Economic & Community Development
Dawn Nolan is a writer and content strategist with more than 15 years of professional experience in marketing, communications, public relations and journalism.
Her work centers on community and place-based storytelling, with an emphasis on economic development and tourism. Her writing has appeared in regional publications and supported marketing and branding initiatives throughout West Virginia, from feature stories to visitor-focused content and campaigns. She has worked across agency, small business and nonprofit settings, giving her a practical understanding of how targeted content connects with different audiences and supports organizational goals.
Dawn holds bachelor's degrees in English and psychology from Marshall University and has completed graduate coursework in publishing and journalism, with an emphasis on media management and integrated marketing communications. She is based in her home state of West Virginia.
Economic & Community Development
At Cryptid Mountain Miniature Golf in Morgantown, visitors putt their way through a glowing indoor course filled with life-sized cryptids and scenes
With support from the West Virginia Small Business Development Center (WV SBDC), entrepreneur Michelle Hill turned a taste for chocolate-covered cherries
Greenbrier Humane Society's Remarkable Year.
More and more producers are tapping into the Mountain State’s official tree and hoping for sweet returns.
Downtowns play an integral role in a community's economic development and growth. As the city center, a thriving downtown is a sign of progress and viability and is an attractive feature for new businesses looking to set up shop.
The seed was planted, so to speak, more than a decade ago. A group of community members came together for a common purpose: to address the need for better quality food choices locally and support fledging farms in our area.
Leadership West Virginia is an investment that keeps on giving.
Entrepreneur Brooke Glover and her Swilled Dog Distillery brand are earning national acclaim while giving back to the community.
As a finalist in the America's Best Communities competition, Huntington is thinking big with plans to transform the region.
Travel, Tourism & Destinations
The opportunities to experience beauty and adventure are endless each spring in the Mountain State.
Tygart Lake State Park is an ultimate summer destination, full of fun for the whole family.
How Alderson Artisans Gallery Supports Appalachian Artists
Celebrate the winter season with a trip to Tucker County's Blackwater Falls State Park.
Wonder awaits at the Huntington Children's Museum
West Virginia State Parks’ beloved aerial trams are undergoing a well-deserved makeover.
Tucked in the hills of the Mid-Ohio Valley near the small towns of Cairo and Harrisville in Ritchie County, North Bend State Park is a scenic getaway known for its outdoor recreational activities, including access to the 72-mile North Bend Rail Trail.
U.S. Route 60, also known as the Midland Trail National Scenic Byway, is West Virginia's oldest scenic byway.
Campaigns & Strategic Projects
Charleston, W.Va. - The West Virginia Small Business Development Center (WV SBDC) is proud to share that seven of its clients were selected as 2026
Charleston, W.Va. - The tenth annual National SBDC Day will take place on Wednesday, March 18. Since its inception in 2017, the celebration
Charleston, W.Va. - The West Virginia Small Business Development Center (WV SBDC) recently announced its plan to help bring a new online training
HUNTINGTON - Five local bookstores have joined up to plan a "Bookshop Hop" in celebration of Independent Bookstore Day, which is Saturday, April 27.
Welcome to Cicada Books & Coffee, a family-owned, independent bookstore and cafe located in Huntington's Central City Antiques District.
You can smell them from a mile away - OK, that might be a bit of an exaggeration, but when it's ramp season in West Virginia, you definitely know.
Small Business & People Features
A third-generation restaurateur steps out of his comfort zone to build something new in the heart of White Sulphur Springs, blending family legacy, wood-fired tradition, and a deep commitment to community.
Huntington author Marie Manilla writes to callenge stereotypes and reveal the rich, complex reality of life in West Virginia.
A burgeoning filmmaker, multifaceted artist, world traveler, caring physician, ballet dancer, promising rapper and a locksmith who dresses like Larry Bird. These are some of the city's most interesting people.
Owners Jody and Kate Wooton Bring Hill & Holler Back to Life in a Bigger, Brighter Space in the Heart of Downtown Lewisburg
After 25 years of marriage, Brad and Wendy Goodenough decided to become business partners. Today they are helping businesses of all sizes solve their biggest IT challenges.
Dr. Chuck Clements may have been late to a career in medicine, but few have done more for the poor and underserved than this proud Army veteran.
Mark and Michele Muth, two devoted fitness buffs, add a little balance to their lives with the purchase of a popular downtown bar.
For local entrepreneur Jason Beter, business is booming in the village.
Mmm, your best bets in the region for the most important meal of the day.
Newspaper Features (Archive)
Glen Hawkins speaks groundhog.
In the world of traditional holiday desserts, fruitcake - with its spiced, often alcohol-soaked fruits and nuts - gets a lot of flak.
West Virginia will soon get a taste of hard cider from the state's only cidery, thanks to two former college friends turned business partners.
A small "open" sign beckons visitors down a gravel walkway past a couple of wooden picnic tables to a rather nondescript white brick building in Ed Miller's yard.
Inside Jeff Forster's metal art workshop in Wheeling stands a stainless steel elephant, towering more than 10 feet tall, stretching 12 feet in length and weighing in at 700 pounds.
You could say Glen Facemire was destined to be a ramp farmer, given his lifelong connection with the wild leek.
As Judith Rubin walked along, thoughtfully peering into the glass cases filled with rag, rubber and plastic dolls, one particular plaything caught her eye.
They might be difficult to spot at first, but clinging tightly to the backs of their furry orange family members are two of the newest additions to Oglebay Park's Good Zoo.
Despite what the name suggests, sugarplums actually have nothing to do with fruit.