Traditionally, much of West Virginia’s youth has emigrated to neighboring states in search of greater economic opportunities. However, an increasing number of young professionals and entrepreneurs are bucking that trend, instead choosing to build careers and futures in West Virginia.
The State Journal, a premier business and government publication in West Virginia, recently announced its 2008 [...]

Posted in Business, Economy, Media, West Virginia 5 Comments »

April 28 has been a wet, chilly, and dreary day in many parts of West Virginia. Such days are particularly trying for the state’s homeless population. With that in mind, know that this weekend you can help provide for the homeless, and enjoy live music, food and community during the “Rock in Love Tour,” with [...]

Posted in Culture, Media, West Virginia 1 Comment »

Both the West Virginia International Film Festival and the 2008 World Highland Games Heavy Events Championship further illustrate the state’s global connection and our opportunities for cultural enrichment.
From April 22-27 some of this year’s best international films can been seen at the Capitol Center Theater in Charleston. The first screening will feature “Burning the Future: [...]

Posted in Culture, Media, Tourism, West Virginia 1 Comment »

Maple Creative’s Skip Lineberg and I will present “Business for Breakfast” at the Charleston Marriott’s Whitewater Grille, on April 25, from 7:30-8:30 a.m. The focus will be Web 2.0: Blogs, Pods and Twitters — How Emerging Internet Technologies Can Enhance Business Communications. We’ll consider the growing importance of blogs, podcasts, and social media sites like [...]

Posted in Business, Media, Tourism, West Virginia 4 Comments »

Food is not usually discussed on this site, but today is an exception, as the story of Maggie’s Salsa demonstrates how an entrepreneurial spirit and the right opportunity can lead to business success in West Virginia.
Growing up in Mexico, Magdalena De La Cruz Cook-Garcia (a.k.a. “Maggie”) learned to prepare meals for a large family, but [...]

Posted in Business, Media, West Virginia 5 Comments »

The 31st annual Appalachian Studies Conference will be held March 28-30 on the campus of Marshall University. Scholars and citizens from across the region will discuss activism, arts, diversity, economy & power, education, film, identity, and history.
The conference program features over 100 concurrent sessions, such as “Appalachian Identity: Existence, History & Communications,” “Women & Appalachia,” [...]

Posted in Culture, Education, Media, 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 »