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

Today is Thursday, April 3, 2025.

West Virginia supports a wide array of thriving industries…plan a spring getaway to scenic Bluestone State Park…and a modern new apartment complex in Advantage Valley aims to help with the housing needed to support more workers moving into the area…on today’s daily304.

#1 – From WVDED – West Virginia is a powerhouse in metals, chemicals, polymers, and automotive components, hosting industry giants like Nucor, Toyota, Procter & Gamble, and Clorox. 

The state’s manufacturing sector benefits from an abundant supply of natural resources, strategic location and robust infrastructure, as well as a skilled and stable workforce. Active industrial parks and research institutions further strengthen its position as a thriving environment for manufacturing. 

Contact West Virginia Economic Development to learn more about what makes the state an attractive destination for long-term investments and growth.

Read more:

https://westvirginia.gov/industries/manufacturing/

#2 – From WV STATE PARKS – Looking to escape the daily grind this spring? Bluestone State Park in Summers County is the perfect place to unwind and enjoy nature.

Bluestone’s cabins are budget friendly and some cabins are also pet friendly. Spring is an excellent time to observe vibrant wildflowers and wildlife like white-tailed deer and wild turkeys.

The park also is less crowded in spring, allowing more quiet time to enjoy a picnic or explore more than 8 miles of hiking trails around the lake.

Visit wvstateparks.com and book your cabin stay today!

Read more:

https://wvstateparks.com/add-bluestone-state-park-to-your-spring-bucket-list/

#3 – From GAZETTE-MAIL – With its development spurred on by Advantage Valley’s 2023 housing needs assessment, the 304 At Valley Pointe apartment complex opened to its first renters March 17.

Completed by AB Contracting, 304 At Valley Pointe is now leasing. It offers three floor plans — one, two and three bedroom apartments — with some fully furnished options available. There will be 304 total units in the three buildings of the development, which should be complete by spring 2026, according to AB Contracting marketing director Brittany Allen.

The project was built based on demands for more housing as more workers relocate to the area. In recent years the region has attracted several new manufacturers, including the Nucor plant in Mason County.

Those wishing for more information or to book a tour should visit liveat304.com.

Read more:

https://www.wvgazettemail.com/news/putnam_county/new-apartments-in-putnam-county-boast-amenities-aim-to-help-with-housing-shortage/article_0101f11a-c0fc-4baa-bcb0-73448a438899.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 Wednesday, April 2, 2025 

Beckley’s Future Forward Summit focuses on boosting the region’s economy…Marshall’s new partnership with Intuit is expected to generate 250 new jobs…and career opportunities abound for engineers in #YesWV…on today’s daily304.

#1 – From WV EXECUTIVE – Save the date! The Future Forward Summit and Expo is set for April 22-23 at the Beckley Raleigh County Convention Center. The event will focus on four crucial pillars for the region: housing, downtown development, small business growth and the economic outlook. 

The New River Gorge Regional Development Authority and Beckley Raleigh County Chamber of Commerce have recruited expert speakers to lead discussions on each topic and to seek recommendations for improvements in each area.

Tickets are available on the BRCCC website.

Read more:

https://wvexecutive.com/future-forward-summit-to-focus-on-four-crucial-pillars-for-region/

#2 – From METRO NEWS –  Marshall University and Intuit have announced a partnership to advance education and drive economic growth in West Virginia. The partnership has three main focuses: 

• Expanding the tech talent pipeline between Marshall and Intuit

• Creating Intuit’s Prosperity Hub/Internship 

• Helping integrate financial education for college and high school students.

The Prosperity Hub will be located in Marshall’s $250 million Innovation District, home of the Brad D. Smith Center for Business and Innovation and future home of the upcoming Cybersecurity Center.

The hub is expected to help generate 250 jobs.

Read more:

https://wvmetronews.com/2025/03/25/marshall-university-announces-partnership-with-intuit/

#3 – From JOBCASE – Are you an engineer looking for exciting opportunities in diverse industries? West Virginia's #YesWV initiative is buzzing with job openings for engineers across multiple sectors. 

A wide variety of industries are thriving in the Mountain State and are actively hiring in fields that include aerospace, automotive, chemicals, and biotech manufacturing. 

Join a vibrant community of innovators and who are driving forward the future of engineering across diverse industries. Visit Jobcase today to explore job opportunities!

Read more:

https://www.jobcase.com/articles/yes-wv-engineering

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, April 1, 2025.

West Liberty University debuts its new aviation program--an offshoot of Marshall’s Bill Noe Flight School…West Virginia supports a thriving aerospace industry…and the leaders of  MHIRJ Aviation Global share how their Bridgeport maintenance facility contributes to the US transportation infrastructure…on today’s daily304.

#1 – From THE WHEELING INTELLIGENCER – It seems that the new aviation program at West Liberty University is taking flight.

The bachelor of science program is affiliated with the Bill Noe Flight School at Marshall University and those who graduate from the aviation program at WLU will hold credentials from both schools.

The flight instruction at WLU started last fall and presently has about 13 students, with 25 already enrolled for the fall 2025 semester, according to James B. Smith, director of aviation maintenance technology education at Marshall University.

WLU offers classes to those interested in being a commercial airline pilot, corporate pilot, cargo pilot, flight instructor or aerospace operations manager.

In the coming years, Marshall will be bringing their entire suite of aviation classes to the Wheeling-Ohio County Airport, according to Kevin Price, chief development officer for aviation at the airport.

Read more:

https://www.theintelligencer.net/news/top-headlines/2025/03/aviation-program-taking-off-at-west-liberty-university/

#2 – From WVDED  – The aerospace industry is a dynamic, emerging economic sector in West Virginia. From up-and-coming high-tech innovators to established titans of the industry, the state’s growing cluster of aerospace companies is fueled by an array of advantages.

West Virginia is within a day’s drive of 34% of the top domestic purchasing sectors of aerospace products and national defense contractors, corporations and federal agencies. Additionally, the state is in close proximity to original equipment manufacturers based in the South, including Boeing, AirBus, Lockheed Martin and Gulfstream.

To learn more about the diverse opportunities you can discover through the West Virginia advantage, connect with West Virginia Economic Development online.

Learn more:

https://westvirginia.gov/industries/aerospace/

#3 – From DAILY304 – In this episode of Innovators and Entrepreneurs, we speak with Ross Mitchell, Vice-President of MHIRJ Aviation Global, and Michael Genin, Director of Operations for MHIRJ Aviation in Bridgeport, West Virginia.

MHIRJ is the leader in aviation maintenance for the CRJ Series, the world’s most successful regional jet. With more than 550 employees in West Virginia and state-of-the-art hangars in Bridgeport, this growing company supports the top three airlines in the US and top regional airlines in the world.

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’s YouTube channel so you don’t miss out!

Watch the video:

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=fs0uSJ5IgIA

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, March 31, 2025.

Looking for a job? Check out the opportunities with Hope Gas…learn how the Claude Worthington Benedum Foundation supports entrepreneurs and the WV Entrepreneurship Ecosystem…and discover some of WV’s most beautiful spring hiking destinations…on today’s daily304.

#1 – From HOPE GAS – Hope Gas is hiring! Hope Gas is a local distribution company that provides gas service to approximately 125,000 residential, industrial, and commercial customers in 35 West Virginia counties. 

The company employs over 400 workers right here in our beautiful Mountain State. Positions are open in a variety of fields in several metropolitan areas, including Morgantown, Charleston, Parkersburg and more. Visit hopegas.com to learn more.

Read more:

https://hopegas.com/join-our-team/

#2 – From WV SOS  – In this episode of “Just Three Questions,” West Virginia Secretary of State Kris Warner speaks with Bill Woodrum with the Claude Worthington Benedum Foundation about how the foundation supports entrepreneurs and the West Virginia Entrepreneurship Ecosystem.

“Just Three Questions!” is a weekly video series hosted by Secretary Warner to talk with community leaders about issues important to business development in West Virginia.

Watch now:

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=qSZufb_7wDk

#3 – From WV NEWS – Spring is one of the best times to explore West Virginia’s scenic hiking trails, offering mild weather, blooming wildflowers and fewer crowds.

From the Endless Wall Trail in New River Gorge to the Cranberry Glades Botanical Area, the Mountain State is filled with breathtaking landscapes for outdoor enthusiasts.

One of the most popular destinations is Blackwater Falls State Park, where visitors can hike trails leading to cascading waterfalls surrounded by lush spring greenery. (Don’t forget to download your free mobile passport to the WV Waterfall Trail!)

Check out the story in WV News to discover more beautiful spring hikes in Almost Heaven. Then head over to wvtourism.com or wvstateparks.com to start planning your trip.

Read more:

https://www.wvnews.com/news/beat-feet-west-virginia-has-some-of-best-spring-hiking-in-country/article_1826202c-ff5c-11ef-acc4-e3ed094da09a.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 Sunday, March 30, 2025.

Check off five beautiful waterfalls in one day on a road trip through the New River Gorge region…country star Miranda Lambert is the headliner at this year’s State Fair of WV--tickets are on sale now…and, help affect positive change with the WV Community Development Hub’s Kickstart Communities training program…on today’s daily304.

#1 – From WV TOURISM – Nothing completes a West Virginia road trip like checking off waterfalls on the West Virginia Waterfall Trail. Whether you’re looking to earn your first prize or need a few more check-ins to earn your next one, slices of Almost Heaven surrounding the New River Gorge National Park and Preserve are rich in waterfalls to explore.

Plan a road trip through New River Gorge National Park and Preserve and you can check off five beautiful waterfalls in one day, from Kanawha Falls to the west of the Gorge to Big Branch Falls in the east.

Visit wvtourism.com/west-virginia-waterfall-trail to download your free mobile passport!

Read more:

https://wvtourism.com/did-you-know-you-can-visit-5-waterfalls-in-one-day-in-west-virginia/

#2 – From WV NEWS – The 2025 State Fair of West Virginia is set to be a milestone celebration as it marks 100 years of entertainment, agriculture, and family fun. Running from August 7-16 in Greenbrier County, this centennial event promises an exciting lineup, including a performance from Grammy-winning country star Miranda Lambert.

Lambert, known for chart-topping hits and dynamic stage presence, will take the stage on August 16, delivering a mix of powerful ballads and high-energy performances. Tickets are on sale now! For more information, visit  www.statefairofwv.com.

Read more:

https://www.wvnews.com/news/wvnews/miranda-lambert-to-headline-100th-annual-state-fair-of-west-virginia/article_c369e6b2-033a-11f0-9450-93797120d50a.html

#3 – From WV HUB – Become the next person creating change for the better in your community. The West Virginia Community Development Hub’s team working on Kickstart Communities offers training and fellowships to lift up new, unexpected, and historically underrepresented community leaders. 

Are you ready to make a difference? Enroll any time in online courses to gain knowledge to make change for the better in your community.

Learn more:

https://wvhub.org/kickstart/

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, March 29, 2025.

A West Virginia couple’s love for fishing and kayaking sparks an idea that turns into a business…WorkForce WV launches a texting campaign to connect unemployed and underemployed residents with resources…and hit up four amazing state parks in one wild and wonderful road trip…on today’s daily304.

#1 – From WV SBDC –  Like many West Virginians, Jeff and Vicki Wilson shared a passion for the outdoors. But the couple struggled to load and unload their heavy fishing kayaks. 

The challenge they faced sparked an idea, and with support from the West Virginia Small Business Development Center, they were able to make their dream into a reality.

They connected with a business coach who helped them launch Kayak Loading Solutions. Now the couple is producing West Virginia-made quality products that also help boost the economic health of the community and state. 

Read more

https://wvsbdc.com/how-wv-sbdc-helped-kayak-loading-solutions-turn-an-idea-into-a-reality/

#2 – From WORKFORCE WV – WorkForce West Virginia has announced a new texting campaign in conjunction with the agency’s Unemployment Insurance Program initiative to further connect unemployed and underemployed West Virginians with resources. 

The UI program serves as a vital financial support system for individuals and their families during periods of unemployment or underemployment, providing a safety net until full-time employment is secured. 

Text messages from WorkForce West Virginia will come from 1-800-252-5627 and will never request sensitive information. If you prefer not to receive text updates, you can opt out at any time.

For more information or to file a claim, visit WorkForceWV.org or contact your nearest WorkForce West Virginia local office.

Read more:

https://workforcewv.org/workforce-west-virginia-announces-new-texting-campaign-for-unemployment-insurance-ui-program/

#3 – From WV STATE PARKS – Have you had West Virginia state park on your list to check out for a while now? Not sure which ones to start with? These four state parks and forests are the perfect road trip through the Potomac Highlands.

Begin your adventure at Droop Mountain Battlefield State Park, a historic site that transports you back to the Civil War era. Just a short drive away is Beartown State Park, renowned for its ancient, 300-million-year-old rock formations. The third stop, Calvin Price State Forest, offers more opportunities for exploration via the Allegheny Trail and the Greenbrier River Trail 

End your road trip (and book a cabin or camping spot) at Watoga State Park. With over 40 miles of trails, the park offers endless opportunities to hike, bike, boat, fish and more. 

Visit wvstateparks.com or wvtourism.com for more road trip itineraries in Almost Heaven!

Learn more:

https://wvstateparks.com/road-trip-through-these-4-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 Friday, March 28, 2025.

Lakota Software Solutions and the WV Small Business Development Center team up to grow the Fairmont company…residents and businesses are coming together to help those affected by the recent flooding in McDowell County…and Marshall University offers courses on lifelong durable skills like critical thinking…on today’s daily304.

#1 – From WV SBDC – Founded in 2007, Lakota Software Solutions is the brainchild of Aaron Wilson and Phillip Merritt, who worked together at the NASA facility in Fairmont.

As a leading biometrics company, Lakota offers commercial software solutions in addition to government contract solutions.

Lakota’s founders--both graduates of West Virginia University and Fairmont State University--take pride in giving back to the state, specifically through the company’s internship program. 

When it came time to grow the company, they connected with Todd Crump from the West Virginia Small Business Development Center, who helped them advance their goals.

The company has indeed grown its footprint. Based out of the I-79 Technology Park in Fairmont, Lakota Software Solutions has been recognized as one of the premier providers of software support and exporting software outside of the U.S.

Read more:

https://wvsbdc.com/scaling-success-how-wv-sbdc-helped-lakota-software-grow-at-home-and-abroad/

#2 – From WVSOS – In this episode of “Just Three Questions,” West Virginia Secretary of State Kris Warner chats with Delegate David Green about the flood recovery that’s underway in McDowell County.  

Approximately 40 bridges were washed away or damaged by the floods in February. Watch the video to learn how you can help local businesses get back on their feet.

“Just Three Questions!” is a weekly video series hosted by Secretary Warner to talk with community leaders about issues important to business development in West Virginia.

Watch now:

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=8iANdGkfFzY

#3 – From MARSHALL UNIVERSITY – Marshall University believes in preparing learners for a future where skills matter—not just for today, but for life. Durable skills—like communication, critical thinking, and emotional awareness—are called “durable” because they last a lifetime.

Discounted rates are available for nonprofit organizations who are interested in purchasing durable skills courses.

Learn more:

https://www.marshall.edu/microcredentials/durable-skills/

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, March 26, 2025.

Does your community need help with grant applications? The WV Grant Resource Centers can help you get started…Spring is here and with the spring rain comes waterfalls; download your WV Waterfall Trail mobile passport and start checking them off your list to win prizes…and, speaking of prizes, the WV Gold Rush returns next month; catch a tagged golden rainbow trout and you might win a big prize…on today’s daily304.

#1 – From WVGRC – The West Virginia Grant Resource Centers assist communities and other eligible applicants in developing competitive grant applications.

With a center in both Huntington and Morgantown, WVGRC serves all 55 counties, focusing on the pre-award process to help eligible applicants identify funding opportunities, put together competitive proposals, and submit complete application packages.

Sectors of focus include workforce development and training, community development and outdoor recreation, job creation and retention, infrastructure and site development and economic development. 

To request assistance or training, visit wvgrantcenters.com.

Learn more:

https://wvgrantcenters.com/

#2 – From WV TOURISM – After a frosty winter in Almost Heaven, the waterfalls are eager to roar back to life. Let the spring fever wash away and cure it for good with these incredible waterfalls on the West Virginia Waterfall Trail.

From the multiple overlooks of Blackwater Falls to the remote High Falls of Cheat, you’ll find a waterfall that will get you going with the flow. Download the free West Virginia Waterfall Trail mobile passport and check in as you visit each waterfall. You can win prizes along the way!

Read more:

https://wvtourism.com/catching-spring-fever-let-west-virginia-waterfalls-be-your-cure/

#3 – From WBOY-TV – Anglers, get ready for the return of the West Virginia Gold Rush!

The West Virginia Division of Natural Resources has announced the stocking of more than 50,000 golden rainbow trout this spring. The stockings will take place between April 1-12 at 69 lakes and streams around the state, including waters in or near 15 state parks and forests. 

One hundred of these stocked fish will have a numbered yellow tag. If you catch a fish with a numbered tag, you can enter the tag online for a chance to win one of several fantastic prizes. (Eligible anglers must be aged 15 or older and have a West Virginia fishing license with a current trout stamp and a valid form of identification.)

Visit wvdnr.gov/fishing/gold-rush for more information and to view a map of all Gold Rush stocking locations around the state.

Read more:

https://www.wboy.com/wv-outdoors/gold-rush-rainbow-trout-stocking-to-begin-in-april/

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, March 27, 2025.

WV’s strong workforce contributes to the longstanding success of GS Millwork…Bruceton Mills resident Brandon Wilt brings home the gold at the Special Olympics Winter World Games…and check out some of the great movies and TV shows that have been adapted from books by WV authors …on today’s daily304.

#1 – From WV DED – Located in the heart of West Virginia, GS Millwork has built a reputation for excellence, producing high-quality architectural millwork, custom cabinetry, and mouldings for commercial and residential projects. 

The company thrives on the state’s strong workforce and the family values that have been instilled since its founding. With deep roots in the community, GS Millwork exemplifies the advantages of doing business in West Virginia—where hardworking, talented professionals contribute to its continued success. 

Watch the video to learn more about why this successful company says #YesWV.

Read more:

https://westvirginia.gov/gs-millwork-crafting-success-in-yes-west-virginia/

#2 – From WBOY-TV – Bruceton Mills resident Brandon Wilt is bringing home gold for the USA after winning a snowshoeing event this month at the Special Olympics Winter World Games in Italy

After placing fourth in the 200m snowshoeing event, Wilt finished the 100m snowshoeing event in 25.84 seconds, earning gold in the M12 division.

“We are super proud of Brandon as he represents both Special Olympics West Virginia and Special Olympics USA at the Special Olympics World Winter Games Turin 2025,” Special Olympics West Virginia said in a Facebook post.

Read more:

https://www.wboy.com/news/preston/west-virginian-wins-gold-at-special-olympics-world-games/

#3 – From WBOY-TV – Despite its size, West Virginia has its fair share of bestselling authors, but only a small handful of them have been lucky enough to see their books adapted to the big screen.

That being said, there might be more than you think: at least eight movies have been released that were adapted from books written by a West Virginia author, along with one Netflix television series.

WBOY-TV takes a look at some of these movies and TV shows that originated as books, including the 1955 thriller, “Night of the Hunter,” adapted from a book by Moundsville native Davis Grubb; and the “Longmire” television series, adapted by the book series by Huntington native Craig Johnson.

Read more:

https://www.wboy.com/only-on-wboy-com/west-virginia-authors-who-had-their-books-turned-into-movies/

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, March 25, 2025.

Are you a small business owner with a question that requires a quick response? The Small Business Association’s West Virginia Office is available every Friday at noon to provide answers--no appointment needed…the National Outdoor Recreation Workforce Consortium collaborates with academic institutions to develop a skilled workforce in the outdoor industry…and West Virginia’s diverse agricultural industry drives economic growth…on today’s daily304.

#1 – From US SBA – Whether it is business plan assistance, help finding a loan, or applying for the HUBZone program, the Small Business Administration can help provide the knowledge and expertise you need. Trust SBA’s West Virginia District Office to be your small business partner.

For everyday small business questions that require a quick response, the SBA hosts Small Business Quick Care. SBA experts are available at noon every Friday for virtual sessions or in-person visits at their Charleston or Clarksburg locations.

No appointment needed--just walk in, or visit the link below to sign up for a virtual session.

Learn more:

https://www.eventbrite.com/e/small-business-quick-care-tickets-1259438066159?aff=oddtdtcreator

#2 – From OEDC – The $1.2 trillion outdoor recreation economy supports 5 million jobs across various sectors, from manufacturing and guiding to retail and conservation. However, the industry faces two key challenges: 

• A lack of clearly defined workforce development strategies that span different outdoor sector

• Limited collaboration between higher education and the outdoor industry to address workforce gaps. 

The National Outdoor Recreation Workforce Consortium aims to solve these issues. The Consortium is a partnership between Outdoor Recreation Roundtable (ORC) and The Brad and Alys Smith Outdoor Economic Development Collaborative at West Virginia University.

The Consortium welcomes additional academic institutions committed to developing a skilled and prepared outdoor workforce. For more information, contact the ORC.

Read more:

https://oedc.wvu.edu/programs/national-outdoor-recreation-workforce-consortium?utm_content=327283851&utm_medium=social&utm_source=linkedin&hss_channel=lcp-71496659

#3 – From WV DED – West Virginia’s agriculture industry consists of 22,787 farms generating nearly $948 million in 2022. Crop production, including nursery and greenhouse varieties, exceeded $232 million, while livestock, poultry, and related products like beef, pork, and dairy contributed almost $716 million.

The state’s diverse agricultural output, led by top commodities such as poultry, cattle, and calves, highlights its essential role in driving economic growth.

Visit West Virginia Economic Development online to learn more about the agriculture industry in #YesWV or to connect with one of our experienced consultants for assistance in site selection, business development or navigating local government regulations.

Learn more:

https://westvirginia.gov/industries/food-and-agriculture/

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.