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

Today is Thursday, Aug. 1, 2024.

Twenty-three West Virginia companies are honored with the Governor’s Export Award…Raleigh County historians explore the mystery of Ferguson’s Rock…and Intermed Labs advances breakthroughs in medical technology…on today’s daily304.

#1 – From MSN – West Virginia officials have recognized 23 state companies that grew their business by exporting a good or service to a new country last year.

During the July 22 event, each business received the Governor’s Export Award, given to companies that made their first sale to a new country in the previous calendar year. 

Awards were presented to businesses from 13 West Virginia counties for exporting goods and services to more than 59 countries. Eight of these companies were first-time winners. 

“Every time a West Virginia business expands into a new market, it should be celebrated. It’s an incredible achievement that contributes so much to the state’s economy,” said West Virginia Department of Economic Development Secretary Mitch Carmichael. 

Read more:

https://www.msn.com/en-us/news/us/23-west-virginia-companies-honored-for-export-success/ar-BB1qJLGN?ocid=BingNewsVerp

#2 – From WV EXPLORER – Questions may always surround a mysterious boulder found 200 years ago in southern West Virginia inscribed with the characters “S. Ferguson F. County 1814.” 

Ferguson’s Rock has since been the focus of local legends, including tales of a phantom that roams the scene of its death on the stony banks of Piney Creek.

Some historians surmise that the inscription was hewn by a hunter of the Ferguson family, fur trappers of Franklin County, Virginia.

Apart from the mystery, historians said the rock is vital because it is an artifact of pioneer history that predates Beckley’s settlement. It speaks to the importance of Beckley as a crossroads that Alfred Beckley would establish two decades later.

The Raleigh County Historical Society, in cooperation with the City of Beckley, moved the rock to the grounds of  Wildwood, the historic home of town founder Alfred Beckley.

Read more:

https://wvexplorer.com/2024/07/27/mysterious-fergusons-rock-becomes-beckley-attraction/

#3 – From WV COMMERCE – Intermed Labs is an award winning startup venture studio that advances technological breakthroughs in Health Technology. The Morgantown company works with talented physicians, companies and health systems to conceive, launch and scale new businesses

Watch the interview with CEO Tom McClellan, M.D., to discover why Intermed Labs says #YesWV.

Watch the video:

https://www.youtube.com/watch?si=tYuHL9MIt9T-hOT7&v=teWcK9FMBWY&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.

While the American Revolution battles in the coastal states were fought between America’s Continental Army and England’s Redcoats, the battles of the interior became extensions of skirmishes with Native Americans, spurred by the British that outlasted the Revolution itself. 

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

Today is Wednesday, July 31, 2024.

Producing everything from toys to industrial products, Marble King’s West Virginia roots run deep…Sit back and enjoy a concert from your couch with the latest performance from Mountain State Music…and take a break from the heat in the Potomac Highlands of Almost Heaven…on today’s daily304.

#1 – From WEST VIRGINIA.GOV – Marble King, established in the late 1940s, is a globally recognized and respected manufacturer of marbles. The Paden City company produces over a million marbles a day for everything from toys and games to jewelry and spray paint cans.

Visitors are invited to explore this legacy at Marble King’s interactive museum and expanded gift shop, where they can immerse themselves in the world of marbles.

Marble King proudly calls West Virginia home, citing the strategic location and the hardworking people as key factors in their success. The company’s deep roots in West Virginia have allowed it to thrive and continue its legacy of excellence.

Read more:

https://westvirginia.gov/discover-the-legacy-of-marble-king-in-yes-west-virginia/

#2 – From DAILY304  – The daily304 and Folklore Music Exchange are proud to present Mountain State Music Concert from the Folklore Stage in Charleston, Almost Heaven, West Virginia. 

Check out thedaily304 channel on YouTube to tune into a concert from your couch. This week’s guests include John Inghram and Woodbine. So sit back, relax, and enjoy LIVE music from West Virginia.

Watch now:

https://www.youtube.com/live/8NUcmEnLeFE

#3 – From WV TOURISM –  Summers in West Virginia bring many opportunities for you to check off more boxes on your summer bucket list. If you are looking to beat the heat in the process, there are plenty of spots in Almost Heaven with higher elevations that make that possible. From mountaintop villages to cool waterfalls, West Virginia’s Potomac Highlands has a way to cool you off.

Enjoy a cooling adventure mountain biking on Snowshoe Mountain, riding the rails at Cass Scenic Railroad, exploring waterfalls at Blackwater Falls State Park and more. Visit WV Tourism online to learn more and start planning your Almost Heaven getaway today.

Read more:

https://wvtourism.com/take-a-summer-coolcation-at-these-5-potomac-highlands-destinations/

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 July 30, 2024.

Shine On, WV spotlights local rapper Shelem on the musical path that leads him…ExesaLibero Pharma underscores West Virginia’s growing presence in the life sciences sector…and enjoy a delicious meal prepared from locally sourced foods at Cacapon Resort’s Farm to Table dinner…on today’s daily304.

#1 – From SHINE ON, WV –  Local rapper Shelem shares the details of the musical path that leads him. From promoting himself in high school to regularly working as a musician all across West Virginia, Shelem brings insight to his creative craft as well as his most recently completed projects and his future endeavors.

Shine On, West Virginia is an online resource for arts in the Mountain State with its cornerstone being a web series of 5-8 minute videos showcasing West Virginians working in the arts and entertainment industries. Check them out on YouTube and subscribe to their channel for more great content about creative West Virginians.

Read more:

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=OhZmQ6CUT30

#2 – From WESTVIRGINIA.GOV –  ExesaLibero Pharma, Inc. is a pioneering company dedicated to advancing the life sciences industry in the Mountain State. 

The company focuses on preclinical toxicology and efficacy studies to develop a revolutionary small-molecule drug. This drug aims to address bone erosion caused by debilitating diseases like rheumatoid arthritis, multiple myeloma, diabetes, periodontal disease and tuberculosis. 

West Virginia offers an ideal environment for ExesaLibero Pharma’s operations, underscoring the state’s growing presence in the life sciences sector. Unlike traditional life science hubs in major cities, West Virginia showcases how smaller communities can support robust ecosystems for research, development, and job creation.

Read more:

https://westvirginia.gov/because-of-a-growing-life-science-industry-exesalibero-pharma-inc-says-yeswv/

#3 – From WV STATE PARKS – Enjoy fresh and locally-sourced ingredients crafted into a delicious meal at beautiful Cacapon Resort State Park for the 2024 Farm to Table Event Series. The event takes place on Saturday, Aug. 3.

To purchase a ticket online, please click here. And be sure to check the events calendar at wvstateparks.com for upcoming Farm to Table dinners at additional West Virginia state parks. 

Read more:

https://wvstateparks.com/event/2024-farm-to-table-event-series-3/

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, July 29, 2024.

The WV Jobs Investment Trust establishes a program to help businesses obtain capital…Greenbrier Valley receives funding to enhance manufacturing in the region…and tackle the toughest trail in the New River Gorge while you explore the remnants of an old coal mining operation…on today’s daily304.

#1 – From WVJIT – Does your business need capital?

Mountain State small businesses now have a source of capital through the West Virginia Capital Access Program through the West Virginia Jobs Investment Trust. WVCAP is designed to assist credit-worthy companies that may not fit traditional lending models.

Learn more about WVCAP funding options for Seed Capital Co-Investment, Subordinated Debt, Collateral Support and Technical Assistance 

For more information about any of the investment or lending programs available through WVCAP, go to wvjit.wv.gov/wvcap.

Read more:

https://wvjit.wv.gov/wp-content/uploads/2023/01/Pub_CAP_Capital_Flier_WVEDA_JIT_nocropmarks.pdf

#2 – From  YES GREENBRIER VALLEY – The Greenbrier Valley Economic Development Corporation has received funding from the Small Business Administration to enhance manufacturing in Greenbrier County. 

The $819,000 award will provide funds for construction of space inside the existing Rahall Business & Technology Center at the Airport Industrial Park in Maxwelton. The construction will provide space for smaller manufacturing and trade companies in the region. In addition, the project will provide wrap-around business development services and support from Greenbrier Valley EDC and its partners. 

The Commercialization Center Project is expected to begin by 2025.

Read more:

https://yesgreenbriervalley.com/greenbrier-valley-edc-receives-funding-for-commercialization-center/

#3 – From LOOT PRESS –  Located deep in the New River Gorge is the Kaymoor Miners Trail, a one-mile strenuous trail with stairs and switchbacks that lead you to a now-forgotten world.

Kaymoor, founded in 1899 by the Low Moor Iron Company, was one of the many coal towns that lined the New River Gorge and was the last operating mine in the Gorge before it shut down in 1961.

Kaymoor featured an extensive mining operation, multiple homes, a company store, schools, churches, and even a movie theater.

Now, the former town of Kaymoor serves as a destination for hikers and explorers alike. The Kaymoor Miners Trailhead descends down the steep and rugged gorge, where hikers can view remnants of the mining operation, including buildings and equipment. From there a set of 821 wooden steps leads to Kaymoor Bottom, the site of the once prosperous mining town. 

If you plan on hiking the trail, take plenty of water and stop for a break if you need to. Visit the Canyon Rim Visitor’s Center in the New River Gorge National Park for more information. 

Read more:

https://www.lootpress.com/these-821-steps-lead-you-to-a-forgotten-world/

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, July 28, 2024.

If you’ve been affected by a recent disaster, you may be eligible for a US SBA disaster loan…Toyota WV demonstrates its commitment to electrification with the rollout of its fifth-generation hybrid transaxle…and snap a selfie from the newest Almost Heaven swing at Snowshoe Mountain…on today’s daily304.

#1 – From SBA.GOV – Are you struggling financially as a result of a recent flooding or other disaster? The U.S. Small Business Association provides low-interest disaster loans to help businesses and homeowners recover from declared disasters.

Those eligible for loans include businesses of all sizes, homeowners, renters and private nonprofit organizations. You must be located in a declared disaster area and meet other eligibility criteria depending on the type of loan.

Learn more:

https://www.sba.gov/funding-programs/disaster-assistance

#2 – From TOYOTA – Toyota West Virginia is celebrating the start of production for the fifth-generation hybrid transaxle, a core part of Toyota’s multi-pathway approach to electrification. Assembly of the new transaxles is a result of more than $300 million in investments at the plant announced in 2021 and 2022.

This milestone reflects the dedication of the more than 2,000 team members at the Mountain State facility and showcases Toyota’s commitment to electrification and long-term job stability in the U.S.

Toyota West Virginia represents a $2 billion investment and assembles both engines and drivetrain components for Toyota’s North American operations. It is the only Toyota plant in North America to build the fifth-generation hybrid transaxle. 

Read more:

https://pressroom.toyota.com/toyota-west-virginia-revs-up-production-for-electrified-future/

#3 – From WOWK-TV – Snowshoe Mountain visitors can now swing on top of one of the highest peaks in West Virginia.

The 26th Almost Heaven swing has been added to the top of Snowshoe Mountain at the Skidder Ski Slope, just a short walk from the Village.

The swings are a project by West Virginia’s Department of Tourism (WV Tourism) to highlight some of the best photo opportunities around the state. 

A map of all the Almost Heaven swings is available on the Department of Tourism’s website.

Read more:

https://www.wowktv.com/news/west-virginia/new-almost-heaven-swing-added-to-snowshoe-mountain/

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, July 27, 2024.

Cleveland-Cliffs’ expansion in Weirton brings reemployment opportunities to former steel workers…the WV Film Office is back with a mission and an investment in a filmmaking degree program…and from lumberjacks to flapjacks, the Mountain State Forest Festival offers a week’s worth of fu …on today’s daily304.

#1 – From METRO NEWS –  Cleveland-Cliffs Inc. has announced that it will establish a new electrical distribution transformer production plant in Weirton, giving new life to a site location that had been idled.

The manufacturer’s downstream direct investment in Weirton will address the critical shortage of distribution transformers that is stifling economic growth across the United States.

The announcement highlights Cleveland-Cliffs’ investment to repurpose its Half Moon Warehouse in Weirton to commence production of three-phase distribution transformers used in electric power distribution systems. Cliffs expects the new plant to come online in the first half of 2026.

A job fair this past spring for Cleveland-Cliffs’ 900 workers included opportunities with manufacturers like Form Energy, the cutting edge battery factory setting up in Weirton, and Nucor Steel.

Now, the new investment will result in reemployment opportunities for 600 United Steel Workers-represented workers from the indefinitely idled Weirton tinplate mill.

Read more:

https://wvmetronews.com/2024/07/22/weirtons-cleveland-cliffs-idled-site-to-be-reborn-as-distribution-transformers-production-plant/

#2 – From WV PUBLIC – Tijah Bumgarner had a passion for video cameras and making short videos from a young age. But she left West Virginia and headed for Los Angeles in 2004 where she discovered what the world of filmmaking could offer. 

After years of creating independent films, she saw the opportunities a film program in West Virginia could offer other aspiring filmmakers.

A native of Meadow Bridge, Bumgarner had been trying to create a university film program since 2017, but recently found success due to changes in tax credits and renewed interest in video production at Marshall University’s College of Arts and Media.

The West Virginia Film Office is working to foster homegrown filmmakers by partnering with Marshall on the creation of a Bachelor’s Degree of Fine Arts in Filmmaking, making it the only university in the state to have this kind of program. 

The office also offers a website that lets production companies browse a library of shooting locations within the state, a resource for finding crew members in all available positions and tax credit information through an industry sheet. 

Read more:

https://wvpublic.org/there-and-back-again-how-w-va-s-film-office-is-back-with-a-mission/?es_id=e79cf788cd

#3 – From FOREST FESTIVAL – Save the date! This year’s Mountain State Forest Festival takes place Sept. 28 to Oct. 6 in Elkins.

The event is one of the largest and oldest festivals in West Virginia, continuing to promote the beauty and splendor of our mountains and valleys in all their autumn glory and promoting prudent development, conservation and culture of our abundant natural resources for the future.

Events include a lumberjack contest, car show, arts and craft show, parade, 10K race, live music and more. 

Learn more:

https://www.forestfestival.com/

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.

On this week’s episode of What Makes You Wonderful, we talk to Michele Fabbro about the Upper Ohio Valley Italian Heritage Festival in Wheeling. The festival has grown to become the largest outdoor festival in the Upper Ohio Valley. 

Get ready for a weekend of delicious Italian food, live music, and fun things to do for you and the whole family. 

Originally held on Market Street, it was moved to the Waterfront in 2001 to take advantage of the new Heritage Port. This change proved successful, making it the second-largest Italian festival in the United States. The festival now attracts more than 75,000 people annually, with many families planning reunions around it. It's known as one of the largest and most popular festivals in West Virginia.

You can find more information here: https://www.italyfest.org/

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

Today is Friday, July 26, 2024.

Interested in a manufacturing job? Highline-Warren is seeking a maintenance mechanic apprentice…Artists, get your submissions in now for the  2024 West Virginia Emerging Artists Juried Exhibition…and see the beautiful New River Gorge via train on the Amtrak Cardinal…on today’s daily304.

#1 – From HIGHLINE AFTERMARKET – Highline-Warren is seeking a maintenance mechanic apprentice.

The apprentice is responsible for performing a variety of unskilled and semi-skilled tasks while receiving on-the-job training and classroom instruction on mechanical electrical, hydraulic and pneumatic systems.

Located in Glen Dale, Highline-Warren is the leading national manufacturer and distributor in the automotive aftermarket.

Apply now:

https://highlineaftermarket.hrmdirect.com/employment/job-opening.php?req=3129557&req_loc=270626&&&nohd#job

#2 – From BLUEFIELD DAILY TELEGRAPH – Calling all artists! The West Virginia Department of Arts, Culture and History is accepting submissions for the 2024 West Virginia Emerging Artists Juried Exhibition.

The exhibit will open Nov. 3 at the Culture Center, State Capitol Complex, in Charleston. Submissions are due by Sept. 6.

Eligible artists may submit two pieces for the exhibit jurying in painting, print/drawing, mixed media, craft/wall hangings, photography, digital art and sculpture. The pieces that are entered must have been created between 2022 and 2024. 

The Best of Show/Purchase Award will receive $1,000. Second place will receive $500, and third place will receive $250.

For more information and to print out an entry form, visit WVCulture.org.

Learn more:

https://www.bdtonline.com/news/lifestyles/applications-accepted-for-2024-west-virginia-emerging-artists-juried-exhibition/article_a6483d9b-f86b-5a85-9b8e-3dee4c71a085.html

#3 – From THE LOOT – In the New River Gorge, there are many ways to see the beauty the area has to offer, whether it be by foot, car, kayak, raft, or biplane… and there’s also a train that travels through the national park.

The Amtrak Cardinal runs through the Gorge three days a week, twice a day. If one purchases their tickets early enough, a round trip through the New River Gorge from Montgomery to Hinton is only $18.

It’s a great way to view scenery including the Hawks Nest Dam, the New River Gorge Bridge and the historic railroad town of Thurmond.

The Cardinal makes stops in the West Virginia towns of Huntington, Charleston, Montgomery, Thurmond, Prince, Hinton, Alderson, and White Sulphur Springs.

Read more:

https://www.lootpress.com/travel-by-train-through-new-river-gorge-national-park-via-amtrak/

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.