West Virginia Executive Winter 2019 | Page 26

[ community ] SAMANTHA CART CELEBRATE In 2015, the staff at West Virginia Executive (WVE) decided to take action in becoming more visible across the state. While the magazine features editorial on people, businesses and events from the tips of the panhandles to the state’s southernmost border, with a small staff of four employees, it can be difficult to create a tangible presence across West Virginia’s many towns and cities. Out of this effort, WVE’s Celebrate initiative was born. Starting with Cele- brate Wheeling in the Winter/February 2015 issue, WVE has been moving from region to region to share with its readers what makes each community special. For the Fall/November 2018 issue, WVE came full circle with Celebrate Charleston, a salute to the magazine’s home base, by partnering with local businesses and organizations to shine a light on the city’s business community. In December, a networking reception was held at the newly renovated Charleston Coliseum & Convention Center, the perfect venue to highlight the growth and excitement surrounding the Capital City.  PETER GALLO Charleston “A primary benefit of attending the Celebrate Charleston event was the ability to interact with people who are industry leaders and who have a genuine interest in moving the city of Charleston and West Virginia forward. It was refreshing to have positive interactions with people who are making a difference in our state and our communities by being innovative thinkers and implementing change for the future.” – Dale Clowser, Vice President and Certified Mortgage Loan Officer, BB&T “I enjoyed meeting local business leaders in such a comfortable environment. We are all laser focused and locked into our daily demands at work, but these events allow people to share experiences and assist each other. I really enjoy the people in our area because we all seem to be connected by our environment, our shared experiences and our local culture. Very seldom do we not make new friends upon meeting fellow West Virginians.” – Shane Higgins, Co-Owner and Co-Vice President, Electronic Specialty Company SPONSORED BY DARIN FISHER DESIGNER KITCHENS “I enjoyed the opportunity to meet successful business people from all parts of the state. When I attend West Virginia Executive events, I always feel like I am participating in a historic event celebrating the transformation of West Virginia, and I enjoy seeing the state becoming a great place to live, work, play and own a business.” – John Lichter, Office Owner, Sunbelt Business Brokers Morgantown “My favorite part was the coming together of the community to get to know each other and also engage in conversations about the future of Charleston and our whole state. Events like these provide us with a great opportunity to build a robust network of engaged individuals who want to move our community, businesses and economic development forward. West Virginia is a beautiful state with tremendous opportunities, and it is a place where the willingness to help others succeed for the benefit of the state seems to be the guiding light.” – Javier Reyes, Milan Puskar Dean, West Virginia University John Chambers College of Business and Economics 24 WEST VIRGINIA EXECUTIVE