daily304 - Episode 02.27.2024

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

Today is Tuesday, Feb. 27  

No food truck? No problem! A new program in Bluefield permits businesses the use of its trucks. Rural Development honors Black History and entrepreneurs. WVU’s outdoor program is hiring; find a job you love in #AlmostHeaven, #YesWV…on today’s daily304.

#1 – From INNOVATORS & ENTREPRENEURS – Jim Spencer and his team are taking an innovative approach to revitalizing Bluefield by introducing new initiatives like the Food Truck Incubator Program.

“The big difference with our program is, through the grant, we own two food trucks. If you’re in the program, you can use those trucks for 10 events or 60 days,” says Spencer, who is the city’s community and economic development director.

“We want to create a food truck association that can do three things. Number one, all the participating counties will have information on one site where food truck vendors can find out and schedule their work. Number two, it’s a tourism aspect. Number three, if you’re an individual who wants to find a food truck, you can find it there.”

Watch the full interview on Innovators and Entrepreneurs, a bi-weekly segment of the daily304 that features discussions and wisdom from West Virginians who have built their companies and launched new ideas here in the Mountain State. And don’t forget to like and subscribe to our YouTube channel!

Watch the video:

https://www.youtube.com/watch?si=LRXWWB-5hLhcbLpL&v=LPJvQxhOfg0&feature=youtu.be

 

#2 – From WV BUSINESSLINK – We may be in the dead of winter here in West Virginia, but at Rural Development February is when things really start to heat up. 

February marks Black History Month. This month provides an opportunity for our country to celebrate generations of Black Americans whose courage, advocacy, and patriotism have enriched our communities and strengthened our country. 

National Entrepreneurship Week also takes place in February. It’s a time for us to celebrate our entrepreneurs and recognize the impact they play in the success of our state and our nation. 

Last year, Rural Development invested over $20 million through our business and cooperative programs to support rural entrepreneurs and small businesses right here in West Virginia. 

We also have created a Resource Guide for Rural Entrepreneurs designed to help rural entrepreneurs start and grow businesses, create good-paying jobs and strengthen West Virginia’s economy.

Read more:

https://wvbusinesslink.com/2024/02/08/celebrating-black-history-month-and-west-virginias-entrepreneurs/

#3 – From WVU –  The Brad and Alys Outdoor Economic Development Collaborative is expanding! Find a career in West Virginia's outdoor industry with positions available in youth education, economic development, community building and outdoor asset development.

West Virginia University offers generous benefits for full-time team members, including: Paid holidays, annual leave and sick time; health insurance and other benefits, including retirement options; and wellness programs.

While the department is based in Morgantown, regional hybrid roles may be possible under university guidelines if applicable to a specific position.

Learn more:

https://oedc.wvu.edu/about-us/careers

 

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.