Today, we’re joined by Julie Robinson, Executive Director of WVNLA, and Michael Biafore of Biafore Landscaping to talk about the importance of landscaping, horticulture, and green industry growth in West Virginia.

WVNLA has been instrumental in providing resources, education, and advocacy for landscaping and nursery professionals, ensuring the industry continues to thrive. Biafore Landscaping, a leader in high-quality landscape design and construction, has transformed outdoor spaces across the region with a focus on creativity and sustainability.

In this episode, Julie and Michael share insights on the future of West Virginia’s landscaping industry, the challenges businesses face, and how WVNLA is working to support and train the next generation of green industry professionals.

Learn more: wvnla.org biafore.com

Tag someone who’s passionate about landscaping or wants to learn more about the industry!

#PositivelyWV #WVNLA #BiaforeLandscaping #Landscaping #Horticulture #WestVirginiaBusiness

Today we’re sitting down with Bill & Ashley Chouinard, the entrepreneurs behind Wild Blue Adventure Company (@wildblueadventurecompany) and Aviators Lounge (@aviatorsloungewv) in Fayetteville, WV. As the 2024 WV Hive Entrepreneurs of the Year, they’ve built an aviation business that brings history and adventure together in one unforgettable experience. Wild Blue Adventure Company (@wildblueadventurecompany) offers open-cockpit biplane rides over the stunning New River Gorge, allowing guests to see West Virginia’s natural beauty like never before. Whether you're a thrill-seeker looking for aerobatic maneuvers or simply want to enjoy a scenic flight, their vintage WWII aircraft provide a once-in-a-lifetime experience. After landing, visitors can head to Aviators Lounge, a community hub where aviation and adventure enthusiasts can relax, enjoy great food, and share stories. In this episode, Bill and Ashley share their journey, the challenges of running an aviation business, and their vision for the future. Learn more: wildblueadventurecompany.com visitfayettevillewv.com Follow them on Instagram: @wildblueadventurecompany @aviatorsloungewv Studio Powered by: Breezeline Sponsored by: Highmark Health Blue Cross Blue Shield of West Virginia | Freedom Kia of Morgantown | InnerAction Media | StoryMaker Produced by: InnerAction Media | Jim Matuga

On this week's Positively West Virginia podcast, we sat down with David Biafora and Mark Keppel of East End Development to talk about East End Village—a transformational $120M+ project reshaping Morgantown. This mixed-use development will bring new homes, retail, and even a potential hotel to a once-blighted area, creating a thriving, walkable community for residents, students, and visitors alike.

In this episode of Positively West Virginia, we sit down with Carlos Fernandez, founder of Stud-IA, an AI-powered educational platform designed to personalize learning and improve academic performance. Carlos shares how Stud-IA is transforming the way students engage with their studies through adaptive curricula and tailored resources.

Tune in to hear how AI is shaping the future of education.

Studio Powered by: Breezeline Sponsored by: Highmark Blue Cross Blue Shield of West Virginia | Freedom Kia of Morgantown | InnerAction Media | StoryMaker Produced by: InnerAction Media | Jim Matuga

This week, we’re featuring Jack Taggart, the innovative entrepreneur behind New River Farms Sawmill, a premier sawmill located in Clifftop, West Virginia. Dedicated to sustainable and small-scale timber harvesting, Jack has built a business that supplies high-quality, locally sourced lumber to the New River Gorge area and beyond. New River Farms Sawmill specializes in green lumber, offering wood at its natural moisture level for use in post and beam construction, board and batten siding, and other applications where durability and minimal splitting are key. Looking ahead, the sawmill will expand its offerings with kiln-dried lumber starting in the spring and summer of 2025. Recognized for his dedication and vision, Jack was named a 2024 WV Hive Startup of the Year, further cementing his impact on West Virginia’s forestry and lumber industry. Whether you're a craftsman, builder, or woodworking enthusiast, New River Farms Sawmill is your trusted source for locally harvested, high-quality lumber. Studio Powered by: Breezeline Sponsored by: Highmark Blue Cross Blue Shield of West Virginia | Freedom Kia of Morgantown | InnerAction Media | StoryMaker Produced by: InnerAction Media | Jim Matuga

This week on Positively West Virginia, we have a special episode featuring Savannah Jones & Eliza Hocz from UniteUS as they share details about an incredible FREE event coming to WVU Coliseum on March 11 at 7:30 PM.

Unite West Virginia is a movement of college students coming together to lift the name of Jesus. Don’t miss this powerful night of worship and community!

🎟 Reserve your free tickets now: https://brushfire.com/uniteus/unitewestvirginia/594658

Learn more: https://www.uniteusmovement.com/ Support the movement: https://uniteus.app.neoncrm.com/forms/uniteus-donations

Listen to this special episode and help spread the word!

Monika Jaensson knows that innovation is only as strong as the protection behind it. As a leading intellectual property attorney based in Charleston, WV, she has spent over 30 years helping businesses and entrepreneurs secure patents, trademarks, and copyrights that safeguard their groundbreaking ideas. Her work spans industries from biotechnology to energy, securing major patents and trademarks for brands like Med Express Urgent Care and Alpha Natural Resources. But Monika’s expertise goes beyond IP law—she also plays a crucial role in business transactions, helping startups and established companies navigate acquisitions and negotiations involving high-value intellectual property. In this episode, Monika shares her journey, the biggest challenges innovators face in protecting their ideas, and why a strong legal foundation is essential for business success. Studio Powered by: Breezeline Sponsored by: Highmark Blue Cross Blue Shield of West Virginia | Freedom Kia of Morgantown | InnerAction Media | StoryMaker Produced by: InnerAction Media | Jim Matuga

This week we’re sitting down with Alexander Durand, owner of Mountain Table!

Alexander has built Mountain Table into more than just a restaurant—it’s a culinary experience that highlights the best of West Virginia’s local ingredients and flavors. With a focus on farm-to-table dining, Mountain Table is a place where food lovers can enjoy expertly crafted dishes while supporting local farmers and producers.

But it’s not just about the food—Mountain Table is also known for its incredible coffee. Sourced with the same dedication to quality and sustainability, their coffee program offers the perfect complement to a great meal or a morning visit.

In this episode, Alexander shares the story behind Mountain Table, his passion for sustainable and locally sourced food, and the challenges and rewards of running a restaurant that brings people together over great meals and expertly brewed coffee.

Studio Powered by: Breezeline Sponsored by: Highmark Blue Cross Blue Shield of West Virginia | Freedom Kia of Morgantown | InnerAction Media and StoryMaker Produced by: InnerAction Media | Jim Matuga