With the Ohio River as its northwestern boundary, the Underground Railroad ran through Western Virginia before the Civil War, giving the body of water the nickname, “The River Jordan,” as it led to the “promised land” of freedom.  Abolitionists, the enslaved, and free Blacks conspired together to get escaped slaves across the river and to new lives. 

We explore Celtic culture in this week’s episode of What Makes You Wonderful. Join us as we talk to founder Chris Higgins about the 8th Celtic Calling Gathering.

The Celtic Calling Gathering is a celebration of Celtic arts, culture, and traditions, featuring music, dance, education, athleticism, and family fun. From today through Sunday you can explore and participate in Celtic heritage at a number of events in downtown Charleston. Chris says there’s something for everyone. 

You can find more information here: https://celticcalling.org/

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

Today is Wednesday, Feb. 28  

#1 – From THE HERALD-STAR (Steubenville, OH) – Wheeling-Nippon Steel recently celebrated a major milestone with the production of its 20 millionth coated steel coil.

CEO Ken Tagashira was among leaders of the steel firm last week who offered a closer look at the plant’s operations, where steel coils weighing from 20,000 pounds to 42,000 pounds each are treated with protective coatings through two lines, each with a capacity to process up to 700,000 tons.

He said it’s the only U.S. company to offer five different hot dip coatings under one roof.

“Wheeling-Nippon is proud of this landmark production achievement and plans to build on its nearly four decades of successes as it begins to produce the next 20 million tons,” Tagashira said.

The steel is produced domestically and used in the U.S. in a variety of fields, including agriculture, automotive and appliance manufacturing, construction and solar power.

Read more:

https://www.heraldstaronline.com/news/local-news/2024/02/wheeling-nippon-marks-major-milestone/

#2 – From LOOTPRESS – Gov. Jim Justice welcomes the Kawasaki team to West Virginia, home of one of the largest off-highway vehicle trail systems in the world.

The brand chose the Hatfield-McCoy Trails in southern West Virginia as the backdrop to debut its new RIDGE Side x Side. More than a dozen top-tier media traveled to the trails recently to experience the company’s newest machine and the world-class off-roading trails. 

“I’m beyond excited that Kawasaki chose West Virginia to show off their new machine on our Hatfield-McCoy Trails,” Justice said. “These trails are a huge driver for tourism in West Virginia. I’m so proud of the hardworking folks running Hatfield-McCoy and all the small business owners along the trail; they’ve created the success responsible for this week’s tour.”

The Hatfield-McCoy Trails have seen drastic increases in ridership in recent years; more than doubling permits sold in the past 8 years. Last year was another banner year with 92,000 permits sold, representing a six percent increase over the previous year. The authority expects another record-breaking year for the trail system in 2024.  

Read more:

https://www.lootpress.com/gov-justice-welcomes-kawasaki-to-hatfield-mccoy-trails/

#3 – From TRAVEL 2 NEXT – Famous for rugged landscapes and the Appalachian mountains, West Virginia is one of America’s most underrated states. Most people are familiar with West Virginia thanks to the classic John Denver song, “Country Roads, Take Me Home,” but the state has lots to offer visitors. 

The state capital, Charleston, has great restaurants and museums, while outside of the cities, West Virginia’s incredible landscapes, which include mountains, rivers and gorges, offer the perfect space for outdoor enthusiasts to go hiking, climbing and camping. This has also led to West Virginia having a strong culture of hunting and fishing, with lots of lakes and rivers perfect for anglers and big game in the forests and countryside.

The Appalachians are important to West Virginian history, as they’ve led to the development of traditional mountain music, along with strange things like the infamous Mothman legend. West Virginia also has a rich history, particularly in relation to the Civil War and the thriving agriculture and craft industry, which produces products like apples, glassware and coal. 

Read the full story at Travel 2 Next, then hop over to www.wvtourism.com to learn more and start planning your Almost Heaven getaway!

Read more:

https://travel2next.com/what-is-west-virginia-known-famous-for/

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, X 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, Feb. 27  

“The big difference with our program is, through the grant, we own two food trucks. If you’re in the program, you can use those trucks for 10 events or 60 days,” says Spencer, who is the city’s community and economic development director.

“We want to create a food truck association that can do three things. Number one, all the participating counties will have information on one site where food truck vendors can find out and schedule their work. Number two, it’s a tourism aspect. Number three, if you’re an individual who wants to find a food truck, you can find it there.”

Watch the full interview on Innovators and Entrepreneurs, 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. And don’t forget to like and subscribe to our YouTube channel!

Watch the video:

https://www.youtube.com/watch?si=LRXWWB-5hLhcbLpL&v=LPJvQxhOfg0&feature=youtu.be

#2 – From WV BUSINESSLINK – We may be in the dead of winter here in West Virginia, but at Rural Development February is when things really start to heat up. 

February marks Black History Month. This month provides an opportunity for our country to celebrate generations of Black Americans whose courage, advocacy, and patriotism have enriched our communities and strengthened our country. 

National Entrepreneurship Week also takes place in February. It’s a time for us to celebrate our entrepreneurs and recognize the impact they play in the success of our state and our nation. 

Last year, Rural Development invested over $20 million through our business and cooperative programs to support rural entrepreneurs and small businesses right here in West Virginia. 

We also have created a Resource Guide for Rural Entrepreneurs designed to help rural entrepreneurs start and grow businesses, create good-paying jobs and strengthen West Virginia’s economy.

Read more:

https://wvbusinesslink.com/2024/02/08/celebrating-black-history-month-and-west-virginias-entrepreneurs/

#3 – From WVU –  The Brad and Alys Outdoor Economic Development Collaborative is expanding! Find a career in West Virginia's outdoor industry with positions available in youth education, economic development, community building and outdoor asset development.

West Virginia University offers generous benefits for full-time team members, including: Paid holidays, annual leave and sick time; health insurance and other benefits, including retirement options; and wellness programs.

While the department is based in Morgantown, regional hybrid roles may be possible under university guidelines if applicable to a specific position.

Learn more:

https://oedc.wvu.edu/about-us/careers

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, Feb. 26  

#1 – From PR NEWSWIRE – The Advanced Development of Additive Manufacturing Inc., a provider of 3D printing systems for customized bone implants, has announced a collaboration between private and public sector stakeholders in West Virginia to build the foundation for a transformative biomedical manufacturing system. 

The agreement represents a significant economic development opportunity for West Virginia as the collaboration between A.D.A.M., Marshall Advanced Manufacturing Center, West Virginia Department of Economic Development, Necessity Ventures, and the Civil-Military Innovation Institute.

The memorandum outlines several impactful initiatives, including establishing a materials processing facility in the Huntington area, a point-of-care facility, and a series of training and workforce development initiatives that could create up to 50 jobs.

The collaboration extends throughout West Virginia with engagement with CMI2, a non-profit defense innovation organization focusing on rapid development and technology transition to meet warfighter needs. CMI2 boasts operations in Morgantown, Clay, and Shepherdstown.

“I have every expectation this investment will add jobs to West Virginia's growing biomedical manufacturing industry, and CMI2 is excited to be part of the consortium making it happen,” said Dr. Zenovy Wowczuk, founder of CMI2. 

Read more:

https://www.prnewswire.com/news-releases/advanced-development-of-additive-manufacturing-inc-signs-innovative-collaboration-agreement-with-west-virginia-entities-302065609.html 

#2 – From CRAN –  Thanks to the Country Roads Angel Network, West Virginia entrepreneurs have access to supportive investors they can look to for guidance.  CRAN’s investor-members donate significant time to mentoring, both before and after a venture is ready for funding.  

CRAN’s efforts have resulted in direct investments totaling $1,089,250 in six Mountain State companies. This $1+ million seed money was ultimately leveraged by the companies into another nearly $10 million in additional capital.  

If you’re interested in joining as an investor or would like to apply for funding, visit www.wvcran.com and fill out the form. 

Learn more:

https://wvcran.com/contact/

#3 – From WV BUSINESSLINK – Registration is now open for Bridging Innovation Week. The annual symposium advances entrepreneurship-led economic development by providing connection and education to business owners, current and prospective entrepreneurs, and entrepreneur serving organizations throughout West Virginia. 

Organizers are actively seeking sponsors and exhibitors for the 2024 event, which takes place April 8-11 in Huntington. This is an excellent opportunity for your organization to showcase the contributions you provide to the state’s entrepreneurship ecosystem. 

Learn more:

https://wvbusinesslink.com/register-for-bridging-innovation-week-2024/

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, Feb. 25  

#1 – From MERCER COUNTY CVB –  As we honor Black History Month, it’s important to recognize the significant contributions of African Americans to our cultural heritage. In the vibrant town of Bluefield lies a rich musical legacy that has left an enduring mark on the world stage. At the center of this stands Maceo Pinkard, a native whose impact on music reverberates through the decades.

Born in Bluefield, West Virginia, in 1897, Maceo Pinkard was a pioneering songwriter whose journey began at the Bluefield Colored Institute. A prolific songwriter, he went on to form a music publishing firm in New York City.

Pinkard’s impact on music was profound and far-reaching. He composed iconic tunes such as “Them There Eyes,” which was famously popularized by the legendary Billie Holiday. 

However, it was perhaps his collaboration with bandleader Ben Bernie and lyricist Ken Casey that cemented his place in history. Together, they created the timeless classic “Sweet Georgia Brown,” a song that would become synonymous with the Harlem Globetrotters and be recorded by an impressive list of artists spanning generations.

Read more:

https://visitmercercounty.com/celebrating-black-history-month-the-legacy-of-maceo-pinkard-and-bluefields-musical-heritage/

#2 – From MINORITY AFFAIRS – The Herbert Henderson Office of Minority Affairs presents the eighth annual Minority Business Expo on Thursday, April 4, in Ranson, West Virginia.

The expo creates opportunities for minorities, veterans, and women business owners to network with business and government leaders. 

“The expo encourages business development in West Virginia and the inclusion of historically under-represented communities,” said Jill Upson, executive director of HHOMA. “Women, veterans, and minorities must be involved in the creation of businesses, licensure process and participation in the economic development of our great state.”

Learn more and register:

https://minorityaffairs.wv.gov/Pages/default.aspx

#3 – From WV SBDC – Are you Looking to achieve your dream of becoming a small business owner? The West Virginia Small Business Development Center can help.

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

Learn more:

https://wvsbdc.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.

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

Today is Saturday, Feb. 24  

#1 – From PINKBIKE –A recent hot spot for new mountain bike expansion, the land east of the Mississippi River contains thousands of miles of unique terrain. In West Virginia, Pocahontas County has been hard at work providing access for riders of all skill levels matching and exceeding the same caliber of riding seen across the globe.

“The riding across Pocahontas County is some of the most diverse that I’ve ever personally had the pleasure of checking out all across North America,” writes cyclist Tory Powers. “Rolling hills, steep climbs, and a multitude of ecosystems keeps things interesting in a very compact area.”

Check out pinkbike.com to read more about Powers’ favorite rides in Pocahontas County, from Tea Creek to the Snowshoe Backcountry.

Read more:

https://www.pinkbike.com/news/destination-showcase-pocahontas-county-west-virginia.html

 #2 – From WV COMMERCE – Safe UV, based out of Morgantown, is creating jobs and healthier spaces in its community. Made up of WVU alumni, the company manufactures germicidal, ultra-violet lamps -- a new product to a relatively new industry. 

It’s not easy, however, to secure funding for the physical capital necessary for UV lamp manufacturing. With help from the West Virginia Economic Development Authority, Safe UV can create more and more manufacturing and technology jobs for their community.

Watch the video:

https://www.youtube.com/watch?si=1H42zbhnPlVDYuLs&v=w34sE7nvjnU&feature=youtu.be

#3 – From MHIRJ  –  Want to land that sweet spot between work and play? As an Aviation Technician at MHI RJ, you can. Headquartered in Montréal, Quebec, MHIRJ Aviation Group provides comprehensive critical operational, engineering and customer support solutions including maintenance, refurbishment, technical publications, marketing and sales activities for the global regional aircraft industry.

The manufacturer is hiring at its Bridgeport, West Virginia, location.

Watch the video:

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=wQTq25FWcrs

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, Feb. 23

#1 – From WV ECONOMIC DEVELOPMENT – Three new communities have been selected as 2024 West Virginia ON TRAC Communities. They are: Moundsville, Marshall County; Ravenswood, Jackson County; and Weston, Lewis County.

ON TRAC is the precursor to becoming a fully designated Main Street Community. ON TRAC communities will participate in mentoring from certified Main Street programs.

West Virginia Main Street is a West Virginia Department of Economic Development program. It focuses on the economic development of historic downtown and neighborhood commercial districts by providing technical services, design assistance, and continuous training of board and committee members and program managers using Main Street America’s Four-Point Approach.

There are 11 accredited Main Street Communities and 14 ON TRAC Communities in West Virginia. 

Read more:

https://westvirginia.gov/three-west-virginia-towns-named-as-on-trac-communities/

#2 – From MY BUCKHANNON – Volunteers, we need your help to keep West Virginia clean! Applications are now available for the 2024 West Virginia Make It Shine Statewide Spring Cleanup. This annual event is sponsored by the West Virginia Department of Environmental Protection’s Rehabilitation Environmental Action Plan Program.

This year’s cleanup will take place during the first two weeks of April. The Make It Shine program will provide resources such as cleanup materials, waste hauling, and landfill fees to community groups volunteering to conduct litter cleanups in state streams or on public lands.

Applications are due by Friday, March. Applications are available online. For more information, contact Chris Cartwright at [email protected] or by phone at 1-800-322-5530.

Read more:

https://www.mybuckhannon.com/wvdep-now-accepting-applications-for-2024-make-it-shine-spring-cleanup/

#3 – From WBOY-TV – Tamales are a popular and delicious dish that can be found all around the world, but where can you find the best one in the Mountain State?

A staple in many Mexican restaurants, this delicious dish consists of corn-based dough filled with a variety of fillings, then wrapped in banana leaf or corn husk and steamed.

According to reviewers on Yelp the best tamales in the state can be found at Pupuseria Emerita in the Hardy County town of Moorefield. 

With an average of 4.7/5 with 35 ratings, this Salvadoran and Honduran restaurant in the Eastern Panhandle has high praise from people traveling through the Mountain State and people who live there.

“The food tastes just like if you set up your favorite grandma with a restaurant to cook for people,” wrote Brian N. from Arlington, Virginia, who gave the restaurant 5 stars.

Read more:

https://www.wboy.com/news/west-virginia/this-is-where-you-can-find-the-best-tamale-in-west-virginia-according-to-yelp/

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, Feb. 22  

#1 – From WV SBDC – The West Virginia Small Business Development Center is hosting a Business Fundamentals workshop, designed specifically for people who are thinking of starting a business, or have had a business for one year or less.

The workshop, which takes place Feb. 29 in New Martinsville, provides essential information about the things an entrepreneur needs to know to start and manage a new business successfully.

The hosts will discuss what you should consider before starting your business, steps to license and register your business, items to include in a business plan, required documents for financing, and available options to finance your small business.

This workshop is free, but advanced registration is required.

Learn more:

https://wvsbdc.ecenterdirect.com/events/33480?embedded=0

 #2 – From WV ECONOMIC DEVELOPMENT –  Like West Virginia, South America’s economic landscape is as diverse as its geography, providing many opportunities to expand and grow your business. 

The West Virginia Department of Economic Development Discover presents seven reasons why South America should be at the top of your list for market expansion. The blog covers topics such as the economic potential across various industries, strategic market advantages, resources, trade benefits and more. 

By navigating the challenges and capitalizing on the opportunities, West Virginia companies can position themselves as key players in the evolving landscape of South America. 

Our team of trade experts can help you find customers in South America and create a plan for success in 2024. Contact us to schedule an export development meeting with one of our trade managers today!

Learn more:

https://westvirginia.gov/expanding-horizons-7-reasons-why-wv-companies-should-export-and-invest-in-south-america/

#3 – From ONLY IN YOUR STATE – Looking for a unique and magical getaway? Look no further than the WV Glamping Domes in Alderson. 

Nestled in the heart of the stunning Appalachian Mountains, this enchanting retreat offers a one-of-a-kind experience that will have you feeling immersed in nature while enjoying the comforts of modern amenities. 

While you’re there, you can hunt for “mythic” dragon stone fossils, also known as septarian nodules, in the pristine on-site creek. These extraordinary geological formations contain crystals that some believe to hold incredible energy and think will bring good luck to those who find them. 

For adventure seekers, there are plenty of other outdoor activities to enjoy in the area as well, from hiking in the captivating Appalachian Mountains to kayaking on the nearby Greenbrier River.

Visit www..wvglampingdomes.com to book your stay!

Read more:

https://www.onlyinyourstate.com/west-virginia/glamping-and-crystals-in-wv/?utm_medium=email&utm_campaign=newsletter&utm_source=west-virginia&utm_content=nlbuttonB1&eh_s2=d0f35eb932bfd0177ac7488d8a9d4207412132501aa7c23dd8b0c721c8c50ee2

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, Feb. 21  

#1 – From INNOVATORS & ENTREPRENEURS – For approximately four decades, the West Virginia Hardwoods Center at West Virginia University has focused on one of the state’s abundant natural resources. 

Dr. Joe McNeel, director of the Appalachian Hardwood Center and professor of Wood Science and Technology, shares how he leverages his experience and dedication to the state’s hardwoods to help create and promote new products. Out of these efforts has grown a sustainable, innovative wood product as strong as steel and concrete and uses technology to advance this growing industry. 

“... We are growing twice as much wood as we’re currently harvesting. So we have a resource that is not only sustainable but is available to harvest in great quantities without really affecting the sustainability of that forest,” he says.

Watch the full interview on  “Innovators and Entrepreneurs,” 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.

Watch the video:

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=41kxU7tZh8o

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

West Virginia is the second-leading hardwood state in the U.S. and each of its 55 counties has some segment of the wood industry as an employer. Learn more about wood products manufacturing in #YesWV and view an interactive map of the state.

Learn more:

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

#3 – From STATE JOURNAL – The West Virginia School of Osteopathic Medicine is expanding its degree portfolio to offer a new Master of Science in Biomedical Sciences degree program.

The graduate program will place an emphasis on lifestyle and chronic disease prevention — an issue of value to the state of West Virginia, which has some of the highest rates of obesity, diabetes and heart disease in the nation — by teaching the science behind those issues.

The new degree, which received accreditation from the Higher Learning Commission on Jan. 12, is a two-semester, nine-month program.

The health sciences thread prepares students to address public health issues through a set of courses that focus on food science, nutrition and exercise physiology, according to Timothy Garrow, associate dean for graduate programs at the School of Osteopathic Medicine.

Read more:

https://www.statejournal.com/west-virginia-school-of-osteopathic-medicine-in-lewisburg-will-begin-a-new-masters-program-this/article_9b1f8be7-9a58-5bcb-b9ee-90b38fc20f6b.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.