Welcome to the daily304 – your window into Wonderful, Almost Heaven, West Virginia.
Today is Monday, April 14, 2025.
Visit Southern West Virginia launches a mobile passport to the New River Gorge…as West Virginia shifts to diversify its economy, its manufacturing base expands…and #YesWV partners with Jobcase to offer a free platform for local employers to post job opportunities…on today’s daily304.
#1 – From WV NEWS – Locals and tourists alike have a new way to explore some of West Virginia’s most scenic and historic destinations with the launch of Visit Southern West Virginia’s New River Gorge, Beckley & Beyond Passport.
The digital passport highlights 25 locations throughout Raleigh, Fayette and Nicholas counties and features a mix of outdoor adventure spots, cultural attractions and small-town charm. Some destinations, are also part of the West Virginia Waterfall Trail, allowing travelers to log visits on both trails with a single stop.
Visitors use their mobile devices to check in at each location and earn points, which can then be redeemed for prizes.
Sign up for New River Gorge, Beckley & Beyond Passport at go.visitwv.com.
Read more:
https://www.wvnews.com/news/wvnews/visit-southern-west-virginia-launches-new-river-gorge-beckley-beyond-passport-program/article_cdec9d52-39ec-43c8-8976-089874b023db.html
#2 – From WV NEWS – West Virginia has historically been a powerhouse of energy production, with coal, oil and natural gas playing a central role in the state’s economy.
However, in recent decades, the state has shifted its focus toward diversifying its economic base. One of the most significant areas of growth has been in manufacturing, where West Virginia now boasts a wide range of industries — from chemicals and automotive to metal products and wood manufacturing.
Staci Miller, director of the West Virginia University Industrial Extension, said West Virginia manufacturers are in constant pursuit of improvements in operations and development of their workforce.
The state has had a number of high-profile manufacturing investments in recent years including Nucor Steel and GreenPower Motor Company.
Annually, manufacturing adds more than $8.8 billion in value to the state’s economy, according to data from the National Association of Manufacturers. More than 1,000 separate manufacturing businesses in the state employ more than 47,300 workers.
Read more:
https://www.wvnews.com/business/molding-west-virginia-s-manufacturing-future-money-machines-and-manpower/article_ad1a8b6e-67f2-4335-b7db-30eab21faa08.html
#3 – From JOBCASE – Consumers are in constant contact with products containing elements made in West Virginia. Base polymers in cosmetics and window seals to finished goods: spark plugs, tableware, charcoal and kitchen cabinets. All made in Almost Heaven, West Virginia.
West Virginia’s diverse manufacturing sector includes chemicals, biotech/pharmaceuticals, primary metals, automotive components, fabricated products, wood products and more. The state’s workforce also ranks first in the U.S. for the lowest turnover rate in manufacturing-specific jobs.
Through their partnership with Jobcase.com/WV/Post, #YesWV offers a free platform for local employers to post job opportunities, ensuring that positions reach the right candidates.
Read more:
https://www.jobcase.com/articles/manufacturing-in-wv
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.