Plans are in the making for the second annual Jefferson County Day at the Capitol in Charleston on Feb. 20.

Cheryl Keyrouze , who helps organize the event, stated, “I am really looking forward to Jefferson County Day 2012 because 2011 was such a success that there is no doubt that this will continue to be an exciting annual event that will grow bigger every year! As a matter of fact, after using just the Senate side of the Capitol Building (in Charleston) last year we now recognize that we will need much more space for 2012.”

This year both the Senate and House sides of the Capitol Rotunda will be used for all of the Jefferson County organizations that would like to attend.

In 2011, the Jefferson County participants, Jefferson County State and local legislators, as well as legislators from around the State of West Virginia were able to share the best of what Jefferson County has to offer, including a fabulous video on Jefferson County developed by Rob Perks.

“The goal is to help educate legislators from other parts of the state about our county and to develop new relationships,” said Keyrouze. “We’re hoping to not only show others what we’re all about but also improve our own understanding of other counties, so we can all do a better job of working together.”

Participating areas of representation will be expanded this year to include but not be limited to, agriculture, arts and humanities, economic development and business, education, local governments and emergency services, non-profits, tourism, cultural heritage and recreation.

The steering committee members for Jefferson County Day 2012 are Whitney Barrett, Jefferson County Development Authority, Cheryl Keyrouze, Communication Outreach of Jefferson County, WV, Heather Morgan McIntyre, Jefferson County Chamber of Commerce, Julie Siler, Arts & Humanities Alliance of Jefferson County.

Last year the participants of Jefferson County Day left early on a Sunday and arrived in Charleston to enjoy an exciting evening reception at the Governor’s Mansion with the First Lady, Joanne Jaeger Tomblin and other local and state legislators.

The following morning all participants set up their informative displays in the Capitol Rotunda and were also able to attend either the House or Senate sessions where State Resolutions were passed to recognize Jefferson County.

“It is so important to have the citizens of Jefferson County gather together to make this trip in order to show that Jefferson County does have a presence in state government. We cannot continue to say that we are not recognized in Charleston without making an effort to build that bridge of good communication,” said Keyrouze.

Keyrouze has indicated that the cost of the trip will be minimal. For those interested in participating, contact Keyrouze at 518-583-7897 or CLKeyrouze@aol.com.