Welcome to the daily304 – your window into Wonderful, Almost Heaven, West Virginia.  

Today is Friday, March 28, 2025.

Lakota Software Solutions and the WV Small Business Development Center team up to grow the Fairmont company…residents and businesses are coming together to help those affected by the recent flooding in McDowell County…and Marshall University offers courses on lifelong durable skills like critical thinking…on today’s daily304.

 

#1 – From WV SBDC – Founded in 2007, Lakota Software Solutions is the brainchild of Aaron Wilson and Phillip Merritt, who worked together at the NASA facility in Fairmont.

As a leading biometrics company, Lakota offers commercial software solutions in addition to government contract solutions.

Lakota’s founders--both graduates of West Virginia University and Fairmont State University--take pride in giving back to the state, specifically through the company’s internship program. 

When it came time to grow the company, they connected with Todd Crump from the West Virginia Small Business Development Center, who helped them advance their goals.

The company has indeed grown its footprint. Based out of the I-79 Technology Park in Fairmont, Lakota Software Solutions has been recognized as one of the premier providers of software support and exporting software outside of the U.S.

Read more:

https://wvsbdc.com/scaling-success-how-wv-sbdc-helped-lakota-software-grow-at-home-and-abroad/

 

#2 – From WVSOS – In this episode of “Just Three Questions,” West Virginia Secretary of State Kris Warner chats with Delegate David Green about the flood recovery that’s underway in McDowell County.  

Approximately 40 bridges were washed away or damaged by the floods in February. Watch the video to learn how you can help local businesses get back on their feet.

“Just Three Questions!” is a weekly video series hosted by Secretary Warner to talk with community leaders about issues important to business development in West Virginia.

Watch now:

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=8iANdGkfFzY

 

#3 – From MARSHALL UNIVERSITY – Marshall University believes in preparing learners for a future where skills matter—not just for today, but for life. Durable skills—like communication, critical thinking, and emotional awareness—are called “durable” because they last a lifetime.

Discounted rates are available for nonprofit organizations who are interested in purchasing durable skills courses.

Learn more:

https://www.marshall.edu/microcredentials/durable-skills/

 

Find these stories and more at wv.gov/daily304.

The daily304 curated news and information is brought to you by the West Virginia Department of Commerce: Sharing the wealth, beauty and opportunity in West Virginia with the world. Follow the daily304 on Facebook, Twitter and Instagram @daily304. Or find us online at wv.gov and just click the daily304 logo. 

That’s all for now. Take care. Be safe. Get outside and enjoy all the opportunity West Virginia has to offer.