Use the Alliance’s 2012 Trade Mission and tools from the U.S Commercial Services to help increase exporting opportunities through assistance with the identification of and entering key emerging markets.

Explore three European countries in this dynamic trade mission with other Alliance members. Travel for business reasons, or if you choose, just for the cultural experience.

Click HERE for the trip brochure.

Learn more at the next business mission/cultural tour informational meeting on Monday, Jan. 9 at 5:30 p.m. at the Alliance offices
at 1116 Smith Street.

If you plan to attend, please RSVP to Jeri Adkins at JAdkins@CharlestonAreaAlliance.org or by calling 304-340-4253.

Since the trade missions began in 2010, more than 100 business and community leaders from the Charleston area have participated.

For the European tour, the Alliance will continue attracting new foreign direct investment and job creation to West Virginia, as well as schedule specific business to business meetings that will benefit your export strategy.

If you plan to travel with the Alliance in 2012 for business purposes, we encourage you contact the Alliance staff as soon as possible. This ensures that specific meetings with potential partners can be scheduled in advance of travel.

It will also give attendees a better understanding of what European businesses are looking for when they expand into the U.S market.

Please join fellow Charleston Area Alliance members and friends as we journey together to Budapest, Vienna and Prague next spring.

Here’s just a sampling of the feedback from attendees of previous tours:

“You organized a wonderful trip that went flawlessly! The trip was incredible and the group was fantastic!”  

“We thoroughly enjoyed the opportunity to make new acquaintances and new friends.” 

“The trip was fabulous! We can’t stop talking about it.”

“It was a fantastic trip, and I don’t know how it could have gone any better.” 

“Thank you all for making this special trip such a delightful experience.”

Charleston Area Alliance to debut its 20-year outlook
by Paul Fallon
Daily Mail Staff

The Charleston Area Alliance will unveil its 20-year development vision for the Kanawha Valley during a launch Nov. 22.

The debut of Vision 2030 will be at the new West Side Elementary School, 100 Florida St., at 9 a.m. The 20-year economic plan outlines economic goals for the next two decades, said Cullen Naumoff, project manager with Charleston Area Alliance.

It also lists what the Kanawha Valley needs to do to reach those goals, she said.

The economic outlook is basically a strategic plan that outlines the strengths in the Kanawha Valley. The plan also details how the area can capitalize on those strengths, Naumoff said.

“One of the Kanawha Valley’s strengths is that we have great people,” she said. “And the area has incredible beauty.”

The plan also focuses on Kanawha County’s strengths, such as the chemical industry and the energy sector. Naumoff believes the area is ideally situated in the energy sector because of the natural gas drilling in the Marcellus shale.

The health care industry and educational institutions in the county will also help drive the economy in the coming two decades, she said.

Naumoff said the ideal economy 20 years down the road will be one that is very diversified. It will include energy companies that focus on coal, natural gas and green technologies.

A diversified economy will also need a combination of corporations and entrepreneurs in the area. This is already something that Charleston has, Naumoff said.

She pointed out that the city has corporations as well as unique shops and restaurants that are locally owned. She hopes the city, and the county as well, will be able to expand these sectors of the economy.

But there is no ironclad way to predict the valley’s economic future, she said. The goals are very general and help prove to businesses looking at locating in the area that community leaders and residents are looking to the future and are working on ways to expand the economy.

“Companies looking to invest in the region are wanting to see what the 10- to 20-year plan is,” she said.

Matt Ballard, president and chief executive officer of the Charleston Area Alliance, said he began to realize the area needed a 20-year plan when he started working to attract an ethane cracker to the area.

“Those companies asked us what the 20-year plan for the community was,” he said. “We were able to articulate what our plan was, but we didn’t have an actual document we could give them.”

Dates and times for community forums to discuss the 20-year plan will be announced during the launch. Community input is vital to creating the plan because it will illustrate the residents’ goals and how they hope to achieve them, Naumoff said.

“We know members of the community have great ideas,” she said. “The forums will be their chance to offer feedback.”

The kickoff is being held in an elementary school because children are the most valuable resource for the region’s future, she said. An informational “job fair” for third-graders will also be held during the event.

The energy industry, health care industry and other sectors will have representatives on hand to answer questions from the students.

In order to create “buzz” about the launch, murals designed by local artists will soon be hung around the city, Naumoff said. The murals represent the different economic drivers in the Kanawha Valley.

They were all designed and painted by local artists.

Contact writer Paul Fallon at paul.fallon@dailymail.com or 304-348-4817.

Generation West Virginia’s network of young talent is passionate about making a difference in communities where they live and work. Regional groups strive to teach children and families about enjoyable healthy meal preparation, demonstrate that physical activity is fun and encourage youth to make healthy decisions. This year, Generation Charleston partnered with CAMC Women and Children’s Hospital and the West Virginia Power to offer Chuck’s Healthy Challenge to hundreds of kids throughout the Kanawha Valley.

Based on a national healthy program and used by Dr. Jamie Jeffrey at CAMC Women and Children’s Hospital, Chuck’s Healthy Challenge teaches children the importance of healthy eating and an active lifestyle in a fun and interactive way. Using the 5,2,1,0 plan, volunteers from Generation Charleston will teach children to eat 5 vegetables and fruits a day; limit their screen time to 2 hours a day; stay active for 1 hour a day and have 0 sugary drinks (including juices).

“This program is proven to work and breaks down a healthy lifestyle into four simple methods that are easy for children to remember,” said Rachelle Beckner, Generation West Virginia volunteer who has co-chaired the event with Mandy Curry and Rob Rosano.

One in three West Virginia children is overweight, ranking the Mountain State eighth in the nation for obese and overweight children between the ages of 10 and 17. Obese children are at risk for healthy problems – in their youth and as adults. During adolescents obese children are more likely than other youth to have risk factors associated with cardiovascular disease, such as high blood pressure, high cholesterol and Type 2 diabetes.

“These are staggering statistics,” stated Executive Vice President of Palisades Baseball Andy Milovich, “and we felt that we could use Chuck, the team mascot, to make a difference in this area.  We’ve teamed up with CAMC and CAMC Women and Children’s Hospital to present Chuck’s Healthy Challenge to area schools.  The event this Saturday is another great opportunity for kids and parents to learn about the program and how to live a healthy life.”

Since its inception in February, the program has been welcomed by area schools and families.  Chuck the Power Street Team have visited over 50 schools/kids events reaching over 13,000 kids with Chuck’s Healthy Challenge information.  Each appearance includes fun activities that are designed to teach kids and their parents about leading a healthier life.

This free public event offers a healthy food station, featuring fruits and vegetables; a hydration station sponsored by West Virginia American Water; an activity station of inflatable games and more sponsored by the West Virginia Power; and Zumba.

For more information about Saturday’s event contact the Power Front Office at 304-344-BATS (2287).

Dozens of West Virginia’s brightest stars from the business, government, political, arts and non-profit sectors are coming together for one of Charleston’s most anticipated events: Speed Networking with the Stars.

(See line-up below)

Individual ticket early bird prices end Friday, Sept. 30. Registration is strictly limited to 100 tickets and few remain available after pre-sale to sponsors. Individual tickets (if available) are $50 for Alliance members, $75 future members through Friday, and increase by $25 per person after that date.

Tickets include admission to networking sessions followed by an All-Star Reception featuring beer, wine and heavy hors d’oeuvres.

Click here to register

Don’t miss this chance to get a year’s worth of networking in two hours and connect with some of the state’s most influential people from the business, government, non-profit, education and arts sectors. This year’s event, presented by the Charleston Area Alliance and Suddenlink Business, will feature a galaxy of new and returning stars.

Below is the growing list of leaders who will bring star power to this year’s event.  More stars are being added each day, so don’t miss you your chance to connect with those who are opening doors and making things happen for West Virginia:

• Douglas Amos, West Virginia American Water Company
• John Ballengee, United Way of West Virginia
• Jill Bentz, Dinsmore & Shohl
• Mark Bias, BB&T
• Dennis Bloss, Frontier Communications
• Pat Bond, Mountaineer Capital
• Susan Brewer, Steptoe & Johnson
• Kathy Brown, Kathy Brown PLLC
• Mike Buxser, WV Radio Corporation
• Mayor Dick Calloway, St. Albans
• Jack Cavender, CURA
• Jon Cavendish, REALCORP
• Betty Chilton, Charleston Newspapers
• Nelle Chilton, Dickenson Fuels
• Fred Clark, IVS Hydro, Inc.
• Jane Cline, former WV Insurance Commissioner
• John Copenhaver, CHASE
• Charlie Counts, CROWNMAX
• Mary Jean Davis, Charleston City Council
• Kathleen DuBois, Progressity
• Terrell Ellis, Terrell Ellis & Associates
• Valerie Ellis, Gibbons & Kawash
• WV Senator Dan Foster
• Michelle Foster, KISRA
• Alex Franklin, Craik-Patton House
• John Gianola, Ernst & Young
• John Giroir, YMCA of Charleston
• Jay Goldman, Goldman Associates
• Larry Groce, FestivALL
• David Gross, WV Symphony Orchestra
• Jim Guidarini, DOW
• David Hardy, Kanawha County Commission
• Brenda Harper, WV Chamber of Commerce
• Dr. Jo Harris, Bridgemont CTC
• Steve Hedrick, Bayer
• Rudy Henley, WV Commercial Real Estate
• Tania Hotmer, AEP
• Karen Hughes, WV Manufacturers Association
• Jeff Imel, Air Robotics LLC
• Betty Ireland, business/management consultant
• Jeff James, Mythology Marketing
• Pat Kelly, WV Health Care Association
• Raye King , Commercial Insurance Services
• Virginia King, Kanawha Stone
• Dr.Pat Kusimo, Education Alliance
• Steve Lemmerman, Marriott
• Kevin Levine, Kay Casto Chaney
• Jeffrey Lusk, Hatfield-McCoy Trails
• Larry Malone, Malone Consulting Services
• WV Senator Brooks McCabe
• Bill McHale, Kanawha Scales
• Chris Morris, CityNet
• WV Delegate Eric Nelson
• Kristina Oliver, WV Small Business Development Center
• Keith Pauley, MATRIC
• Kenny Perdue, AFL-CIO
• Paul Phoenix, Lumos Networks
• WV Delegate Meshea Poore
• Tom Provost, Kureha
• Bill Raney, WV Coal Association
• Jack Rossi, Arnett & Foster
• Jennifer Sayre, Kanawha County Commission
• Chip Shaffer, Shaffer & Shaffer
• Trip Shumate, Charleston Newspapers
• Rick Slater, Dixon Hughes Goodman
• Sally Smith, Bowles Rice
• WV Senator Ron Stollings
• Diane Strong-Treister, Manpower
• Michael Tarrant, Suddenlink Business Services
• Susan Thompson, Girl Scouts of Black Diamond
• Samia Turner, MD, Turner Medical Spa
• Cheryl Vega, Charleston Ballet
• Bob Welty, Fifth Third Bank
• Steve White, Affiliated Building Trades
• Bob Whitler, CAMC
• Mark Wolfe, Mark Wolfe Design

This year’s sponsors of Speed Networking with the Stars include:

Title Sponsor:

Suddenlink Business

Insider Sponsors:

Capitol Conference Center

Frontier Communications

Kay, Casto & Chaney

Dixon Hughes Goodman

Kanawha Scales

nTelos

ZMM

Power Broker Sponsors:

Chapman Technical Group

Charleston Conference Center

Summit Community Bank

It’s a fun and profitable evening that’s unlike any other event in the West Virginia. Young professionals, Charleston newcomers and experienced businesspeople alike will walk away with priceless connections that will benefit them for years to come.

Event agenda:

4:45 p.m.  Registration opens

5 p.m. Informal networking and orientation

5:30-7:30 p.m. Speed networking

7:30-8:30 p.m. All Star Reception

Here’s just a sampling of the feedback from previous attendees:

“Great event, exceeded expectations.”

“I had such a good time and made so many new contacts. This event was very helpful to me and my organization.”

“You just can’t get that many players in one room in this state.”

“I came away feeling that each star had a genuine concern for my small business.”

” I’m already benefiting from the contacts I made. It was very well organized and impressive to see all the leaders participating.”

“This was the best function to date that I have attended for the Alliance. Excellent job!”

Check out success stories from previous Speed Networking with the Stars events. Click HERE and HERE.

Sign up today for the next Business After Hours, which will be tomorrow at Ferguson Enterprises.

At the event, guests will have a chance for a free dinner cooked in their own home by local well-known chef April Hamilton.

The winner will be given a range of choices in food and wine from Hamilton, once the date is set by the winner.

Business After Hours offer fantastic opportunities to meet the region’s leaders in a relaxed setting, all while enjoying food, drinks and entertainment. Live music will be performed by The Pennington Project.

Register here

The event is scheduled from 5 to 7 p.m. Thursday, Sept. 22. at 160 Spring St. It’s a great opportunity to network and meet new people in the community.

The cost is $15 for Alliance members and $25 for future members.

Online advance registration ends tomorrow at noon. Prices at the door are $25 for Alliance members and $35 for future members.

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 cancellation refunds within 48 hours of the event. Thank you.

The sold-out event attracted more than 100 golfers who enjoyed a spectacular day with their business colleagues to support the wide range of innovative programs and services provided by the Alliance.

The Alliance salutes the outstanding organizations who participated in this event that helps us build a more vibrant community and prosperous economy.

Please join us in thanking:

Hole Sponsors
Appalachian Power
AT&T
Charleston Town Center Marriott
Embassy Suites
Home Base, Inc.
Marty’s Tire
nTelos
Red Carpet Lounge
Servpro
The State Journal
Suddenlink
Summit Community Bank
Toyota
Triad Engineering
United Bank
WV Health Care Association
WV Therapy Services

In-Kind Contributors
AVI Foodsystems
Berry Hills Country Club
Big Bend Golf Course
BrickStreet Mutual Insurance
Buffalo Wild Wings
Edgewood Country Club
Enterprise Rental Car
HartmanMullins, LLC
Hatfield & McCoy Trail
Highmark Blue Cross Blue Shield WV
Marty’s Tire
NuWay Cleaners
Pies & Pints
Quaker Steak and Lube
Red Carpet Lounge
Sandy Brae Golf Course
Scarlet Oaks Country Club
Sleepy Hollow Golf Club
Sodaro’s Electronic Sales
Sport Mart
Taylor Books
WV Golf Association
WV Power

Volunteers
Tania Hotmer – Appalachian Power
Joycelyn Kyte
Megan Schilling – Comfort Keepers

Sharon O. Flanery, a petroleum engineer and attorney who leads the Steptoe & Johnson Energy Team, will moderate  “Women with Energy,” a roundtable discussion with female business executives, lawyers, engineers and other professionals on the front lines of developments in the natural gas and coal fields.

Confirmed speakers to date include:

·          Maribeth Anderson, director, corporate developmentChesapeake Energy Corporation

·         Tania Hotmer, manager of external affairs, AEP

·         Linda Raines Torre, co-founder and senior engineer for Decota Consulting, a mining/environmental consulting firm

The event begins at 11:30 a.m. with informal networking (optional), followed by a luncheon and program at 11:45 a.m.. 

Registration is $30 for Alliance members/$40 future members through July 22. Prices increase to $40 Alliance members/$50 future members after that date.  Reserved tables of eight, which include program recognition and signage, are $500 for Alliance members; $600 future members. 

For more information about reserved tables, contact JoEllen Zacks:  jzacks@charlestonareaalliance.org

 Click here to register!

“Women with Energy” is presented with the generous support of Steptoe & Johnson. 

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. 

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

The Alliance cannot invoice for groups of fewer than 10 and is unable to issue refunds for cancellations received less than 48 prior to an event.

Let’s show them why Charleston is a great place for living, working and playing!

Gates open at 6:30 p.m., and the Power take on the Lakewood Blueclaws at 7:05 p.m.

Tickets are $15. The price includes admission, food (hamburgers, hot dogs, grilled chicken, pulled pork and more) and beverages (keg beer, soda and water).

Click here to pre-register. Tickets also are available at the gate.

Fireworks follow the game.

“We are really excited about being a part of the local community and serving the residents of Charleston,” said Matt Bischof, the field representative opening the office.  “It’s our goal to provide the best possible service to the community by offering longer hours and Saturday service. A lot of people connect with GEICO through our television commercials and advertising.  We also want them to identify us by the great personal customer experience we offer.”

Matt Bischof and his staff can be reached at (304) 344-0555, mbischof@geico.com or online at www.geico.com/local/mbischof.

The GEICO team is involved in numerous community activities including the Charleston Area Alliance, the Chambers of Commerce for Beckley, Huntington and Putnam Counties and the BNI-Power Chapter. Bischof also is actively involved in fundraising efforts for several local schools and is a participant in The American Cancer Society’s Relay for Life and the Alzheimer’s Association’s Walk to End Alzheimer’s.

“We are pleased that Matt will be working with our customers in West Virginia,” said Robin Burdick, GEICO vice president. “GEICO has a lot to offer in terms of community outreach and support as well as our professional services.”

GEICO (Government Employees Insurance Company) is a member of the Berkshire Hathaway family of companies and is the third-largest private passenger auto insurer in the United States. The company is celebrating its 75th anniversary this year. GEICO handles auto insurance coverage for 10 million private passenger auto policies and insures more than 16 million vehicles.

In addition to auto insurance, GEICO offers customers insurance products for their motorcycles, all-terrain vehicles (ATVs), and mobile homes.  Coverage for life, boats, homes and apartments is available through the GEICO Insurance Agency.  Commercial auto insurance and personal umbrella protection are also available.

Live on the Levee happens at Haddad Riverfront Park, and GC has an area sectioned off at the overlook near Court Street, which resembles the shape of a boat’s bow. Look for the GC banner!

The concert will feature Mother’s Nature, a variety band whose tunes includes dance, pop, classic rock, blues, funk, R&B and Motown. In addition, a Special Olympics Ceremony will kick off the 2011 Summer Games.

First Friday is a great networking opportunity that gives you the opportunity to meet new people and socialize, all while enjoying a cash bar and light hors d’oeuvres. Admission is free and open to the public. Let’s show everyone why Charleston is such a great place to live, work and play!

Please note that while First Friday ends at 7:30 p.m., Live on the Levee continues until 10 p.m.