Podcasts about coalfield development

West Virginia's reliance on federal funds to help address deeply ingrained issues makes it particularly vulnerable to President Donald Trump's freeze on spending on federal loans and grants. Federally funded programs provide social safety nets and employment in one of the nation's poorest, most rural states, where nonprofits play a vital role in providing basic services like healthcare, education and economic development. Coalfield Development helped leverage almost $700 million for projects tied to Biden administration spending packages—funding 1,000 jobs in West Virginia alone. Part of the nonprofit's role is to recruit and train the local workforce for the projects—something personal for CEO Jacob Hannah, who comes from three generations of coal miners and saw his father laid off from the mines. Hannah toured a former coal train refurbishment factory slated to become a manufacturing hub and business incubation space where workers should have been busy with rewiring, brick and roof repair. "So we took it on as a nonprofit to revitalize it for the community around us," said Hannah. "We'll use workforce development to do that. We train folks to have careers in construction so we want the space to have a new vibrancy inside it." Hannah's projects are now on pause indefinitely. Hannah said his organization received communications that their awards are “under review” with limited details. Alecia Allen runs a therapy practice and grocery store in a low-income neighborhood in West Virginia's capital called Keep Your Faith Corporation. She wasn't getting answers from federal agencies about the grants that help her work with farmers to provide local, healthy food to her community at a lower cost. Then a vendor she buys from to stock store shelves told her that her weekly bill was going up from $500 to $850 because of tariffs. "Our scope of work is not political," said Allen. "We just want to move the health of the state forward and we don't want that to be impacted by what's happening at the political level." This article was provided by The Associated Press.

Welcome to the daily304 – your window into Wonderful, Almost Heaven, West Virginia.   Today is Monday, Sept. 9, 2024. The WV Chamber of Commerce welcomes three new major manufacturers that are preparing to set up shop in #YesWV… WV's Coalfield Development group readies for its 2nd annual Ground Up Gathering…and a Rivesville brewing company wins 2024 family-owned business of the year…on today's daily304. #1 – From METRO NEWS – Gov. Jim Justice told the West Virginia Chamber of Commerce that he's excited to welcome three new major manufacturers to #YesWV. He made the economic development announcements recently at the chamber's annual business summit. Babcock & Wilcox, a global leader in energy and environmental technologies, is investing $126 million in Mason County. State officials say the development will initially create 28 high-paying jobs with potential to expand. HandCraft Services, a leading provider of medical linen and apparel products, is investing $59 million to open a new facility in Berkeley County. State officials say that will result in 220 jobs.  Prime 6, which produces high-performing charcoal and wood logs and was featured on television's “Shark Tank,” will establish a manufacturing facility in Buckhannon. The $35 million investment is expected to create 75 jobs in the region. Spokesmen from all three companies addressed the chamber. They cited reasons for choosing West Virginia included its strategic location and state economic development officials going the extra mile to recruit. Read more: https://wvmetronews.com/2024/08/28/justice-announces-three-economic-development-projects-while-speaking-to-state-business-leaders/   #2 – From COALFIELD DEVELOPMENT – The Second Annual Ground Up Gathering is set for Thursday, Sept. 26 in Huntington. This no-cost event is a celebration of the Appalachian people unlocking their potential, power, and purpose.  Ground Up Gathering will welcome employers, partner nonprofits, economic development partners, and community members to Coalfield Development's West Edge Factory in Huntington to witness the life-changing work Coalfield and its partners are doing in Appalachia every day.  Highlights of the event include a farm-to-table dinner, community workshops, tours of WestEdge and live music.  Learn more: https://coalfield-development.org/ground-up-gathering/   #3 – From TIMES WV – A local success story run by a close knit family, Short Story Brewing is the recipient of the 2024 Family-Owned Business of the Year Award from the Marion County Chamber of Commerce. Rivesville native Aaron Rote, his sister Abigail Kopischke, and her husband, Mike Kopischke, started Short Story Brewing in 2017 after Mike Kopischke had been brewing his own beers for about eight years. Mike specializes on the brewing side while Abigail takes care of the business side. Rote handles the presentation side, such as the appearance of the taproom and working with people. Through their hard work, Short Story Brewing has opened three other locations outside of Rivesville: Deep Creek, Md., Charleston, and a new location in Morgantown. They also contribute regularly to the Rivesville area, investing back in the Rivesville Elementary/Middle School that Rote and his sister attended, hosting the Ready, Steady, Run 5K, and hosting community events in the distillery. Sen. Mike Caputo said how much Rote and the Kopischkes have given back is a testament to who they are as people. “They just got hearts of gold,” Caputo said. “They just always want to share their success with others. They don't keep it to themselves. They share it with others, and it's been great for the community.” Read more: https://www.timeswv.com/news/business/rivesvilles-short-story-brewing-named-family-owned-business-of-the-year/article_f46029b4-4aaa-11ef-84b6-a34465488bf0.html?es_id=cc739026f5   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, Nov. 25  Coalfield Development helps put miners back to work. Learn some fascinating facts about the WV-grown U.S. Capitol Christmas tree. Learn how entrepreneurship is like hiking. And hunters, don't forget the Big Buck photo contest…on today's daily304. #1 – From CBS NEWS – In West Virginia's hollers, deep in Appalachia, jobless coal miners are now finding a seam of hope. “I wasn't 100% sure what I was going to do,” said James Damron, who was laid off two years ago from a mine.  Then Damron found Coalfield Development, and its incoming CEO, Jacob Israel Hannah. Coalfield Development is a community-based nonprofit, teaching a dozen job skills, such as construction, agriculture and solar installation. It also teaches personal skills. Participants can get paid for up to three years to learn all of them. “We want to make sure that you have all the tools in your toolkit to know when you interview with an employer, here's the things that you lay out that you've learned,” Hannah said. The program is delivering with the help of roughly $20 million in federal grants. Since being founded in 2010, it has trained more than 2,500 people, and created 800 new jobs and 72 new businesses. Learn more about the program at www.coalfield-development.org. Read more: https://www.cbsnews.com/news/west-virginia-training-program-jobless-coal-miners-appalachia/     #2 – From WV EXPLORER  –  A West Virginia-grown Christmas tree harvested in the Monongahela National Forest will adorn the west lawn of the U.S. Capitol in Washington, D.C., in 2023 — the third time a West Virginia tree has appeared on the grounds that look across the National Mall toward the Lincoln Memorial. The first and second occasions a tree from the Mountain State was used were in 1970 and 1976, according to officials at the U.S. Forest Service, members of which harvested the specimen during an idyllic autumn snow on November 1 from the Laurel Fork Campground in the Monongahela National Forest. The tree is a Norway spruce native to Europe. It is 63 feet tall and weighs about 8,000 pounds. It's estimated to be about 38 years old, based on its rings. It drinks about 5-10 gallons of water daily. The Shawnees have named it “Wa'feem'tekwi,” which means “bright tree.”After it completes its service at the capitol, the tree's wood will be re-used by the Shawnee at their ceremonial grounds in White Oak, Oklahoma.  Check out WV Explorer to learn more fascinating facts! Read more: https://wvexplorer.com/2023/11/11/facts-about-the-west-virginia-grown-u-s-capitol-christmas-tree/   #3 – From 3 STEPS 2 STARTUP – Entrepreneurship embarks on an incredible journey characterized by courage, innovation, and unwavering determination, akin to the adventurer navigating a challenging terrain.  3 Steps 2 Startup delves deep into the world of entrepreneurs, much like the hiker embarking on an inspiring trek, to grasp how they employ reason to identify opportunities, aspire to transform their vision into reality and endure the trials and tribulations of the entrepreneurial path. Click the link to learn more. Collaborating with 3 Steps To Startup and WVCAP (West Virginia Capital Access Program) can expedite your entrepreneurial success journey by providing essential support and resources. When it comes to financial matters, WVCAP plays a pivotal role in helping startups secure the funding they need for growth.  Read more: https://3steps2startup.com/2023/11/08/navigating-the-entrepreneurial-journey-the-power-of-reason-aspiration-and-endurance/   #4  – From WVDNR – Hunters, get your entries in for the Big Buck Photo Contest! Entering the Big Buck Photo Contest is easy! All you must do is take a photo of you and the buck you harvested during the 2023 hunting season, write a short account of your hunt and upload the photo to the Big Buck Photo Contest entry form. Winners will be selected and announced in January 2024. Prizes include lifetime West Virginia hunting licenses and West Virginia State Park stays. Visit the West Virginia Division of Natural Resources website to learn more. Learn more: https://wvdnr.gov/photocontest/   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.  

Ashley Stinnett is the Communications Coordinator for Coalfield Development, he's a co-founder of the Film Futures Foundation, a former republican candidate for the West Virginia House of Delegates, an actor, and an author. He was born and grew up in Lavalette, West Virginia and currently resides in Wayne County.   Today he joins Garrett to talk about Halloween, the horror genre, and his book Haunted Tales From Appalachia: Ghosts, Spirits and Other Strange Happenings from the Hills and Hollows.    Many of the stories in Ashley's book are inspired by real events. In this episode, he shares some of the family stories that inspired his book and discusses his faith and its influence on his horror writing. Garrett & Ashley explore the value of the horror genre in film and writing and tackle the question “Is Appalachia an inherently scary place?”    Scary Stories to Tell in the Dark https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Scary_Stories_to_Tell_in_the_Dark Goosebumps books https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Goosebumps Scholastic BookFair https://bookfairs.scholastic.com/content/fairs/home.html   Other Books by Ashley Stinnett: The Liberty Documents: Principles That Framed a Nation Grasping Appalachian Conservatism: How Not to Be Mistaken for a Latte Liberal The Liberty Essays: Restoring a Lost American Principle     Garrett Ballengee, Host Executive Director - @gballeng Cardinal Institute for West Virginia Policy   Amanda Kieffer, Executive Producer Communications Director - @akieffer13  Cardinal Institute for West Virginia Policy   Nate Phipps, Editor & Producer Communications & Social Media Associate - @Aviv5753 Cardinal Institute for West Virginia Policy   Follow: YouTube, Twitter, Facebook, LinkedIn, Instagram Support: Patreon, Donate, Newsletter

Welcome to the daily304 – your window into Wonderful, Almost Heaven, West Virginia.   Today is Thursday, Sept. 14  Planning a fall road trip? Check out Harpers Ferry and discover history and natural beauty… Public-private partnerships ease the financial burden on projects…and enter to win a chance to tandem BASE jump off the New River Gorge Bridge!..on today's daily304. #1 – From WV LIVING –  Known for its historical significance and spectacular views, Harpers Ferry has long attracted history buffs hoping to engage with artifacts left over from the time of storied abolitionist John Brown and his renowned raid. It also sees its fair share of outdoor enthusiasts who are eager to take advantage of the area's stunning vistas and numerous trails.  While many of its attractions may be straight out of the 19th century, downtown Harpers Ferry is anything but dated. It offers a vibrant and welcoming atmosphere for Civil War enthusiasts, nature lovers, families, and trendy day-trippers alike.  Visitors can stroll alongside cobblestone streets lined with charming shops and eateries. History buffs will want to visit the grounds of Storer College -- once a groundbreaking school for formerly enslaved education seekers -- and tour Harpers Ferry National Historical Park. Recreational opportunities abound, from rafting and tubing on the Potomac and Shenandoah rivers to bicycling on the C&O Canal Towpath and hiking on the Appalachian Trail. Learn more about this charming historical town and start planning your Almost Heaven getaway today! Read more: https://wvliving.com/happy-days-in-harpers-ferry/ #2 – From WV EXECUTIVE –  When a public sector joins a private sector in partnership to fund a service or project that is typically offered by the public sector, you have a public-private partnership. By working together, public and private sectors make the dream become a reality, without the financial burden. There are many PPPs in the state of West Virginia that have proven successful, including various business ventures, infrastructure improvements and recreational destinations. One example of that is Charleston's Learning, Innovation, Food and Technology (LIFT) Center, an initiative led by the Charleston Area Alliance in partnership with the City of Charleston, Marshall University, Coalfield Development, several private sector companies and Advantage Valley, a regional economic development organization. Included in the center will be the new Marshall Green Battery Institute, which will provide research and development on electric batteries for clean vehicles, zero-emissions airplanes and renewable energy storage. A Coalfield Development job training center and a food hub operated by Refresh Appalachia will also be included.  Other examples of successful PPPs include the Claudia L. Workman Wildlife Education Center, Morgantown Industrial Park, ATV TrailCamp at Coaldale and more. Check out West Virginia Executive to learn how these partnerships benefit the community while saving money. Read more: https://wvexecutive.com/bringing-projects-to-life/   #3 – From DRIFT TRAVEL – Have you ever watched the jumpers on Bridge Day and wished you could do that too? Now is your chance! The West Virginia Department of Tourism will award one thrill-seeker the opportunity to tandem BASE jump from the New River Gorge Bridge this fall.  The winner will receive a free trip to West Virginia and the opportunity of a lifetime as a part of Bridge Day festivities Oct. 21 in the nation's newest national park. The winner will tandem jump with Sean Chuma, who has completed more BASE jumps than anyone else in the world.  To enter the contest, visit wvtourism.com/contest. Entries must be made by Friday, Sept. 30. One winner will be selected based on their interest and excitement for Bridge Day.  Read more: https://drifttravel.com/base-jump-from-a-bridge-in-the-nations-newest-national-park/   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 28  Marshall University welcomes a new VP of Economic and Workforce Development…the New River Gorge region joins the Ascend WV remote worker program…and a historic grist mill in Morgantown is restored…on today's daily304. #1 – From METRO NEWS – Brandon Dennison has joined Marshall University as Vice President of Economic and Workforce Development. Founder and CEO of Coalfield Development, Dennison will begin his position at Marshall on July 1. Dennison will work with his new department to orchestrate a collective vision for Marshall's economic and workforce development efforts and applied research projects. Marshall's Advanced Manufacturing Center, the Southern West Virginia Brownfield's Center, the Center for Environmental, Geotechnical, and Applied Sciences, Marshall's Sustainability Department and the Alliance for the Economic Development of Southern West Virginia will encompass Dennison's research team. “I cannot think of a better person to lead this team than Brandon,” Marshall University President Brad Smith said. “As a nationally renowned social enterprise expert and a son of southern West Virginia, he brings his unparalleled passion, intense energy and knowledge of Appalachia to this post. We are thrilled that he is joining our Marshall community.” Read more: https://wvmetronews.com/2023/06/24/marshall-university-appoints-new-vice-president-of-economic-and-workforce-development/ #2 – From WCHS-TV – The West Virginia Ascend program launched just two years ago is adding the New River Gorge region to its options for relocation. The program pays remote workers from other states to relocate to West Virginia. Ascend participants already have settled in the Greenbrier Valley, the Eastern Panhandle, Morgantown and Elkins. West Virginia Tourism Secretary Chelsea Ruby said the program has already brought in 300 new West Virginia residents. “When we launched we got close to 10,000 applications instantly," Ruby said. "Since then, we've continued to see them come in, so it's just been a great response to see people around the country and literally around the world saying I want to move there. That's a place I want to be.”   Learn more at www.ascendwv.com. Read more: https://wchstv.com/news/local/program-that-pays-remote-workers-to-come-to-wva-will-now-include-the-new-river-gorge#   #3 – From WV EXPLORER – Hidden in a small wooded valley within the busy municipality of Morgantown, the historic steam-powered Easton Roller Mill roars to life on summer Sundays, attracting the attention of all who enjoy gears and pulleys. The mill, which served as a grist mill and lumber mill, was restored by the Monongalia County Historical Society, which sponsors tours of the building on the last Sunday of June, July, August, and September. An expert engineer demonstrates the mill machinery on the guided, free, half-hour tours.  Dick Walters, president of the Historical Society, said members worked to renovate the mill that last operated in 1970. “You can now observe the mill engine turn wheels and connecting belts, which power the grist stone, corn crusher, roller mills, and elevators that carry the product from floor to floor during grinding and processing,” Walters said. Construction on the mill began in 1864 and was completed in 1867. Read more: https://wvexplorer.com/2023/06/21/easton-roller-mill-morgantown-west-virginia/   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, April 28  Anglers, it's the news you've been waiting for--more trout stockings throughout the state…federal aid will fund more green jobs in the Mountain State…and learn about cybersecurity resources and support available for businesses in WV…on today's daily304.    #1 – From WDTV Bridgeport – The West Virginia Division of Natural Resources announces the stocking of 86 waters throughout the state during the week of April 18–22. Trout stocking updates are available by calling the trout stocking hotline at 304-558-3399. They are also posted online at WVdnr.gov/fish-stocking. For additional information or to purchase a license, visit https://wvdnr.gov/fishing/. Read more: https://www.wdtv.com/2023/04/24/wvdnr-stocks-86-waters/   #2 – From WV PUBLIC BROADCASTING –  A nonprofit group plans to use $90 million in federal funding for green projects and jobs in West Virginia. An annual report from the Reclaiming Appalachia Coalition, a group of regional nonprofits in the Virginias and Ohio, lays out projects led by primary sponsor Coalfield Development and the Appalachian Climate Technologies Coalition. Two thirds of the funding is from the U.S. Economic Development Administration as part of the American Rescue Plan Act, passed in 2021. Projects include converting abandoned factories and brownfields in Charleston and Huntington into green manufacturing plants and job training centers, and repurposing abandoned mines into renewable energy fields that would use solar, wind or geothermal sources.  Read more: https://wvpublic.org/nonprofit-group-to-use-federal-funding-for-green-projects-jobs/   #3 – From REBOOT – Tune in to REBOOT (Something) video-podcast by Trilogy Innovations and hosted by Chad Jeffries. In this episode, Chad and co-host Randy talk with Jody Ogle, West Virginia cybersecurity adviser at  Cybersecurity and Infrastructure Security Agency, about about the latest cybersecurity initiatives at CISA, some background on his career progression to becoming the cybersecurity adviser for the State of West Virginia, and history on why the newest federal agency was started.  Watch the video: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Tzz3LesmcVU   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.

Jacob Hannah grew up in a coal mining family in West Virginia. He saw the slow loss of coal jobs in the area, as well as the costs associated with mining and extraction in communities and the broader region. Jacob moved through his own journey – leading with curiosity – to working with communities, creating new opportunities for projects leading with innovation and sustainability, and building resilient communities based on the vision and ideas of local leaders. Jacob talks about listening to people as they are the experts in their own community, and building relationships and trust to create life-sustaining jobs and regenerative ecosystems.   Jacob Hannah is the Chief Conservation Officer at Coalfield Development, which is based in Huntington, West Virginia. This innovative organization is working to rebuild the Appalachian economy from the ground up, and Jacob is a core part of this precedent setting work in Central Appalachia.    Jacob graduated as a first generation student in Business Management from Garrett College and holds a Bachelor degree in Management for Sustainability from Bucknell University. Jacob also studied cultural sustainability in France and Scotland, and spent 3 years testing triple-bottom line sustainability concepts for coal towns in central Pennsylvania, and social sustainability programs in Western Maryland. He enjoys spending his time writing music on his guitar and piano, getting lost in the woods, spending time with his family, and harvesting fresh dank memes from the internet.   “Scarcity creates value. The less you have of something, the more exclusive it becomes.”   Topics: (5:00) What led Jacob down the path of becoming a conservation officer from growing up in a coal mining family (12:10) How Jacob's background helps him see renewable energy solutions from a both/and perspective (16:50) The best way to let people's expertise come to the surface instead of pushing your ideas onto them (21:05) Shifts in the Appalachia community that have strengthened the bond between community members (32:20) Jacob's vision and hopes for Appalachia in the next 10 - 50 years (40:22) Quick roller questions for Jacob   Links mentioned: Coalfield Development: https://coalfield-development.org/ Jacob Hannah on LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/jacob-hannah-9b608642 The Yes! We Rise podcast is produced by Dialogue + Design Associates: https://www.dialogueanddesign.com Music by Drishti Beats: https://drishtibeats.com/music/ Yes! We Rise podcast on Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/WeRisepodcast Yes! We Rise podcast on Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/yeswerise/ Find our email list at the website: www.yeswerise.org   Please rate, review, and subscribe to the podcast so we can continue spreading our message far and wide. Thanks for listening!  

Welcome to the daily304 – your window into Wonderful, Almost Heaven, West Virginia.   Today is Thursday, Feb. 23   Coalfield Development teams with Solar Holler to train 100 new solar workers --#YesWV!...Plan your spring road trip in Almost Heaven…and Wheeling experiences a building boom…on today's daily304. #1 – From THE HERALD-DISPATCH – Coalfield Development Corporation and West Virginia-based solar developer Solar Holler have announced a partnership to train 100 new solar workers in the next 18 months. Leveraging the recently announced award to the ACT (Appalachian Climate Technology) Now Coalition, the two entities will collaborate on innovative strategies to recruit, train and employ local workers in the growing renewable energy industry, officials said. “Solar has never been more promising in Appalachia, not just because we're bringing affordable power to more and more folks every day, but because of the ripple effects,” Solar Holler founder and CEO Dan Conant said. “In the beginning, we set out to strengthen local communities and give folks the opportunity to stay and build careers in their hometowns. This partnership will help see that we continue to do just that.” For more information about the training program, visit https://coalfield-development.org/  Read more: https://www.herald-dispatch.com/business/solar-holler-act-now-announce-training-program-for-solar-workers/article_45a21baa-9286-566c-aecf-2600f9bf4eb5.html  #2 – From WVNS-TV – As spring creeps closer, people are trying to figure out what places they can go to enjoy as nicer weather begins to shine through. Check out some of these springtime activities and destinations in Almost Heaven: Satisfy your sweet tooth with a visit to the Lewisburg Chocolate Festival, which takes place April 8. Yum! Stop and smell the roses … at Ritter Park Rose Garden. The Rose Garden in Huntington's Ritter Park features more than 3,000 roses and usually reaches full bloom from May through mid-June.  Read the rest of the list in the WVNSTV article below. You can also visit www.wvtourism.com to find more road trip suggestions in Almost Heaven, West Virginia. Read more: https://www.wvnstv.com/news/west-virginia-news/six-springtime-destinations-in-west-virginia/  #3 – From THE INTELLIGENCER – Wheeling Mayor Glenn Elliott draws parallels between an 1891 newspaper article and today, saying it's a positive sign for the city's growth.  “A Building Boom: Now at Its Height in this City” was the headline of a story published in the Wheeling Daily Intelligencer on Friday, June 12, 1891.  The late 1800s signified the beginning to a significant chapter of growth for the Northern Panhandle city, Elliott said, adding that more buildings were built between 1890 and 1910 in Wheeling that probably any other era, Dozens of private and public projects are under construction, are about to begin, or have recently been completed. Projects include the long-awaited $32 million Downtown Streetscape Project, the $17 million rehabilitation of the historic Wheeling Suspension Bridge. Additional projects include the rehabilitation of four historic buildings in the 1400 block of Market Street. Funds are also being put into place for an estimated $1.8 million investment into the reconfiguration of the Wheeling Artisan Center. Read more: https://www.theintelligencer.net/znewsletter-sunday/2023/02/a-building-boom-wheeling-mayor-sees-similarities-between-progress-of-late-1800s-present-2/  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.

Brandon Dennison is the Founder and CEO of Coalfield Development, a non-profit that is working to rebuild the Appalachian economy from the ground up. "We believe in developing the potential of Appalachia through the triple bottom line: people, planet, and profit." Brandon joins the pod to talk about his coalitions work, the work still to be done, the principles that have gotten them this far, and much more! ------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- Want to sign up for our flagship event, the Almost Heaven Classic? Find out more! The Mountaineer Media Podcast is produced by Mason Jack and hosted by Cooper Simmerman and C.J. Harvey. Special thanks to our bloggers and live events members: Andrew Montes, Joslyn Barnhart, Logan Garrison, Joe Justice, Jessica Riggins, Ruschelle Khanna and Amanda Larch. Know someone we should have on the podcast? Send us a note!

The CEO of Coalfield Development shares his hopes for West Virginia's future … Get your tickets to Bob Thompson's annual “Joy to the World” jazz performance … and “Innovators & Entrepreneurs talks film with Jeff Tinnell of Allegheny Image Factory.  – on today's daily304, listen here…

CHARLESTON, WV (WOWK) — On this week's episode of Inside West Virginia Politics, Mark Curtis and Amanda Barren sit down with a variety of people to talk about topics that include the manufacturing industry, Evan Jenkins stepping down and more. In Segment One, Mark Curtis sits down with Former West Virginia Supreme Court Justice Evan Jenkins to talk about why he stepped down. Amanda Barren asks Brandon Dennison, Founder and CEO of Coalfield Development, in Segment Two what they do and then asks him to talk about the “next layer of excitement,” surrounding Coalfield Development. Rebecca McPhail, President of the West Virginia Manufacturer's Association, calls in to talk to Mark Curtis in Segment Three about why companies like Nucor and GreenPower Motor Company are coming to West Virginia now. We end today's episode with Stan White talking to Amanda Barren about how he's helping our Veterans heal by taking them into the outdoors.

The Cardboard and Duct Tape Race returns to Blackwater Falls … Coal River Coffee churns out award-winning brews in St. Albans … and the Appalachian Regional Commission joins forces with Coalfield Development. – on today's daily304, listen here…

In this episode of Building Local Power, host Jess Del Fiacco and Director of ILSR's Community Composting initiative Brenda Platt are joined by Jacob Hannah, Conservation Director at Coalfield Development. Coalfield Development works across many sectors — solar energy, agriculture, manufacturing, deconstruction, reuse, and more — as it pursues its mission of rebuilding the Appalachian economy. Highlights of their discussion include: The requirements of a just economic transition for the region. Coalfield Development's impact on the region — hundreds of new jobs, dozens of new businesses — and the diverse economic enterprises they are supporting. The important role of partnerships and community engagement in their work. Why replacing the coal-centric economy with diverse, community-led solutions is key to sustainable success in the region. “A lot of times there's a false narrative that for a just transition, everything that was a brown economy has to be replaced by a green energy economy. And that's not always the case. There's never going to be one silver bullet that replaces all of what coal used to be. And so that's what we're trying to make sure that we iterate in the diversity of our options right now, whether it's agriculture, woodworking, entrepreneurship, solar, manufacturing, we want to have a large toolbox of opportunities for folks in the region. And so that just transition for us looks very different from, let's say, the European model where it's a very top-down approach, where the government owns the coal mine and say, phases it out.”   Related Resources How The ReUse Corridor is Creating Wealth From Waste in Appalachia Transcript Jess Del Fiacco: Hello, and welcome to Building Local Power, a podcast dedicated to thought provoking conversations about how we can challenge corporate monopolies and expand the power of people to shape their own future. I'm Jess Del Fiacco, the host of Building Local Power and communications manager here at the Institute for Local Self-Reliance. For more than 45 years, ILSR has worked to build thriving, equitable communities where power, wealth, and accountability remain in local hands. Today, I'm joined by my colleague, Brenda Platt who directs ILSR's Community Composting Initiative. And we're going to be talking about zero waste moving away from a coal focused economy and local economic development with Jacob Hannah. Who's the conservation director at Coalfield Development, organization that is rebuilding the Appalachian economy from the ground up. So welcome to the show, Jacob and Brenda. Brenda Platt: Hello. Jacob Hannah: Thanks for having me. Jess Del Fiacco: And I think to get us started, Jacob, could you just give us a very brief overview of what Coalfield Development is and what's the meaning behind the name? Jacob Hannah: Sure. So Coalfield Development is a nonprofit organization here in West Virginia. We cover about five counties and the name is a clue to not only the region, but the focus this region has historically been very, not only dependent, but productive for coal generation and coal consumption. So essentially it was a mono economy built around serving that one industry. So all the towns were built around the coal mines, all the roads and trains and infrastructure built to serve this economy. And so now that that industry has gone into decline. We have this massive power vacuum in it's place. And so how do we address that in a way that is a just transition to new and diverse economies that doesn't leave people behind like what we're seeing right now with the opioid epidemic, massive rates of unemployment, lots of folks leaving the state and lots of health issues as well. Jacob Hannah: So how can we tackle those factors by offering folks some re-skilling opportunities, new economic employment opportunities, training, education, and also of course, diversified portfolio of different opportunities for folks to choose from. We are a nonprofit,

Host Jess Del Fiacco and ILSR's Brenda Platt are joined by Jacob Hannah, Conservation Director at Coalfield Development. Coalfield Development works across many sectors -- solar energy, agriculture, manufacturing, deconstruction, reuse, and more --  as it pursues its mission of rebuilding the Appalachian economy. … Read More

In honor of Labor Day, the Coalfield Development team celebrated our monthly Council Day with an afternoon summer shindig to show appreciation for our crew members and their families. Hosted on the front lawn of the old Fort Gay High School in Fort Gay, West Virginia, the team took some time to kick back, relax, and enjoy food trucks, axe throwing, and cornhole.

Coalfield Development CEO Brandon Dennison & his team are rebuilding the Appalachian economy one job at a time, with gumption, grit &  grace as their guide.   The wide valleys, imposing mountains and steep ridges that make up the topography of Appalachia wind across all or parts of 12 states, stretching from New York to portions of Mississippi and Alabama.   In the middle this impressive terrain is Huntington, West Virginia, the home of both Brandon and Coalfield Development, which he co-founded in 2010 with his high school best friend.   Brandon and his team bridge the divide between those dedicated to a declining fossil fuel economy and those who believe in the family-sustaining jobs that a renewable energy economy provides.    That's just one of the reasons he was honored with a 2019 Heinz Award and has been interviewed by the BBC, CNBC and the New York Times.   He has led Coalfield Development in the revitalization of 200,000 square feet of formerly dilapidated property, helped create 300 new jobs, and brought $20 million in new regional investment to Appalachian communities.   As Brandon tells host Grant Oliphant: “Change is hard,” and the coal industry “uses fear with incredible precision.”   He and the Coalfield Development family counter that fear with fact-based data, comprehensive job and life-skills programs, and—most of all—heartfelt dedication to the long-term health and economic well-being of the Appalachian communities they call home.   “Bridging divides is about human interaction,” Brandon says, “and when that happens, barriers go down.”   “We Can Be” is hosted by Heinz Endowments President Grant Oliphant, and produced by the Endowments, Josh Franzos and Tim Murray. Theme music by Josh Slifkin. Guest inquiries can be made to Scott Roller at sroller@heinz.org.  

In this episode Will and Neil talk to Brandon Dennison, the CEO of Coalfield Development in Southwest West Virginia.  His organization is utilizing an innovative approach in rebuilding the Appalachian economy from the ground up.  Listen to this "doer" discuss the inspiring work they are doing in West Virginia and changing lives through entrepreneurial led workforce development.  Also, 'Beeezos', 'Bayzos', 'Potatoe', 'Potato' - Neil and Will debate the "great" space race.  

Today we bring Coalfield Development's book club to the podcast with special guest, Glenn Taylor. Glenn is the author of the novels A Hanging at Cinder Bottom, The Marrowbone Marble Company and The Ballad of Trenchmouth Taggart, a finalist for the National Book Critics Circle Award. His writing has appeared in The Guardian, GQ, and Electric Literature, among others. Glenn was born and raised in Huntington, West Virginia, and he now lives with his wife and three sons in Morgantown, where he teaches in the MFA Program at West Virginia University.For more information about Glenn go to www.glenntaylorbooks.com

Join Garrett as he interviews Luke Huffman and Brandon Dennison from Coalfield Development about the work they’re doing in their southern, West Virginia community to eliminate generational poverty. Located in Wayne, WV, their team is rebuilding the Appalachian economy from the ground up. Coalfield Development believes in developing the potential of Appalachia through the triple bottom line: people, planet, and profit.  Visit Coalfield Development’s website to learn more about the programs they offer. https://coalfield-development.org/  --------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- You can support the Cardinal Institute by donating or following us on social media:  Donate: www.cardinalinstitute.com/donate  Patreon: https://www.patreon.com/cardinalinstitute Newsletter: www.cardinalinstitute.com/contact YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCosCMp86mjLbf8ZWfE5yS7Q Twitter: @CardinalWV Facebook: /CardinalInstitute/ LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/cardinal-institute-for-wv-policy/ Instagram: @teamcardinalwv  

This week we have a conversation with  Coalfield's very own Patrick Bradshaw. Pat is a Coalfield Champion as well as Crew Chief of Refresh Appalachia, one of our social enterprises.  Pat's story is powerful, inspiring and one that we think exemplifies exactly what Coalfield Development strives to accomplish with everyone we have the pleasure of working with. We're extremely proud of Pat and all that he's accomplished these past few years with us. Check out a special video feature of Pat here: https://youtu.be/W1WxT9y85mcWe will be releasing new episodes bi-weekly, sometimes even more regularly, for the remainder of 2021 so make sure to sign up for our newsletter and subscribe to our podcast wherever you listen to get the most up to date episodes! https://coalfield-development.org/

With the coal industry in decline, what will happen to the communities that'll be left behind? What can we do to support them? Join me in this episode, as I interview Heidi Binko! Heidi is the Executive Director and Co-Founder at Just Transition Fund, which is designed to help coal communities make a just transition to a new energy economy.  With 17 years of philanthropic experience on climate, coal, and energy issues, under her belt, Heidi has worked with coal communities throughout the US and internationally in Australia.  Learn how Heidi's working strategically to help support communities that are greatly experiencing economic distress and what you can do to contribute!   Episode Highlights: How Heidi's personal and professional journey into philanthropy started What is Just Transition Fund and what is its relevance to coal communities Places that experienced the most economic distress Stories about how we can be strategic with our grants to support local communities transitioning from a dependence on coal   Our Guest: Heidi Binko is the Executive Director and Co-Founder of the Just Transition Fund LinkedIn @heidi-binko   Links referenced in this Podcast: Just Transition Fund website www.justtransitionfund.org  - A community-driven framework for a national economic transition program, built by leaders living and working in America's coal communities. Coalfield Development - www.coalfield-development.org Generation West Virginia - www.generationwv.org    If you enjoyed this episode, listen to these episodes as well #16 Thinking Outside the Box to Promote World Peace with Al Jubitz, Patrick Hiller, and Lauren Forman #15 Pack Power Into Your Giving with a Crowdfunding Strategy with Toni Tringolo, Executive Director, Willamette Week's Give!Guide, and Mahala Ray, Revenue Director, Business for a Better Portland #14 Exceptional Advice from a Seasoned Philanthropist with David Secord, Founder and Principal, Barnacle Strategies   Make Your Money Matter - Learn How to Give with Purpose In this fun, free and interactive training I will teach you how to effectively give your money to well-deserving charities. I bring over two decades of experience working with funders who have contributed over $45 million in donations large and small.  My step-by-step process will reduce your overwhelm, keep you from making costly mistakes, and help you make a real difference in the world.  I offer this free training every second Wednesday of the month. Space is limited for each training - thanks for signing up today. Wednesday April 14th - 5 PM (many of you already have this April link - it is the same as what you already have) https://us02web.zoom.us/webinar/register/WN_-JmOEZFDQ0Oa0iICYlPfMw  Wednesday May 12th - 5PM https://us02web.zoom.us/webinar/register/WN_pVDFEoAXRkatL8JAbssWxg  --- Connect with Do Your Good Facebook @doyourgood Instagram @do_your_good Don't forget to check out the #DoYourGoodChallenge and get a chance to win prizes as you give with a purpose!   Would you like to talk with Sybil directly? Well you are in luck! She has free monthly Webinars the second Wednesday of each month at 5PM Pacific Time - register in advance through her website www.doyourgood.com

In this weeks episode we are joined by Ryan Stoner, COO of Coalfield Development, but more importantly - Father of 3 young children.  He and his wife Jana have been tasked with raising these children through the closing of schools in the spring, social distancing, face masks and many more uncharted areas.  Listen as Ryan and I have a conversation about how they have chosen to handle all this with their kids and how they plan to deal with it this fall as well.  In my opinion they have approached this with very level heads and are doing a great job of it.  Being a father of 2 little boys myself, I can tell you that it is not easy!  I hope you enjoy! This podcast is aimed at having conversations with people from across all aspects of life during these crazy times we are living in.  While the conversations are going to be focused around people's unique jobs, hobbies, leisure activities and personal experiences it is hard to imagine that the topic of the current pandemic will not be mentioned.  If you are interested in being part of the conversation feel free to email me, Sam Denning, at soyoholdings@gmail.com.

This week's show features Canadian singer-songwriter Patrick Watson, as he makes his first visit to eTown. Patrick grew up in Montreal and has some of the art-music sensibilities that remind us of Rufus Wainwright or Gregory Alan Isakov. Also joining us is another Canadian singer-songwriter and eTown veteran, Basia Bulat. This is her second eTown, and she'll be sharing songs from her upcoming album that's produced by My Morning Jacket's Jim James. We'll also have an inspiring conversation with an eChievement Award winner who is helping unemployed coal miners in West Virginia find meaningful work and income so they can support their families. Watch videos from this show and others at: eTown

Listening to those closest to both the challenges and the beauty of the Appalachian region is critical to the success of a more diversified and stable local economy. Brandon Dennison, CEO and Founder of Coalfield Development, understands this better than most. Born and raised in Southern West Virginia coal country he founded Coalfield Development to be a non-profit that incubates social enterprises like a sustainable construction company, a furniture shop that uses reclaimed wood, a solar installation company, a sustainable agriculture company, and a sustainable clothing company. Using these innovative businesses Coalfield Development is able to put unemployed people back to work. Coalfield Development is creating jobs for people that are more than just a job but rather a career, a vocation, an identity, and an opportunity to expand what work has perhaps meant to them.