"We are no different than many places in this country. Appalachia is just another unique area of the country where, unfortunately, poverty is wide spread. We are no different than the inland empire of central California, the reservations of the western states or remote native villages of Alaska. Appalachia is like a brand…we are a strong people and have our weaknesses and strengths and someday with hard work and education Appalachia will become an accepted term instead of a stereotyped region."