WAL-MART SUPPORT HELPS YOUNG PROFESSIONALS
KEEP BEST AND BRIGHTEST IN WEST VIRGINIA

Generation Charleston, along with five other West Virginia young professionals organizations, received $2,500 from Wal-Mart as part the retailer’s efforts to build strong communities.

Governor Joe Manchin III, along with representatives from area Wal-Mart stores, presented the $2,500 checks to each of the young professional groups from Charleston, Huntington, Morgantown, Wheeling, Martinsburg and Parkersburg. Manchin said the $15,000 donation will help the groups attract and retain young professionals in their communities and support his “Come Home to West Virginia” initiative to keep the best and brightest in the state.

Generation Charleston is a project of the Charleston Area Alliance. Its mission is to attract and retain youth and intellectual capital in the region by engaging and empowering the Capital City's emerging leaders to create a more vibrant and prosperous economy through community involvement, professional development and networking.

Charleston was one of the first cities in the state that created a young professionals group. Recently renamed “Generation Charleston,” the group has more than 450 members and is currently working on downtown housing revitalization and community outreach projects, as well as professional growth opportunities that will enrich the career experience for members.

“We are grateful to Wal-mart for its generous support of our efforts to attract and retain young professionals and grow the future intellectual capital of our region. This donation will help us put our commitment into action,” said Alliance President/CEO Matt Ballard.