We are in a unique position to rebuild and instate the American economies of the future. The population of Appalachia is growing, and our employment rates and labor force are growing with it. New industries in the green sector are upskilling tradesmen. Tourism is booming in our newly designated National Parks. People’s social and economic situations are improving despite the challenges in front of us, but there is still work to be done, and our fragmented efforts don’t stack up against the potential we have if we work towards common goals as a unified front. Economic progress and social progress are not mutually exclusive. These ideas can and should coexist in our shared vision for the future of our region.