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

Today is Thursday, May 1, 2025 

Commercial Metals says #YesWV, building a state-of-the-art steel mill in Berkeley County…WV Economic Development authority financing helps iconic potato chip maker Mister Bee triple their capacity…and a West Virginia couple looks to the WV Small Business Center for assistance in launching their kayak loading company…on today’s daily304.

 

#1 – From WVDED – Commercial Metals Company is making a significant investment in West Virginia by constructing a state-of-the-art micro mill in Berkeley County. This $450 million facility will produce 500,000 tons of straight-length and spooled rebar annually.

CMC chose West Virginia for its strategic location, offering efficient access to major metropolitan markets in the Mid-Atlantic, Northeast, and Midwest regions. Additionally, the state’s welcoming business climate and skilled, available labor force make it an ideal location for CMC’s expansion.

The new micro mill will be one of the most environmentally friendly steelmaking operations globally, utilizing 100% recycled steel as raw material and electric energy for production.

Read more:

https://westvirginia.gov/cmc-says-yes-to-west-virginia-building-a-state-of-the-art-steel-mill-in-the-mountain-state/

 

#2 – From WVEDA – Mister Bee is the only potato chip made in West Virginia. New owner Mary Anne Ketelsen was determined to make sure the brand would be around for generations to come.

When she took over in 2018, the operation needed to be completely rehauled. With West Virginia Economic Development Authority financing, Mister Bee was able to triple their capacity, make new products, and hire more people.

Watch the video:

https://eda.wv.gov/iconic-potato-chip-manufacturer-is-thriving-with-wveda-support/

 

#3 – From WVSBDC – 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 -- a tiring and time-consuming task that left them frustrated.

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.

The partnership resulted in the launch of Kayak Loading Solutions, a West Virginia-made quality product that also helps 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/

 

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.