May Open for Business Report released

    CHARLESTON – Gov. Joe Manchin has released the latest "Open for Business" report documenting the state’s economic progress. The May 2010 report highlights projects and related announcements from businesses both large and small that will assist with the creation of new jobs and the preservation of existing jobs.

Nippon Tungsten USA celebrates grand opening in Cabell County
Nippon Tungsten USA Inc. held its grand opening on April 21. For parent company Nippon Tungsten, the new facility marks its first in North America and its first wholly owned subsidiary outside of Japan. Speakers included Gov. Joe Manchin and Shozo Yoshida, president of Nippon Tungsten Co., who, with several corporate executives, had traveled from Japan for the ceremony.
The high-tech specialized machine shop will resharpen blades manufactured by Nippon Tungsten’s equipment in Japan. Because the work is highly technical, the company will start with experienced technicians from Japan, then phase in local employees. Nippon Tungsten USA will create six jobs initially.

New business creates three jobs in Greenbrier County
Smooth Ambler Spirits opened in April in Maxwelton, creating three jobs. The artisan distillery will produce approximately 1,200 bottles a week of vodka, gin and bourbon. The firm plans to gradually expand its business by building special orders throughout the region. Smooth Ambler does not serve drinks, but offers product samples and sells by the bottle.

West Virginia profiled in May 2010 US Airways in-flight publication
West Virginia is featured in the US Airways in-flight magazine’s May 2010 issue. The 11-page special "Outlook" section spotlights such topics as West Virginia’s attractions, heritage and travel and relocation information. The publication reaches an estimated 3.1 million affluent business and leisure travelers who fly the airline to reach more than 230 destinations in 32 countries. The special "Outlook" section can be viewed online atwww.wvcommerce.org/usair.

Film Credit Development Committee approves more than $861,500 in tax credits
During the first quarter of 2010, the Film Credit Development Committee authorized the West Virginia Film Office to issue tax credits totaling more than $861,562 to participants in the West Virginia Film Industry Investment Act. This represents an increase of more than 800 percent compared to the amount of credits issued during calendar year 2009. Following the conclusion of filming, tax credits were issued to GCM Productions Inc. of Glendale, Calif.; My Tupelo Entertainment LLC of New York, N.Y.; and Image Associates of Charleston, W.Va., based on qualified, in-state expenditures totaling $2,828,856. Combined, these productions hired more than 85 full- and part-time West Virginia skilled laborers and hired more than a dozen talents. They also used numerous West Virginia companies for services such as heavy equipment rentals; construction; camera, audio and lighting equipment purchases and rentals; electric and other utilities; transportation rentals; catering; lodging; security personnel; and more.

West Virginia Film Office wins two awards at industry exhibitionThe West Virginia Film Office exhibited at the 25th annual Locations Trade Show in Santa Monica, Calif., April 15-17, hosted by the Association of Film Commissioners International. As part of AFCI's Marketing & Booth Awards, which recognize best-in-show marketing and advertising campaigns, the Film Office received two awards: second place for "Most Creative" and second place for "Digital Advertising." More than 260 companies participated, including more than 100 film commissions from around the world. The trade show attracts thousands of decision-makers from the film and television industries. In addition to promoting locations, the office markets West Virginia's tax and financial incentives to generate leads for recruiting new business into the state. More information about the trade show can be found at www.locationstradeshow.com.

Raleigh County consultant says "I do" to role as stylist for bridal TV show
Monty Durham, bridal consultant and owner of Salon M at the Glade Springs Resort, has been hired as the fashion stylist for the TLC reality show, "Say Yes to the Dress – Atlanta." He advises brides on hair, make-up and etiquette on the show. The show is a spin-off of the popular TLC show "Say Yes to the Dress" taped in New York. "Say Yes to the Dress – Atlanta" will begin airing in July.

Tourism meets with CVBs, businesses, in series of Roundtables across the state
Tourism Division personnel coordinated a series of Regional Roundtables hosted by the Convention and Visitors Bureaus (CVBs) in each of West Virginia’s nine tourism regions during March and April. The Small Business Development Center also participated in each of the events. The Roundtables provided an opportunity for the Tourism staff to meet face-to-face with industry members and provide information about available resources, answer questions and obtain industry feedback. A total of 211 participants attended the sessions. Roundtable topics included Tourism’s Matching Advertising Partnership Program (MAPP), targeted marketing, customer service centers, Film Office, group tours and small business development.