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

Today is Saturday, Aug. 10, 2024.

Marshall’s film degree program creates opportunities for a Fairmont resident as the city pitches in on her capstone project…Cool off at the new splash pad at Twin Falls Resort…and Barnwood Living offers chic tiny cabins for rent in Almost Heaven…on today’s daily304.

#1 – From TIMES WV –  Firefighters from the Fairmont Fire Department waited for their cue outside the Marion County Courthouse. On Trinity Rollins’ orders, they unleashed a jet of water into the air and the droplets splashed down on students from Shawna Santee’s 5th Street Center for Dance.

Rollins, 21, used the power of movie magic to recreate one of her younger experiences in Fairmont. Her professor told students to write what they know. So Rollins wrote about one memorable performance from 2021 when her dance class performed in the rain after a city parade was canceled. 

The short film, “It’s Only a Parade,” was part of Rollins’ capstone project at Marshall University in which she had to pitch, plan and script a film project.

Rollins put her production together at the same time more opportunities for video and film production are beginning to pop up in West Virginia. Tax incentives for film production have returned at the state level. At the same time, Marshall launched the state’s first bachelor’s degree program in filmmaking in the fall.

Read more:

https://www.timeswv.com/news/tuesday_news/fairmont-native-brings-a-touch-of-movie-magic-to-marion-county-courthouse/article_bd415fe4-4de2-11ef-8991-b3e23ad6f927.html

 

#2 – From WV STATE PARKS – Kids are encouraged to bring their parents and guardians to the new splash pad at Twin Falls Resort State Park. 

The Lily Pad Splash Park has several water features including a dump cylinder that drops hundreds of gallons of water every five minutes, water blasters, water cannons, sprinklers, splashing frogs, and an aqua table. Splash park users can also enjoy a lounge area and a small refreshment and retail area that sells a variety of frozen treats, drinks, snacks, logo apparel and beach towels.

The splash pad was part of a $4 million bond project that included rebuilding the Twin Falls Resort Pro Shop, which opened in the spring of 2023. Additional ongoing projects at Twin Falls include adding a climbing wall and relocating the parks’ nature center. The Falls Trail is also receiving a boardwalk and trail enhancements.

Read more:

https://wvstateparks.com/press-release/new-twin-falls-resort-splash-pad-open-to-public/

 

#3 – From THE REAL WV –  In May 2023, a commotion behind the Barnwood Living store in White Sulphur Springs turned out to be Mark Bowe, rapping a country song over the purr of a crane while personally manning the controls and dropping logs onto a frame. 

Bowe is the host of the hit TV show “Barnwood Builders,” where he and his crew preserve and repurpose historic log homes. His latest project is the perfect combination of old materials used in a new style–log cabin tiny homes.

“We get at least 500 people from out of state that come to the store every month,” Bowe says. Now those visitors can stay in a cabin Bowe and the builders constructed just for them.

Over the last year and a half, he and the crew have been hard at work building tiny cabins behind their store. The Spa City Cottage and the Big Draft Timberframe are available for rent via Airbnb. And the Dry Creek Cabin will be ready for visitors this fall.

The cabins are equipped with modern amenities and make a great place to stay for visitors exploring the Greenbrier Valley. Check out wvtourism.com to learn more about the region. 

Read more:

https://therealwv.com/2024/08/01/book-a-night-in-a-barnwood-builders-tiny-cabin/

 

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, Aug. 9, 2024.

Logan native Kate Boytek releases a new music video and it’s fire--literally…From craft bourbon to aviation technology, the WV EDA boasts a an impressive roster of successes in #YesWV…and Governor Justice honors 23 West Virginia companies with an export award…on today’s daily304.

#1 – From THE REAL WV – Kate Boytek, the Logan County native who set Nashville ablaze with last summer’s video for her song, “Anywhere,” is turning up the heat even higher with her sophomore cinematic offering. 

Boytek recently appeared on WSAZ’s Studio 3 to debut her video for the song “House Fire.” 

“It got picked up by Grand Theft Auto – the video game,” Boytek said. “So it’s playing in the Vice City. Isn’t that wild?”

Though uncharacteristic for the singer/songwriter, the heavier drum beats compliment her powerful voice, and the use of real fire as a backdrop sets the ideal tone for the full display of guitarist Shane Runyon’s talent.  

Produced by Allegheny Image Factory, the video was shot on location in Boytek’s hometown of Logan. 

Read more:

https://therealwv.com/2024/07/28/kate-boytek-starts-a-fire-in-new-music-video/?es_id=c22a0a26d4

 

#2 – From WV COMMERCE – There are so many West Virginia Economic Development Authority success stories where companies are creating jobs and furthering economic opportunities in their community.

Check out the video to view success stories from businesses including Bullock Distillery, Mountaintop Beverage, Northstar Technologies, Architectural Wood and more.

Watch the video:

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=R05yAPA_ieU

 

#3 – From WV COMMERCE – Twenty-three West Virginia companies that grew their business by exporting a good or service to a new country last year were recognized by state officials in a ceremony on July 22. Eight of these companies were first time winners.

These successfully exported products are due in large part to the Export Promotion Program, which helps companies navigate the global marketplace, providing support, counseling and connections.

Visit West Virginia Economic Development to learn more. 

Watch the video:

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

 

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 Aug. 8, 2024. 

Started in a Fort Hill basement, Charleston’s Echo-Lit delivers its educational art to a world stage…Nitro’s teaching apiary helps share beekeeping benefits with kids and veterans…and a Ritchie County knifemaker handcrafts his products with precision and care…on today’s daily304.

#1 – From GAZETTE-MAIL –  Every small business has a story. For Echo-Lit, it begins in a basement. Jeanne Stevenson and her husband Chris Rice started the educational media company from their Fort Hill basement in 2008.

The company steadily grew, and the couple now runs their production from a building in the Elk City district on Charleston’s West Side. The company produces quality educational prints using original and unique art while supporting local artists, Stevenson said.

What began in a basement now has a worldwide reach: Echo-Lit was recently recognized by state economic development officials as one of 23 West Virginia companies that grew their business by exporting goods or services to a new country last year. The company has exported to Canada and Australia as well as numerous countries in Europe and Asia.

Read more:

https://www.wvgazettemail.com/business/from-classrooms-to-movie-sets-art-from-charleston-media-company-has-global-reach/article_162176fe-c91e-5782-afeb-c7ea67c294cf.html

 

#2 – From GAZETTE-MAIL – MJ Ellis regularly visits a small lot in Nitro that’s home to thousands of honeybees. Last week, the 7-year-old eagerly suited up in his yellow beekeeping jacket and walked into the teaching apiary--a place where people can learn about beekeeping and bees’ roles in the environment.

MJ’s father Martin Ellis also owns honeybees. Martin Ellis, a veteran, said the interest in bees that he and his son both share began a year ago and was sparked from visiting this same teaching apiary. 

Brothers Clint and David Baker tend to the Nitro apiary. The third-generation beekeepers started their company--Hillbilly Hippie Honeybees--in memory of their father. One of their goals is to teach veterans and kids like Martin and MJ about the benefits of bees.

The Bakers came together with other Nitro residents to form the Nitro Sustainable Community, which holds monthly workshops and teaches the community about beekeeping, food canning, and more.

Read more:

https://www.wvgazettemail.com/news/kanawha_valley/the-buzz-on-sustainability-nitro-beekeeping-partnership-educates-kids-community/article_12391eee-6aeb-5cee-abe5-66f674523020.html

 

#3 – From WV LIVING – Dave Pratt, like many Appalachians at any given time of day, has a knife in his pocket.

Watching his grandfather create knives—an essential tool anywhere, but especially in the Mountain State—put the idea in Pratt’s mind that he could do it, too. He experimented, drawing designs of his own. Eventually, those drawings grew into the business he runs today: Bonds Creek Knives.

The knives are forged by hand with a 25-ton press in the Ritchie County shop. Pratt’s wife and son pitch in, too, handling sales or helping with the 3D printed keychains that come with each purchase. 

Forging is hard, he says, but he wouldn’t have it any other way. “There’s something about being exhausted and actually holding a physical product that you’ve made from start to finish—that’s pretty satisfying.”

Read more:

https://wvliving.com/west-virginia-knives-lovingly-made/

 

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, Aug. 7, 2024.

West Virginia’s ski towns expand focus to year-round recreation…Get the scoop on Almost Heaven happenings--sign up for the daily304 newsletter…and Canaan Valley Resort hosts a “Becoming an Outdoors Woman” fall workshop…on today’s daily304.

#1 – From WV NEWS – Ski resort towns in West Virginia bustle during the winter season, but a new wave of four-season tourism has invigorated these locales with increased occupancy year-round.

“Historically, winter has given us the bulk of our hotel/motel tax collections. But over the last few years, spring, summer and fall have been really healthy seasons for us,” said Pocahontas County CVB Executive Director Chelsea Faulknier.

This increase in spring, summer and fall tourism has been particularly facilitated by the CVB’s efforts to increase the quality of its biking trails.

Snowshoe’s Bike Park brings in thousands of guests annually to events like the UCI Mountain Bike World Cup. Shavers Lake at Snowshoe is also a prime location for swimming and paddleboarding, while the rest of the resort is a destination for horseback and side-by-side tours, as well as the 4848 Music Festival.

Other summertime attractions in Pocahontas County include the Cass Scenic Railroad, the Green Bank Observatory, the Greenbrier River and the Allegheny Trail.

Read more:

https://www.wvnews.com/news/wvnews/convention-and-visitors-bureaus-work-to-emphasize-year-round-visitation-in-west-virginia-counties-with/article_1f2a3d16-4a00-11ef-a28b-8fa5606f9d7e.html

 

#2 – From DAILY304 – Get the scoop on all the great things happening in Almost Heaven with the daily304 -- curated news and information is brought to you by the West Virginia Department of Commerce.

Along with all the best news out of West Virginia, you’ll also have access to our productions like “Innovators and Entrepreneurs,” “The History Project” and “What Makes You Wonderful.”

Sign up for the daily304 e-newsletter and subscribe to our podcast today!

Read more:

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

 

#3 – From WVDNR – Attention, women: Have you ever wanted to immerse yourself in the great outdoors but felt unsure where to start? The Becoming an Outdoors Woman fall workshop is the perfect solution!

Sponsored by the West Virginia Division of Natural Resources, this year’s event takes place Sept. 13–15 at Canaan Valley Resort State Park. 

The program is specially designed to introduce women to hunting,  fishing, and various outdoor activities in a supportive and encouraging environment. The heart of the BOW experience lies in its weekend workshops, tailored for beginners but open to all skill levels. It’s more than just a getaway — it’s a lifelong apprenticeship program that fosters confidence and skills for outdoor pursuits.

Whether you’re seeking a fresh experience or rekindling your love for outdoor activities, this workshop offers everything you need to embrace your inner adventurer. Register today!

Read more:

https://wvdnr.gov/embrace-your-inner-adventurer-at-bow-fall-workshop/

 

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 Aug. 6, 2024.

Thanks to its affordability, friendly people and natural beauty, West Virginia is named one of the best states to retire in…West Virginia state parks introduce the new sport of FlingGolf…and Ripley proudly claims the moniker of America’s most patriotic city…on today’s daily304.

#1 – From WV NEWS – West Virginia has earned the distinction of being one of the best states to retire in 2024, securing the second spot on Bankrate's annual list. Known for its stunning landscapes and affordable living, the Mountain State offers retirees a desirable mix of cost efficiency and natural beauty.

West Virginia’s top ranking is largely driven by its exceptional affordability, making it the most cost-effective state for retirees. With lower housing costs, property taxes, and overall cost of living, retirees can stretch their savings further while enjoying a high quality of life. This affordability makes West Virginia an attractive destination for those looking to maximize their retirement funds.

The Mountain State is renowned for its tight-knit communities and welcoming atmosphere, which are significant draws for retirees seeking a sense of belonging and social engagement. The state’s beautiful natural settings provide ample opportunities for outdoor activities and a serene retirement lifestyle.

Read more:

https://www.wvnews.com/news/wvnews/west-virginia-shines-as-top-retirement-destination-in-2024/article_7f85fbba-4df1-11ef-9b6d-ab982b827830.html

 

#2 – From WBOY-TV –  There’s a new activity being rolled out by West Virginia State Parks.

FlingGolf is described as a blend of lacrosse and golf that offers “a fresh and engaging experience for players of all levels.” FlingGolf is played on a golf course and can be played alongside those playing traditional golf.

Brett McMillion, Director of the WV Division of Natural Resources, says FlingGolf is both family-friendly and easy to do, regardless of skill level.

The new activity has already been added to Cacapon Resort State Park, Canaan Valley Resort State Park, Pipestem Resort State Park, Stonewall Resort State Park and Twin Falls Resort State Park. FlingGolf opportunities with equipment rentals are available at these parks daily throughout the golf season.

Check out wvstateparks.com to book your West Virginia State Park getaway and try your hand at FlingGolf. 

Read more:

 https://www.wboy.com/wv-outdoors/flinggolf-added-to-5-west-virginia-state-parks/

 

#3 – From WV LIVING – Most Friday mornings around 7 a.m., Carolyn Rader stands in front of City Hall in Ripley and waves an American flag. Those passing through might think she’s the town character, but in fact, Carolyn Rader is the mayor. 

Finishing out her fifth—and final—term as mayor, Rader calls herself “unapologetically patriotic.” The city’s motto is “Ripley Believes,” and Rader believes Ripley is the most patriotic small city in America. Their oldest and largest parade has made Ripley home to “America’s Largest Small Town Independence Day.”

The patriotic small town is also home to Cedar Lakes Conference Center, which hosts the annual Mountain State Art and Crafts Fair. The city also is in the process of developing a new city park which will be called, of course, Freedom Park.  

America’s most patriotic small town has always gracefully balanced tradition with change. Located on the Ohio River along main interstate arteries, the 192-year-old city has had no choice but to welcome new people, new industries, and new ideas.

Read more:

https://wvliving.com/why-ripley/

 

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 Aug. 4, 2024.

Students at the WV School of Osteopathic Medicine kick off the semester with a day of community service…Point Pleasant is the focus of a popular online travel show’s latest episode…and capture your WV travels with a photo from an Almost Heaven swing showcasing some of the state’s iconic landmarks…on today’s daily304.

#1 – From THE REAL WV –  “Medical school is more than a medical education,” says Dr. Jim Nemitz, President of the West Virginia School of Osteopathic Medicine in Lewisburg. “It’s also about learning to become community leaders.” 

WVSOM takes that mantra seriously, by offering a capstone service activity at the end of the first week of school for incoming students. As part of orientation and coming on the heels of their first classes, students spend their first Saturday in medical school doing community service projects across the Greenbrier Valley. 

Volunteers from WVSOM visited 16 different sites to offer their skills in service. Host sites included Clifton Presbyterian Church, State Fair of West Virginia, Child Youth & Advocacy Center, Greenbrier County Public Library, Greenbrier Humane Society, and the Williamsburg Community Building. At least one staff or faculty member accompanied a group of students at each location, performing work such as organizing books, landscaping, dog-walking, light construction, and painting. 

Students track their volunteer hours all year long as part of their future placement in a residency. They participate in a national program called T.O.U.C.H. (Translating Osteopathic Understanding Into Community Health), which places value on community service as part of medical education. 

Read more:

https://therealwv.com/2024/07/29/medical-students-start-their-education-with-a-day-of-service/

 

#2 – From WV NEWS –  A popular online travel show recently filmed two episodes in Point Pleasant, which are set to premiere this week on YouTube.

Brian McLaughlin’s series “Road Chippin” airs on his YouTube channel The Chip Monk Show. In the series, he visits locations from the “Fallout” video game franchise dressed like a living bobblehead in a Boy Scout’s uniform, which is a reference to “Fallout.”

The filmmaker arrived in Point Pleasant last October to begin filming, but realized the need to devote two episodes to Point Pleasant after visiting The Mothman Museum. He had become determined to cover all of the city’s history, going back to The Battle of Point Pleasant.

Other locations in the state that McLaughlin visits in his show’s second season, and also featured in “Fallout 76,” are The Greenbrier Resort in White Sulphur Springs, and the Trans-Allegheny Lunatic Asylum in Weston.

“It is an incredibly beautiful and diverse state,” McLaughlin said.

Read more:

https://www.wvnews.com/rivercities/gallipolis/news/youtube-travel-show-to-feature-stops-in-point-pleasant-west-virginia/article_a8d21540-4b7f-11ef-8a1a-4f1d5ef0f1f0.html

 

#3 – From WV STATE PARKS – In Almost Heaven, breathtaking views abound. To guide you to some of the state’s most photogenic spots, WV Tourism has pinpointed locations with stunning landscapes paired with handmade wooden swings, creating perfect photo opportunities. Here are just a few of them:

At Cacapon Resort State Park, the swing at the Cacapon Mountain Overlook offers a backdrop of endless mountains. 

Within the state’s newest state park, Summersville Lake, you’ll find an #AlmostHeaven swing offering beautiful lake views.

Located at the end of the ADA-accessible Jody Hulka Trail, the swing at Tomlinson Run State Park is a great spot for your next #AlmostHeaven selfie.

Check out wvtourism.com to find the full list of Almost Heaven swings. And don’t forget to share your photos using #AlmostHeaven to showcase your adventures!

Read more:

https://wvstateparks.com/discover-the-almostheaven-swings-at-west-virginia-state-parks/

 

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 Aug. 4, 2024  

TEASER (also use for daily web post) Students at the WV School of Osteopathic Medicine kick off the semester with a day of community service…Point Pleasant is the focus of a popular online travel show’s latest episode…and capture your WV travels with a photo from an Almost Heaven swing showcasing some of the state’s iconic landmarks…on today’s daily304.

#1 – From THE REAL WV –  “Medical school is more than a medical education,” says Dr. Jim Nemitz, President of the West Virginia School of Osteopathic Medicine in Lewisburg. “It’s also about learning to become community leaders.” 

WVSOM takes that mantra seriously, by offering a capstone service activity at the end of the first week of school for incoming students. As part of orientation and coming on the heels of their first classes, students spend their first Saturday in medical school doing community service projects across the Greenbrier Valley. 

Volunteers from WVSOM visited 16 different sites to offer their skills in service. Host sites included Clifton Presbyterian Church, State Fair of West Virginia, Child Youth & Advocacy Center, Greenbrier County Public Library, Greenbrier Humane Society, and the Williamsburg Community Building. At least one staff or faculty member accompanied a group of students at each location, performing work such as organizing books, landscaping, dog-walking, light construction, and painting. 

Students track their volunteer hours all year long as part of their future placement in a residency. They participate in a national program called T.O.U.C.H. (Translating Osteopathic Understanding Into Community Health), which places value on community service as part of medical education. 

Read more:

https://therealwv.com/2024/07/29/medical-students-start-their-education-with-a-day-of-service/

 

#2 – From WV NEWS –  A popular online travel show recently filmed two episodes in Point Pleasant, which are set to premiere this week on YouTube.

Brian McLaughlin’s series “Road Chippin” airs on his YouTube channel The Chip Monk Show. In the series, he visits locations from the “Fallout” video game franchise dressed like a living bobblehead in a Boy Scout’s uniform, which is a reference to “Fallout.”

The filmmaker arrived in Point Pleasant last October to begin filming, but realized the need to devote two episodes to Point Pleasant after visiting The Mothman Museum. He had become determined to cover all of the city’s history, going back to The Battle of Point Pleasant.

Other locations in the state that McLaughlin visits in his show’s second season, and also featured in “Fallout 76,” are The Greenbrier Resort in White Sulphur Springs, and the Trans-Allegheny Lunatic Asylum in Weston.

“It is an incredibly beautiful and diverse state,” McLaughlin said.

Read more:

https://www.wvnews.com/rivercities/gallipolis/news/youtube-travel-show-to-feature-stops-in-point-pleasant-west-virginia/article_a8d21540-4b7f-11ef-8a1a-4f1d5ef0f1f0.html

 

#3 – From WV STATE PARKS – In Almost Heaven, breathtaking views abound. To guide you to some of the state’s most photogenic spots, WV Tourism has pinpointed locations with stunning landscapes paired with handmade wooden swings, creating perfect photo opportunities. Here are just a few of them:

At Cacapon Resort State Park, the swing at the Cacapon Mountain Overlook offers a backdrop of endless mountains. 

Within the state’s newest state park, Summersville Lake, you’ll find an #AlmostHeaven swing offering beautiful lake views.

Located at the end of the ADA-accessible Jody Hulka Trail, the swing at Tomlinson Run State Park is a great spot for your next #AlmostHeaven selfie.

Check out wvtourism.com to find the full list of Almost Heaven swings. And don’t forget to share your photos using #AlmostHeaven to showcase your adventures!

Read more:

https://wvstateparks.com/discover-the-almostheaven-swings-at-west-virginia-state-parks/

 

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 Aug. 3, 2024.

Explore groundbreaking solutions to advance energy resources and efficiency at the 2024 Governor’s Energy Summit…a new outdoor outfitter store in Berkeley Springs thrives with  assistance from the WV SBDC and local college students…and bring your appetite to WV State Parks for the latest round of Farm-to-Table dinners featuring locally sourced ingredients--yum!…on today’s daily304.

#1 – From WESTVIRGINIA.GOV – Registration is now open for the 2024 Governor’s Energy Summit. Sponsored by the West Virginia Office of Energy, the event takes place October 29-30 at the Charleston Coliseum & Convention Center. 

The Governor’s Energy Summit brings together industry leaders, policymakers, educators and stakeholders to deliberate and explore groundbreaking solutions to advance energy resources and efficiency in West Virginia.

The event will feature two days of expert presentations and professional collaboration that will shape the trajectory of energy production in the state, laying the groundwork for West Virginia to become and remain a national energy leader.

Register now:

https://westvirginia.gov/registration-opens-for-the-2024-governors-energy-summit/

 

#2 – From WV SBDC – Alex Teixeira and Amanda-Hollins Teixeira love trails. Water trails, biking trails, hiking trails, all kinds of trails. They run Trail Depot in Berkeley Springs, a place where adventurers get outfitted head-to-toe. 

WV SBDC business coaches Carol Goolsby and Michael Boyd both provided a unique perspective and expertise to help Alex and Amanda succeed. 

Goolsby used her unique position to connect her students to Trail Depot. Goolsby teaches a capstone course at Shepherd University where students are able to work with small businesses in the community. 

Trail Depot began working with the students and Goolsby in the spring semester of 2022. The students helped the shop with their inventory and merchandise, supply chain, research, marketing, and more. 

“It’s been a really valuable experience for Amanda and Alex as a small business starting out and a valuable experience for students as well to be able to work with a real business, helping them build and develop to the place they are today,” Goolsby said.

“The community helped us build this,” Hollins-Teixeira said. “Trail Depot is a shop, ultimately, but for us it’s a community center. We want to bring all these people together.”

Read more:

https://wvsbdc.com/trail-depot-berkeley-springs-first-outdoor-shop/

 

#3 – From WV STATE PARKS  – West Virginia State Parks are thrilled to announce a series of exclusive farm-to-table dinners, spotlighting the finest local ingredients and culinary talents. 

These events offer a unique dining experience amidst the state’s stunning natural landscapes of our state parks. Each dinner will showcase a menu crafted from fresh, locally sourced produce, meats, and dairy, delivering the authentic flavors of West Virginia to your plate. 

Cacapon Resort’s farm-to-table dinner is set for this evening. In the coming weeks, dinners are planned at Chief Logan, Blackwater Falls, Hawks Nest and more. Mark the calendars and get ready to purchase tickets!

Read more:

https://www.wvnews.com/news/wvnews/west-virginia-state-parks-present-farm-to-table-dinners-featuring-local-cuisine/article_1544c8dc-4bab-11ef-8f3c-cf82fdc61991.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, Aug. 2, 2024.

NewForce coding school invests in training a budding West Virginia tech workforce…Cool off (-and satisfy your sweet tooth) with an ice cream road trip through Almost Heaven…and the Clay Center honors the late Charly Jupiter Hamilton, Charleston’s beloved artist…on today’s daily304.

#1 – From PUBLIC NEWS SERVICE – Lindsey Crittendon describes Huntington as home, not only from a geographical perspective, but also to convey the general feeling of the small city that sits on the Ohio River.

Thanks to NewForce, Crittendon can remain living and working in her hometown. Administered by Generation WV, the fully remote and tuition-free coding school is investing in training a budding West Virginia tech workforce, providing opportunities for a local population that sometimes has to look beyond state lines for employment,

Crittendon landed a job right out of the academy and has since progressed to become a lead software engineer with a management consulting services company based in McLean, Virginia with an office right in Huntington.

“The NewForce program has drawn a lot of attention to the talent that’s in the area and has actually brought jobs here,” Crittendon said. “I can really see West Virginia becoming a second Silicon Valley. We have a lot of underappreciated, undervalued talent that I really think translates really well to tech.”

Read more:

https://www.publicnewsservice.org/2024-07-29/rural/program-creates-jobs-for-west-virginians-to-stay-in-their-communities/a91508-1

 

#2 – From WCHS-TV – West Virginia Tourism has introduced a sweet and cool way to spend your summer in the Mountain State.

The Ice Cream Road Trip tour in West Virginia guides visitors through several beloved ice cream shops around the state, including Austin’s Homemade Ice Cream in Ceredo, The Poky Dot in Fairmont and Creamy Creations in Harper’s Ferry.

Check out wvtourism.com for more fun road trip ideas in Almost Heaven!

Read more:

https://www.wchstv.com/news/local/wva-tourism-highlights-local-ice-cream-shops-in-new-ice-cream-road-trip

 

#3 – From THE CLAY CENTER –  The Clay Center for the Arts and Sciences presents an afternoon honoring the late Charleston artist Charly Jupiter Hamilton. The event takes place Aug. 24 at the Clay Center in Charleston.

Jeff Pierson, director for the Office of Public Art, and Liz Simmons, curator for the Juliet Art Museum, will moderate a community conversation about Charly’s artwork while listeners sit immersed in his retrospective exhibition.

The event includes a screening of the HBO documentary “Our Towns,” featuring Charly. Based on the bestselling book, the film looks at how small towns and cities respond to setbacks to find their way forward. 

Learn more:

https://www.theclaycenter.org/events/charly-jupiter-hamilton-gallery-listen

 

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 week's episode of What Makes You Wonderful, we're talking to Chief Executive Officer Kelly Collins and shining a spotlight on the State Fair of West Virginia! Held every year in Lewisburg, this year's fair runs from August 8-17. Get ready for ten days packed with fun, excitement, and unforgettable experiences. 

We talk about everything you need to know including the mouth-watering food you’ll get to taste, all the live music, and the easiest way to plan your trip. And Kelly lets us in on why this event is so special to her. Tune in to get all the details and plan your visit to the State Fair of West Virginia!

For more information: https://statefairofwv.com/