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

Today is Saturday, March 29, 2025.

A West Virginia couple’s love for fishing and kayaking sparks an idea that turns into a business…WorkForce WV launches a texting campaign to connect unemployed and underemployed residents with resources…and hit up four amazing state parks in one wild and wonderful road trip…on today’s daily304.

 

#1 – From WV SBDC –  Like many West Virginians, Jeff and Vicki Wilson shared a passion for the outdoors. But the couple struggled to load and unload their heavy fishing kayaks. 

The challenge they faced sparked an idea, and with support from the West Virginia Small Business Development Center, they were able to make their dream into a reality.

They connected with a business coach who helped them launch Kayak Loading Solutions. Now the couple is producing West Virginia-made quality products that also help boost the economic health of the community and state. 

Read more

https://wvsbdc.com/how-wv-sbdc-helped-kayak-loading-solutions-turn-an-idea-into-a-reality/

 

#2 – From WORKFORCE WV – WorkForce West Virginia has announced a new texting campaign in conjunction with the agency’s Unemployment Insurance Program initiative to further connect unemployed and underemployed West Virginians with resources. 

The UI program serves as a vital financial support system for individuals and their families during periods of unemployment or underemployment, providing a safety net until full-time employment is secured. 

Text messages from WorkForce West Virginia will come from 1-800-252-5627 and will never request sensitive information. If you prefer not to receive text updates, you can opt out at any time.

For more information or to file a claim, visit WorkForceWV.org or contact your nearest WorkForce West Virginia local office.

Read more:

https://workforcewv.org/workforce-west-virginia-announces-new-texting-campaign-for-unemployment-insurance-ui-program/

 

#3 – From WV STATE PARKS – Have you had West Virginia state park on your list to check out for a while now? Not sure which ones to start with? These four state parks and forests are the perfect road trip through the Potomac Highlands.

Begin your adventure at Droop Mountain Battlefield State Park, a historic site that transports you back to the Civil War era. Just a short drive away is Beartown State Park, renowned for its ancient, 300-million-year-old rock formations. The third stop, Calvin Price State Forest, offers more opportunities for exploration via the Allegheny Trail and the Greenbrier River Trail 

End your road trip (and book a cabin or camping spot) at Watoga State Park. With over 40 miles of trails, the park offers endless opportunities to hike, bike, boat, fish and more. 

Visit wvstateparks.com or wvtourism.com for more road trip itineraries in Almost Heaven!

Learn more:

https://wvstateparks.com/road-trip-through-these-4-west-virginia-state-parks/

 

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.