Brian Aluise on Building Community and Retaining Talent

I’m recording this episode of the Kanawha Valley Hustlers Podcast from DT Prime at the First Tuesdays event, and I’m joined by Brian Aluise. Brian is the Director of Membership and Investor Development and Retention at the Charleston Area Alliance. He’s only been in this role for a couple of months, but he’s already learning a lot and adapting quickly.

Brian’s current role isn’t a departure from what he’s been doing throughout his career. For the past seven years, he worked for U.S. Senator Joe Manchin, where he was responsible for engaging with constituents, discussing the senator’s legislation, and promoting his priorities. Now, he’s doing similar work for the Charleston Area Alliance, promoting their initiatives and programs to the community. His new position aligns with his skills and experience, and he’s excited about the work he’s doing.

We discuss the First Tuesdays event, which is a mixer for young professionals. Brian mentions how valuable these networking opportunities are, especially for those new to the area. He tells me about someone he just met who’s been in Charleston for only a day. This event is a chance for him to meet people, make connections, and become part of the community. Brian sees these events as crucial for anyone who wants to see Charleston and the wider Kanawha County area thrive.

I ask Brian if he thinks it’s important for young professionals to get involved in the community and meet like-minded people. He points out that the old saying “It’s all about who you know” is true. He encourages everyone to meet as many people as possible and make connections because you never know when an opportunity might arise from a past meeting. For instance, someone you met at a business event might remember you when a job opening comes up, and you could be the first person they think of.

We talk more about young professionals and why it’s important for them to attend events like this. Brian mentions that the Charleston Area Alliance is always looking for fresh ideas, and young professionals are often the ones who bring new perspectives. He believes that involving young professionals in the community is more important than ever, especially considering that West Virginia was one of only three states that lost population in the 2020 census. Events like First Tuesdays can help keep young talent in the state by offering networking opportunities and making it easier to build connections.

As we wrap up, I ask Brian about his biggest takeaway from his time with the Charleston Area Alliance so far. He tells me that many people, including himself, had preconceived notions about what the Alliance does. People often think it’s just about networking events, ribbon cuttings, and groundbreakings. While those are part of it, the Alliance also does a lot in terms of community and economic development. Brian mentions projects like the Lift Center on the East End, the Business Improvement District in the heart of Charleston, and the Upper Kanawha Valley Recreation Plan, which aims to increase tourism in the area. Brian explains that when people become members of the Charleston Area Alliance, they’re not just gaining access to networking opportunities. They’re also supporting important work that helps raise the community up. He expresses his gratitude for each and every member who contributes to these efforts.