Welcome to the daily304 – your window into Wonderful, Almost Heaven, West Virginia.  Today is Wednesday, Sept. 6
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West Virginia state park restaurants get a big boost from the Vagabond Chef ... a summer activity at Seneca Rocks has visitors looking down instead of up ... and Form Energy’s $760 million battery plant looks to revitalize the Northern Panhandle ... on today’s Daily304.

#1 – From WV EXPLORER – Restaurants at state parks across West Virginia will begin sourcing local ingredients and refreshing their menus with native flair, thanks to the enlistment of a groundbreaking chef known for his exploration of native cuisine.
Known widely as the “Vagabond Chef” and frequently seen on a motorcycle as he travels the state in search of native-food experiences, Matt Welsch has been enlisted to re-imagine the menus at West Virginia parks.

Welsch's passion for culinary artistry and commitment to West Virginia's rich flavors have made him a prominent figure in the industry. Born and raised in Marshall County, he developed wanderlust early, leading him to travel globally. In 2014, he returned to his native West Virginia to found the Vagabond Kitchen, his Wheeling-based restaurant.

“Chef Matt's unparalleled talent and engaging personality align perfectly with our vision to elevate the dining experiences in our state parks," Deputy-Chief of Parks Paul Redford.said. “I believe his contributions will undoubtedly add an extra sparkle to our restaurants.”

Read more:
https://wvexplorer.com/2023/08/30/west-virginia-state-park-restaurants-matt-welsch-vagabond-chef/
    
 #2 – From GAZETTE-MAIL – With blade-like Tuscarora sandstone cliffs jutting 900 feet into the Pendleton County sky, the Monongahela National Forest’s Seneca Rocks has long prompted visitors to look up while spending time at the iconic West Virginia landmark.

But this summer, the U.S. Forest Service has given visitors a good reason to look down — and become fully immersed in the experience.

Seneca Rocks Discovery Center has been hosting free snorkeling sessions in the North Fork of the Potomac River’s South Branch, which flows past the base of the site’s namesake.

The program is designed to help participants get a more in-depth understanding of the importance of clean water and healthy streams as they get close-up views of fish, crawfish, and other forms of aquatic life.

Mary Ann Nash and her sister Janet Donnelly said they wanted to try it out after having been snorkeling on their Alaskan cruise.
“We saw more fish here and we loved seeing how the rock formation looked underwater,” Nash said.

Read more:
https://www.wvgazettemail.com/news/seneca-rocks-gives-visitors-a-new-full-immersion-nature-experien ce/article_132b94d0-293b-59fb-85f3-6a1c4098896c.html

#3 – From WV CHAMBER – For decades, Weirton Steel was the state’s largest employer. While that era has ended, Form Energy’s $760 million battery factory is bringing hope and jobs to the Northern Panhandle.

Read the story in Chamber, the official magazine of the West Virginia Chamber of Commerce.

Read more:
https://digitaleditions.walsworth.com/publication/?m=62191&i=799142&p=8&ver=html5

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.

Since West Virginia developed first as part of Virginia, many of its county names come from the mother state’s politics, but after its separation, the names diverge into the new state’s history. Learn more about which kinds of politicians have the most counties named for them, which individual gave us two county names, and which is the only county named for a woman. 

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

Today is Tuesday, Sept. 5 

Get set to watch the U.S. Men’s Volleyball Team compete in the capital city…Marion County’s geocache water and rail trail is just one of many fun outdoor activities you can get in on while the weather’s still warm…and take a sneak peek at Jennifer Garner’s new movie (hint: “13 Going on 30” fans will like it!)...on today’s Daily304.

#1 – From WV LIVING – Get your red, white and blue ready to cheer on the U.S. Men’s Volleyball National Team this fall! The team is set to compete in the 2023 NORCECA Men’s Continental Volleyball Championship today (Sept. 5) through Sept. 10 at Charleston Coliseum. 

The U.S. Men’s team will play against Canada, Cuba, the Dominican Republic, Guatemala, Mexico, Puerto Rico, and Trinidad & Tobago.

This tournament is the last one for the U.S. Men’s team until they participate in the qualifier for the 2024 Summer Olympic Games. If they qualify, the team will play in Paris during the summer games that are scheduled to run from July 26 to August 11, 2024.

Tickets for the Charleston event may be purchased online on Ticketmaster or at the Charleston Coliseum box office.

Read more:

https://wvliving.com/champions-in-charleston/

#2 – From WV NEWS –  With only a few weeks left of summer, Marion County officials are encouraging people to step outside and see all the county has to offer while the weather is still nice and warm.

“There is still lots of summer left in summer,” said Marion County Convention and Visitors Bureau Executive Director Leisha Elliott. “There are concerts at Palatine Park. We’ve got Traditional Music Day coming up at Pricketts Fort, as well as other activities there.

“We have another Hometown Market coming up in September. There are lots of activities that the family can get out and enjoy as far as entertainment, as well as the rail-trails, disc golf and hiking at Valley Falls State Park.”

The CVB combined three popular outdoor activities this summer with a kayaking and rail/trail-based geocaching trail.

The 32-cache “Fairmont Land or Aquatic Trail” (F.L.O.A.T.) starts in downtown Fairmont, where geocachers can either kayak nearly eight miles along the river to find 23 caches or get on the rail-trail to find eight additional caches. Both trails end at Pricketts Fort State Park, where an additional “bonus” cache is available to find.

Looking for additional fun-filled activities? Check out www.wvtourism.com or www.wvstateparks.com to plan your Almost Heaven adventure.

Read more:

https://www.wvnews.com/marion-co-west-virginia-officials-encourage-outdoor-activity-during-last-month-of-summer/article_22527ce0-459e-11ee-88d1-97abf4c87966.html

#3 – From IN STYLE – After taking on a darker role in her Apple TV+ series “The Last Thing He Told Me,” West Virginia expat Jennifer Garner is firmly back in the world of comedy. Her next flick is set to be Netflix’s “Family Switch,” which involves body switching, so it’s only natural that there are a few nods to “13 Going on 30.”

“We overtly mention ‘13 Going on 30’,” director McG said. “There's a meta sort of runner in the movie because I like showing the audience that kind of respect. We get it, we get it.”

The movie will see Garner finding herself in the body of her teenage daughter, played by “Wednesday” star Emma Myers. The film also stars Ed Helms from “The Office” and everyone's favorite, Rita Moreno. Garner’s character isn't the only person switching bodies, everyone in the family gets in on the action, including the dog.

Garner was born in Houston, Texas, but moved to Charleston, West Virginia at age three. She is a graduate of George Washington High School.

Read more:

https://www.instyle.com/jennifer-garner-netflix-family-switch-13-going-on-30-easter-eggs-7866801

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, Sept. 4 

A Kanawha library’s new nutritional literacy initiative honors Chef Otis Laury…WVU and Marshall team up for First Ascent -- a program to encourage graduates to remain in the state…and, want to see Tyler Childers? Single-day tickets are now available for the Healing Appalachia fundraiser…on today’s daily304.

#1 – From THE GAZETTE-MAIL –  A few years ago, as word began to spread about just who had moved into the house on the corner, Will Ellis hopped off the school bus, spotted his new South Hills neighbor working in the yard and promptly seized the moment.

“I asked if I could help him in the garden in exchange for some cooking lessons,” said Ellis, now 14 and an incoming freshman at George Washington High School.

The man next door is Otis Laury, West Virginia’s unofficial chef to the stars, who’s served as executive chef under three governors here and has catered parties for some of the region’s most prominent families for decades.

It was a win-win for both: Ellis points to dozens of photos of sophisticated dishes he’s learned to prepare, and Laury’s garden is a work of art. 

The Kanawha Valley is also set to pick up a win: The main branch of the county’s Public Library is poised to open its Otis Laury Center this fall, a nutritional literacy initiative with books, resources, recipes, and -- perhaps best of all -- an area for culinary lessons, presentations and demos by some of the best chefs around. Including Otis himself.

Read more:

https://www.wvgazettemail.com/life/food_and_dining/from-forbidden-to-forever-new-kanawha-library-center-to-honor-otis-laury/article_5c7d084c-e97a-51f7-aef3-18fe2d095c28.html

#2 – From METRO NEWS –  Leaders of West Virginia University and Marshall University have teamed up to introduce a new initiative designed to keep West Virginia college graduates working and prospering here in the Mountain State.

The new initiative is called First Ascent and is built on the foundation of Ascend WV, said Danny Twilley, WVU’s assistant vice president of economic, community and asset development for the Brad and Alys Smith Outdoor Economic Development Collaborative, which is tied to Ascend WV.

First Ascent provides multiple pathways for 1,000 WVU and Marshall graduates to stay here and work remotely, work a hybrid format, or start or expand a business, he said. They can live in one of six locations: the five Ascend WV locales – greater Morgantown, Greenbrier Valley, the Eastern Panhandle, greater Elkins or the New River Gorge — or in the Huntington area close to Marshall.

The program offers success coaching, mentorship, networking, an outdoor recreation package, co-working spaces, organized social activities and support for those who want to start or scale a business.

Its estimated 1,000 participants could have a $317 million economic impact and create 941 new jobs.

Read more:

https://wvmetronews.com/2023/08/30/university-leaders-want-more-college-graduates-staying-in-the-mountain-state-for-work/

#3 – From WBOY-TV – If you were overwhelmed by the price of three-day tickets for the Healing Appalachia fundraising concert happening in Lewisburg, the single-day tickets are now available.

Tickets for the full event, which includes entry for Thursday, Sept. 21 through Saturday, Sept. 23 and a camping pass, are $174 each. But if you just want to see certain acts, you can now buy tickets for just one day.

Thursday’s headliner is Jason Isbell and the 400 Unit. Friday features Gov’t Mule. And Saturday features Tyler Childers.

Tickets for Thursday and Friday’s shows are now available for $60 plus fees, and tickets for Saturday’s show are available for $90 plus fees. Camping passes for each day are also available.

For detail, visit Healing Appalachia on Facebook.

Read more:

https://www.wboy.com/news/west-virginia/single-day-tickets-for-west-virginias-healing-appalachia-concert-featuring-tyler-childers-now-on-sale/

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, Sept. 3 

GreenPower Motor Company revolutionizes the Type A school bus…15 counties are added to West Virginia’s Communities in Schools program… and swing into an unforgettable musical adventure when the Spider-man concert experience comes to Charleston…on today’s daily304.

#1 – From SCHOOL BUS FLEET –  Some manufacturers of the Type A school bus -- workhorse of the special-needs transportation system -- have struggled to meet production demand due to shortages of the chassis used to build the buses. 

Fraser Atkinson, CEO of GreenPower Motor Company, noted that his company hasn’t been directly affected by the chassis shortage when it comes to production of the Type A Nano BEAST, because it is built on GreenPower’s EV Star Cab and chassis, making them their own chassis supplier.

“What sets GreenPower apart is that all of our vehicles are purpose-built to be battery-powered with zero-emissions,” Atkinson said. 

GreenPower Motor Co. operates a manufacturing facility in South Charleston.

“We constantly look for new technologies and ways to improve our vehicles for our customers,” he said. “Most recently, we deployed a version of the Nano BEAST that serves the needs of special education students and children with disabilities by including wheelchair lifts and securements while featuring a flat floor to ensure excellent accessibility.”

Read more:

https://www.schoolbusfleet.com/10205313/revolutionizing-the-ride-a-closer-look-at-innovating-type-a-school-buses 

#2 – From WOAY-TV – Schools in 15 new counties are being added to West Virginia’s Communities in Schools program.

Communities in Schools build community partnerships and bring resources into schools to prevent student dropout and increase graduation rates, according to State Superintendent of Schools Michele L. Blatt.

“Communities In Schools has had a life-changing impact on thousands of students in our state,” Blatt said. “The relationships between site coordinators, schools, students, and families are at the core of this success. These students need support and structures that help them recover from setbacks and regain the confidence to believe they can do great things. Communities in Schools is essential to opening options and pathways for those needing hope and a vision for their future.”

The new counties are Barbour, Boone, Cabell, Doddridge, Hancock, Jefferson, Marion, Mason, Mineral, Monongalia, Ohio, Pocahontas, Putnam, Roane, Tucker, Tyler, Wetzel, Wirt, and Wood.

Read more:

https://woay.com/schools-in-15-new-counties-added-to-communities-in-schools-program/

#3 – From LOOT PRESS –  Dive into the Spider-Verse with the incredible Sinfonietta Orchestra and live DJ experience in the “Spider-Man: Into the Spider-Verse” concert experience.

The show comes to the Municipal Auditorium in Charleston on Friday, Oct. 25.

Featuring a soundtrack that blends symphonic orchestral music with hip-hop, the event pairs a screening of the Academy Award®-winning animated film with live musicians and turntables featuring a DJ scratcher live on stage.

Tickets can be purchased online here.

Read more:

https://www.lootpress.com/spider-man-concert-experience-coming-to-west-virginia/

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, Sept. 2 

What’s the most Instagrammable spot in West Virginia? Here’s a hint: It’s a big, beautiful rock formation…WVDNR workshops provide mentorship for women to learn outdoor skills…and learn how to turn business failures into opportunities…on today’s daily304.

#1 – From WOWK-TV – Looking for a place to take that perfect Instagram photo? How about #SenecaRocks?

According to tourism company Florida Panhandle, more people are sharing and promoting photos from this famous rock formation in Pendleton County than any other place in the state.

It’s not surprising either. Seneca Rocks has two gorgeous views—one from the bottom of the rocks and one from the top. Although drivers must take a windy road to get there, the rock itself is visible from the road and is fairly accessible.

The Seneca Rocks Trail to the rock’s overlook is 3.6 miles out-and-back and considered moderate, according to All Trails, but it is well maintained, wide and has several benches where people can rest along the route. And the view from the top is stunning! 

Read more:

https://www.wowktv.com/news/west-virginia/this-is-the-most-instagrammable-place-in-west-virginia/

#2 – From GAZETTE-MAIL –  Several years ago, a report came out that caused the hunting, fishing, shooting and outdoor industry to stand up and take notice.

The report was drafted by Southwick Associates, the expert in its field. It is a research and trends firm with a specialty in the hunting, fishing, target shooting, conservation and firearms sectors, established in 1990.

In short, the report stated that in the past decade, the number of women owning firearms and participating in target shooting and hunting has soared. That’s thanks in part to mentoring programs like Becoming an Outdoors Woman.

Sponsored by the West Virginia Division of Natural Resources, these weekend workshops are designed to introduce women to a variety of hunting, fishing, and other outdoor related activities. 

This year’s event takes place at Canaan Valley Resort State Park on Sept. 22-24. Spots fill up fast! Register online at www.wvdnr.gov/programs-publications/becoming-an-outdoor-woman.

Read more:

https://www.wvgazettemail.com/outdoors/chris-ellis-becoming-an-outdoors-woman-programs-vital/article_17288844-d3d7-5323-9553-88dc89b7be93.html?utm_source=wvgazettemail.com&utm_campaign=%2Fnewsletters%2Foutdoors%2F%3F-dc%3D1693065610&utm_medium=email&utm_content=headline

#3 – From 3 STEPS 2 STARTUP –  Ride the Wind Day, celebrated annually on August 23rd, encourages us to embrace the idea of letting go and allowing life’s currents to guide us. It’s a reminder to find tranquility amid uncertainty and to focus on what we can control while letting go of the things beyond our influence. 

That mindset also applies to the business world. By adopting a proactive mindset, focusing on innovation, and continuously upgrading their skills, entrepreneurs can not only overcome uncertainty but also turn it into a catalyst for growth and success. 

Embracing failure as a learning opportunity fosters resilience and adaptability, essential traits for weathering uncertainties. Developing a well-defined business plan with clear objectives and contingency measures provides a roadmap to navigate through unpredictable situations. Flexibility and willingness to pivot their strategies when necessary are also key traits of successful entrepreneurs.

Working with 3 Steps to Startup and WVCAP (West Virginia Capital Access Program) can be your guiding compass to navigate your startup through uncertain times. The entrepreneurial journey is often filled with unpredictable winds, and these dynamic initiatives provide invaluable resources and support to help your business thrive. 

Read more:

https://3steps2startup.com/2023/08/08/embrace-ride-the-wind-day-overcoming-entrepreneurial-uncertainty/

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.

The daily304 and Folklore Music Exchange are proud to present our second Mountain State Music Concert from the Folklore Stage in Charleston, Almost Heaven, West Virginia. This week's guests include Minor Swing and TMMT! It's a concert from your couch! Sit back, relax and enjoy LIVE music from West Virginia.

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

Today is Friday, Sept. 1 

A new food packaging facility in Berkeley County will create more than 600 jobs…WVDEP seeks volunteers for the Great Kanawha River Cleanup…and a new nonprofit seeks to diversify the economy through the art of filmmaking…on today’s daily304.

#1 – From WV GOVERNOR –  Gov. Jim Justice has announced a pioneering joint venture between Klarpet of Turkey and Triton International Enterprises of the USA to develop a state-of-the-art food packaging facility in Berkeley County.

The $50 million Treplar investment is projected to result in more than 600 high-paying jobs at the conclusion of its expansion.

“I am excited to announce this state-of-the-art project and outstanding economic development investment into our state by Treplar,”  Justice said. “The company's investment in our state and their innovative food packaging production facility is tremendous, and I wish them utmost success in West Virginia. I'm honored to add Treplar to our growing list of companies that recognize West Virginia is the best place to raise a family and build a business.”

Treplar is currently testing a new generation of food packaging material that is 100% home compostable. With its state-of-the-art facility, innovative technology, and focus on sustainability, Treplar's next phase, set to launch later this year, promises to be a game-changer in the food packaging industry. 

Read more:

https://governor.wv.gov/Pages/default.aspx

#2 – From THE GAZETTE-MAIL –  The West Virginia Department of Environmental Protection is seeking volunteers for its 33rd annual Great Kanawha River Cleanup. The event is planned for 9 a.m. until noon on Saturday, Sept. 9.

Cleanup sites include Winfield Beach, St. Albans Roadside Park, the South Charleston boat ramp, and Kanawha Falls at Glen Ferris. Other cleanup sites could be added as the day of the event nears.

The WVDEP’s Rehabilitation Environmental Action Plan will supply bags and gloves for volunteers and will arrange for trash to be hauled away. All volunteers will receive a T-shirt. 

To volunteer or suggest an additional cleanup location, contact the WVDEP’s Chris Cartwright at 304-389-8389 or [email protected].

Read more:

https://www.wvgazettemail.com/news/volunteers-needed-for-wvdeps-great-kanawha-river-clean-up-on-sept-9/article_86eace94-4afa-500e-9d7b-821071dfc1a4.html

#3 – From THE GAZETTE-MAIL – In the picturesque landscapes of the Appalachian Region, a new, nonprofit organization is on a mission to empower underserved communities and foster economic diversification through the art of filmmaking.

Film Futures Foundation is determined to break barriers and provide access to filmmaking resources, education, and opportunities, unlocking the potential of Appalachia’s untapped talent and creativity.

Founded by Justin Williams and Ashley Stinnett, “FFF is committed to creating a lasting impact on the lives of individuals in the Appalachian communities,” Stinnett says. “Our goal is to empower the people to tell their own stories and showcase their unique perspectives to the world.”

The nonprofit is offering two free workshops in October and November to train people in basic introductory grip and lighting skill sets. 

For more information, visit www.filmfuturesfoundation.com.

Read more:

https://www.wvgazettemail.com/dailymailwv/daily_mail_features/film-futures-foundation-paves-way-for-economic-diversification-through-state-made-cinema/article_34081d77-9cfc-56e6-8233-41c76615f60c.html

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.

In this episode of Innovators and Entrepreneurs, we talk to Matt Browning, Co-owner at Plot Twist Books in South Charleston, WV. He and his team have turned their passion for books into a venue unlike anything else you can experience in the state.

“I have been a fan of independent bookstores for as long as I can remember. You gotta be a little innovative when opening any business, but especially a book and mortar book shop. Tony Award winner Dinah Manoff joined us for a virtual event, my business partner does a segment called Plot Twist kitchen where we do recipes based on books we sell, and the AirBnB is one we’re super excited about. It is a bookshop holiday where you can stay and “work” at the shop. If you’ve ever wanted to own your own book shop, it’s kind of the thing to do. ”

Innovators and Entrepreneurs is a bi-weekly segment of the daily304 that features discussions and wisdom from West Virginians who have built their companies and launched new ideas here in the Mountain State.

Links to more information:

www.plottwistbooks.com

www.wvsbdc.com

www.wvbusinesslink.com

WestVirginia.gov/Entrepreneurship

Interested in starting or expanding your business? Connect with free resources with the West Virginia Small Business Development Center today!

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

Today is Thursday, Aug. 31 

Get ready for the Great Beckley Beer Festival this weekend -- Cheers!...Business and tourism is booming in the Potomac Highlands region…and the Kanawha Library’s new nutritional literacy program is inspired by local Chef Otis Laury…on today’s Daily304.

#1 – From WVNSTV – The southern West Virginia community is gearing up for the fourth installment of The Great Beckley Beer Festival.

Presented by West Virginia Collective, the event takes place Sunday, Sept. 3, at the Beckley Intermodal Gateway. Attendees will have the chance to savor a wide array of handcrafted beers from more than 30 brewers including Weathered Ground Brewery, Freefolk Brewery, and Fife Street Brewery.

In addition to craft beer, the festival will also feature delicious food, local arts and crafts, and live entertainment. 

For details and tickets, visit www.beckleybeerfest.com.

Read more:

https://www.wvnstv.com/news/local-news/celebrate-craft-beer-and-community-at-the-4th-great-beckley-beer-festival/

#2 – From WV EXECUTIVE – Characterized by stunning mountaintop views and an abundance of outdoor recreation, every aspect of the Potomac Highlands region reminds us why West Virginia is considered Almost Heaven. Encompassing the eight counties of Grant, Hampshire, Hardy, Mineral, Pendleton, Pocahontas, Randolph and Tucker, this region considers itself a nature lovers’ paradise.

While home to the highest geographical point in the state, Spruce Knob, which sits approximately 4,861 feet above sea level, this region also prides itself on taking the Mountain State to great economic heights. Whether it’s a new health care initiative, educational opportunity or groundbreaking event center, this treasured piece of Appalachia is working diligently to help the state flourish in the areas of economic development, health, education, outdoor adventure and tourism.

“Anecdotally, there are a lot of people moving here,” says Kevin Clark, director of the Mineral County Development Authority. “We’ve done some research, and our market is adjusting to the new housing demands. We’re also trying to do some things with the BUILD West Virginia Act so that we get more benefits if a local developer develops properties than if an out-of-state developer develops properties.”

Always searching for ways to attract visitors to the area, the Potomac Highlands region is introducing a myriad of exciting new projects and annual events. In Randolph County, a Tygart Hotel Renovation Project is already well underway. The county is also in the final stages of planning for a brand-new event center in an old rail yard that will attract a myriad of new visitors to the region.

Read more:

https://wvexecutive.com/taking-west-virginia-to-new-heights/

#3 – From THE GAZETTE-MAIL –  A few years ago, as word began to spread about just who had moved into the house on the corner, Will Ellis hopped off the school bus, spotted his new South Hills neighbor working in the yard and promptly seized the moment.

“I asked if I could help him in the garden in exchange for some cooking lessons,” said Ellis, now 14 and an incoming freshman at George Washington High School.

The man next door is Otis Laury, West Virginia’s unofficial chef to the stars, who’s served as executive chef under three governors here and has catered parties for some of the region’s most prominent families for decades.

It was a win-win for both: Ellis points to dozens of photos of sophisticated dishes he’s learned to prepare, and Laury’s garden is a work of art. 

The Kanawha Valley is also set to pick up a win: The main branch of the county’s Public Library is poised to open its Otis Laury Center this fall, a nutritional literacy initiative with books, resources, recipes, and -- perhaps best of all -- an area for culinary lessons, presentations and demos by some of the best chefs around. Including Otis himself.

Read more:

https://www.wvgazettemail.com/life/food_and_dining/from-forbidden-to-forever-new-kanawha-library-center-to-honor-otis-laury/article_5c7d084c-e97a-51f7-aef3-18fe2d095c28.html

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.