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

Today is Saturday, Feb. 22, 2025 

Destinations and outdoor adventures throughout West Virginia earn recognition as the 2025 Best of the Blue Ridge…watch bald eagles in Shepherdstown nest as they prepare for their hatchlings’ arrival…and What Makes You Wonderful previews what to expect at this year’s Bridging Innovation Week…on today’s daily304.

#1 – From WV NEWS – West Virginia destinations, outdoor adventures, and businesses received recognition in Blue Ridge Outdoors‘ 2025 Best of the Blue Ridge awards. The publication, celebrating its 30th anniversary, compiled past years’ winners to highlight top locations for outdoor recreation, events, and businesses.

Running through the heart of the New River Gorge National Park and Preserve, the New River was recognized as Best Whitewater location. In the Monongahela National Forest, the 900-foot Seneca Rocks was named Best Climbing Crag. Snowshoe Mountain Resort in Pocahontas County won Best Ski Resort and Best Terrain Park.

Check out the story to find out what other amazing West Virginia destinations received recognition. Then log on to www.wvtourism.com to learn more and start planning your Almost Heaven getaway!

Read more:

https://www.wvnews.com/news/wvnews/west-virginia-destinations-recognized-in-best-of-the-blue-ridge-2025/article_3f3f6bbc-eae1-11ef-918e-c33354b1adbf.html

#2 – From WBOY-TV – Not one, not two, but three eggs are being incubated at the bald eagle nest at the National Conservation Training Center in Shepherdstown, meaning patient viewers will have the chance to see three hatchlings on the live Eaglecam.

An eagle’s clutch usually consists of one to three eggs that hatch after about 35 days of incubation. Bella and Scout, the eagle parents at the upper nest at the NCTC, will take turns incubating and turning the three eggs.

The eggs were laid on Feb. 10, 13 and 16, making the estimated hatching time in mid-to-late March. 

Check out the live Eaglecam online to watch nest activity as the eagle parents prepare for their hatchlings’ arrival. 

Read more:

https://www.wboy.com/wv-outdoors/3-eggs-laid-at-bald-eagle-nest-in-west-virginia-when-to-watch-for-them-hatching/

#3 – From DAILY304 – In this episode of What Makes You Wonderful, we chat with Amber Ravenscroft, co-chair of Bridging Innovation Week, to explore how this growing entrepreneurship event is shaping West Virginia’s economic future. 

Bridging Innovation Week connects business owners, aspiring entrepreneurs, and support organizations across the state, offering education and networking opportunities. 

Whether you're launching a startup, scaling an existing business, looking to network, or have ideas on funding, this week-long event is designed to help you succeed. 

Listen now:

https://daily304.libsyn.com/wmyw-and-bridging-innovation-week-2025

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.

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

Today is Friday, Feb. 21, 2025.

A tech center in Buckhannon offers a series of workshops to help you bone up on your employment skills…Snowshoe Mountain Resort celebrates its 50th anniversary with a look to the past and big plans for the future…and the WV Hive honors Wild Blue Adventure Company’s owners as entrepreneurs of the year…on today’s daily304.

#1 – From MY BUCKHANNON – Are you searching for a new job, looking to amp up your employability factor or even kickstart your own small business?

Well, you’re in luck because the Fred W. Eberle Technical Center in Buckhannon will soon kick off a 10-week series of workshops to educate the local community on a variety of skills employers are looking for in an effort to create a more employable workforce.

The workshops take place on Tuesday evenings starting March 11 beginning with Resume Building. Additional classes include subjects like CPR/First Aid Certification, Food Handler’s Card, OSHA 10 Certification and more.

Following the 10-week workshop series, participants and the local community can register to attend a Job Fair on May 22 with area businesses who currently (or will soon) seek personnel in a variety of industries. 

Tap here to register for one or more “How To” Workshops at FETC.

Read more:

https://www.mybuckhannon.com/register-now-fred-eberle-to-host-free-workshops-to-develop-hirable-employees/

#2 – From CHARLESTON GAZETTE-MAIL – Fifty years ago, during Snowshoe Mountain Resort's first ski season, it took more than four hours to make the drive from Charleston to the state’s newest ski area, accessed by following a series of twisting two-lane highways to a gravel road at Slatyfork leading to the top of Shavers Mountain.

In its early years, the nearest available lodging was in Marlinton, 23 miles away. Patrons could look forward to libations at the Last Run Bar, Snowshoe’s lone watering hole at the time

Today, the resort’s winter operation now includes 60 trails served by 14 lifts, hosting more than 300,000 skier/snowboarder visits annually. Lodges and rental condos on the mountaintop make more than 2,000 beds available to overnight guests and Snowshoe Mountain’s Village encompasses 20 restaurants and bars and nearly a dozen shops. The resort now operates year-round with the addition of activities like mountain biking, while concerts and festivals bring in guests from near and far.

As the resort celebrates its 50th anniversary, Snowshoe looks back on its early days while it continues to make exciting plans for the future. 

Read more:

https://www.wvgazettemail.com/outdoors/snowshoe-mountain-resort-reaches-50-year-milestone-makes-plans-for-the-future/article_5f8f6038-dcd7-11ef-85c1-db328d7bcbb4.html

#3 – From WV HIVE – Bill and Ashley Chouinard of Wild Blue Adventure Company and Aviator’s Lounge at the Fayette Airport want you to not only fly with them, but also to stay at their grand three-bedroom residence available to rent for vacations and specialty events.

In December 2024, the Chouinards were selected by a panel of judges as the WV Hive Entrepreneurs of the Year. Wild Blue Adventure Company was also one of 60 rural businesses selected by the Goldman Sachs 10KSB Program to participate in the Rural Advocacy Conference at the U.S. Capitol. 

The parents of three started their aviation business venture with a smaller company in 2015, offering introduction to flight lessons and tailwheel endorsements. In 2019, the owner of another sightseeing flight company — Wild Blue Adventure Company — approached the Chouinards about acquiring his company. The deal included a vintage World War II Stearman biplane. 

Ashley said one of the major initiatives this year is to promote the Aviator’s Lounge so that the space can be utilized year-round. The setting is just minutes away from the New River Gorge National Park and Preserve. 

Read more:

https://wvhive.com/2025/02/owners-of-wild-blue-adventure-company-in-fayetteville-want-you-fly-and-stay-with-them/

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.

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

Today is Thursday, Feb. 20, 2025.

Interested in expanding your business to international markets? The WVDED is hosting a series of seminars and networking events offering insight into how to enter global markets…The History Project explores the contributions of the great American pioneer, Daniel Boone…and Generation West Virginia wants to help employers find the perfect candidate for that job opening…on today’s daily304.

#1 – From WVDED – West Virginia’s small businesses are the backbone of our economy, driving innovation, job creation, and local prosperity. Yet, many business owners may not be aware of the vast resources available to help them grow—especially in expanding to international markets. 

West Virginia is committed to supporting small businesses through export promotion programs designed to remove barriers and open doors to new opportunities. One of the most exciting initiatives is a new series of mini events launching across the state, providing direct access to export assistance and support services. 

These one-hour seminars/morning networking events are a partnership between the West Virginia Economic Development team, the U.S. Commercial Service, and the West Virginia District Export Council, offering businesses direct insights into how to enter global markets. Attendees will learn about key resources, funding opportunities, and strategies to start or expand their export efforts, as well as hear about all the challenges and fears from those who have done it all. 

If you’ve ever considered taking your business to the global stage, now is the time to learn how these resources can help you succeed.

Read more:

https://westvirginia.gov/exporting-101-let-the-experts-come-to-you/

#2 – From THE HISTORY PROJECT – American legend Daniel Boone’s exploration of the Appalachian Mountains of the Colonial American frontier played an important, historical role in early day Pt. Pleasant in modern day West Virginia. He is celebrated for his contributions to our country.

Tune in to The History Project podcast to learn more about this great American pioneer and other famous people, places and events that shaped West Virginia.

Watch now:

https://www.youtube.com/watch?si=yYgGyq0FUvrD_npK&v=DZ56SUkkeuk&feature=youtu.be

#3 – From GENERATION WV – Seventy-seven percent of employers reported difficulty finding skilled talent in a 2023 survey, a trend that has spiked since 2020.

But is the US experiencing a labor shortage? According to research led by the workforce development non-profit Opportunity@Work, a wealth of skilled talent is available, but many employers aren’t aware of this hidden pool.

One way to address this opportunity gap is to develop effective job descriptions. A well-crafted job description not only helps you attract top talent but also ensures that the candidates applying for the position align with your organization’s needs and values. 

Generation West Virginia offers resources and support to help businesses connect with top talent in the Mountain State. Learn more about how their Generational Talent Search program can help you find the perfect candidate for your job.

Read more:

https://generationwv.org/tips-and-best-practices-for-creating-a-job-posting-that-attracts-qualified-talent/

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.

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

Today is Tuesday, Feb. 18, 2025.

Strategic location and a skilled workforce are part of why automotive manufacturer Highline Warren says #YesWV…the New River Gorge’s Tunney Hunsaker Bridge gets a makeover…and a vintage Wurlitzer organ brings new life to Bluefield’s historic Grenada Theater…on today’s daily304.

#1 – From WVDED – Highline Warren has established itself as a key player in the automotive aftermarket industry, known as a leading distributor with integrated manufacturing and unmatched access to the market. The company offers an expansive selection of national brands, OEM replacement products, and private-label goods. 

One of the driving forces behind Highline Warren’s success is its strategic presence in Glen Dale, West Virginia. Because the state is within a day’s drive of 50% of the U.S. population and a third of the Canadian market, this logistical advantage ensures that customers receive their products quickly and efficiently.

West Virginia’s skilled workforce brings dedication and expertise, contributing to the company’s ability to meet high industry standards and maintain a consistent supply of top-tier automotive products. 

Check out the video to learn more about why Highline Warren says #YesWV.

Watch now:

https://westvirginia.gov/highline-warren-driving-success-in-yeswv/

#2 – From THE REAL WV – Far down in the New River Gorge, in the shadow of the towering New River Gorge Bridge, a West Virginia Division of Highways bridge crew is painstakingly replacing the wooden deck of the historic Tunney Hunsaker Bridge.

Built in 1889, the Tunney Hunsaker Bridge was the first bridge across the New River in the New River Gorge, connecting the mining towns of Fayette and South Fayette.

When the New River Gorge Bridge opened in 1977, the modest span at the bottom of the gorge was closed to vehicular traffic. But the increase in tourism to the area led to the small span being rebuilt in 1997 and reopened to traffic. 

In 1998, the bridge was renamed in honor of Tunney Hunsaker, longtime Fayetteville police chief and a former professional boxer who was matched up against Muhammad Ali in Ali’s first professional boxing match. Ali and Hunsaker remained friends over the years, and Ali came to Fayetteville in 1997 for Hunsaker’s retirement celebration.

Work on the bridge is expected to be finished by the end of March.

Read more:

https://therealwv.com/2025/02/11/wvdoh-work-crews-redecking-the-historic-tunney-hunsaker-bridge/

#3 – From WV LIVING – On a Saturday evening last April, downtown Bluefield stirred with excitement surrounding an unlikely source: Buster Keaton’s 1926 silent film The General. 

As the movie played, the walls of the historic Granada Theater reverberated with the musical narrations of a 1920s Wurlitzer organ. The occasion represented a homecoming for the instrument, a century after its first installation. The journey represents the spirit of Bluefield, determined to prove that her best days are ahead.

The Granada Theater opened in 1928, initially showing silent films grandly accompanied by organ. However, by the late ’70s, the theater had closed, and the organ was sold to a private buyer. 

In 2012, the Bluefield Arts and Revitalization Corporation set its sights on restoring the Granada, including the original Wurlitzer organ. The theater reopened its doors in 2019. The newly restored organ made its debut in April 2024.

The ripple effect on the surrounding neighborhood became apparent as restaurants and businesses began to revitalize the downtown.

“Bringing this back has brought hope to the community,” Program Director and House Manager Tim Smith said. 

Read more:

https://wvliving.com/bluefields-historic-granada-theater-is-whole-again/

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.

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

Today is Tuesday, Feb. 18, 2025.

Strategic location and a skilled workforce are part of why automotive manufacturer Highline Warren says #YesWV…the New River Gorge’s Tunney Hunsaker Bridge gets a makeover…and a vintage Wurlitzer organ brings new life to Bluefield’s historic Grenada Theater…on today’s daily304.

#1 – From WVDED – Highline Warren has established itself as a key player in the automotive aftermarket industry, known as a leading distributor with integrated manufacturing and unmatched access to the market. The company offers an expansive selection of national brands, OEM replacement products, and private-label goods. 

One of the driving forces behind Highline Warren’s success is its strategic presence in Glen Dale, West Virginia. Because the state is within a day’s drive of 50% of the U.S. population and a third of the Canadian market, this logistical advantage ensures that customers receive their products quickly and efficiently.

West Virginia’s skilled workforce brings dedication and expertise, contributing to the company’s ability to meet high industry standards and maintain a consistent supply of top-tier automotive products. 

Check out the video to learn more about why Highline Warren says #YesWV.

Watch now:

https://westvirginia.gov/highline-warren-driving-success-in-yeswv/

#2 – From SOURCE – Far down in the New River Gorge, in the shadow of the towering New River Gorge Bridge, a West Virginia Division of Highways bridge crew is painstakingly replacing the wooden deck of the historic Tunney Hunsaker Bridge.

Built in 1889, the Tunney Hunsaker Bridge was the first bridge across the New River in the New River Gorge, connecting the mining towns of Fayette and South Fayette.

When the New River Gorge Bridge opened in 1977, the modest span at the bottom of the gorge was closed to vehicular traffic. But the increase in tourism to the area led to the small span being rebuilt in 1997 and reopened to traffic. 

In 1998, the bridge was renamed in honor of Tunney Hunsaker, longtime Fayetteville police chief and a former professional boxer who was matched up against Muhammad Ali in Ali’s first professional boxing match. Ali and Hunsaker remained friends over the years, and Ali came to Fayetteville in 1997 for Hunsaker’s retirement celebration.

Work on the bridge is expected to be finished by the end of March.

Read more:

https://therealwv.com/2025/02/11/wvdoh-work-crews-redecking-the-historic-tunney-hunsaker-bridge/

#3 – From WV LIVING – On a Saturday evening last April, downtown Bluefield stirred with excitement surrounding an unlikely source: Buster Keaton’s 1926 silent film The General. 

As the movie played, the walls of the historic Granada Theater reverberated with the musical narrations of a 1920s Wurlitzer organ. The occasion represented a homecoming for the instrument, a century after its first installation. The journey represents the spirit of Bluefield, determined to prove that her best days are ahead.

The Granada Theater opened in 1928, initially showing silent films grandly accompanied by organ. However, by the late ’70s, the theater had closed, and the organ was sold to a private buyer. 

In 2012, the Bluefield Arts and Revitalization Corporation set its sights on restoring the Granada, including the original Wurlitzer organ. The theater reopened its doors in 2019. The newly restored organ made its debut in April 2024.

The ripple effect on the surrounding neighborhood became apparent as restaurants and businesses began to revitalize the downtown.

“Bringing this back has brought hope to the community,” Program Director and House Manager Tim Smith said. 

Read more:

https://wvliving.com/bluefields-historic-granada-theater-is-whole-again/

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.

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

Today is Monday, Feb. 17, 2025.

Morgantown native Emily Calandrelli shares a video of her historic flight into space…coming up in March, the West Virginia Science and Engineering Fair showcases the work of creative and resourceful students…and learn about the New River Gorge hotel that hosted the world’s longest continuous poker game (14 years!)...on today’s daily304.

#1 – From WBOY-TV – The Morgantown native who became the 100th woman to go to space back in November has shared the never-before-seen video of her space flight.

Emily Calandrelli, a West Virginia University and MIT educated engineer known for her education shows like “Xploration Outer Space” and “Emily’s Wonder Lab,” has released a video sharing everything that happened on her flight from Blue Origin’s West Texas spaceport.

The 16-minute video, which can be watched on Calandrelli’s YouTube page, includes details from her astronaut training, some of the unique things she did to make the flight special for herself, women, kids and West Virginia, and her full reaction to experiencing weightlessness and seeing Earth from space.

Calandrelli also raised more than $30,000 for West Virginia foster youth via a fundraiser involving a flash drive she carried into space loaded with nearly 10,000 hopes and dreams of West Virginia children.

Read more:

https://www.wboy.com/news/monongalia/west-virginia-woman-shares-full-video-of-trip-to-space-how-to-watch/

#2 – From THE REAL WV – The West Virginia Science and Engineering Fair takes place March 10 at the Charleston Coliseum and Convention Center. 

The fair provides opportunities for students to ask questions about their world and discover how the world works. It also allows students to be creative and resourceful as they contemplate problems to solve in the real world. 

It also acts as an entry point for West Virginia high school students to qualify for the Regeneron International Science and Engineering Fair. Middle school students can qualify for the Thermo Fisher Scientific Junior Innovators Challenge and the Lemelson Early Inventor Prize.

For more information, including lodging information, previous year’s winners and how to register, visit wvde.us.

Read more:

https://therealwv.com/2025/02/11/science-and-engineering-fair-scheduled-for-march-10-at-charleston-coliseum/

#3 – From WBOY-TV –  A now near-ghost town in West Virginia was once the home of a lavish hotel, known as a “historic spot for trouble,” that hosted a continuous poker game that lasted more than a decade.

Located just outside of Thurmond, the Dun Glen Hotel was infamous in the early 1900s. The New River Gorge Convention and Visitor’s Bureau describes it as an “upscale den of sin” where “alcohol flowed freely and gambling was the pastime of choice.” 

The hotel bars stayed open 24/7, allowing for crazy parties and lengthy poker games—the longest ever being 14 years, according to Ripley’s Believe it or Not and the Guinness Book of World Records.

While the hotel is long gone, the land where it was housed is now controlled by the National Park Service.

Read more:

https://www.wboy.com/news/west-virginia/the-longest-poker-game-ever-was-played-at-a-historic-west-virginia-hotel/

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.

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

Today is Sunday, Feb. 16, 2025.

Look! Up in the sky! It’s a bird, it’s a plane, it’s…Mothman! The History Project explores West Virginia’s mysterious cryptids…West Virginia’s own Custard Stand Chili earns a spot in a Super Bowl commercial…and WV Film Office officials discuss how the state is positioning itself to be an attractive destination for filmmakers…on today’s daily304.

#1 – From THE DAILY304 – From Point Pleasant’s Mothman, who was made famous in the movies, to Pendleton County’s Bat Boy, who was made famous by tabloids, West Virginia embraces its weird and wonderful beasts, even if they have to be nurtured by our imaginations.

Learn more about the Mountain State’s cryptids on The History Project, the daily304’s presentation of famous people, places and events that shaped West Virginia.

Read more:

https://www.youtube.com/watch?si=BFYoUCJ_Bjk7YHpB&v=zoWg6H0hbPQ&feature=youtu.be

#2 – From WV NEWS – As a family-run, woman-owned business, Custard Stand Chili has earned national recognition, previously appearing on ABC’s “Shark Tank” and receiving accolades such as West Virginia’s Small Business Woman of the Year award. Now, its inclusion in a high-profile Super Bowl campaign further cements its place as a standout in the state's small business community.

The Webster Springs-based company is one of 50 small businesses featured in Google’s campaign, which aims to highlight local businesses across the country. The 30-second Google Gemini ad, aired during the 2025 Super Bowl, showcases Custard Stand Chili’s storefront, employees, and the product that has become a staple in homes and restaurants throughout the region. The ad emphasizes the chili’s deep connection to West Virginia, celebrating its rich culinary tradition.

Read more:

https://www.wvnews.com/news/wvnews/west-virginia-s-custard-stand-chili-spotlighted-in-google-s-2025-national-campaign/article_ab7912b0-e492-11ef-9dd0-9b43bfca8ce8.html?es_id=539c300ffa

#3 – From WRAPBOOK – Tune into the “On Production” podcast as we explore West Virginia’s emerging film industry with David and Megan from the West Virginia Development Office and Film Office. These industry leaders discuss how the state is positioning itself as an attractive destination for filmmakers through comprehensive support programs and competitive incentives.

The enlightening discussion highlights the unexpected opportunities and resources available to filmmakers in the Mountain State, where traditional hospitality meets modern film infrastructure.

Watch now:

https://www.wrapbook.com/on-production-podcast/from-tax-incentives-to-stunning-locations-why-west-virginia-is-ready-for-your-next-shoot?es_id=6f6d41c097

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

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

Today is Saturday, Feb. 15, 2025.

Apprenticeship programs give local women a head start on manufacturing careers…a Premium Guard distribution hub is coming to Weirton and creating 100 jobs…and Morgantown’s NextGen Federal Systems is making waves in the defense technology industry…on today’s daily304.

#1 – From MAMC – Less than a year ago, Tamara Shinn of Sissonville was struggling to figure out what to do with her life. The mother of a high schooler and two adult children had worked a series of relatively low-paying jobs and was searching for something better.

She heard about a program called the Step Up for Women Advanced Manufacturing Pre-Apprenticeship and decided to enroll. Presented by West Virginia Women Work in partnership with the Marshall Advanced Manufacturing Center, the free 10-week Step Up program prepares women for entry-level jobs as machinists.

Shinn and her classmate Gwynna Midkiff already are working in the industry, serving paid internships at Industrial Bolting Technologies in Charleston, where they operate computer-numerical-controlled machines similar to those at MAMC. 

Read more:

https://www.mfg.marshall.edu/step-up-grads-working-toward-degrees-employed-as-machinists/

#2 – From WEIRTON DAILY TIMES – Less than a year after the closure of the rue21 distribution center in Weirton, a new business will be setting up shop in the building the clothing retailer once called home.

The Business Development Corp. of the Northern Panhandle has announced that the Memphis-based company Premium Guard Inc. will be locating a distribution operation in Weirton as part of a corporate expansion, moving into the building at 491 Park Drive, and creating 100 jobs.

BDC Executive Director Anthony Clements said the announcement represents a $3 million investment from the company, with plans to begin operations in July.

Founded in 1996, Premium Guard specializes in manufacturing after-market oil, air, fuel and transmission filters for automobiles.

Read more:

https://www.weirtondailytimes.com/news/local-news/2025/02/premium-guard-to-open-distribution-hub-in-weirton/

#3 – From VERTX PARTNERS – In the rolling hills of Morgantown, a company called NextGen Federal Systems is quietly making waves in the defense technology industry.

NextGen develops modern IT and software solutions tailored to military defense and national security programs. Focusing on cutting-edge technologies like machine learning and artificial intelligence, NextGen is advancing the U.S. military’s capabilities and proving that groundbreaking innovation isn’t limited to Silicon Valley or the nation’s capital – it’s thriving right here in Appalachia.

While NextGen’s expertise can’t be overstated, the guidance and resources provided by the Academic Partnership Engagement Experiment program and, in turn, Vertx Partners, have enabled this small business to overcome the daunting challenges of federal contracting and secure a pivotal Phase III Small Business Innovation Research (SBIR) contract.

Read more:

https://vertxpartners.org/nextgen-success-story/

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.

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

Today is Friday, Feb. 14, 2025.

As spring gobbler season approaches, the WVDNR offers some handy tips for hunters… West Virginia’s anthem, “Take Me Home, Country Roads” unites fans of both teams at Sunday’s Super Bowl…and the BUILD WV Act aims to attract new housing to growing commuinities…on today’s daily304.

#1 – From WVDNR – West Virginia’s spring gobbler season kicks off with a two-day youth season on April 19–20. Then on April 21, the regular season opens statewide and gives hunters five weeks to test their skills and enjoy the thrill of the hunt. 

As you count down the days to this exciting season, make sure you understand the latest regulations and inspect your gear to make sure everything is working properly. The West Virginia Division of Natural Resources offers a few tips to help you get ready for a successful spring gobbler season.

Read more:

https://wvdnr.gov/wv-spring-gobbler-season-guide-2025/

#2 – From METRO NEWS – “Take Me Home, Country Roads” are the lyrics now getting the attention from hundreds of millions of viewers who happened to be watching the commercials in the first half of Sunday night’s Super Bowl.

A Rocket Mortgage advertisement featuring West Virginia’s famous, unofficial song, “Country Roads,” may have not been specifically designed to promote the state during Super Bowl 59, but officials are saying that it definitely helped shed a positive light on it amid the state’s growing tourism industry and its goal for more population growth.

Tourism Secretary Chelsea Ruby said it was the best free advertising they could ask for.

When the broadcast returned to the game with the Kansas City Chiefs and the Philadelphia Eagles at Caesars Superdome in New Orleans, over 65,000 fans had broken out into a live rendition of the song.

“It was absolutely incredible, no matter which team you were cheering for, I think all of us can agree that West Virginia was the big winner of the night,” Ruby said.

Read more:

https://wvmetronews.com/2025/02/10/country-roads-song-brings-west-virginia-into-the-spotlight-during-sundays-super-bowl/

#3 – From WVDED – West Virginia is one of the fastest growing in-bound states, and the demand for new, residential properties has never been higher.

The BUILD WV Act aims to assist West Virginia’s growing communities in attracting much-needed housing development projects. The credit offers a State Sales and Use Tax exemption for building materials and a 10-year property value adjustment refundable tax credit to offset building costs. 

If you are interested in learning more or discovering if your project may be eligible, contact the West Virginia Department of Economic Development.

Read more:

https://westvirginia.gov/build-wv-act/

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.

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

Today is Thursday, Feb. 13, 2025.

Tune in to the Mountain State Music livestream and enjoy a free .concert from your couch…learn why entrepreneurship-led economic development enhances cities…and registration is open for summer high adventure camps at The Summit Bechtel Reserve…on today’s daily304.

#1 – From DAILY304 – The daily304 and Folklore Music Exchange are proud to present Mountain State Music from the Folklore Stage in Charleston, Almost Heaven, West Virginia. 

This week’s guests include William Matheny and Darrin Hacquard. Check out the livestream on our YouTube channel. It’s a concert from your couch! Sit back, relax, and enjoy LIVE music from West Virginia.

Watch the video:

https://www.youtube.com/live/6BOvA6B7vJc?si=1OsZFVvSvtxJgLt7

#2 – From WV BUSINESSLINK –  Entrepreneurial ecosystems are places characterized by inclusive environments which support connections, creativity, innovation, and new thinking about old problems.

The benefits of entrepreneurship-led economic development are profound. Entrepreneurship, for example, builds local wealth—not just for a few people—but for individuals from all socioeconomic backgrounds. 

In communities where ecosystems are supported there are more overall businesses, which diversifies and insulates the economy from economic flux by reducing single-sector reliance. 

Join an elite number of individuals across the United States who are leading in entrepreneurship-led economic development. Earn your Entrepreneurship Development Professional Certification (EDP) from IEDC. 

Learn more:

https://wvbusinesslink.com/2025/01/10/why-entrepreneurship-led-economic-development/

#3 – From THE SUMMIT BSA – The Summit Experience is the premier onsite high-adventure program of the Summit Bechtel Reserve in Mount Hope, just a stone’s throw from the New River Gorge National Park and Preserve. 

Scouts and Venturers aged 13 or older are invited for a week of adventure, challenge, and growth in wild and wonderful southern West Virginia. An array of programs offers something different each day, including climbing, rappelling and zip lining, mountain biking and more, archery, whitewater rafting and more.

Learn more:

https://www.summitbsa.org/high-adventure/summit-experience/?

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.