In this episode of What Makes You Wonderful, we chat with Amber Ravenscroft, co-chair of Bridging Innovation Week, to explore how this growing entrepreneurship event is shaping West Virginia’s economic future. 

Bridging Innovation Week connects business owners, aspiring entrepreneurs, and support organizations across the state, offering education and networking opportunities. 

For those looking to attend the BIW Tuesday conference, we have a special promo code for you here: http://www.eventbrite.com/e/1111642756409/?discount=BIW_WMYW

Whether you're launching a startup, scaling an existing business, looking to network, or have ideas on funding, this week-long event is designed to help you succeed. 

You can find out more information about the event and to see the schedule start here: https://wveshipecosystem.org/#bridging-innovation

 

On this episode of What Makes You Wonderful, we’re exploring the West Virginia Entrepreneurship Ecosystem with Co-founder Tara St. Clair.

Since its inception in 2019, this amazing initiative has connected entrepreneurial service organizations across the state, fostering collaboration and helping folks turn their dreams into reality. 

Tara shares how the ecosystem works, its mission to inspire growth through shared resources, and how you can be part of this incredible journey to elevate West Virginia.

You can find more information and get involved here: https://westvirginia.gov/wv-entrepreneurship-ecosystem/

We are starting 2025 off with only the best... Food!

In this week's episode of What Makes You Wonderful, Executive Chef Matt Welsch joins us to dish out all the savory details about the Cellar to Table dinners hosted by West Virginia State Parks, in partnership with West Virginia Cooks. We talk about what these chefs do with their craft to make your experience like no other. 

For more information on tickets you can visiit the state parks website here: wvstateparks.com, or on a link below. 

     1/4/2025 Chef Marion Ohlinger Canaan Valley Resort State Park      2/1/2025 Chef Rocco Basil Stonewall Resort State Park      2/23/2025 Chef Libby Nolle Hawks Nest State Park      3/8/2025 Chef Duane Legg Chief Logan State Park      3/15/2025 Chef Melissa Rebholz Tygart Lake State Park      3/21/2025 Chef Donnie Orr Pipestem Resort State Park      3/29/2025 Chef Keyarna Frederick Twin Falls Resort State Park      4/5/2025 Chef Anne Hart North Bend State Park      4/9/2025 Chef Damian Heath Cacapon Resort State Park      4/16/2025 Chef Tim Urbanic Holly River State Park

 

In this episode of the What Makes You Wonderful podcast, we talk to Jackson Igo about the Energy Efficiency and Conservation Block Grant (EECBG) program with the West Virginia Office of Energy. 

Learn how this program is offering grants to local governments and nonprofits across the state to improve energy efficiency and reduce energy use. We discuss eligibility requirements, funding opportunities, and the types of projects that qualify for this exciting initiative. This is your chance to hear how West Virginia is investing in sustainable solutions for businesses and communities.

For more information visit the West Virginia Office of Energy’s website: https://energywv.org/

On this episode of What Makes You Wonderful, we chat with Landau Eugene Murphy Jr., the sensational season six winner of NBC’s America’s Got Talent. Known for his smooth jazz style, Landau discusses his upcoming holiday concert Home for the Holidays. The event is Friday, Dec. 14, at 7:30 p.m. at the Hudkins Conference Center in Pipestem Resort State Park. 

Join us for an inside look at what makes Landau’s holiday show a must-see event this season. 

You can find out more about Landau Eugene Murphy, Jr., his holiday tour, and purchase tickets on his website, here: https://www.landaumurphyjr.com/

For additional information including tickets, buffet, and lodging details, contact Pipestem Resort at (304) 466-1800 or visit their website here: https://wvstateparks.com/event/landau-eugene-murphy-concert/

In this episode of the What Makes You Wonderful podcast, we get all the details on one of the best live concerts the region offers - the Mountain State Music Showcase. The event is set for Saturday, Nov. 30, at 7 p.m. at the Capitol Theater at 123 Summers Street. 

Justin Puett talks about the amazing lineup of live, local talent and why supporting the local music scene is so important. 

This year you’ll get to listen to original works by Woodbine, Nathan Bess, Annie Neeley, Makenna Hope, and Dalchord. Doors open at 6:30 and it’s open to the public (donations are kindly accepted). 

For more information start here: https://www.folkloremusicexchange.com/

 

In this episode of the What Makes You Wonderful podcast we highlight the Wheeling Symphony Orchestra’s annual Symphony on Ice Thursday, Dec. 5 at WesBanco Arena in Wheeling. 

Led by Music Director John Gennaro Devlin, the orchestra will perform alongside professional figure skaters, local skating clubs, and choirs from middle and high schools in the Ohio Valley. Devlin, now in his fifth season with the WSO, is known for championing American music and innovative concert design. 

Local singer Mandy McGovern will also perform as a soloist. Recognized as the largest U.S. Figure Skating-sanctioned event in the country, Symphony on Ice is a major community celebration.

For more information and tickets you can visit their website: https://wheelingsymphony.com/

 

On this week’s episode of What Makes You Wonderful we get to talk about the 2024 West Virginia Makes Festival Saturday, Nov. 8, at the Huntington campus of Marshall University. Mike Friel, Director of Communications at Marshall Advanced Manufacturing Center, shares the interesting history, as well as, highlights of the event and why it’s so important. 

Now in its 11th year, you’ll learn how the organization (and the event) recognizes and celebrates innovation in manufacturing and will include activities, demonstrations, and exhibits from creators, students, inventors, and entrepreneurs.

The 2024 West Virginia Makes Festival is free and open to everyone. You can find more information here: https://www.mfg.marshall.edu/2024-west-virginia-makes-festival/

Follow them on Instagram here: https://www.instagram.com/marshallumfg/

 

On this episode of the What Makes You Wonderful podcast, we speak with West Virginia Office of Energy Director Nicholas Preservati about the 2024 Governor's Energy Summit. Preservati gives insight on how this event brings together leaders from the energy sector to discuss the state's energy future.  

The summit is October 29-30 at the Charleston Coliseum and Convention Center and Preservati explains how this event explores ways to leverage West Virginia's resources for economic growth.

To find out more you can visit the West Virginia Office of Energy’s website here: https://energywv.org/

 

In this episode of the What Makes You Wonderful podcast, we get the inside scoop on one of West Virginia’s newest festivals! The Mtn Craft Film Festival is now in its second year and Jeffrey Boggess explains the importance of promoting Appalachian films as well as everything you can get into at this year’s event. 

The festival runs from October 3-6 at the Robinson Grand in Clarksburg. You can find more information about it here: https://www.mtncraftfilmfestival.com/