CHARLESTON, W.Va. -- We can't understand why our governor and other members of state government are so quick to dismiss the one really good thing this state has going for it. Tamarack has been a shining success story from the first day it opened its door 12 years ago.

Finally, we are being recognized as something other than illiterate hillbillies, coal miners and timber operators. We have taken a lead in the nation as a state who recognizes, fosters and supports its cottage industries and emerging artists. We capture millions of dollars from out-of-state visitors that are dispersed among Tamarack's vendors to every county in the state. This type of income helps us to keep one of the last and most valuable resources we have that hasn't been taken from us, our human resources, right here in West Virginia, instead of losing people to other parts of the country in their attempt to make a living.

Subsidy money for Tamarack was never an issue when operated by the Parkways Authority. What money was allocated from sales of food and gas on the Turnpike didn't amount to enough to start or even think about completing any road paving or maintenance project.

Now that Gov. Manchin has deemed it necessary to transfer Tamarack to the State Commerce Department, subsidy money will be much harder to find when thrown into the budget with everything else. I would hope they understand the importance of supporting this outstanding monument of achievement that has been accomplished right here on our own soil. We have one of the most visited arts complexes in the nation, a destination point to many travelers, a cultural experience hard to match anywhere in this country.

My husband and I have traveled across this nation several times by vehicle. We inquire at every state's welcome center as to any place they could recommend for regional art and culture. We haven't found anything even close, not at all like what we have right here in Beckley. How can we risk losing this shining ambassador for our state?

We have been self-supporting full-time artists for 20 years. The last 12 have been our best years, thanks in big part to business Tamarack has brought us. We employ 10 people in our workshop, with an annual payroll around $250,000. We live in a rural part of Preston County 30 miles away from any job paying comparable wages. Our 10 employees get to work and stay close to home, allowing for higher living standards for all of them. We take one of our state's abundant natural resources, wood, turn it into beautiful pieces of functional kitchenware, and then sell these items to people, shops and galleries all across the United States. All money made from this stays in West Virginia. Tamarack is responsible for an immeasurable amount of this success. Countless people and shops have located us through Tamarack, aside from the people who buy merchandise directly there every year.

Common sense dictates: If it's not broke, don't fix it. Gov. Manchin, the Legislature and the people of West Virginia should really take note and listen to their small-business leaders. Allow us to live and work in West Virginia. Don't take from us one of our most affluent venues. Allow our heritage arts and culture their rightful place in the commerce of our state. Keep Tamarack as it is, so we can share it with the rest of the world.

Stan and Sue Jennings are proprietors of Allegheny Treenware in Thornton. Their Web site is spooners.com.

CHARLESTON, W.Va. -- We can't understand why our governor and other members of state government are so quick to dismiss the one really good thing this state has going for it. Tamarack has been a shining success story from the first day it opened its door 12 years ago.

Finally, we are being recognized as something other than illiterate hillbillies, coal miners and timber operators. We have taken a lead in the nation as a state who recognizes, fosters and supports its cottage industries and emerging artists. We capture millions of dollars from out-of-state visitors that are dispersed among Tamarack's vendors to every county in the state. This type of income helps us to keep one of the last and most valuable resources we have that hasn't been taken from us, our human resources, right here in West Virginia, instead of losing people to other parts of the country in their attempt to make a living.

Subsidy money for Tamarack was never an issue when operated by the Parkways Authority. What money was allocated from sales of food and gas on the Turnpike didn't amount to enough to start or even think about completing any road paving or maintenance project.

Now that Gov. Manchin has deemed it necessary to transfer Tamarack to the State Commerce Department, subsidy money will be much harder to find when thrown into the budget with everything else. I would hope they understand the importance of supporting this outstanding monument of achievement that has been accomplished right here on our own soil. We have one of the most visited arts complexes in the nation, a destination point to many travelers, a cultural experience hard to match anywhere in this country.

My husband and I have traveled across this nation several times by vehicle. We inquire at every state's welcome center as to any place they could recommend for regional art and culture. We haven't found anything even close, not at all like what we have right here in Beckley. How can we risk losing this shining ambassador for our state?

We have been self-supporting full-time artists for 20 years. The last 12 have been our best years, thanks in big part to business Tamarack has brought us. We employ 10 people in our workshop, with an annual payroll around $250,000. We live in a rural part of Preston County 30 miles away from any job paying comparable wages. Our 10 employees get to work and stay close to home, allowing for higher living standards for all of them. We take one of our state's abundant natural resources, wood, turn it into beautiful pieces of functional kitchenware, and then sell these items to people, shops and galleries all across the United States. All money made from this stays in West Virginia. Tamarack is responsible for an immeasurable amount of this success. Countless people and shops have located us through Tamarack, aside from the people who buy merchandise directly there every year.

Common sense dictates: If it's not broke, don't fix it. Gov. Manchin, the Legislature and the people of West Virginia should really take note and listen to their small-business leaders. Allow us to live and work in West Virginia. Don't take from us one of our most affluent venues. Allow our heritage arts and culture their rightful place in the commerce of our state. Keep Tamarack as it is, so we can share it with the rest of the world.

Stan and Sue Jennings are proprietors of Allegheny Treenware in Thornton. Their Web site is spooners.com.