Learn How to Get On the GSA Schedule

The U.S. Small Business Administration and the Charleston Area Alliance are partnering to offer a training opportunity - "How to Get On the GSA Schedule" - from 9 a.m. to 3 p.m. Dec. 4 at the Alliance offices, 1116 Smith St.

The workshop is an overview of General Services Administration contracting and the Multiple Award Schedules (MAS) contracting program.

The training is free. Contact Naomi.Bassel@sba.gov to register.

SunTrust Employment Opportunity

Minimum Requirements: High School education or equivalent. 1 year supervisory/management experience and 1 year in sales. Ability to respond in a professional manner with a high level of service quality while responding to a wide variety of client needs.

Preferred Requirements: Post High School education. 1 year experience in financial industry sales and management. Operational experience as demonstrated by having held a position as an Assistant Branch Manager or Teller. Previous experience in supervising or managing a team in a financial sales and service environment.

SunTrust knows the importance of providing benefits that help you manage your life and build peace of mind for yourself and your family. We are proud to offer one of the most comprehensive benefits packages available today, and we continuously explore programs that can enhance our package.

Interested candidates are encouraged to apply online at http://www.suntrust.com/careers.

Historic Home Items Available at LemonAID Sale

Historic home items are for sale starting at 8 a.m. Nov. 29 and lasting through the afternoon at 1426 Washington St. E.

Join East End Main Street at the corner of Washington and Ruffner for the biggest tag sale on the East End. It benefits East End Main Street programs.

Items include oak doors, windows, oak baseboards, closet doors, glass hardware, fireplace mantles, built-in cabinets, light fixtures and much more at reasonable prices.

ArtWalk for the Holidays

Bring your family and out-of-town guests to the Downtown ArtWalk Friday, Nov. 28, from 5 to 8 p.m. Walk off that turkey and enjoy the best of Charleston!

Free trolley rides from venue to venue - including to and from the Clay Center - will be available.

And mark your calendars for the Dec. 18 ArtWalk!

CLICK HERE to download an ArtWalk map.

The column below appeared in the Nov. 20 Charleston Daily Mail.

Business Week names Charleston
one of best places to raise kids

by George Hohmann
Daily Mail Business Editor

CHARLESTON, W.Va. -- Business Week has singled out Charleston as one of the "Best Places to Raise Your Kids."

Matt Ballard, president and chief executive officer of the Charleston Area Alliance, noted that this kind of recognition is worth its weight in gold when companies consider whether to transfer executives into a community.

The cities in surrounding states picked by Business Week and the magazine's comments:

Virginia Beach, Va., "has 35 miles of beaches, 121 navigable miles of waterways, and more than 18,600 acres of state parks and wildlife refuges."

Pittsburgh, Pa."was once known as a steel town, but it has expanded into other industries including health care, technology, and financial services. It has 28 colleges and universities, 200 museums and art galleries, and a low crime rate."

Columbus, Ohio, in addition to being the state capital, is also home to Ohio State University, the country's largest college campus. "Columbus is a vibrant city with a strong arts scene and an excellent zoo."

Gaithersburg, Md., "a former farming town at the terminus of the D.C. Metro's Red Line, is a diverse, affordable place with a shopping district called "Old Towne" that dates back to the 19th century."

Lexington, Ky., "home to the University of Kentucky, is known as the 'horse capital of the world.' But there's more to Lexington than its horse parks and racecourses. Lexington has ballets, orchestras, and museums, and a highly educated populace."

Mount Prospect, Ill., a quiet Chicago suburb, tops Business Week's second annual list as the best, most affordable place to raise kids.

"Founded by German immigrants and incorporated in 1917, Mount Prospect hasn't strayed far from its values of fiscal conservatism and community involvement, even as it has expanded to include new immigrants from Poland, Mexico, Korea and India," Business Week said. "It is a middle-class community with low crime, affordable homes, award-winning schools, ethnic restaurants, a major regional mall, and a small-town charm that makes the big city less than an hour away seem much farther away."

Employment Opportunity

POSITION TITLE: Material Handler
REPORTS TO: Operations Specialist
Schedule: Day shift

SUMMARY: Supports production by ensuring the proper inventories of raw materials, proper shipment of wastes, and proper packaging and shipment of final product.
This position incorporates three phases: 1) Engineering and Construction phase, 2) Start-up, and 3) Production.

Engineering/Construction Phase:
June 2009 to September 2009
Become trained as a Material Handling Operator on the process via Production Engineers, Operations Supervisor, and Operations Teamleaders.

Start-up Phase:
October 2009 to April 2010
Implement commissioning and start-up plans for the Tank Farm, Unloading/Loading, Waste Handling and Product Packaging/Shipping areas, preparing equipment for operation and start-up.
Participate in pre-start-up safety reviews.
Participate in troubleshooting and problem solving of start-up issues.

Production Phase:
April, 2010 and beyond
Comply with Material Handling Standard Operating Procedures (SOP).
Determine maintenance needs and create notifications.
Monitor for deviations/issues and report.
Maintains good housekeeping in production areas.
Draws samples for analysis and perform chemical tests on product to ensure conformance with specifications, using standard test equipment, materials, and procedure.
Handling of raw material while unloading, handling waste material while loading, and product packaging loading.
Tend equipment units or semi-automatic systems that store chemical substances.
Transfer material from shipping containers to storage tanks and/or from storage tanks to shipping containers.
Communication with raw material vendors, waste handling companies, and transportation companies as required scheduling deliveries and shipments.
Manage inventory and waste records.
Serves on the Emergency Response Team.
Ensures compliance with all federal/state safety/environmental regulations and procedures.
Participates in investigations involving health, safety, and environmental issues.
Operate fork lift truck
Engages in problem solving and continuous improvement on an on-going basis.

QUALIFICATIONS:
Education:
High School diploma or GED.

Skills Required:
Language skills. Ability to read and interpret P & IDs and PFDs and other documents such as safety rules, operating and maintenance instructions, and procedure manuals. Ability to write routine reports.
Mathematical skills. Ability to add, subtract, multiply, and divide in all units of measure, using whole numbers, common fractions, and decimals. Ability to compute rate, ratio, and percent.
Computer skills: Proficient in Microsoft Office Products.

Certificates, Licenses, Registrations Required:
Individuals with Chemical Operator formal training or certification will be given preference provided they meet all other requirements.

To apply contact:

Sandra Ashley
497 First Avenue South
Nitro, WV 25143
Sandra@peopleworkwv.com

or

Valerie Jacobs SPHR, CCP
300 Capitol Streets
Suite 924
Charleston, WV 25301
vjacobs@ondemandhr.net

Employment Opportunity

POSITION TITLE: Team Leader
REPORTS TO: Operations Specialist
DIRECT REPORTS: Chemical operators

SUMMARY: Supports production by serving as the onsite leader for shift operators. Ensures production is conducted in an efficient and safe manner.
This position incorporates three phases:

1) Engineering and Construction phase,

2) Start-up, and

3) Production.

Engineering and Construction Phase:
April 2008 to September 2009
Develop SOPs, Training Material and train operators.

Start-up Phase:
October 2009 to April 2010
Develop commissioning and start-up plans.
Lead commissioning/start-up teams in preparing equipment for operation and start-up.
Perform pre-start-up safety reviews.
Troubleshooting and problem solving of start-up issues.

Production Phase:
April, 2010 and beyond
Communicates company goals and objectives to shift production personnel.
Conducts on-going safety huddles with personnel.
Tracks and monitors production goals for hourly personnel.
May perform some or all operator responsibilities.
Complies with SOPs and maintains work standards.
Ensures good housekeeping standards are met in all production areas.
Ensures operating units are sufficiently staffed.
Improves throughput and on-stream efficiency to support production goals.
Reports any process deviations or process issues.
Determines maintenance needs for production areas.
Investigates incidents regarding health, safety and environmental
Ensures compliance with all federal/state safety/environmental regulations and procedures.
Fulfills ERT role.

Supervisory
Supervises and coaches hourly production personnel to ensure organizational goals are met.
Involves hourly personnel in problem solving activities with an emphasis on continuous improvement.
Issues, verifies, and signs special work permits, confined space entry permits and tank entry permits.
Monitors training for hourly personnel as required (OJT, JPM, etc.).
Schedules overtime work.

Education:
High School diploma or GED.

Work Experience:
5+ years of Chemical/Polymer experience
Shift work experience
Supervisory experience
Distributed Control System knowledge, skill, experience

Skills Required:
Language skills. Ability to read and interpret P & IDs and PFDs and other documents such as safety rules, operating and maintenance instructions, and procedure manuals. Ability to write routine reports, correspondence and other documents such as safety rules, operating and maintenance instructions, and procedure manuals. Ability to speak effectively before groups of employees if necessary.
Mathematical skills. Ability to add, subtract, multiply, and divide in all units of measure, using whole numbers, common fractions, and decimals. Ability to compute rate, ratio, and percent.
Computer skills. Proficient in Microsoft Office Products.

Certificates, Licenses, Registrations Required:
Chemical Operator formal training or certification

To apply contact:

Sandra Ashley
497 First Avenue South
Nitro, WV 25143
Sandra@peopleworkwv.com

or

Valerie Jacobs SPHR, CCP
300 Capitol Streets
Suite 924
Charleston, WV 25301
vjacobs@ondemandhr.net

Employment Opportunity

POSITION TITLE: Production Engineer
REPORTS TO: Plant Manager

SUMMARY: Provides chemical engineering support, in all phases of engineering construction, startup, and production. This is a key position to lead the transfer of Japanese technology to United States standard practices, and to ensure engineering, construction, and production teams achieve targets in the areas of safety, production, costs, quality, and schedule. This position incorporates three phases: 1) Engineering/Construction, 2) Start-up, and 3) Production.

Engineering/Construction Phase:
April 2008 to September 2009
Self-train by working closely with Japanese technology experts (including at pilot plant in Japan) to learn the process and equipment.
Participate in design Process Hazard Analysis and follow-up of recommendations.
Convert Pilot plant information/procedures to U.S. methodology and standard operating procedures.
Lead development of SOPs, training material and training of operations staff (transfer Pilot Plant information/procedures to United States methodology/standards)
Provide chemical engineering input into detailed design. (assist in development of specifications and selection of equipment).

Startup Phase (For assigned areas):
October 2009 to March 2010
Develop commissioning and start-up plans.
Lead commissioning/start-up teams in preparing equipment for operation and start-up.
Perform pre-start-up safety reviews.
Troubleshooting and problem solving of start-up issues.

Production Phase:
April 2010 and beyond
Develop and implement process “best practices”, standards/policies, productivity improvements and work processes for operations that address safety, quality, efficiency, and reliability.
Coordinate the solving of complex problems related to process, mechanical, control systems, equipment integrity and other disciplines.
Monitor product and process performance; set-up systems to track performance and prioritize improvement opportunities
Will be responsible for designing training materials and the training of staff for the plant.

QUALIFICATIONS:Education:
BS Chemical Engineering

Work Experience:
5-10 years experience in chemical engineering with a working knowledge of chemical process operations, OSHA and PSM.
Working knowledge of “Root Cause” analysis.
Demonstrated experience working with teams.

Certificates, Licenses, Registrations Required: Professional Chemical Engineer License

To apply contact:

Sandra Ashley

497 First Avenue South

Nitro, WV 25143

Sandra@peopleworkwv.com

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or

Valerie Jacobs SPHR, CCP

300 Capitol Streets

Suite 924

Charleston, WV 25301

vjacobs@ondemandhr.net

Employment Opportunity

POSITION TITLE: Operation Supervisor
REPORTS TO: Plant Manager
DIRECT REPORTS: Team Leaders, Material Handling Operator

SUMMARY: Provides day-to-day leadership and overall guidance to production and material handling operators. Ensures high standards of safety and environmental performance while delivering against production cost, quality, and schedule objectives.
This position incorporates three phases: 1) Engineering and Construction phase, 2) Start-up, and 3) Production.

Production:
Serves as the leader of shift production and material handling activities. Communicates daily production plans and overall company goals and objectives to production personnel.
Write, maintain, and comply with Standard Operating Procedures (SOPs).
Ensures sufficient production staffing.
Works with staff to determine maintenance needs for production in a manner that is least disruptive to production.
Investigates incidents, maintains good housekeeping in production areas, tracks inventory.
Ensures compliance with all federal and state safety/environmental laws and regulations.
Issue, verify, and sign special work permits, confined space entry permits, and tank entry permits.

Supervisory:
Supervises and coaches Team leaders and production personnel to ensure organizational goals are met.
Involves team in problem solving activities with an emphasis on continuous improvement.
Conducts safety huddles with staff on an on-going basis.
Serves as a role model for ensuring compliance with company’s policies.
Monitors training for operations personnel as required

Education:
High School diploma or GED.

Work Experience:
10+ years of Chemical plant experience.
At least five years of experience must have been in a leadership role including direct supervision of personnel.
Working knowledge of Distributed Control System
Experience with shift work

Skills Required:
Language skills. Ability to read and interpret P & IDs and PFDs and other documents such as safety rules, operating and maintenance instructions, and procedure manuals. Ability to write routine reports, correspondence and other documents such as safety rules, operating and maintenance instructions, and procedure manuals. Ability to speak effectively before groups of employees if necessary.
Mathematical skills. Ability to add, subtract, multiply, and divide in all units of measure, using whole numbers, common fractions, and decimals. Ability to compute rate, ratio, and percent.
Computer skills. Proficient in Microsoft Office Products.

Certificates, Licenses, Registrations Required:
Chemical Operator formal training or certification

To apply contact:

Sandra Ashley
497 First Avenue South
Nitro, WV 25143
Sandra@peopleworkwv.com

or

Valerie Jacobs SPHR, CCP
300 Capitol Street
Suite 924
Charleston, WV 25301
vjacobs@ondemandhr.net

Alliance Encourages Support of the Auto Industry

The Charleston Area Alliance is urging lawmakers to support the auto industry.

Click here to view the WCHS-TV piece.

“During this economic downturn, it is vital that decision-makers carefully consider measures to keep our most critical industries, including the auto sector, afloat,” said Jack Rossi, Chairman of the Charleston Area Alliance Board. “If a major manufacturer fails, the ripple effect on businesses, communities and workers across the country could be devastating.”

The auto industry is a major component of our local economy, Rossi noted. Kanawha County has eight suppliers that employ approximately 443 people, while Putnam County has eight suppliers employing 1,400. Together, those suppliers account for 1,843 jobs.

The Alliance’s membership also includes auto dealerships, truck dealerships and tire stores. The automotive sector is one of the four target industries on which the Alliance concentrates its efforts to recruit and expand new jobs in the region. The other three are chemical, printing and energy.

“Eighty percent of the US automotive industry is within overnight shipping distance from West Virginia,” said Matthew Ballard, President and CEO of the Charleston Area Alliance. “This geographic advantage has helped create an automotive corridor running from Wood to Wayne County,” he noted, adding that “suppliers know that they can serve the traditional Michigan markets and the new Southern automotive corridor from West Virginia, ‘just in time.’”

“We stand ready to speak out for the auto industry and our local businesses and workers who are involved in this major sector of our economy,” he said.

Charleston Area Alliance Urges

Support of Local Businesses

The Charleston Area Alliance today announced a campaign to support the local economy during the national and worldwide economic downturn.

“As the holiday season begins, the Charleston Area Alliance is encouraging its members, all regional businesses and citizens to make their best efforts to purchase products, goods and services locally,” said Matt Ballard, president and CEO of the Alliance.

“With national economic indicators trending downward, supporting your neighborhood business can make the difference,” he added.

Supporting local businesses already is policy for the Alliance. It lists local businesses on its Web site – www.CharlestonAreaAlliance.org – and purchases goods and services from its members. In addition, the Alliance urges its members to buy locally.

During today’s Economic Outlook Conference at the Charleston Marriott Town Center, Ballard noted that the national downturn has not affected West Virginia’s economy as severely as the rest of the U.S.

West Virginia’s strong natural resources sector continues to drive the state’s economy, he said. Other industries, however, face challenges, Ballard added.

“When we visit with businesses each month, on retention and expansion visits, one of the most important assistance tools we can provide is our knowledge of the businesses of West Virginia,” Ballard said. “So often, businesses are purchasing products from out of state, even though they could purchase products of similar quality and cost made in West Virginia by West Virginia companies.”

The national economy eventually will rebound, said Alliance Chairman Jack Rossi. With support during the downturn, however, West Virginia’s economy could gain momentum when the national economy starts improving.

“More than any other state, West Virginia can make the most out of this bad situation,” Rossi said. “But it will take commitment from its citizens and businesses. These are hard times for everyone, but West Virginians have an opportunity to come out even stronger as the economy recovers.”

The Alliance encourages any business seeking to locate a West Virginia supplier or specific product to contact it at (304) 340-4253 or visit www.CharlestonAreaAlliance.org.

“The Charleston Area Alliance will make its best efforts to connect you with a local or regional supplier,” Ballard said.

You're Invited to the Verizon Wireless Data Symposium

Verizon Wireless invites you to its data symposium Thursday, Nov. 20, from 12:30 to 4:30 p.m. in the Chase building's L1 conference room.

The symposium includes information about staying connected in today's fast-paced, on-the-go business world through Verizon's high-speed wireless broadband network.

RSVP by Nov. 13. Seating is limited. To register, visit www.vzwsolutions.com/registration.

Verizon representatives will talk about accessing your email and the Web all over the world and streamlining the way you manage your mobile workforce.

For more information, contact Ashley Stender and (304)807-0599 or ashley.stender@verizonwireless.com.

American Lung Association Introduces Golf Card

The 2009 GOLF privilege card is a great gift for golfers this holiday season.

The card allows free or discounted green fees at more than 60 West Virginia golf courses, along with 35 courses in Pennsylvania and New Jersey. The courses include Oglebay Park, Stonewall Resort, Lakeview Resort and Pipestem Resort.

The cost is $45 through Dec. 31.

For more information, contact the Lung Association at (304 )342-6600 or visit http://www.lunginfo.org/.

Generation Charleston to Host Luncheon with
Leadership West Virginia

Generation Charleston and Leadership West Virginia are hosting a luncheon at the Marriott from noon to 1 p.m. Friday, Nov. 21.

The event includes lunch, a presentation by Leadership Executive Director Pam Farris, information about Leadership Kanawha Valley and a Q&A sesson.

The cost to participate is $23, and the registration deadline is Nov. 19.

Register by clicking here or visit the Charleston Area Alliance office, 1116 Smith St.

CEO Roundtable to Follow Economic Outlook Conference

The November CEO Roundtable Luncheon is scheduled for 12:30 p.m. Nov. 18 following the West Virginia Economic Outlook Conference at the Charleston Marriott Town Center.

Join the Charleston Area Alliance and the WVU College of Business and Economics for a discussion of economic trends with leading national and local economists.

CLICK HERE to register!

Join us to learn more about industry trends for 2009 and beyond. The following will be presenting:

David A. Wyss, chief economist at Standard and Poor's

George W. Hammond, associate director of the Bureau of Business and Economic Research in the WVU College of Business and Economics

Matthew Ballard, CEO, Charleston Area Alliance

Mark Muchow, West Virginia Department of Revenue

Skip Hageboeck, President, CEO, City Holding

Attendance at the West Virginia Economic Outlook Conference is a prerequisite for this CEO Roundtable Luncheon.

Registration information for the 15th Annual Economic Outlook is available at http://www.bber.evu.edu/. The CEO Roundtable Luncheon is limited to 35 participants and registration is required. Please call 340-4253 to register or contact Leanne Stowers at LStowers@charlestonareaalliance.org to reserve your seat today.

The event is $10.00 for Charleston Alliance members and their employees; there will be a $20.00 charge for non-members.

Join the Generation Charleston Habitat Build

Generation Charleston and Habitat for Humanity are teaming this Saturday, Nov. 15, for a build in North Charleston.

The build is scheduled to run from 9 a.m. to 6 p.m. Depending on the number of volunteers, the day could be split into shifts.

If you're interested in helping out, contact Joseph Tarantelli at (304) 345-2000.

"This is a great opportunity to do something positive in the community," said Tarantelli, housing team co-captain. "It's a perfect example of what Generation Charleston is all about."

Matt Ballard Among Those Recognized During A-B Alumni Banquet

Alderson-Broaddus College recognized three of its alumni at the Alumni Banquet Oct. 11 during the college’s annual Homecoming celebration.

Matthew G. Ballard, president and CEO of the Charleston Area Alliance, received the Alumni Achievement Award for his outstanding contributions in his career.

Dr. Stacey (Davis) Dickenson of Beckley, West Virginia, received the Distinguished Alumni Award for her outstanding service to the College.

Mrs. Janette (Powers) Corrothers of Independence, Kentucky, received the Outstanding Young Alumni Award for her contribution in her chosen career within ten years of graduation.

Ballard, a 1999 graduate of Alderson-Broaddus College, was named president of the Alliance on December 1, 2006. Prior to that, he served as Executive Vice President of the Alliance, managing its economic development efforts, including attraction of new businesses and jobs to the Kanawha Valley.

Before joining the Alliance, Matt served as the Executive Director of the Hatfield-McCoy Trails, a 500-mile multi-use recreational trail system, operating in nine counties throughout southern West Virginia. Prior to his work in tourism, Matt served for two years as the Special Assistant for Project Management and Policy Analysis to the Cabinet Secretary in the West Virginia Department of Revenue. In 2008, Matt was recognized by The State Journal as one of "Generation Next, 40 Leaders Under 40" in West Virginia.

Ballard has an undergraduate degree in nursing from Alderson-Broaddus College and a master’s degree in Public Administration from West Virginia University. During graduate school, he was a Burke Scholar with the West Virginia Legislature and spent nine months working for the Senate Majority Leader.

He currently serves on the Governor’s Disaster Recovery Board, the Chemical Alliance Zone Board of Directors, the Advantage Valley Board of Directors, the Regional Intergovernmental Council, the Alderson-Broaddus College Alumni Council, the Citizens Advisory Committee for the Yeager Airport Master Plan, the West Virginia Center of Nursing, West Virginia University’s Advisory Board for the School of Nursing, and the Board of Directors of the Hatfield-McCoy Trail as a Kanawha County Representative. Matt is also a member of the Charleston Rotary.

Dr. Stacey Dickenson, a 1988 summa cum laude graduate of Alderson-Broaddus College with a bachelor’s degree in biology, has distinguished herself as a pediatric physician for almost 20 years. She currently serves with Community Health Systems, Inc. in Beckley.

She was certified by the American Board of Pediatrics in 1995, which was renewed in 2002. She has been a fellow of the American Academy of Pediatrics since 1996; and a Continuity Clinic Resident Preceptor at the University of South Carolina School of Medicine from 1995-1999. She is a member of the American Medical Association and the West Virginia Medical Association.

She has served faithfully and energetically as a member of the Board of Trustees of Alderson-Broaddus College from 2003 to the present. In her capacity as Trustee of the College she served as chair of the Trusteeship Committee and as a member of the Presidential Search Committee.Before her present position with Community Health Systems, Inc. in Beckley she served in Summersville Pediatrics from 2001 – 2005, in the New River Family Health Center in Scarboro, West Virginia, 2000 – 2001, Nicholas County Health Department, Adolescent Health Clinics, 1999-2001 in Summersville, the Richwood Area Community Hospital in Richwood, West Virginia in 1999, Carolina Pediatrics in Columbia, South Carolina, 1995-1999, and the University of Kentucky Department of Pediatric Residency Program in Lexington, Kentucky, 1992-1995.

Dr. Dickenson received the Doctor of Medicine with honors from the University of Kentucky College of Medicine in 1992 and her residency certificate in the Department of Pediatrics at the University of Kentucky College of Medicine in 1995.

Janette (Powers) Corrothers is a 1999 graduate of Alderson-Broaddus College who currently holds the position of staff accompanist and lecturer of music at Northern Kentucky University where she teaches Class Piano and serves as studio and recital accompanist for voice and instrumental majors. In addition to her teaching responsibilities, Corrothers is Principal Accompanist for the Cincinnati Children’s Choir, in residence at the University of Cincinnati College-Conservatory of Music.

In October of this year, Corrothers will assume the position of conductor of CCC’s newest satellite choir, located in northern Kentucky. Prior to her appointment at Northern Kentucky University, Corrothers held positions as Staff Accompanist and Lecturer of Music at Alderson-Broaddus College and Marietta College (Ohio). She also served as Director of Music and Organist at the First Baptist Church of Parkersburg, West Virginia, where she founded and directed the Mid-Ohio Valley Children’s Choir, directed the chancel choir, handbell choir, worship team and maintained a private studio, teaching voice, piano and organ.

She has served as accompanist for many choral festivals, workshops and reading sessions over the years including the 2007 and 2008 West Virginia high school All-State Chorus, WV All-State Chamber Choir and the Fellowship of American Baptist Musicians national conference youth choir, among others. She has collaborated with such composers and conductors as Kevin Fenton, Brad Holmes, Sharon Hansen, Christine Anderson, Joseph Martin, Craig Courtney, Tom Fettke and David Schwoebel. Corrothers received a master’s of music degree in Organ Performance from the Shenandoah University Conservatory of Music (Winchester, Virginia), a Bachelor of Arts degree in Applied and Church Music from Alderson-Broaddus College and is currently pursuing collaborative piano study with Kenneth Griffiths of the University of Cincinnati College-Conservatory of Music.

Candlelight Vigil Scheduled for Nov. 18

The Pancreatic Cancer Action Network is sponsoring a candlelight vigil starting at 5:30 p.m. Nov. 18 on the Kanawha Boulevard side of the Capitol.

Gov. Joe Manchin is scheduled to proclaim November is Pancreatic Cancer Awareness Month at 1:30 p.m. that same day.

The vigil will last about an hour.

Job Posting - Security America Inc.

Security America has statewide openings for full and part-time security officers, both armed and unarmed.

Responsibilities include access control and property patrol.

Openings are in Charleston, Nitro, Parkersburg, Boone County, Nicholas County and Columbus, Ohio.

The positions include premium pay, paid holidays, available insurance, paid vacations and awards.

Applicants must be 18 years old and must be able to stand and walk for brief periods.

References are worth $75.

Apply online at http://www.securityamerica.com/. Or contact tjarrell@securityamerica.com, (888) 832-6732, x 111, or fax at (304) 925-4700.

Job Posting -

West Virginia Land and Mineral Owners Association

The West Virginia Land and Mineral Owners Association (WVLMOA) is searching for a new executive director.

Applicants must submit their resumes electronically by Dec. 15 to wvlmoa@gmail.com.

Responsibilities of this position include administration, management and planning of all membership activities, including board and committee meetings, seminars, annual meetings, conferences and industry tours. In addition, the Director will maintain the membership database, finances, a website and develop periodic newsletters.

As a matter of self-education, the director will be expected to be current with the timber, gas, and coal industries as well as land management practices through networking and by attending industry meetings and seminars. In addition to keeping the membership informed on current issues, the Director will also need to keep the public informed about relevant industry practices and topics through public relations and education.

The chosen applicant also will act as a liaison between a lobbying firm, the membership, the board and committee chairs in order to facilitate relevant legislative issues.

Applicants must reside in the greater Charleston area.

Join Think Tank 19 Tomorrow

Think You Think As Well As You Can? Think Again.

Join us for Think Tank 19 from 8:30 to 10:30 Thursday at the Capitol Conference Center.

Whether you’re a manager or an artist, whether you work alone or in a group, you’ll think better and do better by learning to unlock your creative intelligence ... and unblock your thinking.

Tim Hurson, the founding partner of Thinkx Intellectual Capital and author of "Think Better: An Innovator’s Guide to Productive Thinking," will take you through the Productive Thinking Model with his energetic blend of insight and humor. "Think Better" is about Productive Thinking — why it’s important, how it works and how to use it at work, at home and at play. It helps people understand more clearly, think more creatively and plan more effectively.

Mr. Hurson will be available for a book signing immediately following the Think Tank session.

Contact Susie Salisbury at (304) 340-4253 or SSalisbury@CharlestonAreaAlliance.org for more information.

Join Us for Business After Hours Wednesday

The next Business After Hours is Wednesday Nov. 12 from 5 to 7 p.m. at the Charleston Area Alliance office, 1116 Smith St.

Come see our most recent improvements to the building and learn about an exciting new communication initiative to spotlight our members and local businesses.

And as always, enjoy a fantastic networking opportunity and live entertainment with food and drinks.The cost is $10 for members and $20 for non-members.

CLICK HERE to register!

Downtown Businesses Encouraged to
Recognize Veteran's Day Parade Nov. 11

The Nov. 11 Veteran's Day Parade is scheduled to begin at 10 a.m.

Nearly 50 participating American Legion units will gather at Kanawha Boulevard East near Hadda Riverfront Park and proceed east on the boulevard, north of Capitol Street, west on Quarrier Street and south on Court Street, ending back at Haddad. The parade will feature a mini C-130. A short ceremony honoring past and present veterans will follow.

A C-130 flyover is scheduled for 11 a.m.

John Brawley of Post No. 20 of is hosting the parade! Edward Ben Converse, past commander of Post 20 Legionnaire, is parade coordinator for this year’s event.

Business owners are encouraged to allow employees a little bit of time to gather along the parade route to honor the veterans and then attend the ceremony at Haddad River Front Park for fellowship.

Join MedExpress Tomorrow for Its Grand Opening

MedExpress Urgent Care invites you to the opening of its newest center at MacCorkle Avenue and 55th Street near the Kanawha Mall.

The event runs from noon to 2 p.m. The ribbon cutting is scheduled for 1 p.m. Heavy hors d'oeuvres will be available.

For more information, contact Josh Caplan at jcaplain@medexpress.com or (304) 225-2500.

Cut the Ribbon with Advantage Technology Tomorrow

Advantage Technology is celebrating a new partnership with ShoreTel Communications with a Nov. 6 ribbon-cutting at its offices at 814 Quarrier St.

The free event runs from 5 to 7 p.m. CLICK HERE to RSVP. Or call (304) 340-4253.
Advantage Technology, an IT consulting company, has joined with ShoreTel to roll out an Internet protocol phone system. Models will be available for demonstrations at the event. ShoreTel is the product's vendor.

“We want to keep clients on the cutting edge of telecommunication and technology,” said Richard Wilbur III, Advantage president. “This event allows people to see the technology first-hand. It gives us a chance to thank businesses in the region for the opportunity to work with them.”

ShoreTel and Advantage Technology plan to build businesses on the performance and reliability of Pure Internet Protocol communications and improve employee productivity by transforming the way people communicate. Pure IP solutions redefine the traditional phone systems by offering extremely high levels of scalability, reliability and availability that meet the needs of global enterprises, as well as small and medium businesses. Pure IP also offers accessibility by mobile users, transferring the full productivity of the office environment to a mobile phone.

The event will feature a brief demonstration of the new IP-based phone system, drinks and hors d'oeuvres catered by Fuji Japanese Cuisine.

ChamPAC Announces General Election Endorsements

ChamPAC, the political action committee of the Charleston Regional Chamber of Commerce, has made the following endorsements in the Nov. 4 general election. In making its endorsements, the Chamber identified candidates who:

- Advocate policies that support job creation for our area and state,
- Strive to improve the quality of life for our citizens,
- Support metro-services and metro-government,
- Support responsible tax reduction while maintaining fiscal responsibility in state government
- Work to keep our young and educated in West Virginia.

In addition to the above criteria, consideration was given to a candidate's effectiveness in the legislature and his or her accessibility to the views of the Chamber and our 600+ business members and their 40,000 employees.

Based upon the above criteria and thoughtful deliberation among our leadership, ChamPAC has formally endorsed:

Gov. Joe Manchin
House of Delegates 30th District: Doug Skaff (D) and Danny Wells (D)
House of Delegates 31st District: Carrie Webster (D)
House of Delegates 32nd District: Tim Armstead (R) and Ron Walters (R)
Senate 8th District: Corey Palumbo (D)
Senate 17th District: Dan Foster (D)

ChamPAC urges support of these candidates who are committed to working with us to better our community and our state.