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

Today is Tuesday, Oct. 17 

Give a listen to some of WV’s most talented musicians with Mountain State Music…Have you experienced a setback in employment? WorkForce WV can help! And learn how the HUBZone program can help your small business…on today’s daily304.

#1 – From THE DAILY304 – There are so many talented musicians in West Virginia, and the daily304 wants to shine a spotlight on each and every one of them. Every month, we introduce you to creative West Virginia artists and their original songs. It’s a concert from your couch, and you don’t even have to pay a cover charge. Sit back, relax and enjoy live music from the Folklore Stage.

Watch the videos on the daily304’s YouTube channel, and don’t forget to like and subscribe!

Watch the videos:

https://www.youtube.com/playlist?list=PLbTIXU2Zp-KmCJ7a1xb3q8DajmrkL4hYX

#2 – From WORKFORCE WV – Life can happen fast. And if you’ve had a setback in your career or had to step back from the workforce, it can be hard to get back in your field. Maybe you’re fully trained, but are struggling to fund the necessary equipment, or it’s hard to find an employer that will work around your schedule.

WorkForce West Virginia can help. No two people have the same situation, so our advice and resources are specifically tailored to your life and your needs. If you have an employment problem, we can help you solve it. 

Visit www.workforcewv.com to complete the form and get personalized assistance from a WorkForce WV team member.

Learn more:

https://workforcewv.org/workforce-mktg-underemployed/?utm_medium=referrall&utm_source=vanity_url&utm_campaign=workforce+employment+2023&utm_term=advance

#3 – From WV COMMERCE – The HUBZone program gives participating small businesses a competitive advantage when bidding on federal contracts and can provide a lucrative alternative revenue stream.

Small businesses taking advantage of the HUBZone program receive a 10% price evaluation preference when bidding on federal contracts, meaning the bid is considered at 90% of the total cost of the project when compared against 100% of the cost of other bids. 

Visit WV Commerce online to learn more and download a toolkit. 

Learn more:

https://commerce.wv.gov/hubzones/

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, Oct. 16 

West Virginia’s metal industry is, well, metal. Rock on, #YesWV! WV SBDC business coaches want to help you turn your dream into a reality. And two caterers share their secrets to creating a beautiful (and delicious) charcuterie board…on today’s daily304.

#1 – From WV ECONOMIC DEVELOPMENT  –  From the steel Bessemer converters in the 1880s to 3-D printers today, metals have long been an essential component in West Virginia’s flourishing manufacturing industry. The state has forged strong links between our abundant raw materials, skilled metalworking labor force, and supportive business climate.

West Virginia has ready supplies of primary and fabricated metals, machinery and other components necessary for the manufacturing of metalworking and machinery products. The state is at the heart of more than 4,000 regional suppliers of needed materials and home to thousands of skilled production and craft workers.

Learn more about why the metal industry says #YesWV and explore an interactive map of top metal-related businesses in West Virginia.

Read more:

https://westvirginia.gov/industries/metals/

#2 – From WV SBDC – Do you want to turn your dream of owning a small business into a reality? At the West Virginia Small Business Development Center, your business is our passion.

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/

#3 – From WV LIVING – Charcuterie boards may just be boujee Lunchables for adults, but in recent years they have gone from an entertaining after-thought to center stage. Whether you are throwing a party for dozens or an intimate noshing for two, these grazing platters are all the rage. 

Two women who’ve made it their business to craft culinary creations that are a feast for the eyes as well as the stomach have offered to provide some tips to readers. Carly Baker of Baker Cheese Co. in Morgantown and Chelsea Williams of Picture Perfect Picnics in Folansbee will have you building boards like a pro.

The holiday season is approaching fast. Check out the story at WV Living to learn how to build your own charcuterie creation.

Read more:

https://wvliving.com/a-lavish-spread/

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, Oct. 15 

Learn how you can use your social media to advocate for Almost Heaven, #YesWV. With winter comes chilly temps and snow…get cozy in a state park cabin. And a renowned Morgantown chef shares one of his favorite recipes…on today’s daily304.

#1 – From WV EXECUTIVE – Say yes to West Virginia. That’s the concept behind the state’s social media advocate model stemming from the hashtag #YesWV.

Social media has proven to the world that people with large audiences can influence their following to try products, visit places and do just about anything.

The Mountain State has a competitive advantage for businesses, thriving creative communities, innovation and entrepreneurship. This program gives people the power to share those things with their networks and help continue to move West Virginia forward and show the world how wonderful it is here.

West Virginia needs YOUR help to promote the wealth, beauty, livability, careers and opportunity in Almost Heaven, West Virginia.

Say #YesWV! To learn how you can get involved, email [email protected]. 

Read more:

https://wvexecutive.com/telling-west-virginias-story/

#2 – From WV STATE PARKS – Enjoy a crisp walk along snowy trails, warm up next to a crackling fire or sip hot chocolate while enjoying the breathtaking views of snow capped mountains. If you’re looking to refresh your body and renew your spirit this winter, look no further than West Virginia State Parks. 

Whether you’re traveling with friends, making memories with the family, or escaping to a cozy cabin for two this winter, West Virginia State Parks are truly “Almost Heaven.” Load up the car with your favorite people – and don’t forget man’s best friend! Some cabins are designated pet friendly.

Check out the cozy cabins available all winter long, and visit www.wvstateparks.com to book your stay!

Read more:

https://wvstateparks.com/cozy-cabin-getaway-guide/

#3 – From TASTE WV –  “Some say I got into cooking before I have any memory of it,” said Nate Meadows, executive chef at Bourbon Prime & Morgantown Event Center in Morgantown.

“There is a particular photo of me standing on a stool in my Mother’s kitchen helping her make Christmas cookies. I couldn’t have even been 3 years old, and have no memory of it. To this day however, making Christmas cookies remains a diehard tradition in her and also my family’s kitchen.”

Meadows has worked in a number of local eateries preparing everything from charcuterie to pizza before landing the executive chef role at one of the city’s premier restaurants.

“The dishes we prepare at Bourbon Prime are done in a way that are not intimidating but also exciting … You can currently get anything from Braised Short Rib Pot Roast, to Seared Ahi Tuna with Furikake, to Nashville Chicken Mac n’ Cheese,” he said.

One of his favorite dishes to prepare is pizza and he graciously shares his recipe for pizza dough with Taste WV readers.

Read more:

https://tastewv.com/christmas-cookies-pizza-stepping-stones-for-one-successful-morgantown-chef/

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, Oct. 14 

While you’re enjoying fall colors in Almost Heaven, make your winter plans at WV state parks. Need gift ideas? Shop small and check out some unique leather shops. And join the volunteer model registry to help WV tell its story…on today’s daily304.

#1 – From WV STATE PARKS – As fall fades to winter, grab your suitcase and explore the snowy beauty of West Virginia State Parks. After a chilly day of adventures in Almost Heaven, unwind next to gorgeous fireplaces or relax in a beautifully furnished room. 

Parks have all the amenities you need, including full-service restaurants, banquet facilities and free WiFi. Some even have indoor swimming pools and spas, and of course the parks system has hundreds of miles of hiking trails, open year-round.

Browse the Christmas Shoppe at Hawks Nest. Hit the ski slopes at Canaan Valley Resort. Zip down the longest sled run in the east at Blackwater Falls. Drive through the Christmas lights display at Chief Logan. Those are just a few of the fun winter activities coming up in a few weeks!

Visit www.wvstateparks.com to learn more and reserve lodging.

Read more:

https://wvstateparks.com/winter-is-the-best-time-to-enjoy-a-lodge-stay-at-west-virginia-state-parks/

 #2 – From WV LIVING – Need some holiday gift ideas? All across the Mountain State, artisans are producing unique leather goods. 

Check out Baker Co. Leatherworks, a family-owned company that’s dedicated to bringing well-crafted, handmade leather accessories to its customers, from wallets to earrings. 

When it comes to unique leather bags and accessories, look no further than Morgan Rhea. 

Skapa Leather reminds us of leatherworking history, focusing on medieval-inspired items for your next cosplay or Ren-faire attire, like bracers, pauldrons, and pouches.

Those are just a few of the unique items you’ll find. Shop small and support West Virginia businesses!

Read more:

https://wvliving.com/loving-leather/

#3 – From WV COMMERCE – Do you have a love for West Virginia and want to show off what makes our state so special? Join the West Virginia Department of Commerce’s volunteer model registry and get a chance to be featured in our upcoming publications and ad campaigns!

Our registry is open to anyone who loves West Virginia and wants to help us tell its story. By signing up, you’ll become part of our shortlist of potential models for future shoots with various clients such as the West Virginia Department of Tourism, State Parks, and the West Virginia Film Office. 

We’re looking for all types of people who have a passion for our state and want to be a part of something special. So what do you say? Sign up now!

Learn more:

https://commerce.wv.gov/modelregistry/

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, Oct. 13 

A repurposed coal mine in WV serves as a training ground for futuristic military exercises. Learn why the wood products industry says #YesWV. And check out the exciting lineup of Mountain Stage shows coming soon…get your tickets now!...on today’s daily304.

#1 – From WV ECONOMIC DEVELOPMENT – Action movie fans will be pleased to know that some exciting real-life military training exercises took place in West Virginia recently.

The Civil-Military Innovation Institute hosted a military field training exercise and experimentation event, known as Driving Innovation in Realistic Training, aka DIRT Days 23-001, in partnership with the United States Army Combat Capabilities Development Command and the 101st Airborne Division. 

The training event took place at CMI2’s Adaptive Experimentation Facility in Fola, West Virginia, which is actually a repurposed coal mining facility. Soldiers participated in and led the development and field testing of emerging tactics and technology while bolstering their operational skill sets through challenging, realistic exercises. 

The event was designed to emulate future operational environments the soldiers could experience in an age of intensifying technology and threats. Check out the video, featuring some futuristic robots and more!

Watch the video:

https://westvirginia.gov/robots-in-yes-west-virginia-say-what/

#2 – From WV ECONOMIC DEVELOPMENT –  Did you know that the wood industry of West Virginia generates $3.2 billion annually for the state’s economy and provides more than 30,000 jobs? T

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. Wood products manufacturing businesses include loggers, sawmills, dry kilns, rustic rail fence producers, veneer plants, furniture parts producers, kitchen cabinets and other wooden furniture.

Learn more and view an interactive map of top forest products-related businesses in West Virginia.

Learn more:

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

#3 – From MOUNTAIN STAGE – Get your tickets now! West Virginia Public Radio’s “Mountain Stage” has an exciting lineup of shows planned for the coming weeks at venues from Charleston to Morgantown.

Upcoming shows feature The Vince Herman Band, Judy Collins, Joan Osborne and James McMurty. And don’t forget Bob Thompson’s annual holiday special, “Joy to the World.”

Visit www.mountainstage.org to learn more and buy tickets.

Learn more:

https://mountainstage.org/upcoming-live-shows/

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, Oct. 12 

Order your 2024 WV Wildlife Calendar -- they make great gifts! Learn how Toyota Manufacturing Company WV is leading the charge in innovation. And take a video tour of the new Trail Depot outdoor shop in Berkeley Springs…on today’s daily304.

#1 – From WV COMMERCE – Looking for an affordable holiday gift for the wildlife lover in your life? You’re in luck! The 2024 edition of the West Virginia Division of Natural Resources' award-winning wildlife calendar is now available to purchase at www.wvstateparks.com.

The calendar features gorgeous paintings of native wildlife, important hunting and fishing dates, peak wildlife activity times and engaging articles.

Your calendar purchase helps fund the WVDNR’s Wildlife Diversity Program, which protects threatened and endangered species and their habitats.

Watch the video:

https://www.youtube.com/watch?si=XRhso_RUSa4MSa3c&v=0wbKuXzhQa8&feature=youtu.be

#2 – From the daily304 – David Rosier is president of Toyota Motor Manufacturing, West Virginia. He talks about how Toyota is known for leading the charge in innovation.

“Innovation really comes naturally within our plant and by our team members, and so we’re always looking for creative ideas and creative ways to really do what we do better,” he says. “We’ve had some things in the media – solar flowers and we’re using sheep to help maintain the grounds around our solar array. Those were all ideas that came from one of our environmental engineers. We empower them to come up with creative ideas to solve our issues and they never cease to amaze me.” 

Rosier is the featured guest 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 on the daily304’s YouTube channel, and don’t forget to hit that subscribe button!

Watch the video:

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=aod-9i1MJuk

#3 – From WV COMMERCE – Alex Teixeira and Amanda-Hollins Teixeira love trails. Water trails, biking trails, hiking trails, all kinds of trails. They run Trail Depot, a place where adventurers get outfitted head-to-toe in Berkeley Springs, West Virginia. No matter your experience or knowledge about the outdoors, this shop offers so much more than merchandise.

Watch the video to learn more, and drop in for a visit next time you’re passing through Morgan County!

Watch the video:

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=q3flbqZq2tY

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, Oct. 11 

A WVU scientist is developing a system to prevent collisions from space debris -- far out! Learn how good credit helps your business. And Breeze Airways launches Tampa flights at Yeager Airport… on today’s daily304.

#1 – From WVU –  If West Virginia University research pays off, debris that litters the planet’s orbit and poses a threat to spacecraft and satellites could get nudged off potential collision courses by a coordinated network of space lasers.

Hang Woon Lee, director of the Space Systems Operations Research Laboratory at WVU, said he believes the best chance for preventing those collisions is an array of multiple lasers mounted to platforms in space. The artificial intelligence-powered lasers could maneuver and work together to respond rapidly to debris of any size.

Lee, an assistant professor in mechanical and aerospace engineering at the Benjamin M. Statler College of Engineering and Mineral Resource, is a 2023 recipient of NASA’s prestigious Early Career Faculty award for potentially breakthrough research. NASA is supporting Lee’s rapid-response debris removal study with $200,000 in funding per year for up to three years. 

The work is in its early stages and, currently, the research team is verifying the algorithms they propose developing to run the system of lasers would be a valid, cost-effective solution. But the long-distance vision is of “multiple space-based lasers actively performing orbital maneuvers and collaboratively addressing orbital debris,” Lee said. This could lead to just-in-time collision avoidance with high-value space assets.

Read more:

https://wvutoday.wvu.edu/stories/2023/10/04/wvu-engineer-developing-laser-system-to-defend-space-assets-from-debris-in-earth-s-orbit

 #2 – From WV BUSINESSLINK – Starting a small business can be an exciting and fulfilling journey for many entrepreneurs. However, it comes with a lot of challenges, especially when it comes to finances. One crucial aspect of financial stability that can make or break your business is having a good credit score. A good credit score can open up doors to capital, insurance, attracting investors, and more. 

A good credit score could result in more favorable terms, lower interest rates, and increased access to capital. It can help improve your cash flow. It can result in lower insurance premiums and help you attract investors and partners.

Visit West Virginia BusinessLink to learn more about credit scores and other helpful tips for entrepreneurs. West Virginia BusinessLink is a supportive platform that connects entrepreneurs and small business owners to a network of local, regional, and statewide resource partners to foster innovation, growth, and prosperity.

Read more:

https://wvbusinesslink.com/2023/10/02/six-reasons-why-building-a-good-credit-score-is-crucial-for-starting-your-small-business-dreams/

#3 – From METRO NEWS – Just in time for fall color, Breeze Airways has begun offering flights between Charleston and Tampa. 

The first Breeze flight arrived at West Virginia International Yeager Airport (CRW) last week.

Airport director and CEO Dominique Ranieri said it’s a great opportunity to welcome visitors from the Tampa area.

“I know a lot of people in Florida who really miss what we think is one of the best seasons here in West Virginia getting to admire our gorgeous landscape while all of the leaves are changing, so this flight is just in time to get those folks here,” she said.

One-way fares start at $39. Breeze also offers nonstop flights to Orlando and seasonally to Charleston, South Carolina.

Read more:

https://wvmetronews.com/2023/10/03/yeager-to-welcome-breeze-airways-flights-to-and-from-tampa-wednesday/

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.

Join us on the latest episode of the What Makes You Wonderful podcast as we heat things up at the 40th Annual ChiliFest in Huntington, WV. It starts at 11 a.m. this Saturday, October 14!

We'll take you on a flavorful journey through this iconic event, featuring mouthwatering chili cook-offs, live music, and all the spicy festivities that make ChiliFest a must-visit. You can find more information here: https://www.chilifestwv.com/

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

Today is Tuesday, Oct. 10 

The film industry says #YesWV thanks to great tax incentives and state support…It’s fall festival time in Almost Heaven. And a federal grant will fund rail improvements in north-central West Virginia…on today’s daily304.

#1 – From WV.GOV – Since the earliest days of silent film, West Virginia has played a role in the film industry. A long list of West Virginians have played pivotal roles in film and TV history.

Thanks to the July 1, 2022 launch of one of the best film tax incentives in the country, West Virginia is poised to expand its role in creating film industry jobs and steady work here. The Mountain State has rekindled its West Virginia Film Office. Embedded within the West Virginia Department of Economic Development, the Film Office helps foster more productions and build out the state’s film industry workforce and opportunities.

Now, people here – whether they are producers, caterers, set carpenters, stunt coordinators, hair and makeup, drone operators or electricians – can plug into the wide range of creative and blue-collar jobs in the film and TV industry.

Visit www.westvirginia.gov/wvfilm to learn more about jobs, training, and other opportunities in film.

Read more:

https://www.jobs.wv.gov/article/film-is-back-in-yeswv/78586

 #2 – From WBOY-TV Clarksburg – Some might argue that fall is when West Virginia is at its best and most beautiful. If you’re looking to see some new places in the Mountain State as the leaves start to change, mark your calendars for these festivals.

The Black Walnut Festival in Spencer takes place Oct. 12-15 and features live music, a baking contest, and a 5K “Nut Run.”

Bridge Day on Oct. 21 is West Virginia’s largest single-day festival. Held at a time when colors are typically peaking in the New River Gorge, it is the only day people are allowed to BASE jump from the New River Gorge Bridge. In fact, it’s the only day people are even allowed to walk on the bridge, so come join the celebration. There will be live entertainment, vendors, and a 5K run.

Read more:

https://www.wvnstv.com/news/west-virginia-news/nature-inspired-west-virginia-festivals-to-attend-in-october/

#3 – From METRO NEWS – A nearly $20 million federal grant will help upgrade a short line railroad operating in northern and central parts of West Virginia.

The Appalachia and Ohio Railroad was awarded $19.4 million from the U.S. Department of Transportation for upgrades and maintenance work. The money will help upgrade the mainline ties and continuous welded rail and rehabilitate nine tunnels on A&O’s 158-mile rail line, which runs from Grafton to Cowen. 

The money will also be used for improvements to the railroad fleet.

“We have six locomotives to haul coal and freight. This grant also allows for those to be rebuilt to new emission standards. That work will be done in-state by CSX at their Huntington locomotive shop, ” Reese added.

Read more:

https://wvmetronews.com/2023/10/01/federal-grant-to-benefit-short-line-rail-transport-in-west-virginia/

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, Oct. 9

Plan a fall trout fishing getaway to a WV state park…Applications begin rolling in for WVU and Marshall’s new First Ascent program…and fall fire season is here! Keep our beautiful hills safe and observe burning laws…on today’s daily304.

#1 – From WV STATE PARKS – As cooler temperatures and autumn color descends on West Virginia’s beautiful hills, fall is a great time to cast a line into its peaceful lakes and streams. 

From Oct. 16-23, The West Virginia Division of Natural Resources will be stocking trout in lakes and streams around the state, including several state parks and forests

Consider  Blackwater Falls State Park. Known for its iconic waterfalls and stunning vistas, the park also has some incredible trout fishing waters in Pendleton Lake and Blackwater River.

Watoga State Park is enjoying newfound fame as an internationally recognized Dark Sky Park, but this park’s starry waters are also a great place to fish. Watoga Lake is stocked in October. 

Visit wvstateparks.com to learn more about fall trout fishing and which parks and forests you’ll want to check out. You can even book your lodging online!

Read more:

https://wvstateparks.com/6-wv-state-parks-to-visit-this-fall-if-you-want-to-catch-a-trout/

#2 – From WVU – Applications have begun rolling in for First Ascent. West Virginia University and Marshall University have combined their resources and expertise to offer this two-year program designed to help graduates launch their professional careers through the power of remote and hybrid work, all while maximizing work-life balance, enjoying outdoor recreation, building community and driving purpose-centered collaborations. 

Six vibrant communities will be home to First Ascent members: Morgantown Area, Huntington Area, Eastern Panhandle, New River Gorge, Greater Elkins and Greenbrier Valley. 

The program also creates opportunities to network with seasoned professionals, explore how to best integrate work and personal endeavors via outdoor recreation, and provides the building blocks for emerging community leaders through service and connection. 

Visit www.firstascentwv.com/ to learn more about the program.

Read more:

https://enews.wvu.edu/articles/2023/10/03/applications-rolling-in-for-first-ascent

#3 – From WV NEWS – Fall fire season began Oct. 1 and continues through Dec. 31. The West Virginia Division of Forestry reminds residents to confine their outdoor burning to 5 p.m. to 7 a.m. Fires set during that time must be put out before 7 a.m.

“We are asking everyone to please help us safeguard our forests from the threat of wildfire by following burning laws,” said Jeremy Jones, state forester and director of the West Virginia Division of Forestry.

Debris burning is West Virginia’s most common cause of wildfires, averaging more than 35% of all wildfires over the past ten years.

A summary of forest fire laws and safe fire practices can be found on the state Division of Forestry website.

Read more:

https://www.wvnews.com/news/wvnews/fall-fire-season-in-west-virginia-runs-from-sunday-through-dec-31/article_c650771e-5ecd-11ee-bc9e-477cf8e2d37e.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.