shared ideas , and it was energizing . We were so grateful to have guests from all over the county — Lewisburg , White Sulphur Springs , Ronceverte , Alderson , Rupert , Rainelle and beyond .” •
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WEST VIRGINIA EXECUTIVE