daily304 - Episode 09.01.2023

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

Today is Friday, Sept. 1 

A new food packaging facility in Berkeley County will create more than 600 jobs…WVDEP seeks volunteers for the Great Kanawha River Cleanup…and a new nonprofit seeks to diversify the economy through the art of filmmaking…on today’s daily304.

#1 – From WV GOVERNOR –  Gov. Jim Justice has announced a pioneering joint venture between Klarpet of Turkey and Triton International Enterprises of the USA to develop a state-of-the-art food packaging facility in Berkeley County.

The $50 million Treplar investment is projected to result in more than 600 high-paying jobs at the conclusion of its expansion.

“I am excited to announce this state-of-the-art project and outstanding economic development investment into our state by Treplar,”  Justice said. “The company's investment in our state and their innovative food packaging production facility is tremendous, and I wish them utmost success in West Virginia. I'm honored to add Treplar to our growing list of companies that recognize West Virginia is the best place to raise a family and build a business.”

Treplar is currently testing a new generation of food packaging material that is 100% home compostable. With its state-of-the-art facility, innovative technology, and focus on sustainability, Treplar's next phase, set to launch later this year, promises to be a game-changer in the food packaging industry. 

Read more:

https://governor.wv.gov/Pages/default.aspx

#2 – From THE GAZETTE-MAIL –  The West Virginia Department of Environmental Protection is seeking volunteers for its 33rd annual Great Kanawha River Cleanup. The event is planned for 9 a.m. until noon on Saturday, Sept. 9.

Cleanup sites include Winfield Beach, St. Albans Roadside Park, the South Charleston boat ramp, and Kanawha Falls at Glen Ferris. Other cleanup sites could be added as the day of the event nears.

The WVDEP’s Rehabilitation Environmental Action Plan will supply bags and gloves for volunteers and will arrange for trash to be hauled away. All volunteers will receive a T-shirt. 

To volunteer or suggest an additional cleanup location, contact the WVDEP’s Chris Cartwright at 304-389-8389 or [email protected].

Read more:

https://www.wvgazettemail.com/news/volunteers-needed-for-wvdeps-great-kanawha-river-clean-up-on-sept-9/article_86eace94-4afa-500e-9d7b-821071dfc1a4.html

#3 – From THE GAZETTE-MAIL – In the picturesque landscapes of the Appalachian Region, a new, nonprofit organization is on a mission to empower underserved communities and foster economic diversification through the art of filmmaking.

Film Futures Foundation is determined to break barriers and provide access to filmmaking resources, education, and opportunities, unlocking the potential of Appalachia’s untapped talent and creativity.

Founded by Justin Williams and Ashley Stinnett, “FFF is committed to creating a lasting impact on the lives of individuals in the Appalachian communities,” Stinnett says. “Our goal is to empower the people to tell their own stories and showcase their unique perspectives to the world.”

The nonprofit is offering two free workshops in October and November to train people in basic introductory grip and lighting skill sets. 

For more information, visit www.filmfuturesfoundation.com.

Read more:

https://www.wvgazettemail.com/dailymailwv/daily_mail_features/film-futures-foundation-paves-way-for-economic-diversification-through-state-made-cinema/article_34081d77-9cfc-56e6-8233-41c76615f60c.html

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.