It’s been a while since we started the process, but Generation Charleston’s redesigned Web site finally is live.

Be sure to visit www.GenerationCharleston.com reguarly for news and event updates.

The final section of seat wall was poured Dec. 4, and the streetscape along Washington Street is progressing with the installation of the granite curbing this week.

Comments and photo by Susie Salisbury

We would like to express our gratitude for Generation Charleston in helping us “Fill The Bus!”

The donations of new toys and winter clothing will go so far in helping some our area children have a very Merry Christmas. This is the third year for our toy drive, and it has grown in so many ways. Our goal is to keep this a down to earth project ran by a few hard-working people who want to do some good for some of our kids.

Working with groups like Generation Charleston is a pleasure and we would very much have the opportunity to do this again next year. We are also planning a “New Shoes and Backpacks” drive for the beginning of the 2010 school year.

Have a safe and joyous Holiday Season!

- John Friend and the “Fill The Bus!” Boys

The Alliance is hosting an Elevations Womens Professional session right now. The sponsor is Dow, and the speaker is Aila Accad on the topic of “Stress Busting.”  The Alliance brings this update to you via a mobile version of WordPress on an iPhone. If you are missing this session, please join us next time!

Our next Business After Hours is Thursday, Dec. 10 from 5 to 7 p.m. at Ramada Inn in South Charleston.

Click here to register.

Business After Hours is an excellent networking opportunity. The December edition and its festive atmosphere is always very popular.

Registration for is $10 for Alliance members and $20 for future members. 

Prices increase to $15 and $25 at the door.To expedite your registration, you may pay online or contact Deb Coffman for more information.

We are unable to invoice for groups under 10 or issue refunds for cancellations received less than 48 hours prior to the event. Thank you.

The Alliance is offering you a once-in-a-lifetime experience at a once-in-in-a-lifetime price. But the deadline to register for the nine-day, all-inclusive business mission and cultural tour of China is fast approaching.

The trip is designed to assist local businesses in identifying new markets and increase exports from West Virginia around the world. A cultural tour track also is available for spouses or for those who want to experience the wonders of China.    

Click here to download our informational brochure.

We will be offering a series of expert-led seminars for participants of the business mission & cultural tour of China. These seminars will focus on:  

• Chinese culture
• Chinese business practices
• Basic Chinese language skills
• Traveling in China: What You Need to Know  

To join the Alliance on this nine-day, all-inclusive trip to Beijing, Shanghai and Hangzhou, which will expose participants to the global economy and to the historic and cultural highlights of China, contact Jeri Adkins by email or by phone at (304) 340-4253.  

Space is limited and the deadline for reservations is Dec. 15, 2009.