Governor Recognizes State's Top Export Businesses

    CHARLESTON – Gov. Joe Manchin recently presented the Governor’s Commendation for International Market Entry to representatives of 36 West Virginia businesses. The award honors companies that have successfully exported to a new country in the past year.

    “International trade and investment help to create and retain jobs in West Virginia,” said Gov. Manchin. “I thank our exporting companies for their efforts and congratulate them on their success in proving West Virginia has the quality of goods, services and workers to compete successfully in the global market.”

    In 2009, West Virginia exports amounted to $4.8 billion. The top export product sectors included coal, plastics, machinery and chemicals.

    The governor’s award is based on the tradition of displaying the first dollar a business earns. The Governor’s Commendation for International Market Entry frames currency from each new country to which the recipient business began exporting in 2009.

    Commendations were handed out to:

Berkeley County
- DSI Underground Systems, Inc. of Martinsburg; Austria, Russia
- Power-Sonix, Inc. of Martinsburg; Brazil, Jordan

Braxton County
- GTR Labs, Inc. of Gassaway; Vietnam, Bolivia, Philippines, Saudi Arabia, Singapore, Yemen, Chile, India, Australia, Portugal

Cabell County
- Guyan International of Barboursville; Chile, Argentina, Kenya, Uruguay
- Rubberlite, Inc. of Huntington; Malaysia, Italy
- Star Technologies, LLC of Huntington; Sweden, France

Fayette County
- Blue Smoke Salsa of Ansted; Bermuda
- The Robbins Company of Oak Hill; Dominican Republic, Malaysia, Mexico

Grant County
- Allegheny Wood Products of Petersburg; Hong Kong, Ireland

Hancock County
- United States Gypsum Company of Weirton; Greece

Harrison County
- MSES Consultants, Inc. – Corrosion Products Division of Clarksburg; Canada, Mexico, Colombia, United Kingdom, Hong Kong

Jackson County
- J&M Industrial, Inc. of Millwood; Panama, Guyana, Russia, Lithuania

Jefferson County
- Schonstedt Instrument Company, Inc. of Kearneysville; Brazil, Portugal, Turkmenistan

Kanawha County
- ConveyWeigh, LLC of South Charleston; Ecuador, El Salvador, Panama
- Cyclops Industries, Inc. of South Charleston; Singapore, Argentina, The Netherlands
- ICL-IP Clearon Corp. of South Charleston; India
- Preiser Scientific, Inc. of Saint Albans; Argentina, Brazil, Chile, Peru

Logan County
- Eastern Mining & Industrial Supply, Inc. of Chapmanville; Australia, China
- Ludowici Innovative, Inc. of Chapmanville; Australia

Marion County
- Backbone Security of Fairmont; Bangladesh, China, Indonesia, Pakistan, Poland, Serbia, Spain, United Arab Emirates
- Middletown Manufacturing, Inc. of Fairmont; Malaysia, Germany, Saudi Arabia, China
- T&T Pump Company, Inc. of Fairmont; China, Hong Kong, Colombia

Marshall County
- IMI-Fabi, LLC of Benwood; Russia, India

Mason County
- ICL-IP America, Inc. of Gallipolis Ferry; Qatar

Mineral County
- Howell Automotive of Keyser; Ghana, Malawi

Monongalia County
- Shaft Drillers International of Morgantown; Brazil

Morgan County
- Pritchard Amps of Berkeley Springs; Australia, France

Ohio County
- Touchstone Research Laboratory, Ltd of Triadelphia; Japan, Czech Republic, Brazil, United Arab Emirates

Putnam County
- Clark International Logistics of Poca; Paraguay, Colombia, China, The Netherlands, Ecuador, Lebanon, Cameroon, Turkey, Bolivia, Peru, Tanzania, Philippines, Guyana, Bahamas
- Eagle Research Corporation of Scott Depot; Vietnam

Raleigh County
- The Gentlemen’s Quarter of Beckley; Brazil, India, Italy, New Zealand, Portugal, Russia, Spain
- Mining Controls of Beckley; Austria, Canada, Mexico, Colombia, Latvia, Indonesia, Australia, Ireland, Germany, Madagascar, Chile, Peru, Israel, United Kingdom, Ukraine, Brunei, Zambia, Ethiopia

Upshur County
- AFP Logs and Lumber, LLC of Buckhannon; Hong Kong, Portugal, South Korea

Wood County
- Batteries Direct of Parkersburg; Italy, Argentina, Hong Kong
- Kreinik Manufacturing Company of Parkersburg; Venezuela, Singapore, Russia, Czech Republic
- Rolling Ridge Woods, LLC; Japan

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.

Two Marshall University business students to present ideas to top U.S. economists and policy makers

    HUNTINGTON – Two students taking an economics class in the Marshall University Lewis College of Business have been selected to be among 12 finalists who will present their ideas to a panel of top U.S. economists and policy makers during the National Economics Insider Symposium this summer.

    While taking Principles of Microeconomics, Natalie J. Faulk, a senior education student from Hartford, W.Va., and Jerica D. Hall, a sophomore management major from Hurricane, W.Va., wrote winning papers for the competition. They will travel to Washington, D.C., June 11-12 to make their presentations to a Nobel Prize winner in economics, a White House economic adviser, and a member of the Board of Governors of the Federal Reserve System, among others.

    Economics and finance adjunct professor Ralph E. McKinney Jr., nominated the students.

    “Marshall University is fortunate to have two of 12 finalists for this honor. This speaks highly of our commitment to research and education,” McKinney said.

    Contestants could submit essays on one of the following economic issues: health care; the environment; education; housing; technology; or other economic issues needing to be addressed. Faulk wrote about Cap and Trade. Hall wrote about the effect of oil and gas costs on shipping costs. They will be competing for a top prize at the event.

    While in Washington, finalists will present to Ben Bernanke, chairmen and member of the Board of Governors of the Federal Reserve System; Paul R. Krugman, winner of the 2008 Nobel Prize in Economics; Olivier Blanchard, Economic Counselor and Director of Research Department of the International Monetary Fund; R. Glenn Hubbard, former Chairman of the White House Council of Economic Advisors; Karl E. Case, the Katherine Coman and A. Barton Hepburn Professor of Economics at Wellesley College; Frederic S. Mishkin, former Board of Governors member of the Federal Reserve; as well as the following research associates from the National Bureau of Economic Research: Daron Acemoglu (Massachusetts Institute of Technology); David I. Laibson (Harvard University); and John List (University of Chicago).

    Students will also tour the Federal Reserve and the White House.

    The National Economics Insider Symposium is an exclusive event sponsored by Pearson Higher Education, a publishing company that offers textbooks under the brands Addison-Wesley, Allyn & Bacon, Benjamin Cummings, Longman, Merrill and Prentice Hall.

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 ).