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

Today is Saturday, Sept. 21, 2024.

Learn how you can save money on your energy bills--sign up for the Office of Energy seminar…a West Virginia couple finds love and a lifelong partnership in the theater…and a new connector trail links a popular ATV route with Chief Logan Lodge…on today’s daily304.

#1 – From WV ENERGY – The public is invited to learn about the West Virginia Office of Energy’s initial plans for the upcoming Home Energy Rebate Program. The event takes place Wednesday, Sept. 25, at the State Capitol. For those not in the area, a virtual seminar is available.

 This program, funded by the U.S. Department of Energy through the Inflation Reduction Act of 2022 will provide West Virginians with financial incentives for energy efficient upgrades that can make homes more comfortable and help reduce energy bills. 

Whether you’re a homeowner, a contractor, or an entity serving West Virginia residents, the Office of Energy wants to hear from you!

Register now:

https://events.teams.microsoft.com/event/e31a0d75-eaf5-4309-8b2a-1c4f5c0c3ea5@4ee48f43-e15d-4f4a-ad55-d0990aac660e

#2 – From SHINE ON, WV – When Sarah and Jason Young’s paths crossed, not only did they find love, but they found a lifelong partnership in the theater.Together, the power couple run (and perform with) the Rustic Mechanicals, West Virginia’s only professional Shakespeare troupe. 

Check out the video to see how they keep the art of storytelling alive in Appalachia, with Appalachians. And be sure to subscribe to the channel for more features on West Virginia’s artists!

Watch now:

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=kCrKQ17NLBE

#3 – From METRO NEWS –  Gov. Jim Justice joined leaders with the West Virginia State Parks and the Hatfield McCoy Trail System in Logan County recently to celebrate completion of a key connecting trail. 

The 4 ½ mile long trail was built by the Hatfield McCoy Trail staff at a cost of around $100,000. The connector links the lodge to the trail behind the Fountain Place Mall. 

The trail will link the Bear Wallow Trail System to the Chief Logan State Park Lodge. It will be a huge boost for the trail since one of the most needed components is lodging for out-of-state riders. To book lodging at Chief Logan, visit wvstateparks.com.

Read more:

https://wvmetronews.com/2024/09/05/connector-dedicated-to-link-hatfield-mccoy-trail-system-with-chief-logan-lodge/

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. 20, 2024.

A Wellsburg manufacturer rises from humble beginnings to become a global leader in industrial safety products…the Summit Solutions Group is committed to providing exceptional training and support services to domestic and international clients…learn more about West Virginia’s thriving industries that drive the economy…on today’s daily304.

#1 – From WV DED – For over 125 years, Eagle Manufacturing has been a vital part of West Virginia’s industrial heritage, growing from humble beginnings as a glass factory into a global leader in industrial safety products.

Check out the video to learn more about why this Wellsburg company says #YesWV

Watch the video:

https://www.youtube.com/watch?si=IcqnM_WG3lQFVLCM&v=ZadKgWE9wzc&feature=youtu.be

#2 – From SUMMIT GROUP – Based in Summit Point, West Virginia, the Summit Solutions Group is the mission support arm of the Summit Point Training Facility. 

As a dedicated U.S. Government contractor, the group offers a comprehensive spectrum of operation and maintenance and base operations support services in a wide variety of fields, from emergency medical support to firearms range maintenance.

Check them out online to learn more about training and read testimonials.

Read more:

https://summitsolgroup.com/testimonials-and-updates/

#3 – From WV DED – West Virginia’s diverse economy has moved beyond our history of resource extraction to include a robust array of products and services. 

Visit the West Virginia Department of Economic Development to learn about the key industries -- from aerospace to agriculture -- that have taken a foothold here and learn why leading companies make their home in the Mountain State.

Read more:

https://westvirginia.gov/thriving-industries/

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. 19, 2024.

Piggy backing off the success of WV’s new national park, visitor spending and jobs are up in the New River Gorge region…the WV Office of Broadband publishes a map to help folks locate digital inclusion services…and big investments are being made in broadband infrastructure; it’s a great time to find a career in broadband…on today’s daily304.

#1 – From WCHS-TV – Last year, nearly two million people visited the New River Gorge National Park and Preserve and two other national recreation areas in the region, spending close to $100 million. 

The New River Gorge National Park and Preserve, Gauley River National Recreation Area and Bluestone National Scenic River saw 1.9 million visitors spend about $96.5 million in communities surrounding the parks in the past year, according to the National Park Service.

Officials said the spending has increased throughout the region in the years since the New River Gorge’s redesignation as a national park in 2020.

Spending supported 1,268 jobs in the local area and had a cumulative benefit to the local economy of $116.5 million. The area also saw a 10% increase in jobs.

Read more:

https://wchstv.com/news/local/visitor-spending-rises-as-nearly-2-million-people-visited-new-river-gorge-in-2023#

#2 – From WTAP – The West Virginia Department of Economic Development, Office of Broadband has launched a new Digital Equity Asset Map and Dashboard.

This DE map will enable residents and organizations across the Mountain State to find organizations that offer digital inclusion services. Digital inclusion services are any activity that helps underserved or underrepresented communities better access and use the Internet. 

The DE Asset Map allows users to filter out digital equity assets by county, provider type, and service type. By clicking on the map, users can view the provider’s website, contact information, hours of operation, service details, and more.

To view the map, click here.

Read more:

https://www.wtap.com/2024/09/03/wv-office-broadband-launches-de-asset-map/

#3 – From WV DED – 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.

Check out the video and visit the West Virginia Department of Economic Development to learn more.

Watch the video:

https://www.youtube.com/watch?si=yC04iQuqVdnEvyM2&v=kM_7mMHnA9Q&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.

With two jutting panhandles and western and southern extremes, West Virginia’s unusual shape gives it four points like a compass rose, placing the Mountain State into the cross section of the Eastern United States.

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

Today is Wednesday, Sept. 18, 2024.

The WV Hive receives a federal grant to fund a Food Incubation Hub in Fayette County…Experience a month of changing autumn colors in Almost Heaven…and a Preston County bison farm teams up with the WV SBDC to boost its business…on today’s daily304.

#1 – From THE REAL WV – Leaders of the New River Gorge Regional Development Authority and West Virginia Hive recently joined with the Appalachian Regional Commission and the U.S. Department of Agriculture to showcase the many benefits of small business development throughout southern West Virginia.

The day started with the announcement of a $750,000 federal grant to the WV Hive that will locate a new Food Incubation Hub in Fayette County. The hub will include a commercial kitchen with space for 10 to 12 businesses, small wares, and catering supplies. The hub will also include full WV Hive business support services, with one-on-one business advising and technical assistance support.

Community leaders also took part in a small business roundtable discussion and toured Water Stone Outdoors in Fayetteville and Pinheads in Oak Hill.

Read more:

https://therealwv.com/2024/09/01/arc-and-usda-leaders-help-nrgrda-and-wv-hive-celebrate-small-business-progress/

#2 – From WV TOURISM – One of the more unique features of West Virginia is its wide range of elevation. This provides visitors the opportunity to enjoy fall leaf peeping for nearly an entire month throughout the Mountain State.

The leaves begin to peak in late September in the eastern mountains of the Potomac Highlands. Mid-October is the New River Gorge’s time to shine. Fall color wraps up in late October in the Eastern Panhandle. During this time, you can enjoy a variety of exciting fall festivals and outdoor recreation.

Start planning your Almost Heaven fall getaway today!

Read more:

https://wvtourism.com/fall-leaf-peeping/

#3 – From WV SBDC –  Tucked in the hills of Preston County, Riffle Farms raises grass-fed and finished bison. Owner Liz Riffle has carved out a unique niche in the agricultural scene.

Her journey into bison farming began with a personal quest for healthier, more sustainable food options. This dedication to quality and health resonates throughout Riffle Farms’ operations, making them pioneers as the first commercial bison operation in West Virginia. 

Liz acknowledges the support they received from the West Virginia Small Business Development Center is a crucial resource for entrepreneurs. 

“The SBDC is one of those folks who really wanted to help us out from that perspective,” she shares. “It made a big difference for us because we could then be taken seriously from a lending perspective, which allowed us to expand our business.”

Read more:

https://wvsbdc.com/riffle-farms-a-bison-farm-in-the-mountain-state/

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 What Makes You Wonderful, we talk with Hawley Carlson, Executive Director, and Dana Bryant, Outreach Officer, for Volunteer West Virginia. They 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. We also 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.

You can find more information here: https://volunteer.wv.gov/Pages/default.aspx

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

Today is Tuesday, Sept. 17, 2024.

The Charleston CVB prepares for its next big sporting event, the USA Karate All American Classic…construction on two Southern West Virginia travel plazas is expected to be complete just in time for Christmas…and discover history, outdoor recreation and more in the Hatfield-McCoy Mountains region…on today’s daily304.

#1 – From METRO NEWS – After a series of successful spring and summer events, the Charleston Convention and Visitors Bureau is now ready to carry that momentum into the fall–with the focus particularly being on more of the growing sports tourism industry.

Charleston CVB President and CEO Tim Brady said they are excited about a new event in October -- the USA Karate All American Classic.

The event takes place at the Charleston Coliseum and Convention Center Oct. 25-27. It’s projected to bring in around 800 youth athletes coming to compete for national karate titles.

That’s coming on the success of the USA Cycling Pro Road National Championships, which Charleston hosted in May. USA Cycling signed a 5-year contract for the event to be held in Charleston.

Brady said they are confident about banking on sports tourism being a success in the area based on what it has already generated.

“Sports will just continue to grow in the United States and we’re just finding new ways and working hard to continue to tap into that here in the city,” he said.

Read more:

https://wvmetronews.com/2024/09/02/charleston-officials-say-growing-sports-tourism-continues-to-be-the-focus-for-the-fall-and-winter-months-ahead/

#2 – From METRO NEWS –  West Virginia Parkways Authority says the ongoing construction on two Southern West Virginia travel plazas is now set to be all wrapped up by this December, just in time for the busy holiday season.

Parkways Authority Executive Director Jeff Miller gave an update on the new Beckley and Bluestone Travel Plazas to lawmakers during a recent meeting. He said those facilities, which have been under construction since late 2022 to early 2023, are set to open by Dec. 15.

The reconstruction is intended to give them a modernized look while also paying tribute to the original “glass houses” look of the facilities from the 1950s and 60s.

Both of the plazas will come complete with restaurants such as Wendy’s, Starbucks, Popeyes, and a 24-hour convenience store, Mountain State Market, as well as outdoor dining opportunities. The facility will also include 50 additional parking spaces for tractor trailers and EV charging stations. 

Read more:

https://wvmetronews.com/2024/09/02/newly-updated-west-virginia-travel-plazas-to-open-by-the-end-of-the-year/

#3 – From WV TOURISM –  The Hatfield-McCoy Mountains region is rooted in history and has the perfect blend of adventures. From the ATV-friendly towns to the mountainous scenery that sets the tone for unique outdoor experiences, this West Virginia destination is a diverse region that appeals to every explorer. 

Discover unique cultural attractions like the National Coal Heritage Area, the historic town of Bramwell and the West Virginia Mine Wars Museum.

Explore outdoor adventures at Beech Fork and Chief Logan state parks. Enjoy epic off-roading adventures on the Hatfield-McCoy Trails.

Savor the local flavors, from the smoked pork BBQ at Wingo’s Grill to the world-famous hot dogs at Morrison’s Drive In. 

It’s all there in Hatfield McCoy country!

Read more:

https://wvtourism.com/4-reasons-why-the-hatfield-mccoy-mountains-region-is-worth-a-trip/

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. 16, 2024.

A new $100 million high-performance computer system strengthens NOAA’s partnership with the WV High Technology Foundation…WV’s opportune location and eager workforce make it an ideal location for the defense industry…and through Opportunity Move, WV provides support for federal agencies…on today’s daily304.

#1 – From UPI – A new $100 million high-performance computer system will advance research and development efforts by NOAA on a number of scientific and weather-related tasks, the federal government announced Tuesday.

The high-performance computer called “Rhea” will advance NOAA research on weather, climate, and ocean and ecosystem prediction at its new modular facility in Fairmont, at NOAA’s Environmental Security Computing Center, currently home of the Hera HPC supercomputer.

“The computer’s installation at the NOAA Environmental Security Computing Center in West Virginia will strengthen NOAA’s partnership with the West Virginia High Technology Foundation, which is committed to building a stronger, more diverse economy for the region,” said Zachary Goldstein, NOAA Chief Information Officer and director of High Performance Computing.

Read more:

https://www.upi.com/Top_News/US/2024/09/03/NOAA-Rhea-Commerce-Department/6281725386869/

#2 – From WV DED – West Virginia is ready and eager to welcome defense companies and federal agencies seeking a loyal workforce, opportune location and rewarding lifestyle for employees.

West Virginia’s proximity to major metropolitan areas makes it an excellent location for the production of military and defense products and technologies. The West Virginia National Defense Industrial Association provides additional support for the defense industry to grow and thrive in West Virginia.

Several defense industry leaders already call West Virginia their home. Visit the West Virginia Department of Economic Development to learn more and download a business assistance brochure.

Read more:

https://westvirginia.gov/industries/defense/

#3 – From WV DED – Through Opportunity Move, West Virginia provides fiscal, business continuity, and workforce solutions for federal agencies. Our state is positioned to assist your agency in mitigating risk, reducing your expense budget and providing upskilling, workforce recruitment and training opportunities.

From real estate solutions to energy savings: West Virginia delivers relief for escalating lease and property costs, a high quality of living for your employees and a geographic location that supports long term strategic business continuity objectives of your agency.

Learn more:

https://westvirginia.gov/industries/opportunity-move/

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. 15, 2024.

Stay connected with the people who shape West Virginia--tune in to our Innovators and Entrepreneurs podcast…If you’re looking to film your next big production in Almost Heaven, the folks at the WV Film Office are ready to help with location scouting, skilled workforce and more…and sit back and enjoy a concert from your couch with Mountain State Music…on today’s daily304.

#1 – From DAILY304 – The daily304’s Innovators and Entrepreneurs podcast 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 hear about the amazing inventions, innovations, insightful messages and awe-inspiring testimonials happening right here in the Mountain State!

Learn more:

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

 #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.

Film Office staff can help you secure your perfect location, find skilled workforce, and navigate film permitting.

They’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. 

Learn more:

https://westvirginia.gov/wvfilm/

#3 – From MOUNTAIN STATE MUSIC – 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, recorded before a live audience and streamed on YouTube.

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/

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. 14, 2024.

Rumor has it a monster stalks the woods near Twin Falls Resort; gather ’round the campfire to hear about the mysterious creature…Explore the culture and culinary delights of Appalachia with Taste WV…and check out the wide variety of philanthropic organizations striving to make a difference in WV communities…on today’s daily304.

#1 – From WV EXPLORER – While reports of the Polk Hollow Monster haven't reached the frequency they had in the 1970s and ‘80s, there’s no doubt in the minds of a few locals that something haunts the vicinity of the hollow in Twin Falls Resort State Park. 

State officials even developed a hiking trail, the Poke Hollow Trail, that recalls an encounter with the beast in the 1970s. The story was popularized by folklorist and West Virginia Senator David “Bugs” Stover, who often recounts it on summer evenings at the park campground.

The legend dates back to 1942, when 19-year-old Big Jim McMoore was target shooting in the hollow near Polk Gap. That’s when he spotted a hairy monster with glowing red eyes, perched high in the trees. The creature, nearly 12 feet tall, jumped down and chased Big Jim through the trees to the edge of the woods, where he sought safety inside his cabin.

So if you’re hiking in the woods near Twin Falls and hear a crashing through the trees, keep an eye out for the monster!

Read more:

https://wvexplorer.com/2024/08/26/twin-falls-state-park-west-virginia-polk-hollow-monster/

#2 – From TASTE WV – Do you crave Appalachian cuisine, prepared from fresh local ingredients? Would you like to learn more about the foodie scene in West Virginia?

Taste West Virginia honors the culture and culinary delights of the cherished Mountain State, spotlighting local chefs and restaurateurs dedicated to genuine farm-to-table practices, aiming to elevate the food scene to extraordinary heights. 

Learn about a chef’s return home to Gustard’s Bistro in White Sulphur Springs. Keep up with Fayetteville hotspot FreeFolk Brewery. Check out the tasty offerings at the newly opened Hart Kitchen in Clarksburg. 

It’s all there and more in the online magazine dedicated to tempting the taste buds!

Read more:

https://tastewv.com/category/food/

#3 – From WV EXECUTIVE – The positive impact of philanthropic and nonprofit organizations in West Virginia is undeniable. There are numerous charitable organizations to choose from, each offering unique opportunities to make a meaningful difference. 

West Virginia Executive highlights the foundations making positive impacts across the state. The accompanying map is not exhaustive but it illustrates the impressive reach of the industry.

Learn about foundations, private foundations and public charities operating in West Virginia and serving its communities. 

Read more:

https://wvexecutive.com/illustrating-impact/

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.