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

Today is Saturday, Dec. 28, 2024.

Mountaintop Beverage and the WV Economic Development Authority create a winning team…learn how the WV Film Office can help with your next production…and plan a getaway to the vibrant hub of Morgantown…on today’s daily304.

#1 – From WV EDA – According to their CEO, the huge, state-of-the-art Mountaintop Beverage facility would not exist in Morgantown without the West Virginia Economic Development Authority. Now, they’re creating hundreds of local jobs and proudly introducing the biggest international brands to North Central West Virginia.

Watch the video:

https://eda.wv.gov/moutaintop-beverage/

 

#2 – From WV FILM OFFICE – Whether you’re looking for the perfect location for your next film project, or you’re a crew member ready to undertake your next project, the West Virginia Film Office is here for you.

Contact the Film Office for help in securing your perfect location, finding skilled workforce, and navigating film permitting.

We’re ready to help with an experienced crew, an established statewide network of governmental agencies, nation-leading fiscal incentives, local business leaders and community representatives that are unmatched in hospitality. We look forward to working with you soon in – Yes, West Virginia!

Learn more:

https://westvirginia.gov/wvfilm/

 

#3 – From WV NEWS – Nestled in the rolling hills of north-central West Virginia, Morgantown is more than just a charming college town. 

Known as the home of West Virginia University, this vibrant city combines the energy of a thriving university community with the tranquility of natural beauty. From the roaring crowds at Milan Puskar Stadium to the serene trails of the Core Arboretum, Morgantown offers a unique blend of culture, outdoor recreation, and year-round events that make it a must-visit destination.

Read more:

https://www.wvnews.com/what-makes-morgantown-wv-special-a-vibrant-hub-of-culture-nature-and-mountaineer-spirit/article_a7388b1a-a4f3-11ef-b968-977f92090126.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.

 

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

Today is Friday, Dec. 27, 2024.

Older than the state itself, Warwood Tool continues to say #YesWV thanks to a hardworking, highly skilled workforce…sports tourism drives the development of recreational sports complexes throughout the state…a Ranson craft business expands with assistance from the WV Small Business Development Center…on today’s daily304.

#1 – From WVDED– Nearly a decade before West Virginia’s statehood, a small business in what would become Ohio County began supplying products to Civil War soldiers. Since its inception, Warwood Tool has supplied products in every war and the town of Warwood, West Virginia, sprung up around the business. 

In 168 years of business, family is still the focus where company leaders prioritize and honor the traditions and skilled labor of the employees present, and owners past. The hard working, highly skilled employees at Warwood Tool are one of the reasons the business continues to say “Yes to West Virginia.” The tools that these employees help create serve many industries throughout the state and the nation, as well as other countries around the world.

Read more:

https://westvirginia.gov/industrial-grade-hand-forged-tools-made-right-here-in-yeswv-meet-warwood-tool/

 

#2 – From WV NEWS – Sports tourism is driving the development of recreational sports complexes across West Virginia, creating economic growth and enhancing the quality of life in communities statewide.

In Monongalia County, Mylan Park draws anywhere between 800,000 and 900,000 people a year to sporting events. Ron Justice, president of the Mylan Park Foundation, also emphasized the local economic benefits, citing job creation and increased spending in restaurants and hotels.

On a similar path, Summersville is planning a large outdoor sports complex. And Charleston is preparing for a new indoor sports complex, which will transform part of the Charleston Town Center Mall. 

“Sports tourism nationally is recession-proof. Families will always travel for their kids to play travel sports,” said Tim Brady, president and CEO of the Charleston Convention and Visitors Bureau.

Read more:

https://www.wvnews.com/business/west-virginias-booming-sports-tourism-how-recreational-complexes-are-transforming-communities/article_e96ce2e8-b25d-11ef-bbb8-bf920e172a94.html

 

#3 – From WV COMMERCE–  Set in the Eastern Panhandle town of Ranson, Boxer Craft House was born out of necessity.

Back in 2017, founder and owner Marie Bressler decided to launch a website for her machine embroidery projects, but had difficulty finding good quality supplies. That’s when she began to source her own craft supplies.

With help from the West Virginia Small Business Development Center, she was able to grow her business from online to a brick and mortar establishment.

Watch the video:

https://www.youtube.com/watch?si=cj1QBt0CwD0y-ji4&v=j2raffn2Krs&feature=youtu.be

 

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, Dec. 26, 2024.

Discover how Constellium aluminum’s innovative solutions impact multiple industries…Learn about the famous people, places and events that shaped West Virginia…and hear about how the WV Small Satellite Center aims to solve real-world problems using state-of-the-art technology…on today’s daily304.

#1 – From WVDED – Meet Constellium, a world-leading manufacturer and recycler of aluminum products and solutions. Let’s delve into the remarkable contributions of Constellium in #YesWV and how their innovative solutions are significantly impacting multiple industries.

Check out the video to learn how this Ravenswood manufacturer is empowering a sustainable future, advancing the automotive industry and revolutionizing aerospace technology.

Learn more:

https://westvirginia.gov/exploring-the-power-of-constelliums-innovative-solutions-in-yeswv/

 

#2 – From THE DAILY304 – Perfectly centered among the Eastern states, West Virginia is where the thresholds of the North, South and Midwest all converge with the Appalachian Mountains, to tell the history of our nation in microcosm. 

Major events like the Revolutionary and Civil wars, and famous people ranging from Daniel Boone to Katherine Johnson, mix with the rich heritage of Native Americans and men and women of all colors who reshaped the world and serve as guides through the American story.

Tune in to “The History Project” to learn about the famous people, places and events that shaped West Virginia.

Watch now:

https://daily304.wv.gov/programs/the-history-project/

#3 – From THE DAILY304 – In this episode of Innovators and Entrepreneurs, we talk to David Martinelli, Director of the West Virginia Small Satellite Center and Scott Zemerick, Chief Scientist at TMC Technologies. Together they’re spearheading the West Virginia Small Satellite Center, an innovative program that aims to solve real-world problems using state-of-the-art satellite technology. 

Tune in for conversations and wisdom from West Virginians who have built their companies and launched new ideas here in the Mountain State.

Watch the video:

https://www.youtube.com/watch?si=xyDI-ZzsAJhfNGyB&v=6FQc896qpPI&feature=youtu.be

 

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, Dec. 25, 2024.

Listen to the story of America’s Santa, who built his busiest toy factory in Glen Dale, WV…Enjoy a free concert from your couch with live broadcasts from Mountain State Music…and discover why Charleston was named one of the best places in the South for retirees…on today’s daily304.

#1 – From THE DAILY304 – Legend has it that toys are made at the North Pole. And while some cynics don’t believe in Santa Claus and his elves, true believers know they exist--just differently than the story is told. 

Gather ’round the fireplace (and tune in to “The History Project”) to hear the story of America’s Santa, Louis Marx, who built his busiest factory in Glen Dale, West Virginia, where the classics of 20th century toys were made. 

Watch now:

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=eUhOD3YjwnY

 

#2 – From THE DAILY304 – There are so many talented musicians in West Virginia, and the daily304 wants to shine a spotlight on each and every one of them. Every month, we introduce you to creative West Virginia artists and their original songs via our YouTube channel.

It’s a concert from your couch, and you don’t even have to pay a cover charge. Sit back, relax and enjoy live music from the Folklore Stage.

Watch now:

https://daily304.wv.gov/programs/mountain-state-music/

 

#3 – From TRAVEL & LEISURE –  As the song goes, West Virginia is almost heaven for its natural beauty. But recently, the Mountain State has made headlines with its appeal to newcomers, especially retirees, who flock here to take advantage of affordable living and inexpensive real estate. 

Investopedia has published the results of a survey that focused on the best places to retire in the South, and West Virginia’s capital came in third. According to the publication, Charleston residents benefit from big city perks, including “having access to the best health care and hospitals in the state, a vibrant downtown, an arts and culture scene, and lots of activities for outdoor enthusiasts.”

However, Investopedia identified the city’s affordability as a main draw for those 65 and over, who account for 20 percent of the population here. 

Read more:

https://www.travelandleisure.com/charleston-west-virginia-best-place-to-retire-for-affordable-housing-8750740

 

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, Dec. 24, 2024  

TEASER (also use for daily web post) Travel back to the golden days of downtown department stores--most notably West Virginia’s own Stone & Thomas…uncover the wonders that make West Virginia truly extraordinary with the “What Makes You Wonderful” podcast…and West Virginia’s rural hospitals receive grants for major upgrades…on today’s daily304.

#1 – From THE DAILY304 – In this era of shopping from home, younger generations may not understand the glamor of dressing up to go shopping downtown. American cities of every size had a variety of stores, offering the personality and flair of the owners and local tastes. 

West Virginia’s cities shared in this commercial endeavor with store names that were locally beloved. But from them all, Stone & Thomas Department Store emerged from Wheeling to become the Mountain State’s favorite place to shop and be seen.

Tune in to “The History Project” to revisit the glory days of downtown department stores. 

Watch now:

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=-KAoFTMv26o

 

#2 – From THE DAILY304 – Hey, West Virginia, what makes you wonderful?

Find out all of the amazing places to go ​and interesting people to meet each week listening to the daily304’s “What Makes You Wonderful” podcast, where we uncover wonders that make West Virginia truly ​ext​raordinary. 

Host Tiffney Lopez connects with other local leaders and experts to share fun events, take you to uniqu​e places to visit, and venture down literary roads of local reads. Tune in to “What Makes You Wonderful” and let the magic of the Mountain State inspire you!

Read more:

https://daily304.wv.gov/programs/what-makes-you-wonderful/

 

#3 – From WOWK-TV – Boone Memorial Hospital is one of many hospitals in West Virginia set to receive part of a $40 million grant.

The Rural Hospital Grant is intended to improve healthcare infrastructure and services at rural hospitals in West Virginia.

Boone Memorial Hospital will receive $5,894,527 to establish a dedicated patient observation unit, renovate the cardiac unit to create a cancer center, construct a new behavioral health clinic and invest in advanced robotic surgery equipment.

Additional grant recipients in West Virginia include Minnie Hamilton Health Systems, Greenbrier Valley Medical Center, Rivers Health, Roane General Hospital, Pocahontas Memorial Hospital, Preston Memorial Hospital and Summers County ARH Hospital.

Read more:

https://www.wowktv.com/news/west-virginia/boone-county-wv/boone-memorial-hospital-among-recipients-of-40-million-grant/

 

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, Dec. 23, 2024.

Ever wonder how the Northern Panhandle got its shape? Like the state itself, it came about as the result of a contentious dispute…a Monroe County farm is the winner of the Pitch Southern WV Business Idea Competition…and 26 small business owners graduate from a Goldman Sachs program at Bridge Valley CTC…on today’s daily304.

#1 – From WV EXPLORER – You’ve probably heard of the Mason-Dixon Line, but what about the Ellicot Line? 

West Virginia’s remarkable shape is partly defined by its odd Northern Panhandle, a finger of land that extends northward more than 60 miles from its central mass.

Home to Wheeling, the state’s first capital, the panhandle’s origins date back to the 1700s and a contentious boundary dispute between Virginia and Pennsylvania that helped shape the history of the U.S.

According to Weirton-based historian Paul Zuros, both colonies issued land grants before the American Revolution and sent soldiers and frontiersmen to settle the same land.

The dispute eventually became so aggressive that the Continental Congress was forced to step in. 

Read more:

https://wvexplorer.com/2024/11/19/west-virginia-northern-panhandle-origin-dispute/

 

#2 – From WV HIVE – Michelle and Derek Miller, owners of Waymaker’s Meadows Farm in Monroe County, are celebrating a significant milestone as winners of the Pitch Southern West Virginia Business Idea Competition. The competition was coordinated by the West Virginia Hive Network. 

Their farm-to-table business, which offers fresh lamb, chicken and duck eggs, and produce, took home the first-place prize of $2,500. Their winnings will be used to purchase mobile electric coolers that will allow their meat, eggs and produce to be offered to customers in a wider geographic region. 

The early positive customer interest in Waymaker’s Meadows Farm has the Millers taking steps for expansion. They are now leasing an additional 90 acres of land and have added more farm animals.

Read more:

https://wvhive.com/2024/12/owners-of-waymakers-meadows-farm-in-monroe-county-are-winners-of-pitch-southern-west-virginia-business-idea-competition/?es_id=d668199133

 

#3 – From METRO NEWS – Nearly 30 small business owners are the first cohort in West Virginia to be graduating from a $100 million national funding initiative through America’s leading multinational investment bank Goldman Sachs.

Goldman Sachs graduated 26 small business owners from its signature business-education program, 10,000 Small Businesses, at BridgeValley Community & Technical College earlier this month.

The commencement is part of the programs’ $100 million Investment in Rural Communities grant, an initiative to reach rural small business owners across 20 states over five years. West Virginia marks the seventh state to host graduates from the program to date after it was launched last year.

Goldman Sachs Foundation President Asahi Pompey compared the program to a “mini MBA,” in that it’s set up to expand business owners’ business-education knowledge and growth.

Read more:

https://wvmetronews.com/2024/12/13/nearly-30-small-west-virginia-business-owners-graduate-through-goldman-sachs-program-at-bridgevalley/

 

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, Dec. 22, 2024.

Delve into the sweet success story of DeFluri’s Fine Chocolate…tune in to Innovators and Entrepreneurs to learn more about the movers and shakers of #YesWV…and The History Project revisits the magic of the Marx toy company…on today’s daily304.

 

#1 – From INNOVATORS & ENTREPRENEURS – On this episode of daily304’s Innovators and Entrepreneurs, we delve into the story of Brenda Casabona, the owner of Defluri’s Fine Chocolate in Martinsburg, West Virginia. Brenda shares her reasons for choosing West Virginia as her business’s home and reveals the unique aspects that make her fine chocolates stand out. Join us as we explore the journey of an entrepreneur who has found success and support in the Mountain State.

Watch now:

https://westvirginia.gov/defluris-fine-chocolate-a-sweet-success-story-in-yeswv/

 

#2 – From DAILY304 – The daily304’s Innovators and Entrepreneurs helps you stay connected with the people who shape West Virginia. Whether it’s a brand-new invention or an improvement to our community, there are so many talented innovators and entrepreneurs who have stories to tell. 

Tune in to our podcast every other week to hear about the amazing inventions, innovations, insightful messages and awe-inspiring testimonials happening right here in the Mountain State.

Listen now:

https://daily304.wv.gov/programs/innovators-and-entrepreneurs/

 

#3 – From THE HISTORY PROJECT – Throughout history, children have written letters to Santa with the list of toys they wanted, under the idea they were created in his workshop…and they were…by extension of America’s Santa, Louis Marx, who built his busiest factory in Glen Dale, West Virginia, where the classics of 20th century toys were made.

Tune in to The History Project to learn more about America’s premiere toy maker.

Watch the video:

https://www.youtube.com/watch?si=hYrTte96s035swNe&v=eUhOD3YjwnY&feature=youtu.be

 

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, Dec. 21, 2024.

Start the New Year off right with a First Day Hike at WV state parks…Ravenswood officials are excited about a water development grant that is expected to boost recreational opportunities in the city…and Charleston’s Chef Paul Smith is 2024’s West Virginian of the Year…on today’s daily304.

 

#1 – From WBOY-TV – Celebrate the new year with a refreshing stroll in the great outdoors!

On Jan. 1, several West Virginia state parks are offering First Day Hikes. All of the hikes are free, guided and perfect for families and people more comfortable hiking in groups. All ages are welcome and everyone who participates in one of the hikes will receive a First Day Hike patch.

Parks offering the hikes include Blackwater Falls, North Bend, Tygart Lake, Cacapon Resort, Kanawha State Forest, Pipestem Resort, Twin Falls Resort, Watoga and Cedar Creek. For details, visit wvstateparks.com and click on Events.

Read more:

https://www.wboy.com/wv-outdoors/list-first-day-hikes-to-kick-off-the-new-year-in-west-virginia/

 

#2 – From WSAZ-TV – The city of Ravenswood has been awarded a $36 million grant from the West Virginia Water Development Authority for water enhancement projects.

With the money, the city plans to build a new wastewater treatment plant, create the Sand Creek Pedestrian Bridge, and create a welcome center/commercial building. They also will build two 14-spot boat slips and a boat access ramp at Sand Creek Marina. Lastly, the city is going to create a Sports Complex where the current lagoons sit.

Mayor Josh Miller says this helps push Ravenswood to become a true river town.

“I mean, you got to have a reason for people to come to your town,” Miller said. “This world now, it’s about experience, and when they come to Ravenswood, I want them to have a positive experience.”

Read more:

https://www.wsaz.com/2024/12/12/grant-helping-revitalize-ravenswood-true-river-town/

 

#3 – From WV LIVING – This past June, during a star-studded gala in Chicago, Paul Smith made history by becoming the first chef in West Virginia to ever win the prestigious James Beard Award for “Best Chef: Southeast.”

“I wasn’t there just for my restaurant or even my city,” he says. “I looked at it as having the whole state behind me, because that’s what we do here in West Virginia. We celebrate our own.”

For that reason and so many others, WV Living honors him as its 2024 West Virginian of the Year. 

Months after that monumental achievement, “Chef Paul” chatted with the magazine staff at his Charleston restaurant,1010 Bridge, to talk about what this achievement has meant to him and what the future may hold.

Read more:

https://wvliving.com/paul-smith-is-savoring-success-on-the-national-stage/?fbclid=IwZXh0bgNhZW0CMTEAAR1fJDcmUtHS5SFeTDG-dhY7ABZufYn_KG72ppj9WnRjkXB--v-aA7Tr4l0_aem_vslI6LuhqMBXzErW1EymRQ

 

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, Dec. 20, 2024.

A Morgan County furniture company maintains its high quality through an apprentice program…from skiing and sledding to seasonal train rides, discover the holiday getaway of your dreams at WV State Parks…and the WV Hub is seeking Champions for Change…on today’s daily304.

#1 – From MFG.MARSHALL – Gat Creek is an American manufacturing success story. The furniture maker produces high-end contemporary furniture from its factory in the historic Morgan County town of Berkeley Springs using sustainably sourced Appalachian wood, most from West Virginia.

Owner and CEO Gat Caperton said he is immensely proud of the work his 150-plus employees do day in and day out, work that underpins the success of his company.

“It’s nice to have some wins coming out of small-town America. It builds confidence,” he said. 

To assist the company with honing in on the internal quality, Gat Creek turned to the Marshall Advanced Manufacturing Center’s Apprenticeship Works. Because the program is funded entirely by the U.S. Department of Labor, there’s no cost to the employer for MAMC’s services.

To learn more about Apprenticeship Works, visit www.mfg.marshall.edu/apprenticeships.

Read more:

https://www.mfg.marshall.edu/quality-runs-deep-at-berkeley-springs-furniture-manufacturer-gat-creek/

 

#2 – From WV TOURISM – Almost Heaven is full of epic adventures all year round, especially during the holiday season. What better way to enjoy the holiday season than sledding down the rolling hills or hopping on a snowy train ride?

This winter, reconnect with your long-distance family and add a West Virginia adventure to your itinerary. You’ll find something for everyone -- from sledding at Blackwater Falls to tubing to offroading through the hills of southern West Virginia. 

Visit wvtourism.com or wvstateparks.com to learn more!

Read more:

https://wvtourism.com/visiting-family-this-holiday-season-add-one-of-these-west-virginia-adventures-to-your-itinerary/

 

#3 – From WVHUB – Be the change you wish to see in the world! The Kickstart Communities Champions for Change Fellowship builds leadership skills for West Virginians who want to make a difference.

Offered over the course of 10 weeks with two in-person and three virtual sessions, this program will support you in creating the foundation needed for making lasting change in your own community. 

Applications for the 2025 cohort are now open!

Learn more:

https://wvhub.org/applyforchampions/

 

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, Dec. 19, 2024.

Find a rewarding career within West Virginia’s growing broadband industry…West Virginia businesses, learn how to start the new year with a clear, proactive export plan…and…we may have curvy mountain roads here in Almost Heaven, but a recent study shows that West Virginians are some of the best drivers in the country…on today’s daily304.

 

#1 – From WV COMMERCE –  Big investments in broadband infrastructure are occurring throughout West Virginia. West Virginia workers have an opportunity to be part of one of the largest federally funded infrastructure investments in state history.

Visit the West Virginia Department of Economic Development to learn more about broadband career opportunities.

Read more:

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=kM_7mMHnA9Q

 

#2 – From WV DED – The West Virginia Department of Economic Development wants to help West Virginia businesses maximize their international growth opportunities by starting the new year with a clear, proactive export plan. This approach includes strategic budgeting, targeted travel, and effective utilization of state and federal export resources. 

Learn how companies can prepare to achieve sustainable, global success with support from the West Virginia Export Promotion Program and the U.S. Commercial Service. Check out the Trade Talk blog to learn more about how to budget with exports in mind, plan travel to key markets and leverage state and federal resources.

Read more:

https://westvirginia.gov/trade-talk-planning-for-success-in-2025/

 

#3 – From WBOY-TV – West Virginians might complain about the roads, but new data says that they’re some of the best when it comes to driving on them.

According to insurance data compiled by LendingTree, West Virginians are the seventh-best drivers in the U.S., sitting just below its neighbor Kentucky, which ranked at #4.

To determine these rankings, LendingTree took a look at the number of insurance inquiries generated through its child company QuoteWizard between Nov. 5, 2023, and Nov. 4, 2024. These numbers were then used to determine the amount of driving incidents per 1,000 drivers in every state.

The data showed that in the past year, West Virginia only had 18.4 driving incidents per 1,000 people.

Read more:

https://www.wboy.com/news/west-virginia/data-west-virginians-are-some-of-the-best-drivers-in-the-us/

 

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.