South Charleston’s new GreenPower Motors is hiring!...Got job openings in West Virginia? List them for free on Jobcase…and find out why the WV Tech Park is ideal for your STEM-based industry…on today’s daily304.

#1 – From METRO NEWS –  GreenPower Motor Company, the electric school bus maker, plans to hire production associates to assemble the vehicles at the South Charleston manufacturing facility over the next several weeks.

“We’re going to be hiring 45 people by the middle of next month (June),” Vice President of Business Development and Strategy Mark Nestlen said Tuesday on MetroNews Talkline. “They are production team members that will be on the floor in the manufacturing process of the Type A NanoBeast and the Type B Beast school buses.”

GreenPower employees will start at $20 per hour with full health, dental, and vision benefits, plus access to continuing education through a partnership with the Workforce Development Board of Kanawha County and BridgeValley Community & Technical College. The student or employee will have access to hands-on technical training to help them learn the job and additional skills to advance as opportunities develop.

Read more:

https://wvmetronews.com/2023/05/16/greenpower-to-add-production-workers-in-south-charleston-electric-bus-manufacturing-site/

#2 – From JOBCASE –The West Virginia Department of Economic Development has partnered with Jobcase to provide free listings for employers. Whether you need one employee around the corner, or want to hire hundreds across the country, Jobcase can help you find the right people fast.

This opportunity is open to employers located in West Virginia as well as out-of-state employers who have open positions in West Virginia

Have your job description ready and Jobcase will walk you through the rest!

Learn more:

https://hirenow.westvirginia.jobcase.com/purchase/post-now/

#3 – From WV TECH PARK – Whether it's new construction on our existing sites or renovating our existing laboratory facilities, the West Virginia Regional Technology Park in South Charleston stands ready to support laboratories, research, development, testing, innovation, and more. 

WVRTP’s sites and buildings offer flexibility and versatility alongside a robust infrastructure to provide new and existing tenants with the assets vital to their success. Featuring 800,000 sq. ft. of specialized material science, research and other technology development space, the park is home to over 25 businesses and 1,000 jobs. 

WVRTP is committed to the continued growth of its multi-tenant park dedicated to research, innovation, technological advancement, and education. The 258-acre campus is ideal for STEM industries and institutions that diversify West Virginia's economy and drive business and economic growth. 

Learn more:

https://www.wvtechpark.com/post/make-sure-your-clients-don-t-overlook-these-sites-buildings-at-wv-regional-technology-park

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.

Advantage Valley flexes its manufacturing muscle…Homer Hickam’s ‘Rocket Boys’ comes to Theatre West Virginia…and Huntington touts successes at its leadership conference…on today’s daily304.

#1 – From LIVABILITY – Advantage Valley – West Virginia’s Charleston-Huntington metro region --  is flexing its manufacturing muscle with a wave of new investment and expansions at existing industries that are creating jobs. 

Manufacturers find Advantage Valley attractive because of the region’s workforce-focused training. The region’s booming advanced manufacturing sector has the lowest employee turnover rate in the nation. 

GreenPower Motor Co., a Canada-based company that began manufacturing all-electric school buses in Advantage Valley in September 2022, utilized the region’s training resources to empower its workforce.

GreenPower, which has created 200 jobs and will boost the Advantage Valley economy by $500 million over five years, partnered with BridgeValley Community & Technical College and the Workforce Development Board of Kanawha County to help train its workers to manufacture the all-electric school buses.

Read more:

https://livability.com/wv/charleston/education-careers-opportunity/advantage-valley-is-attracting-talent/

#2 – From BROADWAY WORLD – “Rocket Boys” is coming to Theatre West Virginia this summer. Performances run July 14-29.

“Rocket Boys,” a musical based on the 1998 New York Times #1 bestseller by NASA engineer Homer Hickam (also immortalized in the hit film, “October Sky”), has received a huge and overwhelmingly positive reaction from the musical theater community since its initial stages.

The memoir of a misfit coal-miner's son in West Virginia who engages some skeptical friends to join his dream of rockets and space is one of the leading Community/Library Reads across the country, a staple on school lists, and is published now in nearly every language across the globe.

Visit www.theatrewestvirginia.org for ticketing information.

Read more:

https://www.broadwayworld.com/west-virginia/article/ROCKET-BOYS-Comes-to-Theatre-West-Virginia-in-July-20230515

#3 – From THE INTELLIGENCER – There is probably no better place to begin a program focused on West Virginia’s challenges and successes than Huntington, a city that has overcome some negative stereotypes to emerge as a glowing example of the state’s potential.

Huntington kicked off the first session of the 2023 class of Leadership West Virginia. Celebrating 32 years, LWV was created in 1991 by the West Virginia Chamber of Commerce to cultivate leaders in the state. The program has graduated more than 1,450 alumni who have gone on to various leadership positions in government, business, charities, nonprofits and more.

A lengthy list of improvements can be attributed to the city’s leadership.

The city secured a $3 million grant in 2017 by winning America’s Best Communities Competition.

Once labeled the nation’s most obese city, Huntington was able to reduce its obesity rate by more than 15 percentage points thanks to a renewed focus on fitness and healthy eating. 

The city has tackled an opioid epidemic by creating quick response teams to help overdose victims and focusing on new treatment options.

Marshall University President Brad Smith is working with his WVU counterpart, E. Gordon Gee, in the Ascend West Virginia program, which creates incentives for remote workers to relocate to several West Virginia communities.

Read more:

https://www.theintelligencer.net/news/top-headlines/2023/05/leadership-west-virginia-huntingtons-emerald-shines-bright/

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.

You’ll be seeing stars at these state parks and forests…Raleigh County market co-owners share the secret of their longevity…and experience the thrill of soaring through the woods on Pipestem Peaks’ zipline…on today’s daily304.

#1 – From WV STATE PARKS – When it comes to stargazing or any kind of amateur astronomy you definitely don’t want to be left in the dark. Sure, you can see stars almost anywhere, but you need a trained eye and a little bit of planning to truly enjoy the awe and wonder of the night sky.

Lucky for you, West Virginia has some of the darkest skies on the east coast, making the Mountain State one of the best places in the region for stargazing.

Learn about some of the best stargazing spots at West Virginia state parks and forests, including Watoga and Blackwater Falls, Seneca State Forest and others. Then visit www.wvstateparks.com to book your stay!

Read more:

https://wvstateparks.com/west-virginia-stargazing-2/

#2 – From WVVA-TV –  Terry Clark and Joyce Flanagan are co-owners of the Shady Side Market, making them partners both in business and in life. While sharing a business with your significant other isn’t for everyone, they say they have found the secret to success. The Daniels business is in its 37th year.

You can ask the pair, being a successful small business isn’t easy. Over the years, Clark and Flanagan say they have seen large retailers move in and threaten their position, but they stand strong and continue to put the customer first.

“A lot of times, you can’t compete price-wise, but you can out-quality them,” Clark shared. “So, that’s what we try to do all the time, whether it be Tennessee tomatoes, whether it be hanging baskets. Whatever we are dealing with, we try to find the best we can find to buy.”

And it’s that idea of “customer first” that drives them each and every day.

“We work on a personal basis. We don’t just bring you in, sell you something and send you away...” said Flanagan.

Find more information about Shady Side Market on Facebook.

Read more:

https://www.wvva.com/2023/05/10/shady-side-market-daniels-welcomes-its-37th-year-business/

#3 – From NEWS LEADER  –  Imagine flying hundreds of feet in the air amidst the mountains and over the gorges in southern West Virginia. This can happen on May 27 when Pipestem Adventures opens their popular Pipestem Peaks Zipline Tours for the 2023 season.

Pipestem Peaks offers breathtaking views from lines that sail over the Bluestone River Gorge three times at speeds up to 50 mph. While ziplining at 300 feet, views extend for a mile across the Mountain State.

The zipline tour begins at the top of the Canyon Rim Center and works its way down to the bottom of Bluestone Gorge as you zip from one treetop platform to the next. 

Visit www.wvstateparks.com to learn more about Pipestem Peaks and Pipestem’s Adventure Lake and Adventure Zone activities.

Read more:

https://www.newsleader.com/story/news/2023/05/10/pipestem-state-park-is-an-adventurers-paradise-ziplining-mountain-biking-kayaking-wv/70198322007/

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.

It’s the perfect time of year for a sternwheeler ride to Blennerhassett Island…Planning a wedding? Check out some amazing venues and planner information…and the first milk trucks roll out from Mountaintop Beverage--YesWV…on today’s daily304.

#1 – From NEWS & SENTINEL –  Make plans to visit Blennerhassett Island -- now open for the 2023 season.

The island has many attractions, including horse-drawn wagon rides, tours of the reconstructed mansion, a gift shop, concessions and nature walks.

“We strive to make the park something the community can take pride in,” said Craig Pyles, superintendent for Blennerhassett Island Historical State Park.

A ticket to the island costs $12. The sternwheeler leaves every hour on the hour, then brings people back from the island every hour on the half hour mark. 

Visit West Virginia State Parks for more information.  

Read more:

https://www.newsandsentinel.com/news/business/2023/05/blennerhassett-island-opens-for-new-season/

#2 – From WV EXECUTIVE –  One of the very first steps in planning a wedding is determining the venue for the ceremony and reception, and choosing a venue with an on-site wedding planner and coordinator offers many benefits for soon-to-be-wed couples. 

West Virginia is home to a few wedding venues that offer wedding planning and event coordinating services—just one perk among many others of tying the knot in Almost Heaven.

WV Executive has the scoop on some amazing venues and what packages they offer -- places like The Gaines Estate in Fayetteville, Grande Pointe Conference and Reception Center in Vienna, Hillbrook Inn & Spa in Charles Town, and more. 

Read more:

https://wvexecutive.com/convenient-coordination/

#3 – From YAHOO! NEWS – Got milk ? Mountaintop Beverage does.

Got a 330, 000 square-foot state-of-the-art automated aseptic bottling facility capable of processing staggering amounts of raw dairy into an array of products with up to a one-year shelf life ?

Mountaintop has that too. And it's just getting started.

Last week, the first trucks carrying shelf-stable milk from the Mountaintop Beverage facility rolled away from the Morgantown Industrial Park to locations across the country.

“The goal we have is to help rebuild the farming infrastructure and to rebuild dairy. Dairy production in the state of West Virginia is down roughly by half over the last 10 years,”  Mountaintop Beverage CEO Jeffrey Sokal said. “The state has very strong FFA and 4-H programs. So, for folks who want to farm, this factory is going to be here for decades.”

Today, about one-third of the 330, 000 square-foot factory built as Phase I of the overall project is in production. It currently has a workforce of 150 people. Sokal anticipates the entire facility will be operational by year's end, with more than 200 employees producing shelf-stable milk, coffee products, protein shakes and plant-based beverages.

Read more:

https://news.yahoo.com/mountaintop-beverage-begins-production-morgantown-023300109.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.

Discover rugged outdoor recreation in beautiful Canaan Valley…Calling all Slyytherins and Hufflepuffs, the Wheeling Wizarding Festival takes place this Saturday…and a Milton resort edges closer to opening with a ribbon cutting for its golf course…on today’s daily304.

#1 – From NEXT PITTSBURGH –  Cresting a ridge south of Davis, West Virginia, on the state’s Appalachian Highway, there’s a moment where you’d be hard-pressed not to have John Denver lyrics starting to drift into your ears. The rising slope opens to a view fit for a postcard, the Canaan Valley. 

There’s an authenticity to Thomas and Davis you won’t find in a lot of places. They embrace their heritage as logging and mining boom towns — visible in their main street facades — and mix it with a modern recreation destination filled with vibrant independent local businesses, eateries and art galleries. 

While Davis has had a long-standing tradition as an outdoor destination — with neighboring Blackwater Falls State Park established back in the 1930s for vacationing residents of Maryland and Washington, D.C. — Thomas didn’t see its renaissance until the 2000s.

Read more:

https://nextpittsburgh.com/outdoor-guide/rugged-outdoor-recreation-in-canaan-valley-west-virginia/

#2 – From WTRF-TV Wheeling –  The mystique of wizardly magic will be overtaking Heritage Port in Wheeling this Saturday (May 20) with the Wheeling Wizarding Festival featuring a variety of vendors, entertainment, a reptile show, and a costume contest.

The festivities will conclude with a screening of Harry Potter and the Sorcerer’s Stone at dusk. The event is hosted by the City of Wheeling’s Parks and Recreation Department.

Festivities begin at 3 p.m.

Read more:

https://www.wtrf.com/wheeling/harry-potter-festival-happening-in-west-virginia/

#3 – From WCHS-TV – The Grand Patrician Resort and Country Club in Milton is inching forward with its construction. 

A ceremonial tee off was held last week to celebrate the golf course opening, adding to excitement in the area after the resort's public walking trail opened last monthIt will create jobs which great for our economy, all of the people who will be working at the golf course and hospitality once the hotel opens,” Huntington Regional Chamber of Commerce president Tricia Ball said.

The resort was originally scheduled to open in 2020 but COVID-19 and supply chain issues pushed opening day to April 30, 2024.

Marshall University’s economic impact study said the hotel and resort is expected to bring an extra $2.8 million of business and sales tax revenue. That’s far larger than Milton’s current $450,000 business tax revenue per year.

Read more:

https://wchstv.com/news/local/grand-patrician-resort-to-create-jobs-and-extra-revenue-for-the-city-of-milton#

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 Wednesday, May 17 

WV will be seeing stars soon as a sequel is in the works “October Sky,”  based on the life of “Rocket Boy” Homer Hickam…Check out some must-see places in the Monongahela National Forest…and sign up now for a machining class offered by Marshall Advanced Manufacturing Center…on today’s daily304.

#1 – From WOWK-TV –  A sequel to the classic film chronicling the rocket-building adventure of West Virginia hero Homer Hickam is being made.

The sequel to “October Sky” will be called “December Sky.”

The film will star Princeton native Kevin Sizemore, known for acting in “Mine 9” and the HBO Max miniseries “The Staircase.”

“October Sky” is based on the book, “Rocket Boys,” by Hickam. 

Read more:

https://www.wfxrtv.com/news/regional-news/west-virginia-news/october-sky-sequel-announced/

#2 – From TRAVEL AWAITS –  The Monongahela National Forest is one of the state’s recreational gems. Situated in eastern West Virginia, its 919,000 acres offer a vast area to explore nature amid peaceful surroundings.

And, it’s no wonder, with more than 500 hiking trails, countless streams and fishing holes, plenty of picnic spots, and places to stay, the Monongahela National Forest is a prime spot for any outdoor lover. 

Hike to the top of Seneca Rocks. Shop and dine in the charming mountain town of Elkins, Davis and Thomas. Experience the beauty of Blackwater Falls State Park. 

Check out some other Monongahela National Forest bucket list items!

Read more:

https://www.travelawaits.com/2881299/things-to-do-monongahela-national-forest/

#3 – From RCBI.ORG –  The U.S. manufacturing industry is struggling to find skilled individuals to fill machining and machine tool jobs. The need is urgent. That’s why the Marshall Advanced Manufacturing Center (formerly RCBI) is part of a new national effort to restore the prominence of the U.S. machine tools sector and ensure global competitiveness. 

Through ACE (America’s Cutting Edge), a U.S. Department of Defense-funded initiative, the Marshall Advanced Manufacturing Center is partnering with the National Composites Institute to offer a series of CNC Machining Bootcamps for people of all ages and all skill levels. 

Bootcamps include a self-paced online component, which takes about six hours to complete, and one week of in-person, hands-on instruction at our Advanced Manufacturing Technology Centers in Huntington or Charleston, or at one of our partner sites in Kentucky, Ohio or West Virginia.

Learn more:

https://www.rcbi.org/education-training/cnc-bootcamps-2/

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.

What Makes You Wonderful is headed to Cool Ridge, West Virginia, for WV Pubfest 2023 this Saturday, May 20, at Weathered Ground Brewery. We talk to one of the event organizers, Jason Lockart, about everything you'll hear and taste at this year's event. 

You can find more information here: https://www.wvpubfest.com/

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

Today is Tuesday, May 16  

Calling all artists and artisans -- the 2023 State Fair of WV is seeking entries…Save the date -- June 9-18 -- for Charleston’s FestivALL celebration…and grab your tickets now before they’re gone--Ringo Starr (yes, the Beatle!) is coming to the capital city!...on today’s daily304.

#1 – From WBOY-TV –  The 98th Annual State Fair of West Virginia is coming soon, but those interested in its competitions can join in now. The deadline to enter is July 14.

“Every year exhibitors gather to honor the State Fair’s mission of promoting agricultural knowledge and advancement, and the arts. Exhibitors enter-award winning produce, flowers, baked goods, livestock, and more. We’re looking forward to seeing what everyone brings out this year!” said Agriculture Competitions Manager Alexis Porterfield-Mulcahy.

The fair runs from August 10-19. For more information, visit https://statefairofwv.com/.

Read more:

https://www.wboy.com/news/west-virginia/98th-annual-state-fair-of-wv-now-accepting-entries/

#2 – From FESTIVALL – Save the date -- June 9-18. That’s when a city becomes a work of art!

FestivALL is a city-wide, multi-arts festival in West Virginia’s capital city showcasing a mix of music, theater, dance, visual art, and more each June.

What began as a three-day festival produced by volunteers in 2005 is now an arts organization that serves its community with year round events and programs. Plan to visit Charleston again for FestivFALL, Three Things, and various neighborhood arts.

Learn more and download a 2023 schedule:

https://festivallcharleston.com/

#3 – From CHASWVCCC –  Get your tickets now! Ringo Starr and his All Starr Band are set to perform at the Charleston Coliseum and Convention Center on Oct. 9.

As drummer for The Beatles, the Liverpudlian mophead also took the lead vocals on several classic songs including “With a Little Help From My Friends” and “Yellow Submarine.” Over the years, his prolific solo career has resulted in a number of hits including “It Don’t Come Easy” and “Photograph.”

In 2022 Starr released EP3 and a new music video, “Everyone and Everything.” 

Learn more and purchase tickets:

https://www.chaswvccc.com/events/2023/ringo-starr-and-his-all-starr-band

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, May 15 

Mark your calendars--that’s June 4th--for Symphony Sunday on the lawn of UC…The History Project revisits the golden age of amusement parks (and how Camden Park got its start)…and in its 40th year, Mountain Stage continues to attract fans from all over the globe…on today’s daily304.

#1 – From WV SYMPHONY – Bring your blankets and lawn chairs to the riverbank for a Ruby Celebration at this year’s Symphony Sunday.

The event, featuring the West Virginia Symphony as well as other local choral groups and bands, takes place June 4 on the lawn of the University of Charleston.

There also will be vendors, children’s activities and games, a book nook and more.

Learn more:

https://wvsymphony.org/season-calendar/avncorp-symphony-sunday-2023

#2 – From THE HISTORY PROJECT –  Amusement parks started in Europe, evolving from pleasure gardens and fairs, but in the United States, they were created as waterside attractions or by local trolley companies to encourage more ridership on weekends. 

With seven trolley parks and one waterside park, West Virginia had a collective total of eight amusement parks during the golden age of that great American institution’s development, and from among them, Camden Park still thrives, bearing witness to the magic of that era.

The History Project is the daily304’s presentation of famous people, places and events that shaped West Virginia history. Subscribe to our YouTube channel so you won’t miss an episode!

Watch the video:

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=gMPIm3Jj3T8

#3 – From POLLSTAR – Jerry Mikkelsen and fiancé Maureen Martin sat front row center for the taping of NPR’s “Mountain Stage” at the Culture Center Theater in Charleston, West Virginia. It took 36 hours to get there from their home in Palm Springs, California, but they weren’t complaining.

Mikkelsen, a retired US Airways employee who discovered the live radio broadcast in San Diego when it aired after Prairie Home Companion, has made the trek to the capital of the Mountain State to sit in the audience every year since 2000.

Mountain Stage celebrates its 40th anniversary in 2023. It recently crossed the 1,000-show threshold and is showing no signs of slowing down.

Frank Riley of High Road Touring, which represents recent guests Bailen -- along with Emmylou Harris, Jerry Douglas Band, Wilco, James McMurtry, Tank and the Bangas and Amy Ray among others, has been booking artists on Mountain Stage since he launched the company in 2001.

“Virtually everybody on our roster —  if it’s musically appropriate — has played at least once,” Riley said. “At a bare minimum, we’ve had 10 artists per year so it could be well over 200, and it might be twice that.” 

Don’t miss out on the fun! Visit https://mountainstage.org/ to learn more and order tickets.

Read more:

https://news.pollstar.com/2023/05/05/40-years-of-mountain-stage-spreading-truth-and-understanding-across-america/

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, May 14 

Parkersburg’s Blennerhassett Hotel gets a prestigious Conde Nast nomination…the editor of YNST Magazine talks about how WV artists and small businesses inspired him…and, who are those stone heads staring down at you from the state Capitol building?...on today’s daily304.

#1 – From NEWS & SENTINEL – The Blennerhassett Hotel and Spa in downtown Parkersburg has been nominated for the Conde Nast Traveler 2023 Reader’s Choice Awards in the Hotel category.

“It is a high honor to be nominated for the Conde Nast Traveler Reader’s Choice Awards,” said Travis Stephens, digital marketing manager for the hotel. “We strive to offer our guests the highest level of hospitality and to provide them with an exceptional experience. This nomination is a testament to the hard work and dedication of our team, and we are grateful to be recognized in this way.”

To vote for the Blennerhassett Hotel and Spa, click on the voting link, select the “hotels” category and type “Blenn” in the search box. The name will auto-populate and voters will be asked to rate the hotel’s culinary options, design, cleanliness and other aspects. Voting is open until June 30.

The Blennerhassett Hotel and Spa offers 89 guest rooms and suites, a full-service spa and dining options. Learn more at https://theblennerhassett.com/,

Read more:

https://www.newsandsentinel.com/news/business/2023/05/blennerhassett-hotel-up-for-conde-nast-award/

#2 – From INNOVATORS & ENTREPRENEURS –  Meet Adam Payne, Editor in Chief of “YNST Magazine.” This media outlet aims to broadcast print & digital content that connects creatives in and from Appalachia to the rest of the world.

“I was doing a bunch of things simultaneously at West Virginia University, and I was seeing first-hand the incredible musicians, theater makers, designers, and dancers that were at the university, and I was astounded by the level of talent that was alive in West Virginia,” Payne said.

“Simultaneously, I was working at the WVU Launchlab for five years and was seeing first-hand all the incredible small businesses and startups that were coming out of West Virginia. At the same time I was like ‘How are people not seeing this!’ So, we decided to start a new publication.”

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. Subscribe to the daily304 YouTube channel so you don’t miss out on the next episode!

Watch the video:

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=aHOaZ-IhfIg

#3 – From WBOY-TV – The building that would become West Virginia’s current capital began construction in 1924. Designed by Cass Gilbert, the architect behind the United States Supreme Court, the building would take eight years to complete.

Hanging above the entrances of the wings and the main building are the heads of mythological figures from the Greco-Roman pantheon, made from the same buff Indiana limestone that makes up most of the capitol building’s exterior. 

The busts were carved by the New York stonemason and artist, John Donnelly, Sr. and represent various Greek/Roman deities, including Zeus/Jupiter, God of Sky and Thunder; Poseidon/Neptune, God of Sea, Storms, Earthquakes and Horses; and Athena/Minerva, Goddess of Wisdom and War.

The next time you visit the Capitol building, take a look at the sculptures and marvel at the classic Greek and Roman architecture!

Read more:

https://www.wboy.com/only-on-wboy-com/what-are-those-stone-heads-at-the-west-virginia-state-capitol/

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.