The Future Forward 2025 Summit and Expo was a great success.
It brought together entrepreneurs, leaders and legislators all in one place so they could assess regional developments, identify obstacles and create better communities.
“We had opportunities for exhibitors, for speakers, multiple sessions going on, all leading to a bottom line of economic development,” said New River Gorge Regional Development Manager Judy Moore. “The speakers will be delivering some amazing comments and pieces of information that’ll be very important to a lot of different folks.”
The Future Forward is a great means for all who attend to determine how to attract new businesses, workforce, residents, investors and developers to the region.
“To see the support and know there are so many people in the region that care,” Beckley-Raleigh County Chamber of Commerce President/CEO Michelle Rotellini said. “They’ve invested their lives here, they live here, and want to see success. All of us want our children to stay. We don’t want to lose our talent.”
It’s all about connecting and camaraderie.
“It’s important to know who is representing you in your state and in DC, so that is a big opportunity,” said Ward One Councilwoman Natalie Coots. “I think it’s a great thing to bring the community together to promote our fair city and get out and about among the people that we work with and live among.”
Many grew up here, have a true love for the region, and want to see it prosper.
“This is how we do it. We bring new businesses in, we bring manufacturing in, and we build our workforce,” Rotellini said.
