daily304's podcast

Your window into wonderful West Virginia. Sharing news and opportunities from Almost Heaven. Follow us on Facebook, LinkedIn, Twitter and Instagram @daily304

  1. 1D AGO

    daily304 – Episode 11.06.2025

    Welcome to the daily304 – your window into Wonderful, Almost Heaven, West Virginia. Today is Thursday, November 6, 2025. #1 – From WV STATE PARKS - Ride Through the Sky to Pipestem's Mountain Creek Lodge At Pipestem Resort State Park, visitors can stay riverside at Mountain Creek Lodge — but it's accessible only by an aerial tram that travels nearly 3,500 feet from the canyon rim down into the Bluestone Gorge. The newly reopened tram system, re-imagined and ADA-accessible, blends innovation and nature and reinforces West Virginia's outdoor-destination appeal. The lodge and tram experience highlight how the Mountain State is transforming its natural assets into unique tourism opportunities. Read more: wvstateparks.com/reaching-this-lodge-requires-a-ride-through-the-sky   #2 – From WV ECONOMIC DEVELOPMENT - Wheeling's Warwood Tool Keeps Making Tools the Old Way Founded in 1854 and still operating in Wheeling, Warwood Tool continues manufacturing heavy-duty, industrial-grade hand tools in West Virginia — from axes and mauls to chisels and bars. With steel sourced from the U.S. and a skilled workforce that honors tradition, the company embodies the "made in America" ethos and underscores the strength of manufacturing in the Mountain State. Their ongoing success is a reminder that innovation and durability — forged in place — remain vital to West Virginia's economic story. Read more: westvirginia.gov/industrial-grade-hand-forged-tools-made-right-here-in-yeswv-meet-warwood-tool   #3 – From WV BUSINESSLINK - WV's Tri-Share Model Helps Bridge the Childcare and Workforce Gap In West Virginia, the "Tri-Share" model splits the cost of child care three ways — among the state, the employer, and the employee — offering a new solution for families, businesses, and care providers alike. By reducing the cost burden on parents and stabilizing the revenue for providers, the model helps employers retain workers and helps families return to the workforce — especially in regions facing child-care deserts. West Virginia's pilot program is being watched nationally as a blueprint for how public-private collaboration can address workforce participation and economic stability. Read more: wvbusinesslink.com/how-west-virginias-tri-share-model-is-closing-the-child-care-gap   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.

    3 min
  2. 2D AGO

    daily304 – Episode 11.05.2025

    Welcome to the daily304 – your window into Wonderful, Almost Heaven, West Virginia. Today is Wednesday, November 5, 2025. #1 – From WEST VIRGINIA UNIVERSITY - WVU Marks 50 Years of People-Moving Innovation West Virginia University is honoring five decades of its iconic Personal Rapid Transit (PRT) system — a driverless, rubber-tired pod vehicle network linking its campuses and Morgantown's downtown. The PRT remains a unique example of automated transit in the U.S., moving students and community members while underscoring WVU's engineering legacy. As the system evolves, the milestone serves as both celebration and signal for continued investment in innovation and mobility in West Virginia. Read more: https://wvutoday.wvu.edu/stories/2025/10/27/wvu-celebrates-5-decades-of-people-moving-prt-still-the-ride-of-the-future?utm_source=cision-news-release&utm_medium=email&utm_campaign=general&utm_id=strat-comm&utm_content=gen1005   #2 – From NEWS & SENTINEL - Amazon Opens Last-Mile Facility in Davisville, WV Amazon is establishing a new last-mile distribution hub in Davisville's Polymer Alliance Zone — a roughly 70,000-square-foot facility aimed at supporting faster delivery and rural job creation. While specific job counts haven't been announced yet, the site signals a big opportunity for Wood County and downstream logistics ecosystems in the Mountain State. Local leaders say the facility enhances the region's industrial appeal and positions West Virginia as a key node in nationwide supply chains. Read more: newsandsentinel.com/news/business/2025/10/amazon-opening-last-mile-facility-in-davisville   #3 – From Marshall Parthenon - Huntington's Historic Theater Reopens with a Big Vision The Keith-Albee Theater in Huntington — long a cornerstone of arts and architecture — is nearing reopening after extensive renovations and restoration efforts. With seating for 2,400 and upgraded facilities, the theater will complement the city's other major venues and help draw national tours, conventions and visitor spending. This revitalization signals a resurgence of downtown Huntington and illustrates how West Virginia communities are leveraging heritage sites for economic and cultural impact. Read more: marshallparthenon.com/39949/news/a-bright-future-huntingtons-crown-jewel-to-reopen-repolished 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.

    3 min
  3. 3D AGO

    daily304 – Episode 11.04.2025

    Welcome to the daily304 – your window into Wonderful, Almost Heaven, West Virginia. Today is Tuesday, November 4, 2025. #1 – From WV PRESS ASSOCIATION - Needleseye Park Opens in Oak Hill, Highlighting WV Recreation In Fayette County, the 281-acre Needleseye Park opens with 7.5 miles of multi-use trails, rock climbing areas, a disc-golf course and new outdoor amenities. Officials say the park elevates Oak Hill as a destination for adventure tourism and shows how West Virginia's landscapes can drive visitor growth. From beginner hikes to expert bike runs, the park offers something for locals and visitors alike. Read more: wvpress.org/breaking-news/needleseye-park-gets-official-introduction   #2 – From GOLDMAN SACHS - Opportunity Alert: Goldman Sachs Rural Program and WV Business Owners The Goldman Sachs "10,000 Small Businesses – Rural America" initiative is expanding access to its business-education and growth program — and West Virginia entrepreneurs are encouraged to explore eligibility. Qualifying businesses typically must have operated two or more years, employ at least two people (including the owner), and have revenue over approximately $75,000 in the prior fiscal year. For West Virginia business owners looking to scale, create jobs and access networks, this program presents a significant opportunity. Read more: goldmansachs.com/community-impact/10000-small-businesses/us/news-and-program-information/growing-with-rural-america   #3 – From WV GAZETTE-MAIL - WV DMV Launches Digital Driver's License & Mobile App The West Virginia Division of Motor Vehicles has rolled out its new digital driver's license and mobile application statewide. Drivers can now access a verified digital version of their state license on mobile devices, enabling easier identification and access to services with improved convenience and security. This modernization reflects West Virginia's commitment to digital access and government-service innovation. Read more: wvgazettemail.com/news/kanawha_valley/west-virginia-dmv-digital-drivers-license-mobile-app-now-ready-for-use   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.

    3 min
  4. OCT 30

    daily304 – Episode 10.30.2025

    Welcome to the daily304 – your window into Wonderful, Almost Heaven, West Virginia. Today is Thursday, October 30, 2025. #1 – From OLD CENTRAL CITY - From Murals to Pop-Ups: Artist Nichole Westfall Builds Community Through Creativity In Huntington's Central City district, artist Nichole Westfall is transforming public spaces through large-scale murals and creative pop-up installations. Her work, supported by RenewAll, connects residents to the power of art and place — turning once-empty walls into colorful celebrations of community identity. From paintbrush to public impact, Westfall's art invites everyone to see West Virginia's neighborhoods in a new light. Read more: https://www.oldcentralcity.org/connections/37030-renewall/posts/2025/10/13/22471/from-murals-to-pop-ups-get-to-know-artist-nichole-westfall/?utm_source=newsletter_mailer   #2 – From WV VETERANS ASSISTANCE - What to Know About VA Disability Compensation in West Virginia For veterans living in West Virginia, understanding VA disability compensation is key to accessing the benefits they've earned. The program provides tax-free monthly payments to eligible veterans who were injured or developed illnesses during active service. Resources are available through local VA offices and veteran service organizations to help individuals apply, appeal, and receive the full support they deserve. Read more:https://www.wvveteransblog.com/uncategorized/va-disability-compensation-what-to-know/   #3 – From EDA.WV.GOV - WV's Foreign Trade Zones Boost Business and Exports The West Virginia Economic Development Authority administers the state's Foreign Trade Zone program, which helps companies compete internationally by reducing costs on imported materials and exported goods. Businesses operating within these zones can defer or eliminate customs duties, improving efficiency and global competitiveness. From advanced manufacturing to logistics, the FTZ program keeps West Virginia connected to global markets while strengthening its economy at home. Read more:https://eda.wv.gov/foreign-trade-zones-ftz/   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.

    3 min
  5. OCT 29

    daily304 – Episode 10.29.2025

    Welcome to the daily304 – your window into Wonderful, Almost Heaven, West Virginia. Today is Wednesday, October 29, 2025. #1 – From WV BUSINESSLINK - From Problem to Purpose: Building In-Home Child Care in WV When a West Virginia mom found no affordable childcare in her area, she launched an in-home program to serve her community — turning challenge into opportunity. With coaching and support from the WV SBDC and its partner platform, she accessed startup grant funds and business tools to grow a viable provider business. Her story highlights how supporting new childcare entrepreneurs strengthens families, workers and local economies. Read more: https://wvbusinesslink.com/2025/10/15/from-problem-to-purpose-building-in-home-child-care-in-west-virginia   #2 – From WV DAILY NEWS - Student Entrepreneur Launches SkyMounts Amid Studies & Athletics Meet Manuel Furmento — a civil engineering student and golf team member who invented a safer, easier TV-mount system and founded his company while still in college. Balancing internships, athletics and studies, he turned a personal frustration into a business idea, won a collegiate entrepreneurship award and is now launching his venture from West Virginia. His journey illustrates how ambition, resources and support converge to fuel home-grown innovation. Read more: wvdn.com/177928/student-entrepreneur-manuel-furmento-founder-and-ceo-of-skymounts-inc-balances-studies-golf-internships-and-a-small-business-startup   #3 – From BERKELEY COUNTY DEVELOPMENT - Development Authorities Drive Economic Growth & Opportunity The Berkeley County Development Authority serves as an example of how regional agencies in West Virginia help businesses locate, grow and thrive by providing site selection, workforce coordination and incentive access. By partnering with education providers, state agencies and local employers, these development authorities play a pivotal role in growing jobs and stabilizing communities. Their work underscores the importance of infrastructure, talent and place-based strategy in building West Virginia's future economy. Read more: https://www.developmentauthority.com/   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.

    3 min
5
out of 5
13 Ratings

About

Your window into wonderful West Virginia. Sharing news and opportunities from Almost Heaven. Follow us on Facebook, LinkedIn, Twitter and Instagram @daily304

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