SBA, SCORE to host free business organization seminar in Charleston

    CHARLESTON – The U.S. Small Business Administration and Charleston SCORE will host the business clinic Taxes v. Liability: Business Legal Organizations Explained featuring Joetta Kuhn, CPA, on Thursday, June 17, 2010 from 5:30 p.m. to 6:30 p.m. in the 4th Floor Conference Area at 405 Capitol Street in Charleston, W.Va. 

    The clinic is free and open to the public. 

    Individuals can register online at www.wvscore.org or at (304) 347-5463. Registration is suggested but not required.

    Emma Wilson, manager of the SBA’s Charleston Branch Office, said, “How should I structure my business is one of the top questions we get. This clinic explains the advantages and disadvantages of sole proprietors, limited liability companies, and small business corporations and explores which type is right for you and your business.”

    This clinic is one in a series of free small business clinics and webinars for small business owners. Upcoming sessions include:

    · Facebook for Business webinar, featuring Kara Gray, New Horizon Consulting, on August 10, 2010

    Registration for the above clinic can be made online at www.wvscore.org .

Unemployment rate falls in April in 54 of state's 55 counties

    CHARLESTON — West Virginia's unemployment rate fell from 10.1 to 8.9 percent in April 2010. All but one county reported declining unemployment rates as well. 

    The number of counties recording an unemployment rate considered much worse than average when compared to the state rate dropped slightly in April. This group included Brooke (13.7), Roane (13.9), Clay (14.5), Calhoun (15.7), and Pocahontas (16.0).

    The number of counties recording an unemployment rate considered better than average when compared to the state rate was unchanged in April. This group included Taylor (7.5), Harrison (7.4), Marion (7.3), Putnam (7.3), Monroe (7.2), Preston (7.2), and Jefferson (6.8). 

    Once again, Monongalia (5.5) was the sole county recording an unemployment rate considered much better than average when compared to the state rate.

West Virginia's unemployment rate fell to 8.9 percent in April

    CHARLESTON — West Virginia’s unemployment rate fell from 10.1 to 8.9 percent in April, WorkForce West Virginia reported today. The number of unemployed state residents declined 8,700 to 69,800. Total unemployment rate was up 8,700 over the year. 

    Total nonfarm payroll employment rose 7,100, with gains of 3,400 in the goods-producing sector and 3,700 in the service-providing sector. Within the goods-producing sector, employment gains included 2,600 in construction, 500 in manufacturing, and 300 in mining and logging. 

    Employment increases with the service-providing sector included 1,600 in professional and business services, 1,600 in leisure and hospitality, 800 in other services, and 600 in trade, transportation, and utilities. Employment declines included 500 in educational and health services, 200 in government, 100 in information, and 100 in financial services.

    Since April 2009, total nonfarm payroll employment has fallen 8,000, with losses of 5,300 in the goods-producing sector and 2,700 in the service-providing sector. Declines included 2,200 in trade, transportation, and utilities, 2,100 in mining and logging, 1,700 in manufacturing, 1,700 in leisure and hospitality, 1,500 in construction, 800 in financial activities, 700 in information, and 300 in professional and business services.

    Employment gains included 1,800 in government, 1,000 in educational and health service, and 200 in other services.

    West Virginia’s seasonally adjusted unemployment rate declined three-tenths of a percentage point to 9.2 percent, while the national rate climbed two-tenths of a percentage point to 9.9 percent.

U.S. Census Bureau to hold business-focused conference at WVU

    MORGANTOWN – The U.S. Census Bureau will hold a half-day conference at West Virginia University June 7 to explore data from the 2007 U.S. Economic Census and provide insight into future trends and issues that could affect the region and state.

    The event is from 8:30 a.m. to noon in room 141 of WVU’s Business and Economics building (downtown campus). It is free but space is limited. Economic development officials, members of the business community, economic researchers and planners are encouraged to attend. Please register online at: http://www.regonline.com/Checkin.asp?EventId=862416 .

    The emphasis is on West Virginia business data and its use for economic development research. Participants will have the opportunity to learn, hands on, about the data of various businesses from Census Bureau representatives.

    The Economic Census provides a detailed portrait of the U.S. economy every five years, from the national to the local level. For example, data from the Economic Census might allow users to find answers to questions such as:

    • How many product manufacturing establishments are there in our community?

    • How are these establishments distributed across counties based on their size?

    • What is the market share of your product in your region?

    • Based on the region’s per capita income, in which community is the sale of your product most under-represented?

    The conference is sponsored by WVU’s Bureau of Business and Economic Research.

Seven West Virginia Businesses and Champions Honored

    BECKLEY – Judy K. McCauley, director of the U.S. Small Business Administration’s West Virginia Office welcomed business leaders and officials from all corners of the state to the Tamarack Conference Center in Beckley today to honor West Virginia’s top entrepreneurs and small business champions at the annual Small Business Week Awards Celebration.

    “Small Business Week gives us to opportunity to recognize and reward the hardest working men and women in West Virginia,” said McCauley. “West Virginia’s 125,000 plus small businesses have proven time-and-again that the American dream is powerful, resilient and adaptable. Their grit and determination have helped lead us through our recent difficult times toward a greater economic growth and it is good we acknowledged them as such.”

    The event was keynoted by Susan Sisk, general manager for the United States Capitol Visitor Center. Sisk took the opportunity on Thursday to praise West Virginia’s small businesses and champions during her address, and took time to visit the small businesses which make up the Tamarack Foundation’s Artisans Resource Center. The Capitol Visitor Center strives to purchase products made in the United States and Sisk explored the possibility of utilizing products generated by Tamarack artisans at the Visitor Center.

    Recognized as West Virginia’s Small Business Person of the Year was Craig W. Hartzell, president and CEO of Azimuth, Incorporated in Morgantown. In addition to his recognition at the Celebration, Hartzell will also be recognized at the 47th annual National Small Business Week gala in Washington DC on Tuesday, May 25, 2010 where he will learn whether he will be selected as the National Small Business Person of the Year.

    Also honored at the 2010 West Virginia Small Business Awards Celebration were: Jalon “Jay” Petre, president of Renick Millworks, LLC, Renick as SBA Young Entrepreneur; Roberta Johnson, C. Thomas and Rosemary Grant from First Choice Bookkeeping, Inc. in Huntington as Financial Services Champions; Diane Lewis, president of Action Facilities Management in Morgantown as Minority Small Business Champion; Kara Gray, owner of New Horizon Consulting in Dallas as Women in Business Champion; and Scott M. Hedges, president & CEO and Michael J. Grady, vice president from Power Sonix, Inc. in Martinsburg as Small Business Exporters.

    Recognized as West Virginia’s 2010 Jeffrey Butland Family-Owned Small Business Person of the Year was L.J. Hughes & Sons, Inc. in Summersville. The company is operated by twin brothers David M. and John M. Hughes and cousin Fletcher G. Herold, Jr. The largest diamond core drilling contracting company on the East Coast was also selected as SBA’s Region III top Family-Owned Small Business. Region III includes Delaware, Maryland, Pennsylvania, Virginia, Washington D.C. and West Virginia.

Cabell Huntington Hospital named a finalist in 2010 American Business Awards

    HUNTINGTON — Cabell Huntington Hospital was named a finalist today in the Human Resources Department of the Year category in The 2010 American Business Awards.

    The American Business Awards are the nation’s premier business awards program. All organizations operating in the U.S.A. are eligible to submit entries – public and private, for-profit and non-profit, large and small. 

    More than 2,700 entries from organizations of all sizes and in virtually every industry were submitted for consideration in more than 40 categories, including Most Innovative Company of the Year, Management Team of the Year, Best New Product or Service of the Year, Corporate Social Responsibility Program of the Year, and Corporate Environmental Responsibility Program of the Year. Cabell Huntington Hospital will be competing in the Human Resources Department of the Year category for organizations with up to 2,500 employees.

    Under the leadership of Barry Tourigny, Vice President of Human Resources and Organizational Development, Cabell Huntington Hospital’s Human Resources Department strives to create an atmosphere at work that is both challenging and rewarding, where colleagues are respected and share in each others accomplishments. Over the last five years, HR staff have attained professional certifications and advanced training in order to meet the needs of the organization. Automating nearly 100 percent of our functionality has been a top priority, giving access to the functions the staff needs to do their work. The Human Resources Department is most proud of programs designed to enhance work-life balance. Nearly 70 percent of the hospital staff participates in some form of healthy lifestyles programs offered by Human Resources.

    Members of the Awards' Board of Distinguished Judges & Advisors and specialized final judging committees will select Stevie Award winners from among Finalists in final judging that will continue through May 28. Finalists were chosen by business professionals nationwide during preliminary judging in April and May.

    Details about The American Business Awards and the list of finalists in all categories are available at www.stevieawards.com/aba . 

Cabell Huntington Hospital is a regional, 313-bed referral center located in Huntington, West Virginia. Cabell Huntington cares for patients from more than 29 counties throughout West Virginia, eastern Kentuckyand southern Ohio. Opened in 1956, it is also a teaching hospital and is affiliated with Marshall University Schools of Medicine and Nursing.

Marshall University to conduct wind analysis on surface-mined lands

    HUNTINGTON – Marshall University’s Center for Environmental, Geotechnical and Applied Sciences (CEGAS) and the West Virginia Brownfields Assistance Center at Marshall are partnering with the West Virginia Division of Energy (WVDOE) Office of Coalfield Community Development to perform research and provide project administration for wind analysis on surface-mined properties in West Virginia.

    Scientists at CEGAS, with assistance from the university’s Center for Business and Economic Research, will be performing wind analysis at selected surface-mined lands to evaluate wind resources for energy development. Funding for the project is being provided by the WVDOE and the Appalachian Regional Commission.

    Dr. Tony Szwilski, director of CEGAS, said the goal of the project is to encourage the reuse of West Virginia’s surface-mined lands through the direct development of renewable energy projects.

    “West Virginia has a mandate to significantly increase the production of renewable energy in the state,” he said. “With this project, Marshall University is taking a leading role in assessing wind resource potential on surface-mined lands.”

    For the analysis, CEGAS will use state-of-the-art Sonic Detection and Ranging (SODAR) equipment. SODAR performs wind profiling up to approximately 200 meters above the earth’s surface, recording wind speed, wind direction, wind sheer and wind veer. The SODAR unit CEGAS will use is a self-contained system that uses solar and battery power to operate, and applies satellite data transmission and telemetry for quick, 24/7 data retrieval and review.

    The CEGAS researchers will be comparing wind data from the SODAR to existing datasets and industry requirements. The results will be useful in determining future alternative energy development across West Virginia.

    Results will be made available on the websites of the West Virginia Division of Energy (www.energywv.org ) and the West Virginia Brownfields Assistance Center (www.wvbrownfields.com ).

Ronceverte Development Corporation receives USDA Rural Enterprise Grant

    RONCEVERTE — The Ronceverte Development Corporation has been awarded a $145,000 USDA Rural Enterprise Grant to purchase and renovate the former American Legion Building and attract new businesses in downtown Ronceverte.

    The $145,000 USDA Rural Business Enterprise Grant will allow the Ronceverte Development Corporation to purchase the American Legion Building and fully renovate the facility including heating and electrical and create two new retail spaces and a game room.

    The Ronceverte Development Corporation has renovated several buildings and attracted fifteen new businesses to the downtown over the last three years as part of ongoing downtown revitalization efforts.

    “We greatly appreciate the support of USDA for the grants we have received. This agency has made a huge difference for our revitalization efforts,” said Douglas Hylton, Executive Director of the Ronceverte Development Corporation. “We hope this next project is as successful as the first grant and renovation project was in promoting and attracting small businesses and revitalizing our downtown.”

    “This USDA grant in combination with other federal dollars are having a huge impact on the Ronceverte community,” said U.S. Rep. Nick Jo Rahall. “The four jobs that will be created through this specific renovation project will lead to more jobs created when new businesses move into the renovated business space.”

Former Johnson & Johnson executive named dean of WVU College of Business

    MORGANTOWN — Dr. Jose V. "Zito" Sartarelli, a successful pharmaceutical executive at three Fortune 500 companies, has been named the Milan Puskar Dean of the College of Business and Economics at West Virginia University.

   "We are fortunate to have a person of Dr. Sartarelli's expertise and background to lead the College," Provost and Vice President for Academic Affairs Michele Wheatly said in announcing the appointment Tuesday. "He brings a wealth of experience in international business, as well as an appreciation of the academic underpinning required to succeed in today's business climate."

    Sartarelli said he is excited by the College's potential.

    "I think WVU College of Business and Economics is poised to grow and become very successful in the future," he said. "The foundations are established and now we're going to have to take it to the next level.

    "I think we're going to have to work very hard on funding as we go forward; we're going to have work very hard on the programs that we currently have to make sure they're focused and targeted and very student-centric, both in terms of providing a quality education as well as opportunities as they graduate," said Dr. Sartarelli, who was to be introduced Tuesday evening at a reception celebrating the College’s 56 continuous years of AACSB accreditation. He will begin his duties July 30.

    A native of Brazil, Dr. Sartarelli comes to WVU from Johnson & Johnson, where he has served as pharmaceutical group chairman for Asia-Pacific, Japan and Latin America, overseeing a business of more than $3 billion in annual sales spread over more than 50 countries, supported by more than 9,000 employees.

    Previously he served at Bristol-Myers Squibb Co. as president of two international groups and senior vice president of franchise management, business analysis and planning.

    Dr. Sartarelli also held senior positions of increasing responsibilities in marketing and management at Eli Lilly and Co. in the United States, Latin America, and Asia-Pacific. During his tenure with Lilly, he ran Asia-Pacific operations, directed international market planning activities and ran operations in Brazil and Chile.

    Dr. Sartarelli received his bachelor of business administration in marketing from the São Paulo School of Business Administration (Fundação Getulio Vargas), São Paulo, Brazil. He earned his MBA in marketing under a Fulbright Scholarship, and his doctorate in business administration from Michigan State University in East Lansing, Michigan.

    Through March 2010 Dr. Sartarelli was a board member of the Council of the Americas. In addition, he has held leadership positions in the industry in many countries and has served as chairman of the Pharmaceutical Research and Manufacturers of America (PhRMA) International Steering Committee and other significant committee chairmanships such as those for Japan, Canada, Latin America and Asia-Pacific.

    The WVU College of Business and Economics has 66 full time faculty members, 1,041 undergraduate students and 344 graduate students. William Trumbull has been serving as interim dean since July 2008.