The story below appeared in today’s Charleston Gazette.

By Paul J. Nyden

NGK Spark Plugs plans to hire additional workers to expand its manufacturing facilities in Sissonville, in addition to the 300 employees who already work there.

Some reports predict NGK may hire between 40 and 50 more people.

But NGK Vice President Bob Pepper said Wednesday, “We have not yet finalized the total number of new jobs. We should have a pretty good idea by the end of next week.”

In October, NGK will begin moving production equipment to Sissonville from its plant in Irvine, Calif., which will stop making spark plugs next May.

“The consolidation of manufacturing into one location enables us to manage our process with a single team and facilitates better economies of scale,” Pepper said. “An expanded West Virginia campus will further strengthen our global network and better position the company to service its North American manufacturing customers.”

Headquartered in Wixom, Mich., NGK has manufacturing, storage and distribution facilities in Sissonville, Irvine and Chicago, Ill.

In 1995, Sen. Jay Rockefeller, D-W.Va., played a key role in attracting NGK to West Virginia. NGK, the first Japanese auto company to come to the state, built an oxygen sensor plant near Sissonville 15 years ago.

On Tuesday and Wednesday, Pepper and NGK Chief Administrative Officer Richard Sullivan were in Irvine, where they announced the shutdown of part of that facility.

“We are meeting with individuals and associates there [who might be losing their jobs]. It is a tough couple of days here,” Pepper said on Wednesday.

“On the other side of the coin, it is very positive news for Kanawha County and Sissonville.”

In Sissonville, production of oxygen sensors, which reduce exhaust emissions, has also increased recently.

“We have taken on additional business that had been done in Japan for our customers in Brazil — Ford and Fiat,” Pepper said. “There has also been a strengthening of the auto market in the U.S., a little busier than expected.”

Rockefeller said, “This additional plant responsibility is another testament to our state’s incredible workforce. I know that the team members at NGK will be able to handle anything sent their way and I thank the company for putting their faith in us.” 

Gov. Joe Manchin said he was pleased NGK decided to expand its local operations.

“In these difficult economic times, to have this level of commitment from NGK is remarkable and truly strengthens our ability to attract future investments.”

Kanawha County Commission President Kent Carper said, “All too often, we are told no one in West Virginia is doing anything about keeping, and bringing in, good-paying jobs.

“Here is a great success story. We already have over 300 good-paying jobs with excellent benefits. We all have benefited from the cooperation between the federal government, Sen. Rockefeller, state government, local government and the Charleston Area Alliance.”

NGK said its Irvine facility will continue to operate as a distribution center and depot for the West Coast.

The story below appeared in yesterday’s Charleston Gazette.

By Jim Balow

Eighteen feet tall and about 40 feet long, the new sign along Greenbrier Street will be pretty hard to miss. And that’s exactly the point.

The “gateway” sign, which will spell out “City of Charleston” in letters up to 30 inches high, is intended to welcome visitors to the capital city. And in case anyone might think they’re near the ocean, the sign adds the words “West Virginia.”

If all goes well — designers are in final safety negotiations with the state Division of Highways — the sign could be erected this fall.

“The city of Charleston and the Charleston Area Alliance identified this as one of the major gateways into the Charleston,” said David Gilmore, land development services manager with GAI Consultants. “That’s where we have visitors coming into the city, especially from the airport.”

Gilmore got the design job about two months ago. His firm has gained a high profile around town lately as the prime civil, structural and architectural consultants on the riverfront projects — the canopy and stage at Haddad Park, the nearly completed overlook and canopy at the foot of Court Street and the soon-to-be-built floating boat dock.

“The assignment was to design a gateway that was iconic, that used natural regional materials identifiable to the area that kind of harked back to the area’s history. We wanted something simple and attractive, not something you’d see in other towns.

“The other requirement was to design something that could be scaled down to be used at other places around the city.”

Except for a few details, Gilmore’s work is nearly done. “It’s been approved by all the parties involved. We’re wrapping up some final decisions on material choices with the Department of Highways. We’re working with them to get final signoff on the materials.”

Gilmore’s original concept called for a steel beam, about 40 feet long, 18 inches high and a foot wide, running parallel to the road. DOH officials thought the beam could create a hazard if a vehicle ran off the road, so he’s come up with alternatives.

“Some sort of lightweight material — a thinner-gauge metal, like aluminum,” he said.

The uphill end will be anchored in a mound of boulders. The other will be supported by a stone monument, 18 feet tall. “It will be cut stone, sandstone, in an ashlar pattern typical to that seen in buildings around town.” (more…)

The story below appears in today’s Charleston Gazette.

By Eric Eyre

An economic development group is hosting a return trade mission to China.

The Charleston Area Alliance, which sponsored a trip to China in April, held an informational meeting Tuesday about a second Chinese excursion — this one tentatively scheduled for April 2011.

“We’re going back because it was so successful,” said Matt Ballard, the Alliance’s CEO. “There was a lot of push to return. We already have people starting to sign up.”

Last spring, about 70 people took part in the Alliance-sponsored trip to China. The economic development organization offered two options: a business tour and cultural tour.

Those on the cultural tour visited Beijing and Shanghai, and sites such as the Forbidden City, Great Wall and Buddhist temples. The 20 people who took the business tour met with Chinese economic development specialists to learn about trade with China.

“These trade missions are all about creating more opportunities for West Virginia businesses,” Ballard said Tuesday. “It’s our policy to think very globally. It’s a global economy.”

He said several area business leaders who attended the trade mission last April already have returned to the country to “follow up on business leads.”

“It’s all about relationships,” Ballard said. “You want to build your credibility with Chinese companies. You have to lay the groundwork. It takes time.”

Ballard said the April trade mission hasn’t spawned any contracts between West Virginia and Chinese businesses. He said the trip is designed to help local companies increase exports to China.

“If a company has a widget, we want to help them find a buyer for their widgets,” Ballard said.

He said the Alliance would pay for two or three staff members to attend the trade mission. Ballard and several Alliance employees went on the April trip to China.

Others who decide to go to China must pay their own way. The price is $2,399 for Alliance members; $2,799 for future members; and an additional $450 charge for single occupancy.

The prices include round-trip air fare from New York, flights from Beijing to Shanghai and other cities, three meals day, and four- and five-star hotel accommodations.

A promotional brochure also promises “exclusive meetings with high-ranking [Chinese] government officials and business leaders.” (more…)

Jack Rossi

The National Association of Athletic Development Directors (NAADD) recently named Jack Rossi, Charleston Area Alliance chairman and member at Arnett & Foster, its 2010 Volunteer of the Year.

The group honored Rossi and six others during the 45^th Annual NACDA Convention in June.

Rossi’s work with the Mountaineer Athletic Club has greatly benefitted hundreds of West Virginia University (WVU) student-athletes through the creation of the Club’s largest fundraising event.

“Summerfest,” the semi-annual event held for the 1100 club, which benefits football recruiting at WVU, has raised more than $1 million over the last seven years. The completely volunteer-staffed event includes a high dollar raffle, silent and live auctions, food and drink, live entertainment and interaction with the football coaching staff. Not just limiting his generosity to football, this past summer, Rossi took the blueprint for “Summerfest” and held the first “Huggsfest” to benefit men’s and women’s basketball recruiting and the efforts to build the WVU Basketball Practice Facility. The event, which raised $700,000, proved to be the largest single fundraiser in Mountaineer Athletic Club history.

“Jack is a tireless volunteer, and we are very pleased the NACDA has recognized that,” said Matt Ballard, Alliance president and CEO. “We at the Alliance see his dedication every day. His devotion to community and business development in Charleston is clear, and that enthusiasm extends to his love for West Virginia University.”

Rossi’s commitment to West Virginia and the WVU community shows through his heavy involvement with the WVU Cancer and Children’s Hospital, the Childhood Language Disorder Association in Charleston, W.Va., and his service to the WVU Alumni Association and various university boards.

Rossi currently is serving his final year as Alliance Board Chairman.

The other 2010 NAADD award recipients are: Lifetime Achievement Award – Don Winston, University of Southern California; University Division Donors of the Year – Mike and Pat Case, University of Tulsa; College Division Donor of the Year – Lois Mitchell, University of British Columbia; University Division Fund Raiser of the Year – Jim Hall, Georgia Tech; College Division Fund Raiser of the Year – Todd Kelly, Colorado State University Pueblo.

The story below appeared Thursday evening on WSAZ-TV. Click here to view the piece.

There are high hopes for a new state research park in South Charleston.

A special committee met for the first time Thursday to discuss what to do with the former Dow Tech Park.

The park will be state owned, but the goal is to create high tech jobs in the private sector. Officials say the transition period isn’t going to happen overnight.

Representatives from Battelle Memorial Institute, who won the contract to redevelop the park, say the park’s success depends on their ability to bring in talented people and innovators.

The transition between Dow and the state is set to be complete by December 15.

Project leaders are hopeful that as many as seven tenants could be ready to move in by then.

The story below appeared this weekend in the Charleston Gazette.

By Sara Busse

Guests to Generation Charleston’s upcoming benefit are encouraged to wear their “most awesome” ’80s and ’90s fashions. The Charleston Area Alliance’s emerging leaders group, is hosting an ’80s and ’90s homecoming-themed benefit, 7 to 11 p.m. Aug. 7 at the University of Charleston ballroom.

Proceeds from the event support College Summit and will go toward a scholarship.

The best-dressed male and female will be crowned homecoming king and queen. While costumes are encouraged, they are not required.

“We’re kicking it old-school for this event as a throwback to our high-school years,” said Rachelle Beckner, Generation Charleston’s member-at-large who spearheads the College Summit partnership. “It was only fitting when our year-long cause is to help high-school students succeed and make their way to college.”

Food and beverages, including beer and wine, are provided as guests dance the night away to favorite ’80s and ’90s music and videos. Generation Charleston membership is not required to attend, but guests must be at least 21.

College Summit began in 1993 in Washington, D.C., to provide writing skills and the “know-how” for urban youth to enroll in college. Since then, the program has expanded to 13 states and helped thousands of high school seniors pursue a college degree.

Tickets are $30 per person in advance and $40 at the door. Tickets are available at www.CharlestonAreaAlliance.com/Events, at the Purple Onion at Capitol Market, Capitol Roasters on Summers Street or any Ntelos store in the Kanawha Valley.

“I am glad we made the move to West Virginia.” 
 
That’s why local entrepreneur Jeff Imel responded to a recent Wall Street Journal op-ed criticizing West Virginia and its business climate.  Imel, founder of Air Robotics LLC, is a tenant in the Alliance’s small business incubator. 
 
Imel, concerned that people throughout the state and the country may believe some of the unfounded negative perceptions about West Virginia, felt compelled to respond: “West Virginia is a jewel. A treasure,” he says. “People sometimes say ‘no’ because they don’t ‘know’ the many advantages of doing business here.”
 
We’re proud to share his letter to the editor of the Wall Street Journal with our members:
 
Brian Bolduc’s “Robert Byrd’s Highways to Nowhere” (op-ed. Weekend Journal, July 10) may have left your readers with the impression that the state of West Virginia is a desolate wasteland for business.
 
I am a business owner and my company designs and manufactures small unmanned aircraft systems, essentially “flying robots.” I recently moved my company to West Virginia from another state. In the site selection process I found the business environment in West Virginia to be vibrant and growing.  In fact, more than $12.7 billion of new business investments have been made in West Virginia since 2005.
 
Within the borders of West Virginia there are hundreds of other innovative firms like my own designing, building and competing successfully in the global marketplace.  These companies build robots used to destroy hidden bombs and manufacture systems and components used in the space program.  They are involved in genetics, chemical manufacture, aerospace, defense, transportation and heavy machines.
 
Companies from around the world have found West Virginia to be a profitable location for their investment, and more than 22,000 West Virginians are now employed by companies from 25 countries.  Not only are international companies coming to West Virginia, but our existing companies are competing successfully around the world. In 2009, businesses in West Virginia exported products to 135 countries. While U.S. exports grew a mere 17 percent over the past five years, West Virginia’s exports grew 53 percent during the same period. 
 
I also learned  that more than 4,800 patents granted by the Patent and Trademark Office since 1976 originated from inventors in West Virginia. Per capita, more patents originated from West Virginia than from Maine, Kentucky, Nevada, Alabama, South Dakota, Alaska, Hawaii, Arkansas and Mississippi.  These are impressive numbers by themselves, but even more so when you consider all of this takes place in a state with a population of slightly less than 2 million people.
 
I tell my peers that they need to seriously consider West Virginia to locate their business.  The environment is business friendly, there is a ready to work workforce, and there are resources available here not enjoyed by companies located in other states.
 
This thriving business environment is possible because of the hard working elected officials representing West Virginians in our state and federal government.  Each of them works to make West Virginia open for business.
 
I am glad we made the move to West Virginia.  I encourage your readers to see what West Virginia has to offer by visiting www.wvcommerce.org.
 
Jeff Imel, Founder
Air Robotics, LLC
Charleston, WV

“Someone else will take his seat in the Senate, but no one will ever take his place.”
       -Victoria Kennedy, widow of Senator Edward Kennedy

Photos by Susie Salisbury

The story below appears in this week’s West Virginia Record.

By Kyla Asbury 
Statehouse Bureau

State Supreme Court Chief Justice Robin Davis spoke at a luncheon June 10 at the University of Charleston that was sponsored by Elevations, the Charleston Area Alliance’s Professional Women’s Network.

About 90 people attended the luncheon, which was held in the University of Charleston’s Erma Byrd Art Gallery.

JoEllen Zacks, the senior vice president of Charleston Area Alliance, said they were privileged and excited to have Davis at the luncheon.

“This is such a wonderful opportunity and experience for us,” Zacks said.

Zacks said Charleston Area Alliance’s goal is bringing the people, communities and businesses together.

“Together we can give the future a chance to fly,” Zacks said. “The best is yet to come.”

Davis said it was an honor to speak at the luncheon.

“It’s truly a pleasure to be among so many accomplished women,” Davis said. “To have the opportunity to speak with you and answer your questions is an honor.”

Davis discussed the new proposed appellate procedure rules when she spoke, highlighting the main reasons for updating the rules.

“The current rules are outdated since the last change was made 35 years ago,” Davis said. “The new rules are more modernized and transparent.”

Elevations’ mission is to enrich, empower and elevate professional women to achieve success.

“Professional women rely on Elevations as an essential network that will connect them with resources, contacts and information to enhance their lives,” Zacks said.

Davis said it is tough to juggle a career and a family, but it is not impossible.

“My husband is extremely supportive and helps me in any way he can,” Davis said. “Organization is the key. It is not impossible to have a career and a family.”

Elevations will hold its first annual Elevations Enrichment and Leadership Academy in September, Zacks said.

“Our first workshop is going to provide wonderful opportunities,” Zacks said. “It will be an incredible experience.”

The workshop will be held at the Embassy Suites on Sept. 14 and will begin at 8 a.m. The cost is $65 for Alliance members and $75 for others who would like to attend.

For more information, visit www.CharlestonAreaAlliance.org or call 304-340-4253.

The story below appears in today’s Charleston Gazette.

By Whitney Burdette
Staff writer

Generation Charleston, a committee of the Charleston Area Alliance, has chosen College Summit as its year-long cause.

The group is seeking volunteers to staff College Summit’s six summer workshops at colleges and universities around the state. It’s also working to provide funds for a scholarship.

Larissa Adams, a senior from Sissonville High School, was chosen to receive Generation Charleston’s $2,000 scholarship. She also received a laptop and will receive $100 certificates each year for the next three years.

“We chose Larissa because she had a very powerful essay,” said Rachelle Beckner, project coordinator. “She’s a well-rounded student with a lot of drive and desire to achieve. We could see her succeeding with this extra push.”

Adams accepted the scholarship and laptop at an event on June 3.

College Summit was formed in Washington in 1993 to help inner-city students improve their writing skills before going to college. Since then, the organization has expanded to 13 states, including West Virginia.

College Summit hosts workshops at colleges and universities throughout the state where students work on their writing skills and develop a compelling essay to use on their college applications, Beckner said.

“It works with students who are B or C students who have a potential they don’t see,” Beckner said.

The Charleston Area Alliance has teamed up with College Summit in the past, and has also provided scholarships. However, this is Generation Charleston’s first involvement with the organization.

“What we agreed to was to issue the scholarship and raise funds for it,” Beckner said. “The other big component was to help College Summit find the volunteers they need for their workshops. They need people to serve as writing coaches.”

Beckner said almost anyone can volunteer as a College Summit writing coach, even those who are not professional writers. Background checks are conducted to maintain student safety, and training is provided for volunteers.

“If someone has writing skills, that would be helpful,” Beckner said. “I think just the desire to help young people be successful and go to college would be the first criteria.”

Concord University in Athens and Glenville State College in Glenville are in need of volunteers for their workshops in late June and July. Each workshop is three days and participants and coaches stay on-campus in a residence hall.

The Concord workshops are scheduled for June 24-27 and July 8-11. The Glenville workshops are scheduled for July 15-18 and July 22-25.

One of Generation Charleston’s goals is to make the city more appealing to businesses through community projects and organizations like College Summit, said group member Danny Forinash.

“The purpose of the group is to make Charleston more attractive for younger professionals in the Kanawha Valley region in terms of keeping them here and attracting new people to the region,” Forinash said.

Generation Charleston is continually fundraising for the scholarship. It will host a homecoming-themed gala on Aug. 7 at the University of Charleston Grand Ballroom. Tickets are $30 and include food and drink, music, contests and door prizes. Beckner said approximately $10 of every ticket will go directly to the scholarship fund.

To volunteer for a College Summit workshop, contact Jayme Waldeck at 304-204-4061. To donate to the Generation Charleston College Summit Scholarship, call Danny Forinash at 304-340-4253.