daily304's podcast WVgov

Welcome to the daily304 – your window into Wonderful, Almost Heaven, West Virginia.  
Today is Sunday, May 12, 2024.  
A global diversity mission generates opportunities for three WV companies … a new boardwalk at Cranberry Glades Botanical Area will accommodate wheelchairs … and WVU’s Outdoor Education Center helps people connect while having fun…on today’s daily304.

#1 – From WestVirginia.gov –  Three West Virginia companies participated in the Global Diversity Export Initiative Trade Mission to Panama, Costa Rica and Colombia in March and discovered potential partnership opportunities through targeted business matchmaking.  
The initial success of the mission highlights the potential for small businesses, particularly those led by minorities, women, veterans and other marginalized groups, to thrive on the international stage. 
Participating businesses from West Virginia were Appalachian Botanical Company, Metropolitan Executive Dogs and Med-Surg Physicians Group, Inc..
Companies interested in joining future trade missions led by the U.S. Commercial Service and the West Virginia Department of Economic Development are encouraged to contact an international trade manager with the WVDED to learn more about upcoming opportunities.
Read more:
https://westvirginia.gov/global-diversity-mission-generates-export-opportunities-for-west-virginia-businesses/
 
#2 – From WVNEWS.com – West Virginia's Cranberry Glades Botanical Area is getting a new boardwalk with wheelchair access to protect its delicate ecosystem.
The U.S. Department of Agriculture Forest Service provided $1.25 million for the project, announced by Governor Jim Justice. The refurbishing aims to secure access for future generations while safeguarding the area's unique flora.
The current boardwalk, built in the late 1950s to 1960s, prevents damage to the fragile plant population in the area. The Cranberry Glades Botanical Area is home to rare pink orchids and various carnivorous plant species, with ecological ties to Canada.
Read more:
https://www.wvnews.com/news/wvnews/cranberry-glades-botanical-area-in-west-virginia-to-receive-wheelchair-accessible-boardwalk-with-1-25m/article_b4f61ede-0327-11ef-9edd-5fa95dc0e359.html
 
#3 – From WVU TODAY – Tapping into the landscape of the Mountain State, the West Virginia University Outdoor Education Center — run by Adventure WV — provides members of the University and surrounding communities opportunities to learn more about themselves and others by taking on challenges in nature.
The OEC is a multipurpose facility dedicated to providing educational and aerial adventure activities, including the WVU Zip Line Canopy Tour, WVU Challenge Course and the Adventure Basecamp Overnight Facility.
All activities are open to WVU faculty, staff, students and student organizations. OEC staff work to customize experiences to help address specific group goals, like improved communications, while providing new experiences.
In downtown Morgantown, Adventure WV also runs Morgantown Adventure Outfitters in collaboration with the city, offering kayak and bicycle rentals and guided programs to the public.
“Overall, our goal is to help people connect with one another in a purposeful way by having fun,” said Chad Baker, assistant director of Adventure WV.
Read more:
https://wvutoday.wvu.edu/stories/2024/04/03/adventure-wv-offers-wvu-community-members-and-others-many-ways-to-pursue-purpose-outdoors?es_id=0a465ee6b6
 
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, May 11, 2024 
Discover the beauty of Almost Heaven on horseback. Giddy up! … Consistency in coating is key for Mister Bee’s four new tasty flavors … and now you can get Appalachian art from a vending machine -- that’s right, your own mini masterpiece …on today’s daily304.

#1 – From WTRF-TV Wheeling – There are many ways to explore the beauty of West Virginia, but there is one you may have overlooked…on horseback.
Horseback riding is available at many West Virginia state parks and resorts, according to the state’s tourism website.
Whether you are an expert rider or novice, the state’s equine outfitters can plan a memorable adventure for you or your family. Even children ages 2 and up are welcome at some locations. Visit wvtourism.com to find a stable and book your ride. Happy trails!
Read more:
https://www.wtrf.com/news/west-virginia-news-2/take-the-trail-less-traveled-almost-heaven-on-horseback-in-west-virginia/
2 – From SNACK & BAKERY – Snack food and bakery companies are looking for a number of features and benefits from seasoning and coating equipment, but machines that keep those seasonings and coatings evenly spread on their products probably top the list. Close behind are recirculation, reliability, accuracy, and sanitation, say manufacturers and producers.
Consistency of coating is a key consideration for Mister Bee, which has recently come up with four new potato chip flavors: the 304 (named for West Virginia’s area code), which combines salt, vinegar, and barbecue; pepperoni roll, with pepperoni, cheese, and bread flavors; the original chip, a rerun of the chip the company’s maiden product, fried with lard; and sausage biscuits and gravy, made in partnership with local restaurant chain Tudor’s Biscuit World.
Read more:
https://digitaledition.snackandbakery.com/april-2024/processing/
 
#3 – From POCAHONTAS TIMES – We all know those vending machines at the entrance to the grocery stores. For a couple of quarters you can buy a sticker, a spider ring or bouncy ball. It was so much fun to put your money into the machine and have your prize pop out, ready to be enjoyed.
Taking that same concept – and machine – in mind, printmaker Caroline Hertko decided to make art accessible and fun by filling a vending machine with business card sized Appalachian themes prints.
Hertko received a grant from the West Virginia Department of Culture, Arts and History to purchase three vending machines. One is located in the Rivertown building in Marlinton and another is located at the Wild Bean in Lewisburg. Hertko is keeping the third to have with her at fairs and festivals.
The print designs include mountain laurel, ramps, a banjo, black bear, trout, Mothman, radio telescope and more.
Read more:
https://pocahontastimes.com/artist-makes-art-accessible-with-vending-machines/
 
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, May 10, 2024.
Hey, West Virginia lovers -- share your #AlmostHeaven adventures on social media -- we’ve even got some caption ideas for you! Group bike rides aim to make Morgantown streets more accessible. And register your kids for some exciting STEMventure Camps at Marshall Advanced Manufacturing Center…on today’s daily304.

#1 – From WV TOURISM – West Virginia is just too beautiful not to share with the rest of the world. Whether you’re hiking a trail, driving along our iconic country roads, reconnecting with nature or snapping a selfie on an Almost Heaven swing, you’ll find endless opportunities for taking beautiful photos.
Share your West Virginia adventures on social media using #AlmostHeaven, and check out some caption ideas to elevate your next post about the Mountain State. 
Read more:
https://wvtourism.com/15-captions-for-your-next-almostheaven-post/
 
#2 – From WV PUBLIC –  As temperatures start to rise, people are taking the opportunity to get outside. One group in Morgantown is taking to the streets on their bicycles.
On an unseasonably warm evening in March, just as the sun was setting across the Monongahela River, a group of about 20 gathered at the Hazel Ruby McQuain Park amphitheater, ready to take to the streets on their bikes.
Organizer Drew Gatlin said promoting bikes as a viable mode of transportation is an objective of the social rides, albeit a secondary one.
“It’s just a good time on bikes, exploring Morgantown streets and essentially trying to spread the joy that I know at least to be riding on two wheels in Morgantown,” Gatlin said.
Read more:
https://wvpublic.org/group-bike-rides-aim-to-make-city-streets-more-accessible/?es_id=b90fee83f0
 
#3 – From MFG.MARSHALL –  Each year, the Marshall Advanced Manufacturing Center offers week-long Maker Camps in June, July and August. Campers from middle school to high school age get firsthand experience in 3D design, 3D printing, laser cutting, assembly, coding, and other STEM-related activities. 
Register now for 2024 STEMventure Camps!
Learn more:
https://www.mfg.marshall.edu/education-training/camps/
 
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, May 9, 2024,
When one door closes, another opens, and they’re opening all day long at Sprouse Windows and Doors in #YesWV…Seeing Hand Association helps the visually impaired train in skills like caning chairs…and the president of the High Technology Foundation talks about leading with expectations…on today’s daily304…on today’s daily304.
#1 – From WESTVIRGINIA.gov – To get to where you’re going, you have to know where you’ve been. For Sprouse Windows and Doors, that journey began in 1991 in the quiet town of Paden City, WV. Founded by Norman and Beverly Sprouse as Sprouse Aluminum Products in 1972, and later expanded by Jeff and Cecelia Sprouse with Omega Window Systems in 1985, the company has deep roots in West Virginia’s manufacturing landscape.
Sprouse Windows and Doors took a big step forward when it relocated its corporate operations to a state-of-the-art manufacturing facility in New Martinsville, WV. This move underscores their commitment to growth, efficiency, and continuing to serve their customers with top-notch products. 
Check out their story to learn more about why Sprouse Windows and Doors is just one of many great companies to say #YesWV. 
Read more:
https://westvirginia.gov/sprouse-windows-and-doors-a-legacy-of-quality-and-innovation/
 
#2 – From WV PUBLIC – Bianca Miller is standing eye level with a wooden chair that’s been placed on top of a table. Miller is weaving a new seat onto the chair’s empty wooden frame. She’s using a material called rush, which looks almost like a long, thick shoe string.
In 17th century Europe, caned chairs were all the rage. The trend spread to Appalachia, where chairs were often woven with strips of hickory bark. Nowadays though, you don’t see many caned chairs around. That’s because cane doesn’t last forever. 
 
But here at the Seeing Hand Association in Wheeling, West Virginia, folks are giving new life to these old chairs, and finding community along the way. Seeing Hand is a nonprofit that provides employment and specialized services for folks that are blind or visually impaired. Employees are trained in skills like refurbishing fire extinguishers, making and restoring mops, and caning chairs. 
Read more:
https://wvpublic.org/chair-caning-provides-employment-and-community-for-folks-with-visual-impairments-in-wheeling-w-va/?es_id=7ba6cff9f9
 
#3 – From SHINE CONSULTING –  Tune in to Leadership Rediscovered to hear Shine Consulting talk with Jim Estep, President and CEO of the High Technology Foundation in Fairmont, West Virginia. 
Currently working with the Marion County Chamber of Commerce to expand the technology park, Jim talks about his leadership journey and how one should always lead with expectations.
Watch the video:
https://www.youtube.com/watch?si=cv1uzvwBVF3Sbxg4&v=B52KDHl0h5U&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 Wednesday, May 8, 2024.
Anglers, before you reel in that trophy bass, make sure your WV fishing license is up to date -- purchase yours online today! … Business and development is thriving in Bluefield and all over the state … Check out some of the WV SBDC success stories in #YesWV…on today’s daily304.

#1 – From WV DNR – Summer is nearly upon us and anglers everywhere will be heading to the pristine waters of Almost Heaven. But before you get ready to land that trophy bass, make sure you have a current West Virginia fishing license.
We’ve made it easy for you: Just head to the DNR’s licensing page and purchase yours online! You’ll also find valuable information about fishing regulations, trout stockings and more. 
Read more:
https://www.wvhunt.com/login
 
 #2 – From MY BLUEFIELD  – The Bluefield West Virginia Economic Development Authority (BEDA) works to inspire growth and support local businesses in the region. Check them out online to learn how they can help your business diversify and grow. Learn about entrepreneurs’ bootcamp, live workshops and more. 
Read more:
https://www.mybluefield.org/
 
#3 – From WV SBDC – The West Virginia Small Business Development Center is a statewide network that provides tools, training and connections for successfully starting and growing a small business. 
Take a look at some of the small businesses that have received coaching and assistance from WV SBDC. These success stories represent a wide range of businesses in #YesWV, from retail and manufacturing to dining and lodging and more. Then learn how you can become a client and realize your dream of owning or growing your own small business!
Read more:
https://wvsbdc.com/updates/success-stories/
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 Tuesday, May 7, 2024.
Get ready for Juneteenth with the HHOMA … Check out these rural business success stories with the WV HUB ... and the Department of Economic Development looks at entrepreneurship as a thriving sector in Almost Heaven, #YesWV. And now for the rest of the story — on today’s daily304.

#1 – From HHOMA – Calling musicians, dancers and more! The Herbert Henderson Office of Minority Affairs invites talented West Virginians to apply to perform in the upcoming Juneteenth Celebration by submitting an unlisted YouTube video. Performance applications will be accepted through May 26. Those selected will be notified by June 2.
The 2024 Juneteenth Celebration will take place from 4 to 9 p.m. Saturday, June 15, on the Kanawha Boulevard Lawn of the West Virginia State Capitol Complex. 
Learn more:
https://minorityaffairs.wv.gov/events/Pages/event.aspx?eventid=275
 
#2 – From WVHUB.org  – The West Virginia Community Development Hub supports West Virginians with the tools and training they need to lead and spark positive change in their hometowns and across our state. Check out their latest news and programs at the link below as they coach volunteer community leadership teams.
Read more:
https://wvhub.org/stories/
 
#3 – From WESTVIRGINIA.gov – Here in West Virginia, the department of economic development is committed to helping entrepreneurs and small business owners reach their goals. 
In 2019, a collaborative effort was launched by entrepreneurial service organizations (ESOs) with the goal of connecting opportunities for improvement across our state's ecosystem. In less than three years this initiative has grown from an exercise in better communication into something much more meaningful: A vibrant entrepreneurship ecosystem dedicated to helping entrepreneurs and small business owners take their dreams further by connecting them with opportunities for success.
 
Learn more:
https://westvirginia.gov/entrepreneurship/
 
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.