daily304 - Episode 02.14.2024

Welcome to the daily304 – your window into Wonderful, Almost Heaven, West Virginia.  

Today is Wednesday, Feb 14

Parkersburg’s new children’s museum sees tremendous success in its first year. The WV Hive announces a training session for businesses in the New River Gorge region. And Cass Scenic Railroad’s popular Parade of Steam returns June 15…on today’s daily304.

#1 – From WV LIVING – Discovery World on Market is the product of one simple question: “How can we affect more people?” This was the question the Ross Foundation was asking in 2018 as the organization looked at its charitable investments in the Mid-Ohio Valley. 

Doors officially opened to the public last year to the one-of-a kind, hands-on experience children’s museum.

Located in Downtown Parkersburg, Discovery World is designed primarily for ages 0–10 with a focus on playing and growing together with family and friends. The 30,000-square-foot facility is organized by adventure area with an emphasis on STEAM (Science, Technology, Engineering, Arts and Math) activities.

The opening of the children’s museum has had a significant impact on visitation on the Parkersburg area, according to Mark Lewis, executive director of the Greater Parkersburg Convention and Visitors Bureau.

“We are ecstatic over the success that Discovery World on Market has seen in its first year of operation,” Lewis said. “Not only has Discovery World on Market introduced many thousands of new visitors to Parkersburg, but pairing a visit to Discovery World with our other family-friendly attraction, Blennerhassett Island State Park, provides a great weekend getaway for families with young children.” 

Read more:

https://wvliving.com/discovery-world-on-market-is-a-project-from-the-heart/

#2 – From LOOTPRESS – The West Virginia Hive, the entrepreneurship program of the New River Gorge Regional Development Authority, has announced a regional initiative to improve customer service among frontline businesses.

Judy Moore, executive director of the WV Hive and deputy director of NRGRDA, said the WV Hive is partnering with regional chambers of commerce, convention and visitor bureaus, business leaders and others to promote the March 25-26 training sessions, titled “Growing Your Business Through a Culture of Service.”

“Every dollar people spend in our region and every person who decides to relocate here or return for more visits is an economic multiplier for our community and economic betterment,” Moore said.

The training session will kick off March 25-26 with a customized and personalized training workshop at the Tamarack Conference Center.

The training session – valued at $1,500 – is available to registrants at only $50 per person, plus taxes and fees (including snacks, beverages and lunch) thanks to the support of the WV Hive. Register to attend here. 

Learn more:

https://www.lootpress.com/west-virginia-hive-launches-regional-culture-of-service-mission/

#3 – From LOOTPRESS – Train lovers, save the date. Cass Scenic Railroad’s annual Parade of Steam returns on Saturday, June 15.

The legendary locomotives will begin staging at the Cass Depot at 9:30 a.m. and the parade will officially begin at 10 a.m. and last for about an hour.

Attendees will have the opportunity to view all of Cass Scenic Railroad’s operable, steam locomotives, from the Cass parking lot as they move down the rails.

The Rail & Trail Store located inside the Cass Depot will be open throughout the day for souvenirs including Parade of Steam merchandise.

Read more:

https://www.lootpress.com/cass-scenic-railroad-announces-fifth-annual-parade-of-steam/

Find these stories and more at wv.gov/daily304.

The daily304 curated news and information is brought to you by the West Virginia Department of Commerce: Sharing the wealth, beauty and opportunity in West Virginia with the world. Follow the daily304 on Facebook, Twitter and Instagram @daily304. Or find us online at wv.gov and just click the daily304 logo. 

That’s all for now. Take care. Be safe. Get outside and enjoy all the opportunity West Virginia has to offer.