Root, Root, Root for the Home Team!

Generation Charleston wants the region's emerging leaders - its young talent and interns - to see firsthand why Charleston is a great place to live, work and play.

Join us Friday, June 12 for Generation Charleston Day at Power Park. Meet new people. Enjoy food and beverages. Enjoy some baseball.

Tickets are $15. Click here to register. The cost includes game admission, food and beverages.

Packages of 15 tickets are available for $200. Contact Danny Forinash for more information.

The event begins at 5:30 p.m. The Power take on the Hickory Crawdads at 7:05 p.m. Fireworks follow the game.

This is one of the many pieces of art available during East End Main Street's StreetWorks June 21.

Click here to register.

This is one of the many pieces of art available during East End Main Street's StreetWorks June 21.

Click here to register.

This is one of the many pieces of art available during East End Main Street's StreetWorks June 21.

Click here to register.

West Virginia State
Community and Technical College
Invites you to a...

FREE Lean Six Sigma Showcase & White Belt*

WHERE: 112 Cole Complex, Institute WV
WHEN: June 10, 2009
8:30 – 9:00 am. . . . . . . Coffee and continental breakfast
9:00 -12:00 noon. . . .. . Blended Learning Executive Showcase

INTRODUCING a proven Lean and Six Sigma blended e-Learning system for your organization

Lean— the ability to identify waste, reduce it, and aggressively pursue elimination of non-value added activities and improve response to customers, whether internal or external.
Six Sigma— a management methodology driven by data and focusing on projects that will produce measurable business results.

Results you can expect:
- Accelerated Learning- Improved Alignment- Faster Deployment- Greater ROI for yourOrganization

Advantages to blended e-Learning:
-Online Learning
-Flexibility – learn anywhere 24/7-Accommodates different learning styles
-Reduces classroom training time
-Classroom Learning
Hands-on active learning
Interface with a Six Sigma expert
-On-the-job Support
Access to online libraries and reference materials
Direct knowledge transfer to the workplace
Mentoring and coaching

Please register online at www.wvsctc.edu/ContEd.htm by June 9
Select: Workshops and Seminars
Select: Lean & Six Sigma

Or R.S.V.P. to workshops@wvsctc.edu

To learn more about this dynamic program, call Linda Nielsen at 304-766-5113.

ACCELERATED LEARNING, AND IMPROVED ALIGNMENT THAT DRIVES BUSINESS RESULTS!

*White Belt Six Sigma is designed for those who want an overview of Six Sigma, Lean, and Statistics. It is a must for managers who want an appreciation of the improvement and the return on investment to be gained. Additionally this is an ideal series for those who are thinking about taking the Six Sigma Journey.

Nice Evening for a Walk

Join us downtown this evening for our monthly ArtWalk.

Enjoy the best of what downtown has to offer as galleries open their doors after hours, inviting guests to enjoy art, refreshments and a fantastic atmosphere!

For more information, call (304) 340-4253.

ArtWalk Schedule
June 25
July 16
August 20
September 17
October 15
November 27
December 17

All ArtWalks are from 5 to 8 p.m.

This is one of the many pieces of art available during East End Main Street's StreetWorks June 21.

Click here to register.

Washington Street to Become Public Art Gallery
During StreetWorks

East End Main Street is hosting a public art auction - StreetWorks - beginning at 5 p.m. June 21 at the 400 block of Elizabeth Street and Bluegrass Kitchen.

"StreetWorks will turn Washington Street into a public art gallery," said Ric Cavender, program director. "This is a chance to take home a piece of East End art history."

Thirty local artists are participating. The artwork – interpretations of the East End – is displayed via banners on Washington Street East streetscape lamps.

Local musical talent will be showcased inside and on the street.
The auction runs from 5:30 to 6:30 p.m.Take home a piece of East End art history! The auction is from 5:00 until 6:30 p.m. A party follows.

The cost in advance is $20. Admission is $25 at the door.

Click here to register.

Admission includes wine, cheese and hors d’oeuvres.

"Bit-o-Banner" buttons display small pieces of the artwork to be auctioned off during East End Main StreetWorks, from 5 to 8 p.m. June 21 at the 400 block of Elizabeth Street and Bluegrass Kitchen.

Click here to register.

College Summit Scholarship Recipients Revealed

The Charleston Area Alliance today announced its 2009 College Summit Scholarship recipients.

The winners are: Thomas Gray, Riverside High School; Jared Layman, Nitro High School; and Kevin Jackson, George Washington High School. Funding for the scholarships is provided by the Maier Foundation.

Each student will receive a $2,000 scholarship and a laptop computer. In addition, students will receive a gift card their sophomore and junior years to their university bookstore so they can purchase books. A gift card to a Charleston Area Alliance member retailer will be provided their senior year to purchase business attire to assist them in presenting a professional image at job interviews.

These students will be recognized for their achievement at the Alliance’s 2009 Annual Celebration June 3 at the Clay Center.

The Alliance’s Scholarship Selection Committee met earlier this month to review applications and choose the recipients.

“It was an incredibly difficult decision,” said committee member Bonita Hess. “We had an outstanding group of students apply. I only wish we could have awarded all the students with scholarships.”

The Alliance began partnering with College Summit in 2006 to provide scholarship opportunities to students participating in College Summit’s Peer Leader workshop. During this workshop, students receive intensive instruction on how to get into college, including working with a writing coach perfecting their personal essays, filling out practice college applications, meeting with college counselors and researching financial aid opportunities.

These students then return to their high schools to share the information learned in the workshop with peers. In addition to being a peer leader, students must possess between a 2.0 and 3.5 GPA and plan on attending a West Virginia college or university.

”We’re pleased to invest in our future leaders by providing the resources they need to succeed,” said Alliance President and CEO Matt Ballard. “Scholarships afford these deserving students the opportunity to fulfill their dreams of going to college, when they would not likely be able to attend otherwise.”

Since the scholarship program implementation, the Charleston Area Alliance has awarded 16 scholarships to low-income high schools students throughout Kanawha County.

The Charleston Area Alliance is hosting Sustainability Awareness Training from 1 to 5 p.m. Thursday, May 28 at the Department of Environmental Protection, 601 57th St.

The session will introduce you to the "Triple Bottom Line Sustainability," focussin on economic, social and environmental impacts and presenting potential solutions.

Contact Susie Salisbury at SSalisbury@CharlestonAreaAlliance.org or (304) 340-4253 to RSVP.

Kanawha Valley Sustainability Fair Coming May 30

The Kanawha Valley Sustainability Fair is scheduled for 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. at the Habitat for Humanity ReStore, 815 Young St.

Kanawha Valley Connections, a group of local volunteers, is hosting the area's first free community fair celebrating local resources that contribute to economic, environmental and social sustainability. Bring the family for food, fun, active exhibits, games, speakers, vendors and live entertainment!

For more information about the fair and a list of special events, some which occur prior to May 30, please visit www.kvc-fair.org.

Netranom Communications seeks Web Developer

Netranom Communications invites applications for the position of Web Developer. This position is responsible for designing, developing, and maintaining the Netranom web presence as well as our customers websites by performing the following duties:

Meeting customers to understand application requirements, designing and developing dynamic or static websites based on customers needs, testing developed websites on multiple platforms, and following up with customer in all aspects of the project.

Qualifications:

Experience designing and interfacing database applications that interact with the web and database administration. Experience developing database driven web applications using ASP, MySQL, Access. Good oral / written communication skills. Capable of working both independently and with others, while managing multiple projects. Knowledge of flash, photoshop, and javascript is desired.

Salary will vary depending on skill level and experience. Netranom offers a challenging and rewarding opportunity for qualified candidates. This position offers an excellent compensation package, benefits including medical, dental, 401(k) and paid vacation.

To be considered for this position, please submit your resume with salary history / requirements to: info@netranom.com This position is available immediately.

West Virginia Advocates, Inc. seeking an Advocate

West Virginia Advocates, Inc. (WVA) is a private, non-profit corporation and West Virginia's designated protection and advocacy agency committed to promoting and protecting the human and legal rights of citizens with disabilities.

Qualifications: Bachelor's degree in a field relevant to the core job functions of this position is required. Also a minimum of one year experience working with people with disabilities and/or a disability related program such as behavioral health, special education, and Medicaid. Applicant must have excellent writing skills. This is a full time, non-exempt position. Only qualified individuals should apply. Salary range is $1973-$3154 per month with generous benefits package. Position open til filled.

Please send letter of interest, cover letter and resume to:

Executive Director
West Virginia Advocates, Inc.
1207 Quarrier Street, Suite 400
Charleston, WV 25301

Email: bgiven@wvadvocates.org

Fax: 304-346-0867

EOE. WVA encourages person with disabiliities and minorities to apply.

TRG Customer Solutions career opportunity

TRG is fast-paced, hard-working, and focused on building the very best business in the telecommunications industry.

Position Description:

Hiring for immediate placement in a customer service/technical support call center located in Charleston, WV. Position requires high volume call activity in a call center environment. As a technical support agent, you will be answering calls and providing Tier 1 technical support for wireless, home phone, cable & internet services. Ideal candidates should be motivated, self-confident, and possess excellent communication skills.

Compensation offered:

Competitive Salary
Comprehensive Benefits Package
Paid Time Off
Referral Bonus
Paid professional training

Scheduling:

A variety of shifts are available, including weekends.

Other Job Requirements:

Successful completion and passage of all applicable employment testing and interview
Must be able to pass a Drug Screening and Criminal Background Check.
Required use of a computer for extended periods of time.

How to Apply:

To apply, please click on the link below and follow the instructions to fill out our online application. We will contact you via email after reviewing your application.
https://trg.evolvondemand.net/offline/126

Annual Celebration
Wednesday, June 3
The Clay Center
featuring West Virginia's own Ray Lane
Managing Partner, Kleiner Perkins Caulfield & Byers
Former President and COO, Oracle Corporation

4:00 - VIP Sponsor Reception(invitation only)
5:00 - Program
Gala Reception to Follow

Reservations paid by May 15 are $150 for Charleston Area Alliance members and $200 for future members. Those prices increase to $200 and $250 May 16.

Click here to register.

Put your organization in the spotlight and be a sponsor for this year's Annual Celebration. Click here to download a list of sponsorship opportunities.

Deadline for sponsorship recognition: May 18, 2009

More than 800 leaders from around the region will gather for this uplifting tribute to our community and the progress that has been achieved in the past year. Highlighting the event will be a keynote address from West Virginia's own Ray Lane.

From helping Oracle become the second-largest software company in the world to capitalizing on the opportunities presented by the "the 'new' new economy," West Virginia's own Ray Lane has been at the epicenter of growth and innovation throughout his career. Kleiner Perkins was an early investor in Google and Netscape and has a strong focus on sustainable growth, including investments in firms that focus on coal to gas conversion, enhanced gas recovery from fossilized hydrocarbons to concentrating solar energy.

Lane is a graduate of West Virginia University and was recently named to the WVU Board of Governors. We look forward to hearing his perspectives on opportunity and how his Mountain State roots have influenced his success.

Workshops Teach Businesses and Organizations
About Going Green

Businesses and other organizations in the state can learn more about “going green’’ and other ways to improve their environmental performance during two workshops at the West Virginia Department of Environmental Protection’s Charleston headquarters.

Registration is free, and the deadline is Thursday, May 21. To register, go to: www.wvdep.org/registration.

The workshops, scheduled for June 1-4, are sponsored by the DEP, the National Pollution Prevention Roundtable and the Community and Technical College at West Virginia University Institute of Technology.

One workshop will deal with the Riverside Sustainability Awareness Program, which focuses on financial, social and environmental sustainability, and includes lessons on maintaining a small carbon footprint and green business practices, according to Matt Earnest, executive director of the Office of Workforce Development at the Community and Technical College at WVU Tech.

“The RSAP is designed to challenge people to think ‘green’ in their communities, personal lives and daily business activities with the goals of using resources more efficiently, creating a safer work environment and reducing the amount of materials added to the waste stream,’’ Earnest said.

A second workshop will focus on the Environmental Management System, a framework that helps a company achieve its environmental goals through consistent control of its operations. Increased control can help companies improve their environmental performance, according to Greg Adolfson, DEP sustainability officer and EMS trainer.

“The EMS itself does not dictate a level of environmental performance that must be achieved; each company's EMS is tailored to the company's business and goals,” Adolfson said.
The workshops will be directed and instructed by Adolfson, Earnest, and Jeffrey Burke, executive director of the National Pollution Prevention Roundtable.

“Managing environmental impacts is really a sensible, yet progressive way to do business,” said DEP Cabinet Secretary Randy C. Huffman. “There is an increasing demand both domestically and internationally for organizations to adopt sustainability concepts and Environmental Management Systems into existing practices.”

Burke said, “These workshops will put West Virginia organizations on the pathway to accelerating their environmental performance. Participants will actively learn the benefits of sustainability concepts and Environmental Management Systems.”

Two identical, two-day RSAP and EMS workshops are scheduled for June 1-2 and June 3-4. Registration is free and the deadline is Thursday, May 21. To register, go to: www.wvdep.org/registration.

For more information contact Adolfson at (304) 926-0499, ext. 1332 or Gregory.e.adolfson@wv.gov.

Generation Charleston, the emerging leaders group of the Charleston Area Alliance, will focus on the environment with a panel discussion during its May Meeting.

A group of experts from various sectors and backgrounds will be talking about environmental regulations, policies, activism, research and economics.

“One of Generation Charleston’s goals is offering learning opportunities for our members,” said Emily Bennington, Generation Charleston co-chair. “This year, we’ve hosted professional development events that spotlighted higher education, holding public office and Parliamentary Procedure. The environment is a significant issue that affects many facets of our lives. It’s an issue often discussed and debated, so we of course feel it is of interest.”

The panelists include:
Edward L. "Skipp" Kropp - Attorney with Jackson Kelly focusing on environmental law, Chair of the WV Chamber of Commerce Air Quality sub-committee, former Chief of the West Virginia Division of Environmental Protection Office of Air Quality, former Deputy Director of the West Virginia Division of Environmental Protection
Pam Nixon - Environmental Advocate, West Virginia Department of Environmental Protection
Stephanie Timmermeyer - Attorney and environmental consultant with Timmermeyer, PLLC, former forester, former Secretary of the West Virginia Department of Environmental Protection
Tim Mallan- Appalachian Power Environmental Affairs Manager, member Environmental Safety and Health Committee of the West Virginia Manufactures Association
Don Garvin - Legislative Coordinator with WV Environmental Council

The event is free.

Appalachian Power is hosting networking receptions before and after the panel with food and drinks provided.

The Chase Building is within walking distance of most downtown businesses

It's Time for a Business After Hours Block Party

Join us for City National Bank's annual Business After Hours from 5 to 8 p.m. May 14 at its Hale Street location.

City National is inviting guests to enjoy festivities, featuring DJ Bill Shahan, in the parking lot and in its unique lobby.

Business After Hours is an excellent networking opportunity. Enjoy food, drinks, music and a great time.

Admission to Business After Hours is $10 for Alliance members and $20 for future members.

Click here to register.

Prices increase to $15 and $25 at the door.To expedite your registration, you may pay online or contact Deb Coffman for more information.

We are unable to invoice for groups with fewer than 10 or issue refunds for cancellations received less than 48 hours prior to the event. Thank you.

Gateway Greenspace First Friday at Bruno's

The Block Party celebrating Gateway Greenspace is moving indoors because of weather forecasts.

First Friday will run from 5 to 7 p.m. at Bruno's, 222 Leon Sullivan Way, which is right across the street from the Gateway Greenspace site.

Enjoy hot appetizers, drink specials and music. And learn more about Generation Charleston's year-long community outreach project. Gateway Greenspace is transforming an old parking lot into a central attraction for Downtown Charleston.

This is great example of how Generatoin Charleston is helping to transform Charleston.

Generation Charleston to Match Members

With Non-Profit Organizations

Generation Charleston, the Charleston Area Alliance's emerging leaders group, is working on an initiative to create a link between non-profit organizations and members of Generation Charleston to increase involvement in the community, as well as meet the volunteer needs of non-profit organizations on an ongoing basis.

Click here to take our non-profit placement survey.

The goal of this initiative is to recommend long-term volunteers from Generation Charleston for committees, leadership positions, advocacy, and awareness. This survey can be your link to the community. Once you have filled out your information, the committee will review your interests and recommend you to organizations that will be a good fit.

Access to Capital in the Age of Toxic Assets

Join us Wednesday, May 6, from noon to 1 p.m. for our CEO Roundtable Luncheon at the Charleston Area Alliance, 1116 Smith St. The topic is "Access to Capital in the Age of Toxic Assets."

Reservations are $10 for members and $20 for future members. Click here to learn more.

This roundtable, led by John DeRito of City National Bank, will address the banking industry in light of the Troubled Assets Relief Program (TARP), the economy and most importantly, what business owners, CEOs and presidents can do to position their firm to access capital in today’s uncertain times.

John DeRito has served as Executive Vice President and Director of Commercial Lending for City National Bank for the past five years. Prior to that, he was the Regional Credit Officer for BB&T in Charleston and was the Senior Vice President and Credit Officer for One Valley Bank, which was purchased by BB&T in 2000.

John is a CPA and is a Magna Cum Laude graduate of Morris Harvey College (now the University of Charleston) and also is a graduate of the American Bankers Association Stonier Graduate School of Banking, held at the University of Delaware. John has taught various financial analysis and cash flow analysis courses for the American Bankers Association, the West Virginia Society of CPAs, the West Virginia Bankers Association and is a member of the Board of Regents of the RMA Carolinas-Virginias Commercial Lending School held annually at East Carolina University. Prior to his career in banking, John was the Controller of Coal Operations for Carbon Industries, an ITT subsidiary located in Charleston.

He has served, and is currently a board member and finance chairman for a number of non-profit organizations in the Charleston area.

REACH
FIELD INTERVIEWER POSITIONS AVAILABLE

Flexible Schedule - From 20 to 30 hours/per week
July 17, 2009 – December 2009
Kanawha and McDowell Counties, WVA

NORC seeks reliable, outgoing, persuasive people to conduct in-person interviews within the homes of residents of selected REACH neighborhoods, July 17th – December 2009. Some interviews may also be completed by telephone. This research survey will focus on community health issues. Interviewers must gain the cooperation of the residents of sampled households and maintain strict confidentiality standards. Most of the interviews will be in Kanawha County but there will also be some interviews to conduct in McDowell County as well.

Interviewers must be self-motivated, have a valid driver’s license, a working car, and NORC required insurance coverage limits. Interviewers will report weekly to Field Managers. No selling. Background and driving history checks are conducted.

Hourly rate $ 13.18 plus mileage

SPECIFIC TASKS:
Interviewers administer a structured questionnaire in person or (sometimes by phone) in scientifically sampled households. One or more household members may be selected for the interview which takes about 1/2 hour to administer. The survey collects data about the respondents' health and community.

This information is gathered carefully and systematically. Reporting and record keeping are required. Interviewers will be well trained and supported by Field Managers. The majority of the interviews must be completed within the first 16 weeks of the field period. The work must progress very quickly, leaving the last weeks of the field period for clean‑up tasks.

TRAINING:
Successful applicants will attend 4 days of paid training in Chicago July 13th through July 16th. Attendance at all assigned training sessions is mandatory.

AVAILABILITY:
This is an interesting position for individuals with flexible availability when residents are expected to be home. Successful applicants must be available to work from 20 - 30 hours/week including most week nights and week-ends (Sat. and Sun.), and occasionally during weekday hours. Work hours will vary with the progress of the data collection effort.

NORC is an affirmative action, equal opportunity employer that values and actively seeks diversity in the
workforce. M/F/V/D

TO APPLY:

Visit our website: http://www.norc.org/Careers/
Click on Current Opportunities
Under the headings Job Listings click on Field Operations and search for the Field Interviewer – Kanawha County - REACH position.


Responses accepted through Noon, May 22, 2009

Catch Great Deals at the East End Yard Sale

Don't miss one of the most anticipated events on the East End Saturday, May 9 from 8 a.m. to 1 p.m. The event takes play at the Board of Education parking lot.

Last year, the East End Yard Sale saw more than 2,000 people from all around the Valley walking the historic streets of the East End and perusing the great deals. This year, East End Main Street will be raffling off items and services from you favorite East End businesses such as Bluegrass Kitchen, The Store Next Door, Contemporary Galleries, Delish Express and many more! Raflle tickets are $1 each, 6 for $5 and 12 for $10!

East End Main Street will also have itsfamous freshly shaken LemonAID, and EEMS t-shirts will be available, as well.

Be sure to pick up your Yard Sale map at our booth and get in on all the great deals at The East End Yard Sale ... the Saturday Before Mother's Day!

Contact rcavender@charlestonareaalliance.org for more information.

Gateway Greenspace Block Party Moves to May 8

The Block Party celebrating Gateway Greenspace has been rescheduled from May 1 to May 8 because of bad weather.

The Block Party still is scheduled to take place from 5 to 7 p.m. on the Greenspace site at the corner of Washington Street and Leon Sullivan Way. A $5 entry fee goes toward the Greenspace project.

If the bad weather persists, however, the event will move to Bruno's at the corner of Lee Street and Leon Sullivan. In that case, there would be no entry fee. Donations, though, would still be accepted.

Enjoy food from Blues BBQ, beverages and music at either location.