Letter from the
I ’ ve been involved in the publishing industry since 2005 , and I ’ ve been a magazine owner since 2008 . Throughout those 17 years , I ’ ve heard countless times that West Virginia ’ s best days lie ahead . For the first time , I ’ m starting to see and feel it . Don ’ t get me wrong : the blood , sweat and tears invested over the years have produced a lot of amazing growth , development and innovation , but the trends we have been reporting lately are awe-inspiring .
In our recent Spring 2022 issue , which focused on energy , engineering and the economy , we had the chance to report on West Virginia ’ s footprint as it relates to exports . If you didn ’ t get the opportunity to take a look at that map , you really should . To quickly recap , West Virginia , comprised of only 24,000 square miles , exports to 147 of the 196 countries in the world . Talk about a powerhouse .
This issue — the Summer 2022 issue — celebrates development in the Mountain State , including workforce development , economic development and infrastructure . This issue is full of good news from across our great state . For instance , recent progress at the state level has led to some fantastic wins for West Virginia . In the last four and a half years ,
Hamilton Fauber on a recent trip to Washington , D . C ., to see Senators Manchin and Capito .
there have been more than $ 10.7 billion directly invested in the state from new businesses locating here and others undergoing expansion . You can learn more about the progress , trends and wins in “ West Virginia Wins : Victories in the Mountain State ” on page 36 .
I am particularly interested in the unique situation all 50 states find themselves in right now . Due , in part , to the fallout from COVID , states are being infused with federal funds . You can read more about the money being directed to the Mountain State from our interviews with Senators Shelley Moore Capito and Joe Manchin . For a closer look and further explanation , read , “ Across the Aisle ” on page 51 .
What really has my mind spinning , though , is how we , as citizens of a small but mighty state , ensure this money is handled with perfect stewardship so that when all is said and done , West Virginia has continued on her strong path . This is vitally important because West Virginia is set to receive a great deal of money . We must be diligent , focused and transparent about the needs of the state and our plans as we move ahead .
I look forward to seeing what is in store for our Mountain Mama . •
Kensie Hamilton Fauber Publisher
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