Charleston West Virginia Economic Development

Discussions on Economic and Community Development in West Virginia and the Charleston MSA as well as issues of the Charleston Regional Chamber of Commerce.

Tuesday, September 04, 2007

Return on your Investment

By Jack Rossi, Chairman of the Board and Matthew Ballard, President

There are many reasons to be a member of the Charleston Area Alliance. There’s the tremendous pride that comes from knowing that your membership investment is helping to build a more vibrant community and prosperous economy. Member-supported Alliance projects such as the Capitol Market, recruitment and retention of 600 jobs at CASCI, funding the utility infrastructure for Corridor G for development, creation of 100 jobs at Telespectrum, and providing an incubator for entrepreneurs to grow their new business ventures (just to name a few) have enhanced the economy and quality of life for everyone in our region.

The pro-business policies advocated by our Chamber of Commerce have helped reduce business taxes, increased funding for science and research at our higher education institutions, increased funding for safe roads and infrastructure and helped maintain funding for emergency response, EMS, and public transit. These accomplishments alone are a good reason to invest in the Alliance. There is another way that membership in the Charleston Area Alliance can help you and your business directly through increased revenue. That’s right, increased revenue. How?

A recent survey of more than 2,000 adults nationwide found that chamber membership can have a significant impact on a company’s bottom line. The survey, conducted by two consulting organizations, “The Schapiro Group” and “Market Street Services” (the consulting group for the creation of the Charleston Area Alliance and Vision Shared in West Virginia), was commissioned by the American Chamber of Commerce Executives, with support from the Small Business Network Inc.

Here at the Alliance, we already know that membership can translate to increased sales and revenue. Earlier this month, for example, a new downtown business received nine solid business leads one day after the Alliance helped stage a ribbon cutting event. But don’t just take it from us. Here’s what the national survey of consumers found:

-If a company shows that it is highly involved in its local chamber, consumers are 12 percent more likely to think that its product stacks up better against the competition.
-When consumers know a restaurant franchise is a member of the chamber, they are 40 percent more likely to eat at the franchise.
-When consumers know an insurance company is a member of the chamber, they are 43 percent more likely to consider buying insurance from that
business .
-When consumers know that a small business is a member of the chamber, they are 44 percent more likely to think favorably of it and 63 percent more likely to purchase goods or services from the company in the future.

And remember, this survey only measured public attitudes towards business members of organizations that function solely as chambers of commerce. Our community has taken the progressive step of merging our economic development, community development and chamber of commerce into one organization, making your Alliance membership an investment in your profitability, as well as in the future of our entire area.

We invite you to do well for yourself – and do good for the region – through your membership in the Alliance. Together, we can continue to build a more vibrant community and prosperous economy.

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Monday, April 02, 2007

New Job Opportunity in the Charleston,, West Virginia Area

Krebs International, A GL&V Company is the world’s leader in hydrocyclone separation solutions. We have been serving process industries since 1952. Krebs Engineers is recognized around the world for its knowledge and expertise in the use of hydrocyclones for the recovery and classification of solids, washing coal and severe-duty slurry pumping. Krebs International works with an unrelenting focus on customer satisfaction and technical excellence. The result is a reputation for innovative engineering, quality products and unmatched service!
Are You?

Hands-on?

Looking for a Challenge?

Detail and Customer Oriented?

Krebs International, the world leader in hydrocyclone separation technology, has an exciting opportunity for YOU!!!!

We are currently looking for an Operations Supervisor to start-up our new Warehouse and Service Center in Charleston , West Virginia .

As an Operations Supervisor, you will supervise and coordinate processing materials, distribution and manufacturing products, repair and assemble pumps and cyclones.

The ideal candidate will:
· Have a Mechanical Repair background.
· Have Coal prep plant experience
· Have the ability to read Blue Prints
· Have the ability to operate computers, MS Word, Excel, and Outlook
· Have 5-10 years related experience and/or training.

We offer an excellent benefit package

If you are interested in
joining our team, please
send us your resume along with
salary requirements to:
Krebs Engineers
5505 W Gillette Rd
Tucson, Arizona 85743
Fax: (520) 744-5594
Email: HR2@krebs.com

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Friday, March 16, 2007

Another New Job (Part-Time) open in the Charleston Area.

Job Opening: Donor Relations Coordinator (part-time)

Covenant House seeks a Donor Relations Coordinator to work collaboratively with the Executive Director and members of the development team, including board directors and volunteers, to develop and coordinate a comprehensive community and donor outreach strategy for Covenant House. Duties will include identifying and initiating contact with key prospects, cultivation of those prospects, solicitation when appropriate, and, finally, ongoing stewardship.

Requires a bachelor’s degree or higher, knowledge of basic fundraising principles, belief in the mission of Covenant House, and the ability to persuasively articulate our cause to others. Preferred candidates will have 3+ years of fundraising experience (paid or unpaid), and/or significant knowledge of, and access to, the local giving community.

This position is part-time with flexible hours, and requires an organized and self-motivated individual who is comfortable working both alone and as part of a team. Salary negotiable.

To apply, please send resume to: Covenant House; Attn: Executive Director; 600 Shrewsbury St.; Charleston, WV 25301.

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Sunday, March 11, 2007

Great Job Opportunity in State Government.


WV Commission for National and Community Service
Job Opportunity Announcement


Executive Director



Reports To: Commission chair of Governor-appointed Commission
FLSA Status: exempt
Salary: Dependent on experience; full benefit package
This position is a pay grade 20.
Closing Date: The Search Committee will begin reviewing applications April 6.
Position Start Date: October 1

Send Resume and cover letter to:

Search Committee
WV Commission for National and Community Service
601 Delaware Ave.
Charleston, WV 25302

Summary

The Director has overall responsibility for the implementation of Commission policies and strategies, program development and management, and coordination between the Commission, Corporation for National and Community Service, and specific state and local programs, in order to accomplish the Commission's mission to build West Virginia communities through service and volunteerism. Ensures the Director and the Commission staff act in an ethical manner and accomplishes tasks and goals within specific time frames and time guidelines.

Essential Duties and Responsibilities include the following. Other duties may be assigned:

Coordinates statewide needs analysis through public meetings and focus groups;

Develops unified state service plans, strategic plans and policy documents following statewide needs assessment;

Interprets and implements the National and Community Service Act of 1993 and regulations concerning those programs for the Commission and subgrantees and any other national service legislation for which the Commission is the administrative entity; and complies with applicable State laws, and the Commission’s By-laws.

Coordinates with the State Dept. of Education, higher education institutions, Corp for National and Community Service (CNCS) State Office, and other national service programs operating in the state in order to develop an integrated community service effect in West Virginia;

Oversees the drafting of annual funding proposals to be submitted by the Commission to CNCS;

Provides staff and executive support and assistance to the Commission.

Supervises and coordinates the activities of other staff to effectively carry out overall program and fiscal management of state projects;

Oversees the development of a plan to recruit participants and grantees;

Arranges for technical support and training of sub-grantee staff and program participants;

Promotes the concept of national service, the Commission and its programs, and develops funding sources to support these activities;

Works to develop federal, state, and local policies which support service programs; and

Coordinates outside evaluation of statewide service programs.


Supervisory Responsibilities

Manages a central staff through a senior management team, which is responsible for the overall direction, coordination, and evaluation of the Commission’s programs. The Executive Director carries out supervisory responsibilities in accordance with the Commission's policies and applicable laws. Responsibilities include interviewing, hiring, and training employees; planning, assigning, and directing work; appraising performance; rewarding and disciplining employees; addressing complaints and resolving problems.

Competencies:

To perform the job successfully, an individual should demonstrate the following competencies:

Oral Communication - Speaks clearly and persuasively in positive or negative situations; listens and gets clarification; Responds well to questions; Demonstrates group presentation skills; Participates in meetings.

Written Communication - Writes clearly and informatively; edits work for spelling and grammar; Varies writing style to meet needs; Able to read and interpret written information.

Visionary Leadership - Displays passion and optimism; Inspires respect and trust; mobilizes others to fulfill the vision; Provides vision and inspiration to peers and subordinates.

Change Management - Develops workable implementation plans; Communicates changes effectively; Builds commitment and overcomes resistance; Prepares and supports those affected by change; Monitors transition and evaluates results.


Delegation - Delegates work assignments; Matches the responsibility to the person; Gives authority to work independently; Sets expectations and monitors delegated activities; Provides recognition for results.


Leadership - Exhibits confidence in self and others; Inspires and motivates others to perform well; effectively influences actions and opinions of others; Accepts feedback from others; Gives appropriate recognition to others.

Managing People - Includes staff in planning, decision-making, facilitating and process improvement; Takes responsibility for subordinates' activities; Makes self available to staff; Provides regular performance feedback; Develops subordinates' skills and encourages growth; Solicits and applies customer feedback (internal and external); Fosters quality focus in others; Improves processes, products and services.; Continually works to improve supervisory skills.

Quality Management - Looks for ways to improve and promote quality; Demonstrates accuracy and thoroughness.

Strategic Thinking - Develops strategies to achieve organizational goals; Understands Commission's strengths & weaknesses; Identifies external threats and opportunities.

Time Management – Operates individually and organizationally to meet priorities and goals of the Commission. Utilizes time in an effective and productive manner.

Qualifications

To perform this job successfully, an individual must be able to perform each essential duty satisfactorily. The requirements listed below are representative of the knowledge, skill, and/or ability required. Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions.

Education and/or Experience

Master's degree (M. A.) or equivalent; or four to ten years related experience and/or training; or equivalent combination of education and experience.

Language Skills

Ability to read, analyze, and interpret common scientific and technical journals, financial reports, federal regulations, and legal documents. Ability to respond to common inquiries or complaints from customers, regulatory agencies, or members of the business community. Ability to write speeches and articles for publication that conform to prescribed style and format. Ability to effectively present information to top management, public groups, and/or boards of directors.

Mathematical Skills

Ability to calculate figures and amounts such as discounts, interest, commissions, proportions, percentages, area, circumference, and volume. Ability to apply concepts to financial, budget and accounting applications.

Reasoning Ability

Ability to solve practical problems and deal with a variety of concrete and abstract variables in situations where only limited standardization exists. Ability to interpret a variety of instructions furnished in written, oral, diagram, or schedule form.

Computer Skills

Ability to navigate effectively on Internet, Web, Intranet, e-mail and other electronic tools. Comfortable with common office computer packages including, spreadsheet, word-processing, and PowerPoint.

Other Skills and Abilities
Managerial experience with volunteer and community service programs, education, or youth development highly desirable. Demonstrated fund raising abilities.

Other Qualifications

Ability to travel within and outside the state; Knowledge of state and federal program guidelines, policies, and procedures desirable.


Physical Demands The physical demands described here are representative of those that must be met by an employee to successfully perform the essential functions of this job. Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions.

While performing the duties of this Job, the employee is regularly required to sit and use the telephone and computer.


Work Environment The work environment characteristics described here are representative of those an employee encounters while performing the essential functions of this job. Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions.

The noise level in the work environment is usually quiet.

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Saturday, February 10, 2007

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.

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Friday, February 09, 2007

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.

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