HGTV bringing cameras to state

Home and Garden Telev-ision shows have become increasingly popular with viewers over the last two years.The State of West Virginia is scheduled to be a chosen location for an upcoming episode of “What You Get For The Money.”

“What You Get For The Money” is a thirty minute television show featured on HGTV and Fine Living Networks. It highlights homes that are immaculately decorated in areas of interest to their viewers.In April, show producers will be bringing their cameras to West Virginia, and home owners are encouraged to apply for an audition for the show.

Erin Woodward, casting producer for “What You Get For Your Money” stated they are eager to highlight beautiful homes and enthusiastic homeowners across the country, and looks forward to seeing homes that fit their show's criteria within the state and welcomes the chance to meet residents in local areas.“The homes need to be stylishly designed with a contemporary flair, similar to what one might find in magazines such as Dwell or Metropolitan Home.The value of these homes needs to be within the range of $150,000 to 1.2 million,” says Woodward.

Each episode of the popular show includes background information about the featured city, community, lifestyles and housing costs.If you or someone you know would be interested in auditioning a home for this honor, please send a few digital photos of the exterior and interior of the home along with information including the current value and location in an e-mail to Erin Woodward at EWoodard@highnoonentertainment.com with the “West Virginia Casting Call” in the subject header.You may also call 303-712-3095 for additional information.Entries must be received by March 16, 2007 to be considered for the show.

Another Job Announcement in the Kanawha Valley

Please forward this to anyone who might be qualified and interested.

Resumes should be mailed to Michelle Foster at KISRA. Thanks.

In anticipation of receiving a federal grant, the Kanawha County Communities That Care Partnership seeks Project Director to lead and help implement countywide substance abuse prevention strategic plan. Position requires excellent communication, organizational, leadership and computer skills; public relations/grant writing experience; travel within county. Full time position; Minimum qualifications: Bachelor's degree; two years paid or equivalent experience as a project director. Send resumes by Friday, March 2, 2007 to Michelle Foster at KISRA, 124 Marshall Avenue, Dunbar, WV 25064.

In anticipation of receiving a federal grant, the Kanawha County Communities That Care Partnership seeks Project Assistant to provide support for countywide substance abuse prevention strategic plan. Work with wide variety of people; Write and maintain detailed reports; Operate personal computer; Travel within county. Part-time position; High School diploma/GED required.

At least two years of college coursework preferred. Two years paid or equivalent experience as a project assistant a must. Send resumes by Friday, March 2, 2007 to Michelle Foster at KISRA, 124 Marshall Avenue, Dunbar, WV 25064.

SCORE and State Jounral Announce Next Business Breakfast

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
February 23, 2007



Contact: George Daniels
Phone: 304-347-5463
Email: score256@wvscore.org


SCORE ANNOUNCES MARCH “BUSINESS FOR BREAKFAST”

CHARLESTON, WV—SCORE’s March Business for Breakfast business management seminar series will feature “The Good, The Bad, and The Ugly: Logo Rules for the Business World.” The session is Friday, March 23 at 7:30 am at the Marriott Charleston Town Center’s Whitewater Grille. The event will end at 8:30 am.

The event is sponsored by The State Journal and SCORE (Service Core of Retired Executives) with assistance from the West Virginia Small Business Development Center (SBDC).

The discussion will feature Mark Wolfe of Mark Wolfe Design discussing the elements of great logo design and affordability for small companies.

“Your logo allows people with money to find you,” said Wolfe. “A great logo can give you incredible leverage while a lousy one may very well be the kiss of death.”

“It’s crucial for independent businesses to understand what makes up a good logo,” added Kimberly Donahue of the SBDC. “It’s also important they know how to get one without spending a small fortune. That’s why this session is so valuable.”

There is no fee for the Business for Breakfast event, although businesses are encouraged to purchase breakfast. Pre-registration is optional. Those who wish to pre-register can call do so at www.wvscore.org or email SCORE at score256@wvscore.org.

“We’re coming into contact with young business owners and executives who need additional business management expertise, but don’t have a great deal of time,” said Charleston Area SCORE director George Daniels. “Working with The State Journal and the SBDC, we’ve put together a short-term learning event that doesn’t interfere with the work day. And as an added incentive, the State Journal will be providing a free 6 month subscription to for everyone there.”

SCORE is a program supported by the U.S. Small Business Administration (SBA) and extended to the public on a non-discriminatory basis. SBA cannot endorse any products, opinions or services of any external parties or activities. Workshops, seminars and conferences are held in disabled accessible locations. Arrangements for people with disabilities will be made if requested in advance.

Charleston Gazette Features Charleston Area Alliance in "Outlook" pullout "Commerce in West Virginia."

You can read the outlook commerce edition by clicking Here.

West Virginia's Bond Rating Improves

A press release from the Governor's Office below details the matter.

Wall Street notices West Virginia’s financial improvement
From The Governor’s Desk: A weekly column by Gov. Joe Manchin
Feb. 23,
: Lara Ramsburg, 304-558-2000

When I took office in 2005, I said we’d have to make tough decisions if we wanted to get this state out of the financial rut it had been in for so many years. That meant fixing the workers’ compensation system, paying down retirement system debt, cutting spending and looking for ways to better manage our debt.

Together with the Legislature and citizens across the state, we’ve been able to accomplish those goals in a timeframe many thought would be impossible. I’m proud to report that financial experts on Wall Street are taking notice of our efforts and they, too, are pleased with what they’re seeing out of West Virginia. The positive changes we are making are producing positive results.

On Friday, I joined members of the Legislature to announce that Fitch Ratings, one of three agencies that assign credit ratings to bonds issued by the State of West Virginia, has upgraded its credit rating of the West Virginia Economic Development Authority lease revenue bonds from A to A+. Earlier in February, Fitch also assigned an A+ rating to the West Virginia School Building Authority capital improvement bonds.

With this upgrade in our rating, Wall Street is sending a signal to the nation and the world that West Virginia’s business climate is improving. In the last two years, together we have cut spending, consolidated control of our debt and made responsible decisions that, combined with a generally growing economy, have helped us better manage the state and its finances.

Fitch noted that the last two years were among the most successful in recent state history. Our economic growth closely followed the nation’s trends with job gains of 1.3 percent in 2004 and 2005. December’s overall employment was up 1 percent from a year ago, while natural resources and mining jobs increased about 6 percent and construction employment rose 3.2 percent.

In deciding to upgrade our credit rating, Fitch recognized that we dedicated more than half of our budget surpluses to reducing pension system deficits, and that we created a second “rainy day” fund in case the main rainy day fund is depleted. The $900 million we put toward excess retirement system contributions since 2005 also contributed to their decision.

The improved rating is more than a gold star on our financial report card. It means West Virginia is more likely to be able to take advantage of lower interest rates and it won’t cost us as much when we borrow money. The tough decisions we make now are saving the state millions of dollars in the future.

We truly are getting our financial house in order and making good on our “Open for Business” promise. The latest financial news is proof that important eyes outside the state are watching and taking notice.
****

Non-Profit Leadership & Service Committee Meeting
Friday, March 2, 4:30 PM
Covenant House

600 Shrewsbury Street (big yellow farmhouse-looking bldg near the Capitol Market)

Parking is in the rear of the building. Come in the rear entrance to the first floor conference room.

Many thanks,
Amy

Amy Weintraub

Charleston Area Alliance seeks Financial Manager

The Charleston Area Alliance, a regional economic and community development organization as well as the largest regional Chamber of Commerce in West Virginia is seeking a Finance Manager. The successful candidate will work under the direction of the President and is responsible for the fiscal management of the Alliance. The scope of work is based on the budget and financial management purview of the Alliance, including development and execution of the Alliance budget, planning, reporting and control of expenditures, development and production of a comprehensive annual financial report, revenue projections research, finance planning and review/coordination of projects including loans, grants, human resource management and risk analysis research. Manages and administers the overall accounting functions of the organization.

Qualifications: Graduation from an accredited four-year college or university with a degree in accounting, economics, finance or business administration.

Experience: Five years full- or equivalent part-time paid experience in fiscal management, budget preparation and revenue projections.

Special Qualification: Successful applicant must be a certified public accountant (CPA).

Please send resumes by March 12 to Attn: Finance Manager, 1116 Smith Street, Charleston, WV 25301.

Job Opportunity in the Valley.

The Central West Virginia Chapter of the American Red Cross has a job opening for the position of Blood Services Coordinator. Candidate must have the ability to successfully manage multiple priorities simultaneously, as well as, be detail oriented. Ability to work without immediate supervision is necessary. Excellent oral and written communication skills are required. Previous telephone marketing experience is desirable. A valid driver’s license is mandatory, and a college education is preferred.

This position will provide essential donor recruitment support, coordinate the logistics of bloodmobiles, develop and maintain a volunteer base, coordinate blood drive staffing, develop systems for canteen procurement for special blood drives, and manage operational and clerical support as needed. In addition, this position will also assist with the publicity efforts related to blood services.

Salary is in the low to mid 20’s with excellent benefits included.

Interested candidates should forward their cover letter and resume to American Red Cross, Central WV Chapter, Attn: D. Scott Jarrett, Chief Resource Officer, 113 Lakeview Dr., Charleston, WV 25313.

Three Job Openings in Valley


Interviews for these Charleston area engineering jobs start Friday.
Highway Designer/ Civil Engineer - Ability to design and manage WV DOH four-lane highway projects required. Knowledge of highway design, pavement design, stormwater management principles required. Strong consideration will be given to candidates with supervisory experience or potential. Refer interested parties to JosephHigginbotham@GMail.com / 859-254-3095.

Stormwater/ Civil Engineer - Experience in stormwater drainage design and stormwater management required. Ability to design detention/retention basins required. Strong consideration will be given to candidates with supervisory experience or potential. Refer interested parties to JosephHigginbotham@GMail.com / 859-254-3095.

Structural Engineer -PE required. Ability to provide structural engineering design for two-three story buildings, including foundation and structural framing design. Ability to design reinforced concrete structure such as in-ground and aboveground tanks. Ability to design retaining structures. Strong consideration will be given to candidates with supervisory experience or potential. Refer interested parties to JosephHigginbotham@GMail.com / 859-254-3095.

SCORE ANNOUNCES FIRST BUSINESS FOR BREAKFAST

CHARLESTON, WV--The State Journal and SCORE (Counselors to America’s Small Business) are introducing the Business for Breakfast business management discussion series. The first session is Friday, February 23, from 7:30 a.m. to 8:30 a.m. at the Charleston Marriott Town Center’s Whitewater Grille.

“Our agency is meeting with young business owners and executives who want additional business management expertise, but don’t have a great deal of time for long workshops,” said Charleston Area SCORE director George Daniels. “Working with the Small Business Development Center (SBDC), we’ve designed a real-world learning opportunity that meets the need for a short-term commitment, contains information vital to business managers, but doesn’t interfere with the work day.”

The inaugural event will feature Skip Lineberg of Maple Creative discussing the Top 10 Email Marketing Strategies.

“Marketing via email is probably the most powerful and cost-effective communication tool available today,” said Lineberg. “But it can be tricky business. I’ll talk about taking advantage of the medium while avoiding the pitfalls.”

There is no fee for the breakfast meeting, although participants are encouraged to purchase breakfast. Pre-registration is appreciated but optional. Those who wish to pre-register can do so online at http://www.wvscore.org/ or email SCORE at score256@wvscore.org.

“We hope that bringing real-world issues and ideas to these business breakfasts will give young managers fresh ideas and a chance to meet others who are dealing with similar issues,” Daniels said. Additional breakfasts will be held on the fourth Friday of each month.



“We will add to the value of the breakfasts by having resources available at the event and online so that these young managers continue to have access to information vital to their businesses,” said Rebekah Hogue of the State Journal. ”As an added incentive, we’ll throw in a free six-month subscription to The State Journal for everyone who attends.”

SCORE and SBDC are programs supported by the U.S. Small Business Administration (SBA) and extended to the public on a non-discriminatory basis. SBA cannot endorse any products, opinions or services of any external parties or activities. Workshops, seminars and conferences are held in disabled accessible locations. Arrangements for people with disabilities will be made if requested in advance.


FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
February 7, 2007
Contact: George Daniels
Phone: 304-347-5463
Email: score256@wvscore.org

Photo's From Recent Charleston Area Alliance Young Professionals Event.

Charleston Area Alliance Young Professionals Committee Lists

This is the list as we have it now. If you are interested in a committee but do not see your name on this list, please send an e-mail to info@charlestonareaalliance.org

Networking
Co-Chairs
Danielle Waltz
Laura Davis

Members
Susan Davis
Emily Bennington
Elizabeth Young
Brooke Pauley
Anastasia Belashova

40 Under 40
Co-Chairs
Courtney Kirtley
Kensie Hamilton
Jennifer Herrald

Members
Tommy Isaacs
Elizabeth Taylor
Kristi Rhule
Amy King

Non_Profit Boards

Co Chairs

Marie Castro
Amy Weintraub

Members

Alaina Stout
Rossi Getzkova
Elizabeth Taylor
Niki McBain
Megan Freeland
Christen Simpson

Housing

Co-Chairs
Matthew Kingery
Patrick Gallagher

Members

Myles Roberts
Bruce Cottrill
Shannon Toth
Tom Mainella
Todd Dorcus
Leslie Forbes
Allison Plymale

Membership

Co-Chairs
Joe Deacon
Traci Pollitt

Members
Brett Hamilton
Jennifer Ginsberg

Sports League

Co-Chairs

Charlie Roskovensky
Chris Willits

Members

Barbara Kinsey
Christy Elliott
Joanne Kirby
Chip VanAlsburg
Joshua Pearson
Jim Johnson

Membership Committee Meeting Minutes of the Charleston Area Alliance Young Professionals:

Membership Committee

The membership committee is currently working on the following projects to attract new members to the Charleston Area Alliance Young Professionals:

Contact List – Business cards will be collected from members during the next two meetings and the Membership Committee will compile a membership directory, which will be given to all members for their reference.

Welcome Packets – The membership committee will develop “Welcome Packets” for new members and for Companies to give to new hires to make them aware of the Young Professionals and other events in Charleston

Contact Businesses – The Membership Committee will utilize the Alliance’s Business Directory to contact members and make them aware of the Young Professionals
Prizes – The membership committee will contact businesses for prizes to give out to individuals who bring guests to future YP events. Prizes will be given out on a quarterly basis.

Develop a website – Membership committee has contacted the Alliance regarding the status of a website for the Young Professionals.

Charleston Area Alliance Young Professionals.

Many thanks to the 58 young professionals who met at our organizational meeting at the Alliance offices last night. And to the 68 who came to the social event afterward.

The Alliance will be using this blog even more frequently to post information about the young professionals. Please refer back often.

For the co-chairs, please send to me minutes of your committee break-out sessions and I will post them here. I will also very soon post a listing of committees and their members on the blog.

This initiative is going very well. It is exciting to hear our group talk about uniting the capacities of all the YP groups statewide for an annual event.

With Sincere Thanks for Your Participation which is helping to Make our Community More Vibrant and our Economy More Prosperous.

Matt Ballard