genuinely home - West Virginia Department of Commerce

Todd Gillespie The Greenbrier, White Sulphur Springs
Todd Gillespie grew up in Worthington, near Fairmont,
and graduated from Fairmont State University.
He has worked in the resort business since college in
West Virginia, Pennsylvania, Maryland and Florida.
This past year, he came home to become the Director
of Sales of The Greenbrier, White Sulphur Springs.
My Job: Romance and rhododendrons, the sense of service, the
sense of history – The Greenbrier is a proud West Virginia resort
and we are very proud to introduce the world to West Virginia
in the best light. We have guests from all corners of the globe.
We hope that if they have a good experience they’ll bring their
business back to the state.
New Opportunities: There are few times in a hotelier’s career
when you are able to be a part of a renaissance – to be a part of the
opening of the casino or an inaugural PGA TOUR event. Now, we
are working to get our fifth star (out of the Forbes Travel Guide’s
five-star rating) back. This work is a highlight of anyone’s career –
and it’s all been in one year, this year. The changes are remarkable.
Under Jim Justice, the resort has changed its pricing strategy so we
could open ourselves to new markets. We have set revenue and
occupancy records every month in these tough economic times.
My West Virginia Connection: My dad introduced me to golf
and told me stories about Sam Snead and The Greenbrier.
So, from a young age this was a special place for me.
Photos by Steve Shaluta
My fiancée, Ashley, moved with me from Florida to Lewisburg.
She likes having four seasons. She likes that it is safe, with good
schools and we can afford a nice home. Maybe you have to
see other parts of the world to appreciate what we have here.
The further I get along in my career – everything I could ever
want professionally, personally or socially is right here. The real
opportunity is where you’re at.
West Virginia’s Best Kept Secret: West Virginians should take
pride in what we have and who we are. We’re just as smart. We’re
talented. We work harder and we’re more genuine. You have to
make your own breaks but you can be a part of the change in
West Virginia.
“Being a servant is something to be
proud of – every day we can make
someone happy and give them the
service that is world class and five-star.”
Robert Mickey,
director of housekeeping and transportation
The Greenbrier, White Sulphur Springs
“We had our first child this year. West Virginia
provides opportunity for a more laid-back or
relaxed style of life. It will be good to raise kids here
so they can experience a
simpler life.”
Jeromy Tichner, systems engineer
The MITRE Corporation, Clarksburg
Sally Phares
Blossom Village, Beverly
Sally Phares grew up on Files Creek, about a mile
from the Blossom Village flower shop she runs in
Beverly. She’s home, again, after a 34-year information
technology career that took her to Georgia, Virginia
and Nevada, working for hospitals, NASA contractors
and higher education. She longed for a creative outlet
and found it working with flowers.
My Job: Blossom Village is the first full service florist Beverly has
ever had. I like being a part of the town’s business community and
the historical preservation activities.
I wanted to put my business experience, technical know-how and
love of my home county to work. I also hoped to provide some
jobs (at least part time) for some folks.
New Opportunities: The two things I enjoy most is the floral
design work and talking with our customers.
My West Virginia Connection: For the more than thirty years I
was out of state, I had no family around me. Most of my extended
family is in West Virginia, my brother, nieces and nephews live in
Charleston and I have many cousins in the Elkins area.
Coming home, the qualities that I have enjoyed include a bit slower
pace (but not much) and more considerate people. Folks here
are not so wrapped up in their own lives that they don’t notice or
take time to help friends and neighbors. Even the traffic is much
friendlier! West Virginians just have a different consideration for
others than I experienced nearly every other place I’ve lived.
The sense of community is very strong here compared to other
places. So, one priority I set for myself was to give back to the
community that had given me so much as a young person
growing up here. My West Virginia education has served me very
well no matter where I found myself or the challenges I faced.
Courtesy of Jeromy Tichner
“What I enjoy most about my work is solving difficult
problems through the use of technology. What I
like most about TTi being based in Wheeling is the
community and the people.
Wheeling provides a great
value to a business owner.”
Courtesy of Theodora Titonis
Theodora Titonis, president and CEO
TTi Technologies, Inc., Wheeling
My Favorite Places: One of my favorite places to go is
something I did as a child, and that is walking along Files Creek.
It’s very soothing and beautiful. I miss fishing and hope that I may
have some time to do that next year!
West Virginia’s Best Kept Secret: The talent. Talent in so
many areas. The state not only has rich natural resources, it has
incredible people resources that have not been tapped, especially
in our region of the state.
Ron Snow
8 W O N D E R F U L W E S T V I R G I N I A G E N U I N E L Y H O M E 9