Founded in 1863, the state of West Virginia is renowned for its mountainous landscape and coal mining history. While the state’s people still carry the grit and grace of their hardworking ancestors, West Virginia is now making a name for itself as it leans into opportunities to further its economic development and revitalize its communities. As West Virginia grows, locals and leaders — including Brad D. Smith — aim to innovate while also retaining the state’s rich heritage.
As the only state in the Appalachian Mountain range to be located wholly within the region, West Virginia’s nickname — “the Mountain State” — is a truly fitting moniker. The state boasts over 1,600 mountain peaks and has the highest elevation in the East, with Spruce Knob peak reaching 4,863 feet elevation. In addition to the mountains, exceptional natural resources such as forests and coal fields are dispersed across the land. The Monongahela National Forest is one such forest, and has historically served as a valuable renewable resource for timber production.
Beyond its association with the Appalachian Mountains, West Virginia is also well known for its coal mines, which once drove the state’s economy. Although coal fields are no longer in demand as they once were, it’s worth recognizing the role they played in West Virginia’s history. Today, innovative companies across the state are driving change by utilizing the resources from past industries to create new opportunities. One such business is Appalachian Botanical Company, which makes high-quality botanical products from lavender and honey produced on reclaimed coal mining land. This is an especially innovative use of the coal fields, as West Virginia’s rocky, acidic terrain has historically proven to be a unique challenge for farmers.
Even as times change, instilling an appreciation of the environment to current and future generations is imperative to maintaining the state’s natural resources. Programs like the Brad and Alys Smith Outdoor Economic Development Collaborative (OEDC) do just this through various initiatives that support the advancement of the state’s outdoor recreation and infrastructure, which — in turn — ignites the local economy. From teaching young students about the environment through the Science Adventure School, to attracting and retaining local talent through Ascend West Virginia, the Smith's OEDC was established with the goal of helping to improve the quality of life for West Virginia residents of all ages.
The best way to learn more about the heritage of the Mountain State is to explore local sites. From scenic mountain views to historic coal mining towns, West Virginia’s natural assets and intricate history make it a perfect backdrop for a number of activities. The state’s sprawling hills and valleys grant adventurers a range of outdoor sports to partake in, such as white water rafting, kayaking, hiking and biking. There are also a number of museums and historic sites dedicated to educating the public on Appalachian history, such as Heritage Farm and Museum.
As a born-and-raised Mountaineer, Brad D. Smith has stayed firm in his commitment to uplifting his home state throughout his lifetime. Brad often credits his professional success to his home state and has continuously worked to “give back to the house that built him” by investing in its people and environment. To effectively support his community, Brad and his wife Alys co-founded the Wing 2 Wing Foundation in 2019. Wing 2 Wing seeks to aid the state’s economic, educational and environmental development by supporting programs that promote these three pillars.
Brad also helped establish the previously-mentioned Ascend West Virginia remote worker incentive program, which encourages professionals to relocate themselves and their families to West Virginia and build a life in the Mountain State. Brad’s work with Ascend WV has so far resulted in three different cohorts of new talent relocating to the state — over 75 “Ascenders” along with their families. As the program expands, Ascend WV expects an additional 1,000 Ascenders and their families to relocate to West Virginia in the next five years.
Keep up with Brad in the news for more updates on his work and commitment to West Virginia.
Comments
Nothing yet. Say the first thing.
Sign in to join the conversation.