Sobel, an economics professor from West Virginia University, is the editor of a book calling for specific policy reforms that he and his colleagues believe will help attract new business to the state.

Sobel sent a copy of his book "Unleashing Capitalism" to every member of the state Legislature and to the office of Gov. Joe Manchin.

While researching a story on Sobel's book, NEWS9 reporters asked Manchin if he'd read the book.

Days later, the governor had called Sobel to arrange a meeting.

That meeting, which happened in Charleston two weeks ago, was scheduled to last about 30 minutes.

Sobel said it quickly expanded to a nearly two-hour session during which Manchin summoned staffers, advisers and cabinet-level secretaries to join the discussion.

Sobel told NEWS9 the governor seemed to be most interested in his book's suggestion for state-level welfare reform and a review of the state's judicial election process.

Following the May meeting, Sobel said Manchin asked him to return in July for a second meeting focusing on his reccomendations for welfare reform.

To read more about "Unleashing Capitalism," click here.

To watch NEWS9's previous story on Sobel's research, click here.

Eric Minor, NEWS9