daily304 - Episode 08.14.2023

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

Today is Monday, Aug. 14 

Marshall University President Brad Smith shares how you can support small businesses…Plan a camping adventure in Almost Heaven… and Wheeling’s Victorian architecture sets the stage for a new movie…on today’s daily304.

#1 – From BRAD SMITH –  The Mountain State boasts 113,000 small businesses. These organizations represent 98% of the state’s businesses and employ 49.1% of West Virginian workers. With so much economic impact being driven by local businesses, it’s important that West Virginia entrepreneurs are uplifted in their ideas and dreams to drive the local and regional economy forward. 

Recognizing a need to further bolster the entrepreneurial interests of West Virginians, numerous organizations supporting small business ventures have been established across the state. For example, Alys and Brad D. Smith’s Wing 2 Wing Foundation supports a number of projects – providing coaching and resources to startups and small businesses in West Virginia. 

Smith also leverages his role as Marshall University’s President and dedicated alum to bolster the Mountain State. Prior to his formal role at the university, he assisted in creating the Brad D. Smith Student Incubator, which assists budding entrepreneurs with turning their startup dreams into reality.

But a person doesn’t have to own a nonprofit organization or be a public figure to make a difference and support local businesses. In addition to shopping small, follow and share local businesses on social media. Leave positive online reviews. Sign up for outreach texts or emails. And buy gift cards to encourage others to try them.

Read more:

https://braddsmith.com/blog/supporting-small-businesses-in-west-virginia/

#2 – From WV TOURISM – West Virginia is known for its stunning natural features and variety of unique terrains, but is also full of opportunities for memorable stays while exploring all the Mountain State has to offer. You can enjoy the unspoiled beauty of West Virginia in some of its many wild and wonderful camping spots.

In the Northern Panhandle, Tomlinson Run State Park offers two very distinct camping experiences in one: flourishing fields of wildlife and fauna plus paddleboats, yard games, fishing and more outdoor recreation. Accommodations include yurt and camper cabin rentals.

Whether you drift off gazing at the stars through the skylight of a Mongolian-style yurt or tucked in your own tent, you’ll have one of the best views of the heavens east of the Mississippi at Spruce Knob Mountain Center. During the day, explore more great heights with a trek to the highest peak in the state: Spruce Knob.

Learn more about the many unique camping destinations in Almost Heaven.

Read more:

https://wvtourism.com/6-places-to-set-up-camp-in-west-virginia/

#3 – From THE INTELLIGENCER – Keep an eye out for celebrities on the streets of Wheeling as the filming for “The Gun on Second Street” is slated to take place in the city.

Residents may have already seen camera crews in East Wheeling, as initial flashback scenes were captured during a shoot using locals as actors and extras. 

Poppy Delevigne stars as the wife of a police officer who was accidentally killed by his partner. Years later, the partner reunites with Delevigne’s character when he moves to Pittsburgh, with the two slowly falling in love while confronting the shared violent history between them.

“The Gun on Second Street” will span a variety of eras, making the Victorian houses in East Wheeling an important asset for the crew while shooting flashback scenes from the 1970s.

Read more:

https://www.theintelligencer.net/news/top-headlines/2023/08/filmmakers-find-ideal-backdrop-in-wheeling/

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.