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A community development philosophy centered around locally grown business and care for neighbors comes through in this conversation celebrating Lydeana Martin\'s graduation in the inaugural class of the Appalachian Leadership Institute. 

The yearlong program focuses on economic development in the 13 state Appalachian region, and Martin was one of Virginia\'s first cohort of fellows to complete it. The program both reinforced and further shaped thinking for the Floyd County economic and community development director.

"In Floyd County, we give most of our attention to people who have already chosen Floyd County," says Martin. The Southwest Virginia county of 15,000 people has an outsized identity shaped by its entrepreneurs, the rural quality of life, traditional music and craft, and, yes, its one stoplight. Listen to this conversation on building community bridges and just try not to choose Floyd County yourself, if only for a visit.