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

Today is Monday, Sept. 30, 2024 

Discover new technologies at the WV Digital Government Summit…Sign up for the daily304 e-newsletter and get three stories a day about great things happening in Almost Heaven…and it’s lights, camera, action! Get started on a film career with a free training opportunity…on today’s daily304.

#1 – From WV TECHNOLOGY – The West Virginia 2024 Digital Government Summit brings together technology focused public-sector professionals with leading industry partners to connect on innovative approaches, get inspired and discover new technologies. 

Hosted by the West Virginia Department of Administration, Office of Technology, the event takes place Tuesday, Oct. 22. Register now!

Learn more:

https://events.govtech.com/West-Virginia-Digital-Government-Summit

#2 – From DAILY304 – Get the scoop on all the great things happening in Almost Heaven, West Virginia.

The daily304 is 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.

Subscribe to the e-newsletter and tell your friends!

Learn more:

https://daily304.wv.gov/?utm_source=daily304.com&utm_medium=referral

#3 – From WV FILM OFFICE – Film industry jobs are here now! According to the latest Motion Picture Association statistics, the industry generated $120 million in wages related to 1,980 direct jobs and 3,880 support jobs. And, thanks to the July 1, 2022 launch of one of the best film tax incentives in the country, the Mountain State is poised to expand its role in creating film industry jobs and steady work here. 

Interested in a career in film? The West Virginia Film Office sponsors many stand-alone film industry training seminars and weekend workshops around the state.

The first training opportunity is a free Intro to Basic Grip and Set Lighting course set for 5 to 9 p.m. Monday, Oct. 9, at the Valley Park Conference Center in Hurricane with Matt Napier. Find out more trainings and registration info at www.filmfuturesfoundation.com

Learn more:

https://westvirginia.gov/wvfilm/

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. 29, 2024 

West Virginia’s film roots go decades back, and the state continues to support the film industry…learn how the WV SBDC can help you grow or start your own business…and discover the famous people, places and event that shaped WV history…on today’s daily304.

#1 – From JOBCASE –  Since the earliest days of silent film, West Virginia has played a role in the film industry. A long list of West Virginians played pivotal roles in film and TV history, from late, great stars to modern-day stars such as Jennifer Garner, Steve Harvey, and more.

Thanks to the July 1, 2022 launch of one of the best film tax incentives in the country (up to 31 percent with no cap) - the Mountain State is poised to expand its role in creating film industry jobs and steady work here. The Mountain State has rekindled its West Virginia Film Office . Embedded within the West Virginia Department of Economic Development, the Film Office helps foster more productions and build out the state’s film industry workforce and opportunities.

Learn more:

https://www.jobcase.com/articles/film-is-back-in-wv

#2 – From WVSBDC – Thinking of starting your own business? Or perhaps you want to grow your own business. It’s all possible here in #YesWV!

Meet one-on-one with WV SBDC business coaches to receive confidential, no-cost technical assistance to help start and grow your business in West Virginia.SBDC coaches can help you identify your goals, develop valuable skills and acquire the necessary resources to make your business a success.

Read more:

https://wvsbdc.com/

#3 – From THE HISTORY PROJECT – 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. 

With The History Project, 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.

Turn in to learn more about the famous people, places and events that shaped West Virginia history!

Learn more:

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

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. 28, 2024 

As the second-leading hardwood state in the U.S., West Virginia supports a robust wood products industry…land a rewarding career with great pay and benefits in the corrections industry--see who’s hiring…and Gauley Season is in full swing--book your trip today and get ready to experience America’s best whitewater…on today’s daily304.

#1 – From WV DED – The wood industry of West Virginia generates $3.2 billion annually for the state’s economy and provides more than 30,000 jobs within the state.

West Virginia is the second-leading hardwood state in the U.S. and each of its 55 counties has some segment of the wood industry as an employer -- from logging and sawmills to veneer plants.

Check out the West Virginia Department of Economic Development to learn more about wood manufacturing businesses that operate in #YesWV

Learn more:

https://westvirginia.gov/industries/forestproducts/

#2 – From JOBCASE – Make a difference in your community with a rewarding career with the West Virginia Division of Corrections and Rehabilitation.

New opportunities and incentives are available! Jobs offer a great salary and benefits package, paid training, opportunities for advancement and more. 

Check out Jobcase to find out who’s hiring!

Learn more:

https://www.jobcase.com/articles/wv-dcr

#3 – From BLUE RIDGE OUTDOORS –  Every fall, southern West Virginia becomes home to one of the top stretches of whitewater in the country. What paddlers and rafters affectionately call Gauley Season marks the exciting time of year when scheduled releases from Summersville Dam dump into the Gauley River, providing some of the world’s top whitewater runs.

This year’s Gauley Season runs through October 20.

“West Virginia’s whitewater rafting is unlike anything you’ve ever seen before,” said Gov. Jim Justice in his announcement of the official start to the season. “It’s a once-in-a-lifetime West Virginia adventure you just can’t miss out on.”

Plan your rafting excursion today at WVtourism.com.

Read more:

https://www.blueridgeoutdoors.com/go-outside/raging-rapids-gauley-season-starts-in-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 Friday, Sept. 27, 2024.

Learn about wildfire prevention with Smokey Bear…a fitness center in St. Marys teams up with the WVSBDC to grow its business…and employers, learn how you can post your job openings for free on Jobcase…on today’s daily304.

#1 – From WV FORESTRY– As West Virginia heads into Fall Fire Season, it’s more important than ever to know the fire laws that help protect our forests. And with the help of Smokey Bear, adults can teach kids about fire safety, too.

Celebrating 80 years in 2024, the Smokey Bear Wildfire Prevention campaign is the longest-running public service advertising campaign in U.S. history. Smokey’s message is as relevant and urgent today as it was in 1944.

The West Virginia Division of Forestry has resources on its website to help kids learn more the importance of preventing wildfires. You can download a free, full-color comic book, “The True Story of Smokey Bear.” There’s also a workbook, coloring sheets, games and more -- all featuring Smokey. 

Remember … Only YOU can prevent wildfires!

Read more:

https://wvforestry.com/smokey-bear/

#2 – From WV COMMERCE – Located in St. Marys, West Virginia, Lighten Up Fitness specializes in group fitness classes to support your physical, mental and emotional health.

Vicki Wilson is the owner and is also one of the instructors of Lighten Up Fitness. She shares how working with a business coach from the West Virginia Small Business Development Center helped support her growing business.

The fitness center offers a community where people can enhance their fitness while being social at the same time.

Watch the video:

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=hoKN4eN9MiQ

#3 – From JOBCASE – West Virginia’s workforce ranks first in the U.S. for the lowest turnover rate in manufacturing-specific jobs, making the state an ideal location for a manufacturing sector that includes everything from automotive components to wood products.

The state forms robust partnerships with employers, fostering a vibrant employment environment for job seekers. 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.

Learn 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.

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

Today is Thursday, Sept. 26, 2024.

Shine On, WV presents the magic behind mascot designers…Learn how volunteer opportunities can boost yourself while also helping Almost Heaven…and the next WV Juried Exhibition is seeking wildlife art…on today’s daily304.

#1 – From SHINE ON, WV – Ever seen a mascot around West Virginia? Chances are high that Dale Morton was the man behind its design. Inspired by sci-fi as a teenager, Morton took his interest in the arts and made Dale Morton Studio a reality. Check out the Shine On, WV interview to hear about some of his greatest works from reindeer, to robots, and everything in between!

Watch the video:

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ereBoOwEU7s

#2 – From WHAT MAKES YOU WONDERFUL – Hawley Carlson and Dana Bryant of Volunteer West Virginia share information about how their organization helps connect people with volunteer opportunities across the state. 

Hawley and Dana also explain the different programs and resources available to volunteers and nonprofits. Tune into What Makes You Wonderful to find out why they love being involved. If you're interested in making a difference in West Virginia, listen to this episode to find out how you can get involved.

Listen now:

https://daily304.libsyn.com/wmyw-learns-more-about-volunteer-west-virginia

#3 – From PARSONS ADVOCATE – Calling all artists! The West Virginia Department of Arts, Culture and History is accepting submissions for the third installation of Inspired: A West Virginia Series of Juried Exhibitions. The exhibit will feature West Virginia wildlife. Submissions will be accepted through Friday, Nov. 8.

Inspired: A West Virginia Series of Juried Exhibitions is a four-part series in honor of the upcoming 250th anniversary of the founding of the United States, highlighting visual representations of West Virginia themes. The final installation will feature West Virginia Historic Figures. All parts of the series will be displayed in the Commissioner’s Gallery of the Culture Center.

The exhibit will open Jan. 12, 2025 at the Culture Center at the State Capitol Complex.

Learn more:

https://parsonsadvocate.com/news/pa-top-stories/headlines/department-of-arts-culture-and-history-seeking-entries-for-inspired-west-virginia-wildlife-juried-art-exhibition/

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, Sept.25, 2024.

Broadband is blowing up all over the state! Learn how you can become part of the investment…NewForce recruits workers for its fully-remote, tuition-free tech career training program…and just in time for a harrowing fall fire fighting season, the WV Division of Forestry receives vital new firefighting equipment…on today’s daily304.

#1 – From JOBCASE – West Virginia workers have an opportunity to be part of one of the largest federally funded infrastructure investments in state history.

The West Virginia Department of Economic Development, Office of Broadband, is tasked with deploying local and federal broadband funds, including $1.2 billion in federal funding for broadband development in West Virginia. This historic investment in broadband infrastructure will support West Virginia’s vision to achieve universal broadband access.

Now, there are new opportunities for workers to access broadband industry-specific training to secure a great job and contribute to connecting West Virginia.

Check out Jobcase to more about careers in broadband in West Virginia,

Read more:

https://www.jobcase.com/articles/broadband-workforce-programs-wv

#2 – From GENERATION WV – NewForce is a fully-remote, tuition-free tech career training program. Its goal is to build a tech economy in West Virginia that works for everyone.

Through an immersive curriculum, NewForce students solve real-world problems, collaborate on teams, and graduate with in-demand data analytics skills. NewForce then leverages employer partnerships to help trainees find their first industry role.

Interested in applying for C10 – Data Analytics? Applications are open now until October 18th!

Learn more:

https://generationwv.org/programs/newforce/

#3 – From LOOTPRESS –  Gov. Jim Justice and the West Virginia Division of Forestry has announced the arrival of vital new firefighting equipment to be used across West Virginia.

The new equipment includes bulldozers equipped with specialized forestry and fire fighting packages, fire engines designed specifically for combating wildfires and new drones equipped with thermal imaging technology to assist in fire detection.

In 2023, Gov. Justice signed SB 1032, which provided $4 million toward new equipment. These funds were allocated by the West Virginia Legislature to purchase equipment to assist WV DOF foresters in fighting wildfires.

West Virginia’s Fall Fire Season starts Oct. 1, and burning regulations can be found on the WVDOF website.

Read more:

https://www.lootpress.com/gov-justice-division-of-forestry-unveil-new-firefighting-equipment-ahead-of-fire-season-in-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.

In this episode of the What Makes You Wonderful podcast, we get the inside scoop on one of West Virginia’s newest festivals! The Mtn Craft Film Festival is now in its second year and Jeffrey Boggess explains the importance of promoting Appalachian films as well as everything you can get into at this year’s event. 

The festival runs from October 3-6 at the Robinson Grand in Clarksburg. You can find more information about it here: https://www.mtncraftfilmfestival.com/

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

Today is Tuesday, Sept. 24, 2024.

Lewisburg’s Hawk Knob Hard Cider is dedicated to sharing our Appalachian culture…a West Virginia artist brings tiny worlds to life through watercolors…and tourism numbers are breaking records in #YesWV…on today’s daily304.

#1 – From DAILY304 – Tune in to Innovators and Entrepreneurs to hear from Jason Nerenberg, sales director and account executive at Hawk Knob Appalachian Hard Cider. He and his team are dedicated to sharing our Appalachian culture through the cider they make in Lewisburg.

“We’re still doing things the old-fashioned Appalachian way here at Hawk Knob, and it’s part of our goal to share some of that lifestyle with folks who come to visit us here,” Nerenberg says. “We’re using all West Virginia grown apples, and we’re really just trying to shine a spotlight on the products and, as best we can, stay out of the way.”

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 an episode!

Read more:

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=3_9He_r3KWo

#2 – From PITTSBURGH CITYCAST – Nature combines with stunning watercolor art in the new book, “Tiny Worlds of the Appalachian Mountains” by West Virginia artist Rosalie Haizlett. 

The 200 page book reveals the exquisite wildflowers, unique butterflies, colorful slime, coveted mushrooms and more tucked within forested ridges and waterways.

The book is filled with maps and illustrations of species, field notes, ecological facts and interviews with experts -- all recorded on a six-month journey through the mountains. The book is available for purchase through Lost Appalachia Trading Co. in Fayetteville as well as online retailers. 

Read more:

https://pittsburgh.citycast.fm/urban-almanac/watercolors-tiny-worlds-flora-fauna-appalachia?fbclid=IwY2xjawFP2PZleHRuA2FlbQIxMAABHfzkFgSsHfZ1dX1bfIKm2CB8A9BdimaPcfsTPjZ0MSpwpmgyHiVhJV0pyQ_aem_duq2skpKSzBgN9RByh2WWA

#3 – From METRO NEWS – Latest data is showing that the Mountain State’s tourism performance for last year is reaching record breaking numbers, with the industry’s total economic impact approaching $9 billion.

Tourism officials say that visitor volume for 2023 reached 75 million. Visitors spent approximately $6.3 billion in the state last year, which was 5.6% more than in 2022.

These numbers were presented at the annual Governor’s Conference on Tourism that was held last week at the Charleston Coliseum and Convention Center.

“This is the highest in the state’s history and this is a number that we’re really, really proud of,” Secretary of Tourism Chelsea Ruby said.

Read more:

https://wvmetronews.com/2024/09/15/latest-data-shows-states-tourism-industry-is-breaking-records/

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. 23, 2024.

A new program prepares West Virginians for careers in the fine dining industry…a Beckley rapper shares how he balanced earning an engineering degree with his music career…and you'll soon be able to meet cats in purrson while you sip a latte at Charleston’s first cat cafe…on today’s daily304.

#1 – From WV HEALTH RIGHT – Gov. Jim Justice has announced the launch of “Prepped To Serve Appalachia,” an accelerated fine dining worker certification program.

The initiative is led by West Virginia Health Right in partnership with Chef Paul Smith, the state's only James Beard Award-winning chef. The program is funded through a $250,000 grant award from WorkForce West Virginia.

The program will prepare 40 West Virginians annually for careers in the fine dining industry. Participants in the three-month program will train with Chef Paul in the classroom as well as experience on-the-job training at local fine dining establishments.

The training sessions will be held at West Virginia Health Right locations in Charleston, with the first session starting in October.

Learn more:

https://wvhealthright.org/prepped-to-serve-appalachia/

#2 – From SHINE ON, WV – Shelem is a West Virginia musician that has been dedicated to his craft throughout his whole life. 

Watch to learn the story behind what it took to find hip hop success in the state, how he balanced earning his engineering degree with his music career, and what he's up to in the present in and around Appalachia. And don’t forget to subscribe to the Shine On, WV channel for more features on West Virginia artists!

Watch the video:

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=gct6xqDMczM

#3 – From WOWK-TV – Coffee, cats and community – that’s the motto for a new café coming to West Virginia’s Capital City.

The Cups and Cats Café is gearing up for its grand opening on Summers Street in downtown Charleston. The new business will be a place where cat lovers and coffee drinkers can come together under one roof, and folks who love both are in the right place.

The shop will be split into two sections. One area will be for drink making and the other will be for adoptable cats to hang out.  The cafe is expected to open by the end of the year, so stay tuned! Check out Cups and Cats Café on Facebook for updates. 

Read more:

https://www.wowktv.com/news/west-virginia/kanawha-county-wv/soon-to-open-cafe-in-charleston-unites-cat-lovers-and-coffee-drinkers/

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. 22, 2024.

Capture great memories with a pic in an Almost Heaven swing and a visit to some of the state’s most beautiful waterfalls…Move over, Dollywood, as West Virginia’s first mountain coaster prepares to open in Mercer County…and share your innovative ideas at the Pitch Southern West Virginia Business Idea Competition…on today’s daily304.

#1 – From WV TOURISM –  Looking for a fun adventure in the Mountain State? Hit two birds with one stone by stopping by an Almost Heaven Swing for a photo and visiting one of the waterfalls listed on the West Virginia Waterfall Trail!

Plan a getaway to Blackwater Falls State Park, where you can take a hike and explore several stunning waterfalls as well as capture a photo on the oversized handcrafted swing. It’s a great way to preserve vacation memories. Or, enjoy a tour on the new Rail Explorers Railbikes in Clay County, where you’ll find an Almost Heaven swing as well as the Devil’s Sawmill waterfall on Buffalo Creek.

Check out wvtourism.com for a list of additional places to visit. And don’t forget to download your free mobile passport to the West Virginia Waterfall Trail and share your scenic photos using #AlmostHeaven!

Read more:

https://wvtourism.com/explore-the-perfect-pair-almost-heaven-swings-waterfalls-in-west-virginia/

#2 – From WV NEWS –  A new mountain coaster is on track to open at Brush Creek Falls Resort in Mercer County by mid-October, weather permitting.

The resort has been steadily adding features to enhance the guest experience. Upcoming developments include a ropes course with an observation deck, a hiking trail connecting the resort to Brush Creek Falls, an arcade, a taproom featuring local brews, and a moonshine distillery inspired by similar attractions in Gatlinburg, Tennessee.

The resort currently offers cabins, RV lots, putt-putt golf, gem mining, and more, ensuring a variety of activities for all ages.

Read more:

https://www.wvnews.com/news/wvnews/brush-creek-falls-resort-set-to-open-new-rollercoaster-and-expanded-attractions-this-fall/article_b023e8a0-6bd2-11ef-838a-d71fc3fdacb7.html

#3 – From WV HIVE – Got a great idea for an innovative new product? The WV Hive Network has announced the Fall 2024 installment of its Pitch Southern West Virginia Business Idea Competition. 

During the in-person competition, you will have five minutes to present your idea to a panel of judges and explain why it is innovative and how it will make a difference to southern WV.

The competition, to be held at WVU Tech in Beckley, is open to residents and businesses located in select southern counties as well as WVU Tech students. 

The deadline to apply is noon on October 15.

Learn more:

https://wvhive.com/business-idea-competition/

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.