daily304 - Episode 03.12.24

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

Today is Tuesday, March 12, 2024.

Blenko pays homage to space age design at its annual Festival of Glass. A new resource network aims to help Marshall County entrepreneurs. And celebrate spring’s arrival with a driving tour through the Cranberry Corridor in Almost Heaven…on today’s daily304.

#1 – From BLENKO – Mark your calendars for Blenko Glass Company’s annual Festival of Glass! Festivities take place April 5-6 at the glass factory in Milton.

This year’s theme celebrates the Year of New Space Age Design with the Lift Off Decanter. Invoking classic mid century motifs, the crystal decanter with a straight optic calls to mind the lift-off cloud from the cheekily nostalgic rocket stopper. Collectors can choose from ruby or cobalt. The rocket decanter stopper is modeled on the V2 rocket and mid century space age designs as much as by the toys that inspired a generation to dream of going into space. 

The weekend will include classes and hands-on experiences, including Blow-Your-Own 384 Water Bottles. There also will be demonstrations from Blenko’s guest artists and designers, a vintage sale, food trucks, and a Saturday night concert from Huntington’s Grown Ass Folks.  

Learn more:

https://blenko.com/pages/events

#2 – From WTOV9 – Entrepreneurs and innovators in Marshall County might have a chance to grow their business with a program coming soon.

The entrepreneurship ecosystem team asked the Marshall County commission to help fund the “Entrepreneurship Resource Network Program.”

This is a pilot program for the state and will last 3 years.

“We are designed to help early-stage entrepreneurs all the way through people who might be interested in scaling their business, staying connected with county resources that can help them,” said Carrie White, co-founder, entrepreneur ecosystem expert.

The program’s goal is to increase opportunities by 50 percent, increase new business by at least six, and bring at least 12 new jobs.

If the program's $100,000 funding gets approved by the commission, it will begin in August.

Read more:

https://wtov9.com/news/local/could-entrepreneurs-and-innovators-in-marshall-county#

 

#3 – From WV TOURISM – Spring is arriving soon. Get out and enjoy the blooms with a driving tour through Almost Heaven.

Looking for an outdoor adventure in the “Little Bahamas of the East?” Follow W.Va. 39 East to W.Va. 150 going through Summersville, Marlinton and Lewisburg.

The Cranberry Corridor extends across 211.1 miles of the lush Mountain Lakes region, showcasing attractions including Summersville Lake, Cranberry Glades Botanical Area, and the charming small town of Lewisburg. 

Take your time to enjoy this 4-hour and 53-minute round trip drive. This route is accessible for both cars and motorcycles.

Read more:

https://wvtourism.com/cranberry-corridor/

 

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.