Press Release, Charleston Regional Chamber of Commerce Supports Regional Rail Study

December 19, 2006
Contact: Charleston Regional Chamber of Commerce 340-4253
info@charlestonwvchamber.org


Charleston WV, - The Charleston Regional Chamber of Commerce today announced its first legislative priority for the upcoming 2007 legislative session; a study of a regional rail system. The Chamber is encouraging the legislature to consider an appropriation to the West Virginia Port Authority, which would commission and manage a study that would result in specific deliverables related to a regional rail system:

• A market analysis of a regional rail system• The economic impact of a regional rail system• Terminal site recommendations• Financing strategies• Sustainability of operation strategies.

“The Chamber of believes that if the regional rail system is feasible, both financially and logistically, it will lead to a more regionalized economy. This is most important as we compete not against our neighboring counties and cities for jobs, but against nearby states and regions,” said Jim Sturgeon, the Chair of the Charleston Regional Chamber of Commerce.

The Chamber of Commerce hopes the study would answer such questions as: With the significant existing rail infrastructure in West Virginia, would it be possible to connect geographic areas such as Charleston and Huntington and areas in between? What would the cost be to develop such a regional rail system? Would the rail lead to a more unified economy and community between Charleston/Huntington?

While the Chamber believes the answers to these questions may support the construction and operation of such a rail system, no quantitative or qualitative study has been conducted to provide lawmakers or private business with the necessary information by which such an important decision could be made. “It is for these reasons we would ask our legislators to consider funding this study. This isn’t a local issue, it’s a statewide issue,” added Sturgeon.

Charleston Regional Chamber of Commerce Supports Regional Rail Study

Issue:

Regional Rail Study

Information:

The Charleston Regional Chamber of Commerce recognizes that the accessibility of diverse types of transportation is essential to growth in the economy. The Chamber also advocates for a regional approach to economic development, recognizing that our competition for jobs is not our in-state neighboring city or county, but other nearby regions such as the Cleveland MSA or Metro-Louisville.

With the significant existing rail infrastructure in West Virginia, would it be possible to connect geographic areas such as Charleston and Huntington and areas in between? What would the cost be to develop such a regional rail system? Would the rail lead to a more unified economy and community between Charleston/Huntington?

While we believe the answers to these questions would support the construction and operation of such a rail system, no quantitative or qualitative study has been conducted to provide lawmakers or private business with the necessary information by which such an important decision could be made.

Action:

It is for these reasons that the Charleston Regional Chamber of Commerce supports the passage of a legislative appropriation to the WV Port Authority to conduct a feasibility study on regional rail throughout the state of West Virginia. Specifically, Huntington to Charleston, Morgantown to Clarksburg, Bluefield to Princeton and Beckley, and the northern and eastern panhandles.

The deliverables of the study should include:

A market analysis
Economic impact
Terminal site recommendations
Financing strategies
Sustainability of operation strategies.

University of Charleston to launch Golden Eagle Ventures


CHARLESTON, WV – The University of Charleston today announced plans to create a fund that will invest in early-stage West Virginia businesses with strong growth opportunities. Today’s announcement builds on a five-year track record of providing high-value assistance to entrepreneurs in the region.

“Golden Eagle Ventures continues our commitment to the economic health of our region by investing in high-impact businesses,” said Dr. Ed Welch, President of UC. “This is an opportunity to meet a market need, help create local jobs and wealth, and provide another learning opportunity for our students.”

The Fund will invest with the active involvement of students, faculty and staff assistance, and an investment committee composed of professional venture capitalists and entrepreneurs. Golden Eagle Ventures will invest primarily in early-stage, emerging growth companies. The Fund plans to provide $50,000 to $150,000 in seed and first-stage funding rounds in syndication with other venture capital funds and angel investors. The Fund will consider investments statewide, without restrictions on industry.

Nora Myers, Executive Director of the UC Entrepreneurship Center, which will manage the fund, said, “We have been in the market for five years listening to and working with both entrepreneurs and financial institutions. Golden Eagle Ventures will fill an important gap where banks and traditional venture capital funds are not equipped to invest.”

Phyllis Arnold, President of BB&T West Virginia, added, “We are very pleased to support the University of Charleston’s efforts to raise this fund, and we hope the rest of the West Virginia business community will join us. We are confident that UC’s Entrepreneurship Center has the experience, judgment and leadership to make a real difference.”

UC has begun to raise funds with a goal of $2 million, starting with commitments from some area business leaders. Because the University is a not-for profit institution, contributions can be tax deductible. Contributors will not receive distributions as in typical investments, but rather returns on investment will be put back into the fund for future investments.

The fund is the latest project capping off an extraordinary year at the University of Charleston. The University recently completed five new building projects, opened a new School of Pharmacy, and attracted a record number of students for its Fall 2006 class.

To contribute to Golden Eagle Ventures or obtain further information, contact Nora Myers, noramyers@ucwv.edu or 304-357-4914. To learn more about the University of Charleston go to www.ucwv.edu.

Charleston Regional Chamber Supports Regional Rail Study

Press Release

Charleston Regional Chamber Supports Study of Regional Rail System

December 19, 2006
Contact: Charleston Regional Chamber of Commerce 340-4253
info@charlestonwvchamber.org


Charleston WV, - The Charleston Regional Chamber of Commerce today announced its first legislative priority for the upcoming 2007 legislative session; a study of a regional rail system. The Chamber is encouraging the legislature to consider an appropriation to the West Virginia Port Authority, which would commission and manage a study that would result in specific deliverables related to a regional rail system:

• A market analysis of a regional rail system
• The economic impact of a regional rail system
• Terminal site recommendations
• Financing strategies
• Sustainability of operation strategies.

“The Chamber of believes that if the regional rail system is feasible, both financially and logistically, it will lead to a more regionalized economy. This is most important as we compete not against our neighboring counties and cities for jobs, but against nearby states and regions,” said Jim Sturgeon, the Chair of the Charleston Regional Chamber of Commerce.

The Chamber of Commerce hopes the study would answer such questions as: With the significant existing rail infrastructure in West Virginia, would it be possible to connect geographic areas such as Charleston and Huntington and areas in between? What would the cost be to develop such a regional rail system? Would the rail lead to a more unified economy and community between Charleston/Huntington?

While the Chamber believes the answers to these questions may support the construction and operation of such a rail system, no quantitative or qualitative study has been conducted to provide lawmakers or private business with the necessary information by which such an important decision could be made. “It is for these reasons we would ask our legislators to consider funding this study. This isn’t a local issue, it’s a statewide issue,” added Sturgeon.

Call center to bring 700 jobs

By Bryan ChambersThe Herald-Dispatch

Article from the Huntington Dispatch

December 20, 2006
HUNTINGTON -- A company that specializes in outsourced customer management services will open a call center near Huntington and hire 700 people by June.
PRC will open its inbound call center in late January at the former Arch Coal building located off of W.Va. 152. The building was home to Applied Card Systems for several years until it closed in May.

PRC will hire 100 people to start, then hire and additional 100 workers every three weeks until it reaches 700, said Bob Johnson, PRC's talent acquisition manager.

"This is a nice Christmas present for the community," Jerry McDonald, president of the Huntington Area Development Council, said during a news conference Tuesday at HADCO's office. "There are a lot of people who were faced with leaving the area when Applied Card shut down, but now they have an opportunity to stay in Huntington."

Based in Fort Lauderdale, Fla., PRC manages customer relations for several companies, including US Airways, British Airways and American Express. The company now employs more than 14,000 employees at 27 locations worldwide.

Johnson would not disclose wage information, but said it is "top of the line" when compared to other call centers in the area. The company also provides a comprehensive benefits package, including health and dental insurance after 90 days, 401(k) retirement accounts, life and disability insurance and tuition reimbursement programs, he said.
"We even offer pet insurance," Johnson said.

McDonald said PRC's move to Huntington is largely because of Terri Duncan, a Spring Valley resident who was one of 300 Applied Card Systems workers who lost their jobs in May.
Duncan, who was Applied Card's vice president of call center operations, said she began a national search for a new job several months ago because she figured she wouldn't be able to find another job in Huntington. During a telephone interview with Johnson this fall, Duncan mentioned that the former Arch Coal building would meet PRC's needs if it ever thought about locating in the area.

The job interview quickly turned from questions about Duncan to questions about the building, Huntington and West Virginia, she said.

"I told (Johnson) about the valued work ethic in West Virginia and how attrition rates were comparatively low to call centers in other states," Duncan said. "In a matter of a few weeks, PRC was in Huntington. In my years of experience with call centers, I've never seen anything move this quickly."

Duncan, by the way, has been hired as a site general manager with PRC and will oversee the daily operations at the Huntington call center.
Johnson said PRC's decision to move to Huntington took less than two months from start to finish. With the closing of Applied Card in May, the company knew it would have a workforce to meet its needs, he said.

"The readiness of the building played a big part as well," he said. "It's a turnkey operation that provides opportunity for growth."

PRC could eventually employ up to 1,000 people, Johnson said.

We Are Marshall Message from Governor Manchin


‘We Are Marshall’ A Film Every West Virginian Can Take Pride In by: Gov. Joe Manchin

Contact: Lara Ramsburg, 304-558-2000

The international premiere of ‘We Are Marshall’ Tuesday, December 12 was an incredible night that will forever live in the memory of everyone associated with the Huntington community and those who took part in the premiere festivities and the making of the film.

Marshall President Stephen Kopp and his staff deserve a great deal of credit for their personal touch and care in fostering the development of this major motion picture project. To the families and players of the 1970 and 1971 Marshall University football teams and the family members and friends personally touched by the 1970 tragedy, our state owes these individuals a debt of gratitude for courageously sharing this story of tragedy, triumph and inspiration with the filmmakers and the world.

'We Are Marshall’ accurately reflects the deep passion and dedication of the Marshall University and Huntington communities. This film is an honorable portrayal and account of the unique spirit that we as West Virginians share, and is a fitting and lasting tribute that honors the memory of 75 individuals that the Marshall University community lost on Nov. 14, 1970.
In the coming days and weeks, millions of people who were not familiar with the tragic and triumphant tales of the 1970 Marshall University football team and the 1971 Young Thundering Herd will learn their story.

On behalf of our state, I want to personally thank McG, Basil Iwanyk, and the producers, writers, actors and creative team for their care and special touch in telling this story in a very compassionate way that has shown a great deal of respect to the members of the Marshall community and the State of West Virginia. Everyone associated with this movie has become a beloved member of the Marshall community and our West Virginia family, and they will always hold a special place in our hearts.

The beauty of our state and our people truly shines through in every frame of the wonderful portrayal of this inspiring and uplifting story. ‘We Are Marshall’ will bring a new level of national and international interest to Marshall University and our state, and I am confident that it will serve as a catalyst to attract more motion picture production to one of our nation’s most scenic and beautiful film locations.

The ‘We Are Marshall’ story is truly a remarkable one – perhaps one of the greatest tales of perseverance, courage and the spirit of a community and a university determined to succeed and overcome. Thanks to this film, the rest of the world will now know their story.

Governor Manchin talks about West Virginia Ski Industry



Canaan’s 35th Anniversary: A Celebration of Our Ski Industry In December, 1971, skiers throughout the state and region got their first opportunity to enjoy West Virginia’s first commercial ski area with the opening of Canaan Valley Resort. This modern resort-style ski area built upon a rich heritage of ski recreation in the Canaan Valley area, established at various local ski spots throughout the 1940’s, 1950’s and 1960’s. From a modest opening with a few thousand skiers for that first ski season in 1971, a booming destination tourism business emerged for our state.

This week, I was pleased to join representatives from the West Virginia Division of Tourism, West Virginia State Parks, the West Virginia Ski Areas Association at Canaan Valley Resort and State Park to celebrate Canaan’s 35th Anniversary and help kick off West Virginia’s winter ski season.

>From one resort to five resort destinations today, the modern West Virginia ski industry was built upon the solid foundation established by Canaan Valley Resort. The state’s ski destinations produce more than 800,000 skier visits each year from Mid-November to Early-April.

Canaan Valley Resort and State Park’s growth over the years is a testament to the vision of past and current state government leaders and the responsible management practices of our private sector partners like the West Virginia Ski Areas Association and Guest Services, Inc., the company that manages the resort and State Park.

During the past 35 years, ski areas such as Oglebay Park and ski destinations such as Snowshoe, Timberline, Winterplace, and Canaan Valley Resort and State Park have attracted tens of millions of visitors to West Virginia and kept our economy vibrant and strong. The estimated economic impact of West Virginia’s ski industry is in excess of $250 million each year. To the restaurant operators, hotel owners and small businesses around West Virginia’s ski area, the winter blankets of snow create a tremendous economic impact through a peak seasonal employment of more than 3,000 people.

Whether you’re a beginner or expert skier, West Virginia’s challenging ski destinations have much to offer in the way of recreation. Even if you’re not a skier, West Virginia ski resort areas are destinations that provide a wealth of amenities, beauty and recreational opportunities for every family to enjoy – particularly during this holiday season. I encourage everyone to come out and experience the winter recreation we offer here in the Mountain State.

SBA Hosts Live Web Chat on Year-End Tax Planning for Small Business Owners



AICPA Vice President of Taxation Thomas P. Ochsenschlager will answer questions Thursday, December 14, from 1:00 p.m. to 2:00 p.m., ET


WHO: Thomas P. Ochsenschlager, vice president of Taxation for the American Institute of Certified Public Accountants (AICPA), will host the SBA’s December Web chat on

“Year-End Tax Planning for Small Business Owners.” Chat participants will receive valuable information about the importance of year-end planning and steps small business owners can take to reduce their 2006 tax bills, as Ochsenschlager answers questions on year-end tax savings.


WHAT: The SBA’s live Web chat series provides business owners the opportunity to have discussions online about relevant business issues with experts, industry leaders and successful entrepreneurs. Participants have direct, real-time access to the Web chats via questions they submit online in advance and during the session, with instant answers.



WHEN:Thursday, December 14, 2006, from 1 p.m. to 2 p.m., ET.

Ochsenschlager will answer questions for one hour.


HOW:Participants can join the live Web chat by going online to www.sba.gov, and clicking “Online Business Chat.” Web chat participants may post questions for Ochsenschlager before the December 14th chat by visiting http://app1.sba.gov/liveMeeting/liveDec06/intro.cfm and posting their questions online.



To review archives of past Web chats, visit online at www.sba.gov/tools/monthlywebchat/index.html

Alliance and law firm sponsor ‘Business After Hours'

The Charleston Area Alliance and the law firm of Huddleston Bolen will sponsor a holiday "Business After Hours" business card exchange from 5 to 7 p.m. Dec. 14 at the firm's offices on the 13th floor of Chase Tower, 707 Virginia St. E.

The cost is $10 in advance, $15 at the door. The cost for non-members is $20. For more information or to register call the alliance at 340-4275 or visit the alliance's Web site at www.CharlestonAreaAlliance.org.

AEP executive will ring closing bell at stock exchange


Michael Morris, chairman, president and chief executive officer of American Electric Power, was to mark the company's 100th anniversary today by ringing the New York Stock Exchange's closing bell.

American Electric Power's Appalachian Power subsidiary serves about 929,000 customers in West Virginia and Virginia.

Firm breaks ground for building addition in Elkview
Aker Kvaerner broke ground Monday for an addition to its office building at 5000 Elk River Road South in Elkview.

Company spokeswoman Vanessa Walker said the company's Plant Services Group currently occupies a 17,000-square-foot building at Elkview but the business has expanded to the point some employees are working in office trailers.

Walker said the 14,000-square-foot addition, scheduled to open next September, will provide space for all of the current employees and will provide room for future growth.

The Plant Services Group provides engineering and design-related services for projects in the chemical, polymer and hydrocarbon industries. Walker said the group has chemical company customers up and down the Kanawha and Ohio River valleys.

Nearly 125 people currently work out of the Elkview office and a total of almost 200 work in the region, Walker said. The Plant Services Group also has an office in Louisville, Ky.

Aker ASA, one of the largest industrial groups in Norway, controls Aker Kvaerner. The company is a global provider of engineering and construction services and technology products.

Triangulation, Charleston WV, Myrtle Beach and Cincinnati

New Air Service at Yeager Airport!

From the Charleston Daily Mail

Wednesday November 29, 2006

Direct Myrtle Beach flights to be offered
by George Hohmann

Daily Mail business editor

Direct flights between Charleston's Yeager Airport and Myrtle Beach, S.C., a favorite haven for vacationing West Virginians, will be available starting in March.
Kanawha County Commission President Kent Carper and Yeager Airport Director Rick Atkinson were to announce today that Charleston has obtained the new direct air service.

Carper said Southern Skyways will fly between Charleston and Myrtle Beach twice a week beginning March 2, "in time for golfing season and beaching and other things." The service will continue through Labor Day, he said.

"There's a bonus," Carper said. "The plane will come in from Cincinnati and go back to Cincinnati. So you can ride to or from Cincinnati for $39. The trip to or from Myrtle Beach starts at $99 each way."

As of Tuesday afternoon, the lowest published Charleston-Myrtle Beach round-trip fare was $178 for December travel and $369 for a March flight.

Atkinson said the Southern Skyways plane will leave Cincinnati on Mondays and Fridays at 9 a.m., arriving in Charleston at 9:45 a.m. It will leave Charleston at 10:30 a.m., arriving at Myrtle Beach International Airport at 11:45 a.m.

The plane will leave Myrtle Beach on Mondays and Fridays at 6 p.m., arriving in Charleston at 7:15 p.m. It will leave Charleston at 8 p.m. and arrive at the Cincinnati Northern Kentucky International Airport at 8:45 p.m.

The airline said it is planning additional flights on Wednesdays during the summer months.

Carper said Southern Skyways will use 148-seat Boeing 737-300 jets.

Kent Elsbree, president of Southern Skyways, said in remarks prepared for delivery at today's 11 a.m. announcement, "We see the opportunity to connect the dots between two greatly underserved markets by the network and low-fare carriers.

"Myrtle Beach is a major golf and beach destination without any nonstop air service to West Virginia," Elsbree said. "Myrtle Beach is ‘the beach' for West Virginians and we expect the flights to be very popular. There's also a fairly large population of retirees from West Virginia who now reside in Myrtle Beach with no easy way to visit friends and relatives back home."

Carper said the airport and its supporters have been working for a long time with the state Division of Tourism to secure the Myrtle Beach flights.

"We can't appreciate them enough," Carper said. "They're quite excited about this because of the opportunity for former West Virginians and others to come to West Virginia for the summer for such things as whitewater rafting, rock climbing -- things we have in West Virginia that aren't down there. There are the same opportunities in Cincinnati."

Elsbree said he expects the Cincinnati service to increase weekend visitors in both West Virginia and the Cincinnati area.

Charleston-based National Travel has been appointed the official travel agency of Southern Skyways, he said.

Myrtle Beach Golf Holiday, a golf destination promoter, will help the airline market its service to golfers in the Charleston area.

Mickey McCamish, president of Myrtle Beach Golf Holiday, said in prepared remarks, "With these new Southern Skyways flights, golfers from Charleston will enjoy the convenience of jumping on a plane and being out on one of our 100-plus golf courses two hours later."

Southern Skyways' Web site is at www.southernskyways.com.

Carper said he tried before to get direct service from Charleston to Myrtle Beach.

"We were undaunted, we just kept plugging," he said. "Rick Atkinson and the Yeager staff worked tirelessly on this.

"It's a whole new way of running an airport," Carper said. "The old days of sitting around and waiting on someone to knock on your door are not smart.

Carper said he's committed to bringing additional service to Yeager, and hinted that there soon might be another announcement about another new route.

Atkinson said, "This scheduled charter-type air service is, I believe, the wave of the future for mid-size communities to have affordable air service to vacation destinations. We'll continue to look at opportunities as they present themselves."

The success in attracting direct service to Myrtle Beach comes just three weeks after Allegiant Air launched low-cost, twice-a-week flights linking Huntington's Tri-State Airport to Orlando-Sanford International Airport in Florida.

Back in 2004, the Charleston area had hopes that Hooters Air would provide service to Myrtle Beach, but the plan fell through.

Contact writer George Hohmann at business@dailymail.com or 348-4836.