The first issue of Charleston Magazine to be produced and printed locally features Governor Joe Manchin and First Lady Gayle Manchin decked out in leather, wearing sunglasses and sitting on a Harley-Davidson motorcycle.

The magazine was unveiled today by County Commission President Kent Carper, County Commissioner Hoppy Shores and Yeager Airport Director Richard A. Atkinson, who is also the publisher of Charleston Magazine.

The cover story, Meet Joe & Gayle: Charleston’s It Couple, features a personal interview with the new Governor and First Lady which reveals, among other things, their love for motorcycling. In the article, Governor Manchin says of his wife, “She’s never had a fear of anything.” Mrs. Manchin talks about their first night in the Governor’s Mansion: “We spent our first night saying to each other that we couldn’t believe we were actually here.”

“All the work that goes into Charleston Magazine is now being done locally,” Atkinson said.  “It used to be that the editorial work, design work and printing were all done out of state. Now, it’s all done here.”

“The quality of the magazine has improved,” said Carper, “and it’s being done at a lower cost. We achieved all of that by moving the operation to West Virginia.”

The Manahan Group is doing all of the editorial and design work. The printing is being done by Color Craft Printing. Both companies are located in Charleston and owned by Charlestonians.  Advertising sales are also handled locally by Yeager Airport.

Last fall, Yeager bought the magazine from the Charleston Convention and Visitors Bureau.

The Magazine’s content is focused on satisfying both residents of Charleston and visitors to the city. The Spring 2005 issue includes articles on the restoration at Sunrise, an inside look at Charleston’s trendy Soho’s restaurant, the popularity of youth soccer, and a travel feature on beaches. Feature articles include break-out boxes with helpful information. The Magazine’s restaurant guide has been updated, and there is a complete listing of events happening in and around Charleston in the Arts and Entertainment section.

The articles are all researched and written by local residents, and the majority of the photography is done locally.  The cover photo of the Manchins on a motorcycle was shot by Charleston photographer Steve Payne. Payne, Michael Switzer, Rick Lee and John Sibold all contributed to the stunning inside photography.  Local writers include Michael Kay, Marta Martin, Steven Keith, Alisha Maddox and Thad Smith.