Thursday evening 40 men and women assembled at the BMW dealership on MacCorkle Avenue in St. Albans. They weren't buying cars, they were being honored. You could call them West Virginia's future movers and shakers. State Journal publisher Dan Page calls them, "Rising young professional leaders in West Virginia."

Readers from across the state nominated about 80 people and with the help of MBA students at Marshall -- these 40 finalists were chosen. 40 who are all under 40.

Some are helping shape the mountain state's future by reaching out to young people who may not think they have much to offer.

"It doesn't matter whether you come from WV or where you come from," said Joyce Wawiye, a native of Africa who now lives in Beckley. "If you're determined to succeed, given the right support, given the right guidance, you can make it work."

Other honorees are demonstrating leadership through business and community involvement.

Wendy Bayes owns Cathedral Café in Fayetteville. She says she's pleased with the way she sees the business climate moving. Even if some criticize West Virginia for being too slow.

"I think that's all relative to where you're from. I think that we're moving forward at a pace that I'm very comfortable with," said Bayes.

Abraham Mwaura is perhaps the most reluctant honoree. Representing the Ohio Valley Environmental Coalition -- he says his whole goal is to redefine who leaders are. He wants to see ...

"Ordinary folks who are standing up for their community become the true leaders in the future, not CEOs."

CEOs or not, the fact that so many people were nominated is, to Page, a good sign.

"I think a very strong indication that West Virginians are tuned in and want to be moving forward."