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Member Market: Frontier now offering deals on phone and internet service
This “Member Market” is a paid announcement sent by the Alliance on behalf of a member to business and community leaders and young professionals.
Join us Thursday for Downtown ArtWalk and learn about Vision 2030
Downtown ArtWalk
Thursday, Oct. 20
5-8 p.m.
Join us this Thursday for a downtown stroll at ArtWalk. This month, ArtWalk will feature works inspired by Vision 2030, along with unique pieces from various downtown galleries.
Spearheaded by the Charleston Area Alliance, Vision 2030 is a blue ribbon panel of business and community leaders that is creating a 20-year plan for creating jobs and strengthening the economy of the Kanawha Valley.
At ArtWalk, visitors will find Vision 2030 activities including:
• Commissioned artwork by local artists in ‘Gallery Alley’ (located near the SubShop at 807 Quarrier St.)
• Sidewalk chalk art completed by Charleston Catholic art students.
• Inspired puzzle creation at the Lee Street Triangle. All artwalkers can create their inspired image of the future of the Kanawha Valley on ‘life-size’ puzzle pieces.
ArtWalk will also feature its usual array of art from downtown galleries including:
April Waltz at Art Emporium
The Art Emporium is featuring Wheeling, WV artist April Waltz in “April Waltz Does the Charleston: Choreography in Color.”
April strives to create works that are playful in their composition while being stimulating and surprising in color. She is an abstractionist at heart, and her sweeping flow, simple geometry, and rich solid colors are the building blocks that offer infinite possibilities.
This exhibit will run through Nov. 12.
Objects, Artifacts & Found Art featured at The Purple Moon
The Purple Moon will be featuring the glory of found objects, artifacts and art. Coinciding with the retro gallery’s new line of vintage industrial furniture and home accessories, The Purple Moon will present a unique collection of 20th Century found objects, many not originally intended as art.
Vintage signs, toys, tools and other artifacts have excellent design and beauty and The Purple Moon transforms these into art in this unusual exhibit.
Charleston Camera Club Showing at Romano and Associates
Members of the Charleston Camera Club will be exhibiting selected photographs in the offices of Romano and Associates at 230 Capitol Street, in Suite 200.
The Charleston Camera Club is a non-profit club with Members from various locations in southern West Virginia. The Club provides an informal and friendly environment for photographers of all skill levels since 1956.
The Club offers educational meetings, friendly competitions, exhibitions and opportunities to photograph nature and special events as a method to expand the knowledge and experience of the Members.
Artwalk Portrait Party at White Oak Photography
White Oak Photography is holding an Artwalk Portrait Party from 5–8 p.m. at the studio located at 107 Hale Street, Suite 100.
Come on over for the harrowing fright, that White Oak is brewing on ArtWalk night!
Come in costume or as yourself. In honor of the season, we will be taking portraits for a small fee of $5. Half of all proceeds will be donated in support of Covenant House. Live music provided by Duo Divertido.
The Charleston Ballet at 100 Capitol Street
Come by and join us for an open house at the Charleston Ballet and the American Academy of Ballet. Watch the dancers prepare for the upcoming presentation of “The Nutcracker.” Refreshments will be served. Please take the elevator on your right to Mezzanine from the lobby of the Security Building.
Allied Artists Join Artwalk @ 405 Capitol
Allied Artists of West Virginia will join the ArtWalk beginning in October showing at 405 Capitol Street. Allied Artists of West Virginia is a nonprofit, educational, and cultural association whose mission is to encourage, nurture and present the work of West Virginia artists to the community.
Photographs by Finley Taylor at Good News Mountaineer Garage
Good News Mountaineer Garage Gallery will feature, “100 Years of Location Photography in Appalachia” featuring black and white photographs of Finley Taylor, Jim Comstock’s News Leader and Mark Romano.
Stray Dog Antiques Anniversary
Stray Dog Antiques is celebrating it’s four year anniversary this month, and to thank our customers we are offering a 20 percent discount on items $20 or more. We also have a wide variety of vintage clothing for those last minute Halloween Costume Shoppers!
Book Signing and Music Showcase: Brad and Brian Diller at Taylor Books
Taylor Books is proud to host brothers Brad and Brian Diller. Brad is a cartoonist who has just published a new book “The Neighbors Have Two Flamingos.” While he signs copies, his brother Brian will treat the crowd to live music.
Sign up now for the National Energy Technology Laboratory Business Opportunity Session Nov. 14 in Charleston
REGISTRATION IS NOW OPEN!
Reserve your spot today for the upcoming Business Opportunity Session sponsored by the U.S. Department of Energy’s National Energy Technology Laboratory and Teaming to Win.
This one-day session will be held on November 14, 2011, in Charleston, West Virginia, at the Charleston Civic Center. Participants will hear from Federal and State leaders, and learn about resources and opportunities specifically targeted for small businesses. Federal buyers and prime contractors will be available in the afternoon for one-on-one meetings, which provides an excellent opportunity for small businesses to market their products and services.
Other Pertinent Information:
*Registration is now open for the event. Please go to
http://www.netl.doe.gov/events/11conferences/sbs/index.html register and select your lunch preference. There is no charge to attend the event.
*Directions to the Charleston Civic Center are available on the Civic Center’s website at:
http://www.charlestonwvciviccenter.com/guestservices/directions/directions.html
*The Charleston Marriott Town Center is holding a block of rooms for this event at the rate of $95.00 plus 12% tax until Monday, October 24, 2011. You can make your reservations on line by clicking on the following link:
Or by calling the hotel directly at (304) 345-6500. Reference “the U.S. Department of Energy” to obtain the group rate or use the group code UDD.
***For agenda updates and additional information, visit NETL’s “Business Opportunity Session” website at
http://www.netl.doe.gov/events/11conferences/sbs/index.html.***
Member Market: Earn Your Graduate Degree From UC in 14 Months!
This “Member Market” is a paid announcement sent by the Alliance on behalf of a member to business and community leaders and young professionals. To promote your business or service through Member Market, email mthompson@charlestonareaalliance.org.
Member Market: Tickets on sale now for 2011-2012 Community Music Association performance season.
TSG Consulting presents this year’s Community Music Association’s performance season. Season tickets are on sale now!!
Call 304-744-1400 to purchase tickets or get more information.
2011-2012 This Magic Moment Performance Season
Featuring:
October 9, 2011 – Jay & the Americans
Elected into the Vocal Group Hall of Fame in 2002, Jay and the Americans will highlight their twelve Top 10 recordings including “This Magic Moment,” “Cara Mia,” “Only in America,” “Come a Little Closer,” and many others.
November 6, 2011 – Simply Sinatra starring Steve Lippa and his Big Band
Steve Lippia has toured the world singing in the Sinatra mold. Audiences and critics alike are amazed when they hear him and unanimous in their praise. You, too, will be amazed and delighted when you hear Steve sing the classics of Ol’ Blue Eyes.
January 29. 2012 – Southern Fried Jazz Band
The Southern Fried Jazz Band returns after too long of an absence with a superb array of Dixieland and blues, played the way they are meant to be played. For kids and grown-ups alike, each performance of the Southern Fried Jazz Band evolves into an experience to be remembered long after it has left the stage.
March 4, 2012 – Elisabeth von Trapp
The Boston Globe states, “Before the concert is over, she will have the audience gasping with the sheer beauty of her voice.” Von Trapp is the granddaughter of legendary Maria and Baron von Trapp, whose story inspired The Sound of Music. Elisabeth is carrying on the von Trapp legend with her own artistic style that is ethereal and earthy, delicate and powerful. No one leaves a von Trapp performance unchanged; audiences of all ages are awed by the beauty of her voice and musical arrangements.
April 14, 2012 – The Duttons
Direct from Branson, Missouri, the Duttons provide a true family show, performing a wide variety of music from classics to country, pops to rock and much more. The Duttons were top ten finalists on NBC’s “America’s Got Talent,” and have been their own theater show in Branson.
All performances are at the Municipal Auditorium at 3 p.m. Free parking is available at the CASCI lot on a first-come-first-served basis. Call 304-744-1400 for tickets.
Season Ticket Prices Are:
$90 for adults
$10 for youths under 18
$30 for full-time college students
Individual Show Ticket Prices Are:
$35 for adults
$5 for youths under 18
$10 for full-time college students
This “Member Market” is a paid announcement sent by the Alliance on behalf of a member to business and community leaders and young professionals. To promote your business or service through Member Market, email mthompson@charlestonareaalliance.org.
Expand your knowledge of Microsoft Office software. Sign up for DigiTools Training.
Wednesday, Oct. 5 and 12
Charleston Area Alliance
1116 Smith St.
Sign up today for DigiTools: Microsoft Access training.
DigiTools is a partnership between the Charleston Area Alliance and Bridgemont Community and Technical College to offer training on Microsoft Software including Access, PowerPoint, Outlook, Excel, and Word.
If you’re a business professional or an individual interested in sharpening your computer skills, sign up and take a two-week session on specific software.
The classes will be held on Wednesdays from 9 a.m. to 12 p.m. at the Charleston Area Alliance offices on 1116 Smith Street. The first session is Oct. 5 and 12 and it’s on Microsoft Access. Access is a database management system that is used in a variety of job fields.
Tools that will be learned include:
• reviewing basic database concepts
• creating and manage tables
• quering the database
• designing simple forms
• creating and modifing simple report
And much more!
The classes are only open to the first 13 individuials who sign up. The cost is $60 for Alliance members and $90 for future Alliance members.
Future sessions in PowerPoint, Outlook, Excel, and Word will be available for registration in the coming weeks.
For more information, contact Matthew Thompson at mthompson@charlestonareaalliance.org or at 304-340-4253.
Member Market: Faster medical insurance quotes for employers. Deacon & Deacon now offers Form Fire
Employee Benefits/Group Health Insurance renewal season is coming up for many companies. Is your company and its employees tired of filling out paper medical forms in order to get quotes for your medical insurance year after year? Are you looking for a faster, more secure experience?
We have the answer. We have a solution that allows your employees to complete a digital version of the universal medical appraisal form that each employee must fill out each year to get quotes for benefit plans. This is a safer, more secure, and faster way to get quotes from all major carriers. Once your company decides on a plan, this software will allow for electronic applications, so you and your employees will not have to waste time filling out paper forms ever again.
Email us today at info@deaconanddeacon.com to learn what our clients are already experiencing with Form Fire. Deacon & Deacon Insurance Agency is a locally owned, independent agency offering employee benefits, group health insurance, disability insurance, life insurance, long term care insurance, voluntary benefit programs, dental/vision, HRA’s/HSA’s/FSA’s, self-funded and partially self-funded plans, and more.
Visit us on the web at www.deaconanddeacon.com or call (304) 720-5641.
This “Member Market” is a paid announcement sent by the Alliance on behalf of a member to business and community leaders and young professionals. To promote your business or service through Member Market, email mthompson@charlestonareaalliance.org.
Free College Planning Workshops this Saturday at the Alliance!
TechConnectWV Awards $10,000 in Technical Assistance to Aither Chemicals
TechConnectWV has announced a $10,000 technical assistance award to Aither Chemicals, a West Virginia firm in the business of building commercial plants to develop petrochemicals derived from ethane extracted from the Marcellus and Utica Shales. The award will support an independent review of the Aither process design and economic analysis, enabling the firm to strengthen its market position.
In announcing the award, TechConnectWV Executive Director Anne Barth said, “TechConnectWV is pleased to assist Aither, an innovative start-up with great potential for creating and retaining jobs in West Virginia.” Barth added that several member organizations of TechConnectWV have united to support Aither, demonstrating the group’s mission to create jobs by connecting entrepreneurs and start-up firms with R&D assistance, access to capital, and other resources needed for the commercialization of products, services, and technologies. Aither is a spinout from MATRIC Research, a nonprofit research institute which focuses on creating and commercializing innovations in chemical, energy and environmental technologies.
Recently, the West Virginia Jobs Investment Trust (WVJIT) finalized a deal to invest $250,000 in Aither. In addition to MATRIC and WVJIT, other TechConnectWV members have helped Aither by making key contacts, offering strategic advice, and identifying feedstock sources.
“This is the type of public-private partnership that leads to success in the innovation economy,” Barth added.
Aither uses a proprietary, integrated process for creating chemical products derived from ethylene. Aither’s process is designed to work economically at the same scale, or on a smaller scale, with less start-up costs than traditional steam cracker plants and with reduced environmental emissions.
“We will use West Virginia’s natural gas resources to produce ethane-based products near the source of the raw material,” said Aither CEO Leonard Dolhert. “With Aither as a local provider, West Virginia’s chemical companies will be able to reduce shipping costs in their supply chain.”
TechConnectWV recently released the West Virginia Chemicals and Advanced Materials Blueprint, a detailed strategy for growth in the state’s chemicals and advanced materials industry cluster. “Aither is an excellent example of how we can collaborate and utilize existing assets to support job creation in West Virginia, as outlined in the Blueprint,” Barth said.
West Virginia Exports Jump 43 percent in first half of 2011
Check out this article from the Charleston Daily Mail:
State exports jump 43 percent in first half of 2011
by George Hohmann
Daily Mail Business Editor
CHARLESTON, W.Va. – West Virginia’s exports soared 43 percent in the first six months of 2011, led by coal, the state Department of Commerce announced.
Exports for the first half of the year totaled $4.4 billion, up from $3.1 billion during the same period a year ago, according to figures compiled by the U.S. Department of Commerce.
West Virginia outpaced the U.S. growth rate of 18 percent in the period.
The state’s first half results indicate West Virginia is on track to meet or exceed last year’s record level of exports, the state noted. West Virginia’s exports totaled $6.4 billion in 2010.
Acting Gov. Earl Ray Tomblin said in a prepared statement, “West Virginia businesses large and small are succeeding in worldwide trade. Exporting is essential to our state’s continued economic growth. International sales help to create and retain jobs in West Virginia. We encourage our businesses to explore this potential for growth.”
The state’s top five export sectors and the amount exported in the first half of 2011 were: coal, $2.6 billion; plastics, $575.1 million; machinery, $372.4 million; medical products, $126.9 million; and organic chemicals, $119.6 million.
The fastest-growing sectors were: coal, up from $1.33 billion in the first half of 2010 to $2.56 billion in the first half of 2011 – a 93 percent increase; plastics, up 18 percent; medical products, up 44 percent; and aerospace components, up 18 percent.
Several coal companies with mines in West Virginia have been focusing on metallurgical coal, which is used in steelmaking. It commands a significantly higher price than steam coal, which is used to generate electricity. There have been reports that steam coal exports also have grown.
Bill Raney, president of the West Virginia Coal Association, said, “We’re shipping coal to India and China, and some countries, including Germany, are closing their nuclear power plants and going back to coal generation. You would think that would be a real message to this country.”
Raney called the export figures “fabulous news for everyone in West Virginia.
“It converts to revenues for the state, keeps the miners working, and the real puzzling thing is all these other countries are wanting our coal and wanting us to mine coal, yet we can’t break the federal permit logjam,” he said.
“One would think that the federal government would try to do everything possible to keep this positive economic activity going forward, when you’re trying to rebuild America.”
West Virginia’s top trading partners, as measured in dollars, during the first half of 2011 were: Canada, Brazil, India, Netherlands, Italy, Japan, China, Ukraine, United Kingdom and South Korea.
The data can be somewhat misleading. For example, the Netherlands is listed as a top trading partner but it has a big port and products that go there often end up somewhere else in Europe.
The state said more than 17 percent of all manufacturing jobs in West Virginia depend on exports. The total number of jobs in West Virginia that rely on exports is hard to estimate.
The U.S. Department of Commerce has estimated that every $1 billion in exports creates 15,000 jobs, but the number may vary widely by industry.
The state has been keen on promoting exports for many years. The state Development Office’s International Division maintains trade offices in Munich, Germany, and Nagoya, Japan. The division provides consulting and other services aimed at helping West Virginia companies build international business relationships.
Additional information about the state’s programs is available by visiting the division’s website at www.worldtradewv.com or by calling Debra Martin at 304-957-2042 or Caitlin Ashley at 304-957-2014.
Contact writer George Hohmann at busin…@dailymail.com or 304-348-4836.