The debate over coal’s environmental impact and future, between Massey Energy CEO Don Blankenship and environmental lawyer Robert F. Kennedy Jr., was most significant due to the relatively civil manner in which it occurred. Last night’s forum, hosted at The University of Charleston, was mostly devoid of the disrespect and intimidation that arose during public [...]

Posted in Culture, Economy, Education, Government, West Virginia 9 Comments »

Today the Generation West Virginia Young Leadership Conference kicks off in Morgantown, an assembly designed to promote the cultivation of young talent throughout the state. Organizers invite readers to participate by spreading word and offering feedback via social media sites like Facebook, Twitter.com, LinkedIn, and the aBetterWestVirginia blog.
Generation West Virginia serves as the figurehead for [...]

Posted in Business, Culture, Economy, Education, Government, Media, Tourism, West Virginia 5 Comments »

Three years ago today, an underground explosion shook areas of Upshur County during the early morning. The blast, later determined as the result of lightning, occurred at International Coal Group’s newly acquired Sago Mine.
Thirteen miners were unaccounted for. By evening, family and community members had gathered at the Sago Baptist Church, while national and international [...]

Posted in Business, Culture, Government, Media, West Virginia 2 Comments »

Today is important for several reasons. First off, it’s West Virginia Day. But even more important is the movement of state bloggers that have contributed in an effort to reflect a more accurate view of our beloved state. To celebrate our successes, people, places, and culture.
Residents, expatriates, and general observers should enjoy the below collection. [...]

Posted in Business, Culture, Economy, Education, Government, Media, Tourism, West Virginia 37 Comments »

It’s Entrepreneurship Week West Virginia, and from Feb. 23-29, numerous events will be taking place across the state, providing current and prospective business owners with several free training and networking opportunities. The schedule of events include the WVU Entrepreneurship Film Festival, Entrepreneurship Day at the Capitol, in addition to several marketing, finance, and business development [...]

Posted in Business, Economy, Government, West Virginia 2 Comments »

The West Virginia Legislature is seven days into its 60-day regular session. The Capitol chambers, halls, and committee rooms are filled with the sound of lawmakers, citizens, and lobbyists. Most everyone has an agenda, and although it’s not perfect, democracy in action is much better than the hopelessness within tyrannical nations.
Following the process is a [...]

Posted in Government, Media, West Virginia 3 Comments »

Generalizations are often made about more rural states within America, and West Virginia is no stranger to being portrayed stereotypically. Skewed representations of this state have existed since its inception, were proliferated during the early days of industrialization, and remain part of the local and national subconsciousness today.
On occasion, circumstances arise that illustrate the need [...]

Posted in Culture, Government, Media, West Virginia 12 Comments »