“Networking events like the Young
Guns All-Class Reunion are vitally
important. We are awash in talent in
West Virginia, blessed with incredible
resources and flush with opportunity.
Culturally, we are a humble people
and not very good at celebration. We
must do a better job at celebrating
talent, accomplishment and success
if we are to realize our potential. The
Young Guns events do this. I always
learn new things, meet incredible
people and come away inspired
and re-energized by what leaders
young and old are doing across
our state. Kudos to West Virginia
Executive magazine for helping us
celebrate and reach our potential.”
– Thomas Heywood, Managing Partner,
Bowles Rice LLP
Young Guns Class of 1999
“Being named a Young Gun 11 years
ago provided me with a very crucial
development tool of facial and name
recognition. I believe being selected
gave credibility to my company and
myself when dealing with potential
clients. It also gave me, personally,
an internal challenge to do better as
being honored made me feel like a role
model for other woman-owned West
Virginia businesses. My favorite part
of the Young Guns All-Class Reunion
was the ability to network with former
classmates and discuss the business
successes and family changes that
have happened. It was also very
encouraging to hear the stories of new
classes of Young Guns and know they
will also make a tremendous impact
within their communities and within
the great state of West Virginia.”
– Diana Lewis Jackson, President,
Action Facilities Management, Inc.
Young Guns Class of 2008
“It was exciting to feel the positive
energy in the room celebrating both
a new class and 20 years of Young
Guns with a group of people who are
so clearly supportive of the leadership
and impact all of these individuals
can and do bring to our West Virginia
communities. It’s an honor to be an
alumna of this accomplished and
energizing group of professionals.”
– Erica Mani, CEO,
American Red Cross – West Virginia Region
Young Guns Class of 2005
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