daily304's podcast WVgov

Welcome to the daily304 – your window into Wonderful, Almost Heaven, West Virginia.  
Today is Saturday, June 29, 2024.
The Charleston Sternwheel Regatta returns next week, bringing great music, food and fun…Enjoy a concert from your couch with Mountain State Music…and Hillbilly Hotdogs’ owner shares the secret to her success…on today’s daily304.

#1 – From CHARLESTON REGATTA – Save the date! The Charleston Sternwheel Regatta returns to the Capital City July 3-7. The event kicks off with the Wheelwash Beer Festival. Enjoy carnival games and rides, great food, live music and more. Check out charlestonregatta.com for updates. 
Learn more:
https://charlestonregatta.com/
 
#2 – From MOUNTAIN STATE MUSIC – The daily304 and Folklore Music Exchange are proud to present Mountain State Music Concert from the Folklore Stage in Charleston, Almost Heaven, West Virginia. This week’s guests include Kindred Valley and Noah Freeman! 
Check it out on YouTube. It’s a concert from your couch! Sit back, relax, and enjoy LIVE music from West Virginia.
Watch the video:
https://www.youtube.com/live/xcKq4ZQHmOY?si=ofD5zEZv5zeQ69--
 
#3 – From DAILY304 –  Hillbilly Hotdogs in Lesage, West Virginia is a creative culinary destination that has captured national attention. Crave West Virginia talks to owner Sharie Knight about the inspiration behind her unique recipes and why she says her customers can be credited for the restaurant's success. 
From zany décor to mouthwatering hotdogs...you will not be disappointed by this one-of-a-kind roadside restaurant. Check out the video and visit Hillbillyhotdogs.com to learn more about these delicious dogs. 
Watch the video:
https://www.youtube.com/watch?si=UuSd2dWImw49-C7M&v=Zv_hFlK25z8&feature=youtu.be
 
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, June 28, 2024.
The History Project explores the life of Francis H. Pierpont, West Virginia’s founding father…Morgantown’s Safe UV creates jobs and healthier spaces in their community with assistance from the WV EDA…and WV’s thriving elk population continues to grow…on today’s daily304.

#1 – From THE HISTORY PROJECT – Considered the “Father of West Virginia,” Francis H. Pierpont was the man needed for the difficult task of gaining the state’s independence from Virginia and entrusted by Lincoln to restore that state to order after the Civil War; the West Virginian who would be Governor of Virginia.
Tune into “The History Project” to learn more about West Virginia’s founding father who shaped the destiny of the Mountain State and the Old Dominion.
Watch the video:
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Fc46gDH8jKs
 
#2 – From EDA.GOV– Safe UV, based out of Morgantown, are creating jobs and healthier spaces in their 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.
Learn more:
https://eda.wv.gov/this-manufacturer-saw-the-need-for-disinfection-technology-and-got-to-work-with-help-from-wveda/
#3 – From WV COMMERCE – West Virginia's elk herd is thriving thanks to sound management practices, native births and a series of elk transports and releases, which has brought the state's elk population to more than 140.
In the fall, you’ll have a chance to see these majestic animals in their natural habitat with the WVDNR’s elk management tours starting at Chief Logan Lodge. 
Watch the video:
https://www.youtube.com/watch?si=I5wrEp7etGgvENwA&v=JXGDexT1qto&feature=youtu.be
 
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, June 27, 2024.
Complete your summer bucket list for a chance to win a fall getaway in Almost Heaven…Get your tickets for Generation WV’s Summer Soiree featuring a catered meal by 1010 Bridge and award-winning Chef Paul Smith…and Mountain Stage takes its show on the road to Clarksburg in August…on today’s daily304.

#1 – From WV TOURISM – Summer is the perfect time to meet all of your adventure goals in Almost Heaven, from waterfall wandering to local dining. Check off items on WV Tourism’s summer bucket list for the chance to win a fall getaway!
Visit wvtourism.com to download your bucket list and build your own unique itinerary. 
Learn more:
https://wvtourism.com/summer-bucket-list/
 
#2 – From GENERATION WV –  Generation WV presents Summer Night Soiree. Join us for an evening to recognize notable West Virginians who embody our mission of equipping young West Virginians with the key skills and career opportunities they need to thrive in the Mountain State.
The event takes place Saturday, August 24, at J.Q. Dickinson Salt-Works in Malden. The dinner will be catered by 1010 Bridge, under the guidance of 2024 James Beard Award-Winner for Best Chef, Paul Smith. Tickets are on sale now!
Learn more:
https://generationwv.org/support/summer-night-soiree/
 
#3 – From MOUNTAIN STAGE – On August 18, Mountain Stage Radio Show hits the road for an appearance at Robinson Grand Performing Arts Center in Clarksburg. Guest artists include Paul Thorn, Raul Midon, Wood Box Heroes and more. 
Get your tickets today!
Learn more:
https://mountainstage.org/event/paul-thorn-raul-midon-wood-box-heroes-and-more-on-mountain-stage/
 
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, June 26, 2024.
A Greenbrier County barrel maker expands production with help from Marshall Advanced Manufacturing Center in building a skilled workforce…The Charleston Area Alliance reveals plans for its new LIFT Center -- that’s “learning, innovation, food, and technology -- on Charleston’s East End…and employers, learn how you can find the perfect match for your job opening through Generation WV’s talent recruitment service…on today’s daily304.

#1 – From MAMC – The Great Barrel Company employs 235 individuals at its cooperage and stave mills in Greenbrier County. Men and women work in tandem with advanced technology to produce barrels from plentiful, sustainable, tight-grained Appalachian white oak. The products serve the Kentucky bourbon industry.
Plant Manager Bryan Lucas said the company expects plans to ramp up production to 225,000 barrels this year and 250,000 by 2025. But to do so requires employees with the necessary skills.
To bridge the skills gap, Great Barrel recently turned to the Marshall Advanced Manufacturing Center for assistance. MAMC operates Apprenticeship Works, the National Advanced Manufacturing Apprenticeship Partnership, which helps such manufacturers as Great Barrel develop the talent they need through a grow-your-own approach.
Read more:
https://www.mfg.marshall.edu/barrel-manufacturer-infuses-ancient-art-with-high-tech/
 
#2 – From METRO NEWS – The 120-year-old Kanawha Manufacturing Company on Charleston’s East End is about to undergo a monumental $20 million transformation into a modernized innovation center.
The Charleston Area Alliance plans to reuse existing manufacturing space in the former warehouse by renovating it and converting it into a 55,000 square foot multi-use facility for workforce development, renewable and alternative energy production, and a commercial food hub. The new facility will be called the LIFT Center– the learning, innovation, food, and technology center.
Marshall University Economic Workforce Development Vice President Brandon Dennison said there is enough space for a total of five tenants to occupy the facility and so far there are three confirmed ones, organizations and programs that will conduct the aforementioned services.
Read more:
https://wvmetronews.com/2024/06/16/charleston-area-alliance-meets-to-provide-community-with-update-on-new-20-million-lift-center-project-coming-to-charlestons-east-end/
 
#3 – From GENERATION WV – Generation West Virginia’s talent recruitment service helps employers find top talent by offering a streamlined approach to staffing and recruitment in West Virginia.
Here’s how it works: Set up a meeting to discuss hiring needs. GWV uses its recruiting resources and vast network to find at least 3 to 5 qualified candidates, vets them and helps you set up interviews. Find your ideal candidate faster and easier!
Learn more:
https://generationwv.org/programs/career-connector/hire-talent/
 
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 June 25, 2024.
Shepherdstown gears up for its annual Contemporary American Theater Festival…Tamarack’s Ripple Program aims to bring more funding to the arts…and a Logan resident helps launch a global independent game development studio…on today’s daily304.

#1 – From WMYW – Artistic Director Peggy McKowen shares how we can discover the ultimate theater experience in Shepherdstown this July at the Contemporary American Theater Festival.
Each summer, the festival offers bold, new plays, allowing audiences to experience the entire season in just two days. Shepherdstown also hosts historic sites, cultural events, and unique boutiques, providing a charming and elegant atmosphere for visitors making it a place the whole family can enjoy - indoors and out! 
Tune in to What Makes You Wonderful podcast to hear McKowen deliver the scoop on this award-winning festival.
Listen now:
https://daily304.libsyn.com/wmyw-and-the-contemporary-american-theater-festival-2024
 
#2 – From DOMINION POST –  In January, the Tamarack Foundation for the Arts jump started its Ripple Program within the Morgantown community, designed to bring $10,000 to the local community to initiate two artistic projects. 
Over the past five months, a group of dedicated community members worked together to brainstorm and bring impactful creative projects to life, receiving additional support from the Visit Mountaineer Country Conventions and Visitors Bureau and the Main Street Morgantown Affiliate Program. 
Since its beginning in the Morgantown community in early 2024, the Ripple Program has supported seven events specifically designed and created to uplift our local artisans. 
Read more:
https://www.dominionpost.com/2024/06/13/tamarack-foundation-creates-ripple-effect-for-local-events/
 
#3 – From GAZETTE-MAIL – Two industry veterans officially launched a global independent game development studio in Logan recently.
Aaron Chambers, a native of Logan and former executive for PlayStation and Twitch, and Simone Di Gravio, a former leader at Epic Games, are the co-founders of PlayKigai, an international collective of game developers and digital artists spanning the United States and Europe.
Chambers, who works remotely from Logan and Di Gravio, who works remotely from Milan, Italy, have branded PlayKigai a “forever remote” company in an attempt to attract the best talent possible. Their goal is to grow their contract staff to 8 to 12 people in the next quarter.
Chambers believes the studio’s approach will create opportunities for aspiring young developers who don’t want to leave their local communities to grow their careers. 
Read more:
https://www.wvgazettemail.com/business/my-hometown-former-playstation-epic-games-leaders-launch-game-studio-in-logan/article_ce73a2c5-f8d1-575d-8bd6-be98d5a1a961.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 Monday, June 24, 2024 
It’s sweet news for one agricultural industry in West Virginia as maple syrup production experiences a notable increase…Anglers, before you head to the rivers and streams, check out some helpful fishing info from WVDNR…and The History Project addresses the 80-year anniversary of the deadly Shinnston tornado…on today’s daily304.

#1 – From WV NEWS – Maple syrup production in West Virginia is experiencing a notable increase, according to a recent release from the U.S. Department of Agriculture. In 2023, the state produced approximately 11,000 gallons of sweet maple syrup, a figure that rose to around 12,000 gallons in 2024. 
Sales data for 2024 will be published in June 2025 as part of the Crop Production Report. To learn more about maple syrup production in the Mountain State, visit West Virginia Maple Syrup Producers Association at wvmspa.org.
Read more:
https://www.wvnews.com/news/wvnews/west-virginias-maple-syrup-production-on-the-rise/article_86bfb4ee-290b-11ef-af64-4b0f32b4caf3.html
 
#2 – From WVDNR – Anglers, take note. West Virginia is known as the Mountain State, and the unique topography gives the state an abundance of rivers and streams. With waters ranging from small headwater brook trout streams to raging whitewater rivers to large, navigable rivers, West Virginia offers many opportunities for fishing and boating.
To learn more about fishing and boating access, visit the WVDNR Interactive Fishing Map.
Read more:
https://wvdnr.gov/lands-waters/rivers-and-streams/
 
#3 – From THE HISTORY PROJECT– With its steep topography, residents in West Virginia are typically more concerned with floods than tornadoes, but in 1944, the Appalachian tornado outbreak unleashed fury upon the mountains, leaving destruction and death in its wake. A category F-4 storm tested the resilience of Shinnston and the surrounding area.
Tune into The History Project to learn about that fateful day on June 23, 1944, when West Virginia’s worst tornado erased the state’s sense of immunity from such storms.
Watch the video:
https://www.youtube.com/watch?si=M8_VV0Ker9SR_uot&v=UQbUaxTF4-s&feature=youtu.be
 
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.