At the Charleston Area Alliance, we are going back to the garden to nurture our region’s economic and public health.

What may appear to be a large vegetable garden on Charleston’s West Side is in reality the epicenter of a multipronged economic development initiative to train prospective urban agriculture entrepreneurs, or “agripreneurs.” Through the Sustainable Agriculture Entrepreneurs (SAGE) program launched last spring by the Alliance, participants receive education and training in farming and business practices that are both economically and environmentally sustainable.

On Thursday, Earl Gohl, federal co-chair of the Appalachian Regional Commission (ARC), met with members of the Alliance to discuss the burgeoning local foods movement in West Virginia. Gohl said the state is emerging as a leader on this front. Since 2005, the number of farmers’ markets in West Virginia has more than tripled, from 30 to 93, according to an Associated Press article published this week. (Feds say West Virginia’s local foods movement may become model for Appalachia)

Gohl said that public health officials support the local foods movement because it allows easier access to healthy foods, vital in a state with high rates of obesity, diabetes and cancer.

Sustaining and expanding local agriculture can play a big role in diversifying our local economy and improving the health of our citizens.

West Virginia’s food economy is worth $7 billion, but only $6 million stays in the state. Efforts like SAGE help keep that money here and encourage healthier lifestyles. If we can sustain and capitalize on this local foods effort, our state and its citizens will benefit for generations to come.

PS: Without the support of visionary businesses and individuals, programs like SAGE could not blossom. We invite you to plant the seeds for a brighter future with a contribution to the CADCO Foundation, our charitable arm. For more info or to make a donation, contact JoEllen Zacks HERE

The Charleston Area Alliance will plant the seeds of success for up to 20 budding area businesses through GROW, an initiative designed to foster entrepreneurship in the Kanawha Valley.

GROW is now accepting applications for its Summer/Fall 2013 session. The program offers educational training, individual coaching and peer feedback to Kanawha Valley entrepreneurs, who have been in business for less than three years, have less than five employees and who seek to expand their network and gain insight from experienced and successful area business people.

The six month program will offer entrepreneurial education, support and network building through:

• Educational courses led by  regional higher education professors and successful regional entrepreneurs
• One-on-one meetings with WV SBDC business coaches
• Entrepreneur peer group meetings facilitated by a business coach.

Entrepreneurs must meet eligibility requirements, submit a completed application and commit to six months of engaged participation. Deadline for applications is July 1, 2013.

Click HERE for the application.

To view an informational Prezi on GROW, please click HERE.

The program will kick off on July 17th and thereafter require a one time per week GROW commitment. Tuition for the program is $250, which includes a complimentary one-year membership to the Alliance ($365 value).

The Alliance membership includes access to a year’s worth of professional and business development programming, networking opportunities and Alliance conference room space and other amenities.

“The GROW program has truly transformed the way I manage my business,” said Julie Wertz, owner of The Dressmaker’s Closet, a custom sewing and alterations boutique.

Wertz was part of GROW’s inaugural class in 2012.

“Through the help of my business coach, I have learned how to utilize QuickBooks to its maximum potential, ” Wertz said. “I am using real numbers to make rational decisions with planning and budgeting and even developed an incentive program to motivate my employees with rewards based on their production.”

Upon successful completion of the program, entrepreneurs will receive $100 of this tuition back to strategically reinvest into their business. GROW is a program of Vision 2030, the Alliance’s 20-year economic development initiative.

For more information, contact Steven Romano at SRomano@CharlestonAreaAlliance.org

‘Women with Energy’
Elevations Professional Women’s Network Luncheon
Thursday, June 20
11:30 a.m.- 1:30 p.m.
Charleston Marriott Town Center

Sponsorship registrations are now open for the third annual “Women with Energy” luncheon, the region’s premier forum on energy policy, economics and employment opportunities for women executives.

The event will be held Thursday, June 20, at the Charleston Marriott Town Center Ballroom.

Elevations is presented by the Charleston Area Alliance and Title Sponsor DOW.

Sharon O. Flanery, a petroleum engineer and attorney who leads the Steptoe & Johnson Energy Team, will moderate the third annual “Women with Energy,” a roundtable discussion with women business executives, lawyers, engineers and other professionals from the natural gas, coal and renewable energy sectors.

The panel line-up (in formation) includes:

• Carrie Hightman, executive vice president and chief legal officer, NiSource
• Miranda Jones, vice president, ESR, Crestwood Midstream Partners, Dallas.

The event begins at 11:30 a.m. with informal networking (optional), followed by a luncheon and program at noon. An invitation-only VIP reception for sponsors and dignitaries is scheduled for 11 a.m.

Click here to register

Individual registration will open on May 28. Registration is $45 for Alliance members/$55 future members through June 14. Prices increase to $55 Alliance members/$66 future members after that date.

This event is presented by Steptoe & Johnson. Co-sponsors to date are Appalachian Power and Columbia Pipeline Group.

Sponsorships, which include admission to a VIP pre-event, Meet & Greet with speakers and state leaders along with other benefits, start at $750. For more information, contact Leigh Anne Strickland HERE.

Click HERE for sponsorship details.

The mission of the 1,700-member Elevations Professional Women’s Network is to “enrich, empower and elevate women to achieve success.”  Through luncheons and other events featuring high-profile speakers, Elevations provides an affirmative network that connects professional women with the information, resources and contacts that helps them, their businesses and their communities succeed

The Alliance will be able to invoice only for groups of 10 or more. Contact Deb Coffman at DCoffman@CharlestonAreaAlliance.org for more information.

The Alliance cannot issue cancelation refunds within 48 hours of the event. Thank you.

Member Market:
By Alliance Members for Alliance Members

This “Member Market” is a paid announcement sent by the Alliance on behalf of a member to business and community leaders and young professionals. 

Inspired setting for inspired meetings

The magnificent Allegheny Mountains provide a spectacular backdrop for group meetings from 10 to 1000 and our dedicated team of hospitality professionals ensure that every event runs seamlessly from business meetings to large theme parties. When the business of the day has finished, enjoy our more than 30 recreational amenities including golf, sporting clays, archery, Segway tours, horseback riding, fly fishing and kayaking.

This summer, discover a touch of Canyon Ranch in our new Canyon Ranch SpaClub.

Just a short drive away!

WVSU Research and Development Corporation
Gus R. Douglass Land-Grant Institute Position Description   
Job Title:  Program Leader, Community and Agricultural Resource Development
Department:    WVSU Extension Service
Reports To:  Associate Dean, WVSU Extension Service
FLSA Status:  Exempt
Prepared By:  Bill Woodrum

Job Summary

The Program Leader, Community and Agricultural Resource Development (CARD) with West Virginia State University (WVSU) Extension Service (ES) is responsible for the overall leadership, administration and evaluation of educational programs and products at the university.   The person will guide efforts in agriculture, natural resource and economic development including crop diversification, on and off farm small business development, technical assistance in urban green spaces and municipal revitalization, bio-energy, entrepreneurship in rural and urban se;ttings, and value added agriculture for micro, small, and alternative farming enterprises.  The position will carry a 30% research assignment with WVSU Agriculture and Environmental Research Station (AERS) and is expected to develop a complementary research portfolio.   Working in collaboration with the WVSU Gus R. Douglass Land-Grant Institute (GRDI) Administration, the Program Leader will provide visionary and contemporary leadership for the development and delivery of high-impact extension educational programs, products and applied research.  The Program Leader will also assist WVSUES personnel in identifying the most effective and efficient means to deliver priority research-based information and programs to our diverse clientele and stakeholders.

Essential Duties and Responsibilities

Program Development and Priority Setting  20% Program Leadership and Administration  50% Fiscal Management    20% Other Duties as Assigned    10%

Essential Duties and Responsibilities include the following.

Program Development and Priority Setting (20%) • Guide the formation of the USDA NIFA Plan of Work. • Ensure program plans are consistent with the WVSUES mission and conform to policies and objectives of the GRDI. • Employ comprehensive program planning with ongoing involvement from GRDI administrators, advisory committee members, stakeholders, and university faculty & staff to identify priority community needs. • Promote team efforts in cross-program, multi-disciplinary, statewide and multi-state priority issues. • Assist in the creation and evaluation of non-formal educational programs, products, and research initiatives with Extension Specialists, Research Specialists, and other curricular and program positions. • Assist WVSUES personnel in developing tools and methods to evaluate outreach programs. • Participate in the delivery process with Extension and Research personnel at all levels.

Program Leadership and Administration (50%)  • Recruit, select, develop, and evaluate personnel and implement corrective actions as needed. • Identify, create and implement a plan to meet professional development needs with staff. • Lead the formation and operation of program teams, evaluating budgetary needs, conducting periodic reviews as needed to address changing program priorities. • Direct the implementation of the USDA NIFA Plan of Work and completion of the Annual Report of Accomplishments. • Identify and assist in the deployment of multiple communication strategies and products to inform stakeholders of programs, resources, and best practices.

Fiscal Management (20%) • Develop and manage, in cooperation with WVSUES administration, the annual program area budget. • Proactively seek, identify, and obtain appropriate extramural funding for extension and applied research programs inclusive of grant writing, partnership development, and cost recovery. • Responsibly deploy and fulfill reporting requirements of federal and extramural resources. • Create fiscal and administrative reports as assigned.

Other Duties as Assigned (10%) • Conduct activities to foster a positive public image of WVSUES, GRDI, WVSU R&D Corporation and West Virginia State University, an 1890 Land-Grant Institution. • Appropriately represent West Virginia State University Extension Service with individuals, agencies, and organizations on state, regional, and national levels. • Share leadership in Extension’s commitment to employ from and program for the diversity represented in West Virginia’s population. • Understand and comply with policies and procedures of the West Virginia State University R&D Corporation. • Other duties as assigned.

Supervisory Responsibilities  

The Program Leader is responsible for the overall direction, coordination, and evaluation of the CARD Program Area, and carries out supervisory responsibilities in accordance with the organization’s policies and applicable state and federal laws. Responsibilities of the position include interviewing, hiring, and training employees; planning, assigning, and directing work; appraising performance; rewarding and disciplining employees; addressing complaints and resolving problems.

Education and/or Experience    

An earned Doctoral degree and at least one degree in agricultural economics, natural resources, agriculture education, or closely related field, is required. The successful candidate will have strong written and oral communication skills and experience in working with diverse clientele and organizations in both agriculture and economic development.

Computer Skills  

To perform this job successfully, an individual should have knowledge of database software, Internet software, and word processing software.

Ridgewell Financial Consultants is a local financial advisory firm that provides a wide range of financial advisory and administrative services to area companies.

The firm is looking to hire an Accounting Specialist.

Responsibilities include financial statement analysis, basic accounting, payroll processing, data entry, and potentially collections calls. Proficiency in Excel is required. Experience in QuickBooks, Microsoft Access and Sage accounting software is preferred.  Much of the work can be done from home with office meetings on Mondays and Thursdays.

There will be a 90 day probation period where hours will range from 5-15 per week and pay is $10 per hour. If performance meets expectations, hours and rate will increase. Please contact Renee with any questions or resumes at rbarry@ridgewellfinancial.com.

Downtown ArtWalk
Thursday, May 16
5-8 p.m.

Downtown ArtWalk, the showcase of downtown Charleston’s thriving art scene, returns for its May edition this Thursday.

ArtWalk, a Charleston Area Alliance program sponsored by Masters Law Firm, is a monthly event that draws hundreds of residents and visitors to downtown Charleston for a festive evening of culture and commerce. The purpose of ArtWalk is to help revitalize downtown and to promote economic development through the arts.

New ArtWalk venues this month include: the Hope Village Fair Trade Boutique at First Presbyterian Church, which is located at 16 Leon Sullivan Way, and Timothy’s at the Quarrier Diner located at 1022 Quarrier Street.

Check out what’s in store for this Thursday’s ArtWalk:

Art Emporium
823 Quarrier Street

The oil paintings of Belmont artist Karen Chamblin will be featured in the “Inspired By the Old Masters,” from May 14 – June 16 at the Art Emporium. Chamblin has been an associate member of Oil Painters of America for five years and has been juried as an artisan at Tamarack.

Gallery Eleven
1033 Quarrier Street

Gallery Eleven welcomes two new members for ArtWalk: Joyce Daniels and Arthur Evans. Scott Milam and his son Colin will be playing easy listening music at the gallery.

Romano & Associates
230 Capitol Street, Suite 200

Romano’s will feature West Virginia artist and soldier Todd Harrell. His photography captures the faces of people in a war torn Afghanistan. His passion for the people and his mission has lead him to capture more than 20,000 images, dozens of which will be on display during ArtWalk.

Tony the Tailor
107 Hale Street

Tony the Tailor is featuring artist Kelly Bryant for the May ArtWalk. Tony will also debut Crayon Lacing, which is a West Virginia based company founded by Marc Rigsby and Bennett Rainey. They offer a fresh take on men’s fashion by introducing an assortment of colored shoe laces for men’s dress shoes.

The Greater Kanawha Valley Foundation
900 Lee Street, Suite 1600

The Greater Kanawha Valley Foundation will feature photography by Deborah Herndon. Also featured will be artists Shawn Brogan, Katie Cumberledge and Faye Johnson.

Charleston Ballet
100 Capitol Street

Art walkers are invited to join the Charleston Ballet from 5-8 p.m. for a drink and a snack for our “Dancing and Drinks” series. View the inside world of
ballet dancers at work in class and rehearsal settings for their upcoming performances. Along with watching the dancers, “Antique and Modern Porcelain Doll Creations of Becky Turley,” will be exhibited at the ballet studio location.

Good News Mountaineer Garage
222 Hale Street

“New Deal Photographs of West Virginia, 1934-1943,” which is a collection of photographs by Ben Shahn in 1935 and Marion Post Wolcott in 1938 in Logan and McDowell Counties, will be featured at ArtWalk. The exhibit includes a book-signing by Betty Rivard, the editor of the book.

Delfine’s Jewelry
245 Capitol Street

Delfine’s Jewelry will be featuring calligraphy by Jen Bischof.

Stray Dog Antiques
219 Hale Street

Stray Dog Antiques will feature an exhibition entitled “JARS,” that showcases collections of quotidian, weird and amusing objects composed in jars, by Gina Puzzuoli. In addition, artwork by Jake Fertig, Gary Needham, Robert Allender, Paint Coyote Studio, and many others will be on display.

Mission Savvy
202 Hale Street

This month, Mission Savvy will be collecting donations for the animals at Kanawha County Humane Association and will have café specials all evening.

Woomer, Nistendirk & Associates
231 Capitol Street

Woomer will feature photographers Bill and Carolyn Hilborn at this month’s Artwalk.

Annex Gallery
226 Capitol Street

Complimentary wine and refreshments will be served for the opening of a new exhibit featuring the intricately layered monoprints of Karla Hackenmiller, an associate professor of art at Ohio University, Athens.

Hope Village Fair Trade Boutique at First Presbyterian Church
16 Leon Sullivan Way

Hope Village, a boutique shop that brings lovely and unique art from across the globe to our city, will offer fabulous baskets from throughout the African continent as this month’s featured Artwalk item. These one-of-a-kind specimens of functional artwork are woven by local African craftspeople that are committed to providing a beautiful and quality product. Cash and checks will only be accepted.

Timothy’s/Quarrier Diner
1022 Quarrier Street

Timothy’s at the Quarrier Diner will display original scarves made by Anna Pollitt and Lisa Pollitt. They will be selling for $20 for a variety of prints and colors.

Uncork & Create
1031 Quarrier Street

Uncork & Create will be offering a painting event entitled ”Tulips.” It will be led by artist Janet Ripper Chambers, which will begin at 6 p.m. Seating is limited. To register for this event, please visit Uncork & Create’s events calendar at http://www.uncorkandcreate.com/ or call 304-552-3331. Also, the Uncork & Create gallery will feature artists Rebecca Recco and Chet Lowther.

Expect to Win: 
A Conversation with Carla Harris
Wednesday, May 29
11:30 a.m.- 1:15 p.m.
Clay Center for the Arts & Sciences

Carla Harris, managing director and senior client advisor at Morgan Stanley, and author of “Expect to Win,” will be the featured speaker of a special luncheon sponsored by Morgan Stanley and presented in partnership with the Charleston Area Alliance Elevations Professional Women’s Network and the Alliance’s “inclusion=innovation” program.

“Expect to Win:  A Conversation with Carla Harris,” will be held on Wednesday, May 29, 11:30 a.m-1: 15 p.m., at the Clay Center for the Arts & Sciences West Virginia.

Harris, one of the most powerful and respected women in business, will share advice, tips and strategies for surviving and thriving in any workplace environment.

Harris has been named to the “Top 25 Most Powerful Women in Finance” by U.S. Banker; “The 50 Most Powerful Black Executives in Corporate America,” by Fortune Magazine; “15 Corporate Women at the Top,” by Ebony; and “The 50 Women Who are Shaping the World,” by Essence magazine.

She received the Women of Power Award from the National Urban League and the Bill and Camille Cosby Award from the Associated Black Charities. Harris earned both her A.B. in economics (magna cum laude) and MBA from Harvard University. She holds numerous honorary degrees and serves on multiple nonprofit and foundation boards.

In her other life, Harris is a singer and has released her third gospel CD, “Unceasing Praise.”  Her second CD, “Joy is Waiting,” was featured on “BET Nightly News,” while her first CD was a bestseller on Amazon.com and was highlighted on the “CBS Evening News” with Dan Rather.

Registration for this special event is free for Alliance members courtesy of Morgan Stanley.  Reservations are very limited and must be made by May 22. There is a maximum of four registrations per company.

Click HERE to register.

The mission of  the 1800-member Elevations Professional Women’s Network, presented by the Alliance and title sponsor DOW, is to “enrich, empower and elevate women to achieve success for themselves, their businesses and their community.”

The “inclusion=innovation” initiative was created by the Alliance and title sponsor Ernst & Young to help businesses benefit from the contributions of all segments of our community and build a world-class diverse professional workforce in the Kanawha Valley.

City National Bank
Business After Hours
Thursday, May 23
5-7 p.m.
10 Hale Street

Sign up now for Charleston’s largest block party.

The annual City National Bank Business After Hours will be held Thursday, May 23.

Business After Hours events are fantastic opportunities to network and meet the region’s leaders in a relaxed setting, all while enjoying food, drinks and entertainment.

This month’s event will feature food and drinks both indoors and outdoors and a remote radio broadcast, featuring a DJ. Summit Conference Center will provide catering.

Click HERE to register.

The cost for BAH is $15 for Alliance members and $25 for future members who register early online.

Prices increase to $25 for Alliance members and $35 for future members after 5 p.m. on May 22.

The Alliance will be able to invoice only for groups of 10 or more. Contact Deb Coffman at DCoffman@CharlestonAreaAlliance.orgfor more information.

The Alliance cannot issue cancelation refunds within 48 hours of the event.

Thank you.