Mrs. Manchin joins opening speaker Phyllis Arnold of BB&T, luncheon speaker Betty Schoenbaum and a host of the region’s most knowledgeable women in the fields of finance and philanthropy who will share insights and practical information to help young professional and executive women alike take their career to the next level. Just a few individual tickets for the half-day workshop remain available.

Individual registration is $70 for Alliance members and $85 for future members.  Click here to register.

The program has been submitted for CLE and CPE credit, making it an incredible value for accountants and attorneys who need continuing education credits.

This promises to be the region’s premier networking and educational event for young professional and executive women.

The expo has sold out. Please contact Lesley Hager at LHager@CharlestonAreaAlliance.org to put your business or organization on the waiting list. 

To view the program and a list of sponsorship opportunities, click here.

Sponsor tables are $750 each. For sponsorship information, contact JoEllen Zacks at JZacks@CharlestonAreaAlliance.org.

The Alliance will only be able to invoice 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.

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.

First Friday returns Sept. 3! The Generation Charleston favorite runs from 5:30 to 7:30 p.m. at Bar 101 & Ichiban, 101 Capital St.

This is a great networking opportunity that gives you the chance to meet new people, and socialize all while enjoying great drinks, delicious appetizers and sushi from Ichiban! This event is free and open to the public.

Happy Hour Drink Specials Include:
-$1.00 off draft beer
- 50 cents off all Domestic and Import Bottles and cocktails

Appetizers Include:
-Variety of sushi from Ichiban
-Cheese and veggie trays
-Other light appetizers

NGK has indicated that plans for the transition of production equipment from California to Sissonville should begin in October, and the move means new jobs creation at the company’s Sissonville site. 

“The consolidation of manufacturing into one location enables us to manage our process with a single team and facilitates better economies of scale” explained Bob Pepper, vice president of manufacturing and operations.

The company opened the Sissonville spark plug portion of their West Virginia operations through an expansion in May of 2008 with intentions of expanding capacity to meet market demands. Changes in the auto industry and forecasts for recovery created the need for consolidation and accelerated the timing for the West Virginia­­­­­­ expansion. 

“An expanded West Virginia campus will further strengthen our global network and better position the company to service its North American manufacturing customers,” Pepper said.

NGK opened an oxygen sensor plant near Sissonville in 1995. It opened a distribution center nearby in 2001 and expanded it in 2006. NGK underwent a $15 million expansion at Sissonville two years later. NGK now has nearly 300 employees at its Sissonville location.

NGK was the first Japanese-based company to establish operations in West Virginia. Sen. Jay Rockefeller was instrumental in attracting the company to the region. West Virginia now has about 20 Japanese businesses operating throughout the state.

The Alliance’s predecessor, BIDCO, was heavily involved in developing the Sissonville facility, and the ability to expand that facility is one reason NGK has opted to expand at its West Virginia site. 

The Kanawha County Commission and West Virginia Economic Development Authority have also been instrumental in assisting the company through its several expansions. 

As the regional economic development organization, the Alliance has offered to assist NGK throughout the transition. Specifically, Alliance economic development and workforce personnel will assist the company with identifying qualified candidates for job opportunities created by the transition.

If NGK associates choose to transfer from California to West Virginia, we will assist those individuals and their families, too.

“Increases in manufacturing are always welcome, especially in a challenging economic environment,” said Alliance President and CEO Matt Ballard. “The Charleston Area Alliance is pleased to be a long-term partner with such a tremendous and successful company such as NGK, and we are committed to assisting the company continue their success through this transition. West Virginia’s quality workforce, our low cost of doing business and our central location in the eastern United States make this state a perfect location for continued growth in manufacturing.”

East End Main Street and the Charleston Area Alliance are joining Salon Indigo – which offers massages, pedicures, manicures and haircuts – to host a ribbon cutting at 5 p.m. Aug. 31.

Mayor Danny Jones is scheduled to attend the event, which will showcase the remodeled and renovated facility at 1587 Washington St. East.

“I have always envisioned having my own business and wanted a location that was both diverse and artsy,” said Salon Indigo owner Stephanie Reese. “I would drive up and down Washington Street looking for potential locations, and I chose this one because I love that it’s an old, historic home. It has charm.

“I designed the salon with a modern edge, but this house is more than 100 years old,” Reese continued. “I wanted to add spice with modern fixtures within a historic space.”

Salon Indigo is a “neighborhood business that offers the amenities of an urban city,” Reese said. It offers quality products and focuses on plant-based ingredients for hair and skin care.

Reese said the salon is perfect for lunch-hour visits.

“We live in a busy world, and it’s important for my customers to save time,” she said. “I want to offer specialized services for Capitol workers. That’s the convenience of running a business on the East End. We are fortunate to have so much in one neighborhood.”

Salon Indigo will provide wine and hors d’oeuvres for the ribbon cutting.

Registration for the Fun Run starts at 5:30 p.m. at the Capital. The free race begins at 6:15 p.m.

Ages 4 to 6 run a quarter mile. Ages 7 to 12 run 0.6 miles.

Click here to download a registration form.

Call (304) 348-6860 for more information.

The Charleston Distance Run starts the next morning at 7:30 a.m.

Paws for a Cause is scheduled for 10 a.m. to 1 p.m. Saturday, Aug. 28 at the Humane Association, 1248 Greenbrier St. Registration starts at 9:30 a.m.

The event is designed to help draw attention to the importance of spaying and neutering animals, responsible pet adoption and educating the community on the importance of Humane Association efforts in the community. The Kanawha/Charleston Humane Association was forced to euthanize 80 percent of the 10,000 dogs and cats that entered their doors in 2009 – largely because many pet owners do not spay or neuter their pets.
 
Volunteers from Generation Charleston will be installing a much-needed French drain system to improve the shelter’s dog runs, bathing dogs to make them adopt-ready and cleaning and rebuilding the walking trails. Volunteers also will have the opportunity to attend the shelter’s brief volunteer orientation so they can return to the shelter to help out in the future.
 
For more information about the Kanawha/Charleston Humane Association, visit wvanimalshelter.com. To volunteer for Generation Charleston’s Paws for a Cause event, e-mail Laura Barry at lbarry@theclaycenter.org.

Pre-volunteer registration is mandatory.

Join us from noon to 1 p.m. Monday, Oct. 11 at the Alliance, 1116 Smith St., for “Insider’s Guide to the Alliance: Maximizing Your Membership Dollar.” 

Starting at less than a dollar per day, you can be part of a network of 600 businesses and their 40,000 employees who are making smart investment in their bottom line future – and the future of our community – through their membership in the Charleston Area Alliance.

To help you get the biggest bang for your membership buck, the Alliance is presenting a FREE “Insider’s Guide to the Alliance” luncheon on Monday, October 11. Reservations are limited and an RSVP will be required for admittance.

Don’t miss out on the many benefits of Alliance membership … contact Deb Coffman at DCoffman@CharlestonAreaAlliance.org or (304) 340.4253 today to register.

Not a new Alliance member? You don’t have to be to attend this orientation!  Maybe you’re just curious about Alliance membership or maybe you’re already a proud Alliance member—either way, we’re happy to host you as we help you maximize your membership. 

You’ll meet face-to-face with Board members, Alliance staff and fellow members and learn about the many Alliance programs and services that can help your business today, such as: 

• Business referrals:  As a member, your name is added to our industry-specific roster of businesses and service providers and posted on our Web site.  The hundreds of inquiries we receive each year for recommendations are directed to the businesses that have demonstrated their professionalism and commitment to our community through their Alliance membership.
• Free technical assistance and business solutions:  Our economic development and technical professionals can provide guidance on a wide range of issues, from land development, to selling your products internationally to recruiting specialized personnel.  If we don’t have the answer, we know who will.  Help is just a phone call away.
• Networking and business contacts:  Our popular Business After Hours, Charleston Business Showcase, Generation Charleston and Elevations Professional Women’s Network are just a few of the low-cost forums available for connecting with others and raising the visibility of your business.
• Expertise:  Our Food for Thought series, Digi-Tools and other educational programs provide very affordable ways for you and your employees to hear from the experts and stay abreast of industry trends.
• Marketing:  Through our “Member Market” program, you can promote your business to the 3,000+ business people, young professionals and community leaders on the Alliance’s exclusive email list for only $150 ($100 non-profits).   Members may also submit information for inclusion on our blog and calendar of events at no charge.
• Special events:  Our popular special events, such as the Annual Celebration, Issues & Eggs breakfast, Speed Networkingand Golf Outing, provide members with cost-effective and highly visible opportunities for showcasing their businesses to decision-makers and business and community leaders in a professional setting

In addition to these direct member benefits, the Alliance delivers a solid return on your membership dollar through the programs and services we provide as a multi-faceted economic, business and community development organization as well as the largest regional Chamber of Commerce in West Virginia.  These include:

• Economic vitality and growth for our region
• New jobs and new customers for your businesses
• Capital investments and improvements in your community
• Legislation and policies that promote bottom-line results
• Retention of our youth and growing the talent that fuels innovation
• Enhanced quality of life and quality of place
• A promising future in a community that you and your family can be proud to call home.