CHARLESTON – Gov. Joe Manchin has released the latest “Open for Business” report documenting the state’s economic progress. The September 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.
Eight West Virginia firms among Inc.’s 5,000 Fastest Growing
Inc. magazine’s fourth annual list of the top 5,000 fastest growing private companies includes eight from West Virginia. They are Cenergy (#392), in Milton, Cabell County; HMS Technologies (#638), in Martinsburg, Berkeley County; The McEvoy Administration (#764), in Inwood, Berkeley County; McKinley Carter Wealth Services (#1508), headquartered in Wheeling, Ohio County; Reliable Environmental Transport (#2426), in Bridgeport, Harrison County; Performance Results (#2642), in Morgantown, Monongalia County; KeyLogic Systems (#2715), in Morgantown, Monongalia County; and Advanced Technical Solutions (#3236), in Scott Depot, Putnam County.
Frontier Communications reports 250 jobs available in West Virginia
Frontier Communications announced it has about 250 jobs available in West Virginia. Most of the posted jobs are for technicians, but also include some sales and other support positions. Some positions specify terms such as up to 36 months; others are listed as full-time/regular. The openings appear in various locations across the state. Frontier purchased Verizon's land line telephone operations July 1. For more information, visithttp://corporate.frontier.com/Careers.
Hino Motors unveils 2011 model trucks at Wood County plant
Hino Motors Manufacturing USA Inc. brought out its 2011-model line of trucks with a celebration at its Williamstown plant. Gov. Joe Manchin joined other state and national officials as well as company executives at the Aug. 23 ceremony. The event heralded the commercial sales of the new 2011 model truck. The new Hino truck has a selective catalytic reduction system which converts much of the truck’s diesel emissions to nitrogen. The new model is the only medium duty conventional truck that meets Environmental Protection Agency requirements for diesel engine emissions.
West Virginia exports climb nearly 40 percent in first half of 2010
West Virginia’s exports reached $3 billion in the first half of 2010, an increase of 39.5 percent compared to the same time period in 2009. That outpaces the U.S. export growth rate of 23.8 percent for the same period. The top 10 markets for West Virginia exports during January-June 2010 are Canada, Japan, India, Brazil, China, Netherlands, Belgium, United Kingdom, Italy and France. The product sector that achieved the biggest growth spurt was plastics/polymers, jumping more than 70 percent from the first half of 2009 to the same period in 2010. Increases were also reported in automotive components and machinery (63 percent each). The International Division of the West Virginia Development Office facilitates international trade development by organizing trade missions, providing consulting and offering other services to encourage West Virginia businesses to pursue export markets.
Paramount Pictures schedules Sept. 3-4 casting calls for film in Weirton area
Paramount Pictures announced it plans to shoot footage for a film titled “Wickham” in Weirton and surrounding areas from late September to mid-October. Casting calls for extras will be held starting at 6:30 p.m., Sept. 3, at the Jimmy Carey Stadium on West Street in Weirton; and on Sept. 4,at the Millsop Community Center, 3420 Main Street, Weirton, from 10 a.m. to 1 p.m. Prospective extras may apply only once and at only one casting call. Paramount is participating in the West Virginia Film Industry Investment Act, a tax credit program designed to recruit film industry business into the state. The West Virginia Film Office is a section under the West Virginia Department of Commerce, Division of Tourism, and can be visited at www.wvfilm.com.
Statewide symposium examines science and sustainable economy, Sept. 27-28
Registration is now underway for the Science, Technology and Research Symposium at Marshall University. Held Sept. 27-28, the symposium will focus on West Virginia-based research and the importance of sustainable, technology-driven economic development. Held in Huntington for the first time, the symposium will showcase the work of the state’s scientists. To register, contact jessica.tice@wvresearch.org or call 304-558-4128.
Distributor plans $2 million warehouse expansion in Wayne County
House-Hasson Hardware plans a $2 million expansion to its warehouse in Prichard. The 100,000-square-foot addition will include new truck dock areas and improvements to the heating system. When the expansion is completed in January 2011, the facility will total 300,000 square feet. Based in Tennessee, House-Hasson is an independent regional hardware distributor serving 17 states, the Caribbean basin and several countries.
NASA IV&V to expand space for work force in Fairmont’s I-79 Technology Park
NASA’s Independent Verification and Validation (IV&V) Program plans to lease additional office space in the I-79 Technology Park in Fairmont. The agency recently received approval to lease 33,380 square feet of office and related space. NASA IV&V was one of the original tenants in the Technology Park nearly 20 years ago. As the program grew, many contractors had to be located off site. The leased space will allow NASA to bring 135 members of the combined work force into one building this fall. The original facility will continue to serve many NASA civil-service, National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration, U.S. Army project and contractor personnel.
MITRE opens office in Harrison County
The MITRE Corporation officially opened its office in Bridgeport with a ribbon cutting ceremony in August. The site is located in the White Oaks Business Park and houses 10 technical and administrative staff. MITRE had operated in a temporary office in Clarksburg since 2008. MITRE is a not-for-profit organization that provides systems engineering, research and development, and information technology support to the government. It operates federally funded research and development centers for the Department of Defense, the Federal Aviation Administration, the Internal Revenue Service and Department of Veterans Affairs, and the Department of Homeland Security.
Simonton Windows® Takes Top Honors in Two J.D. Power Rankings
For the third consecutive time, Simonton Windows® has ranked highest in the J.D. Power and Associates 2010 Builder and Remodeler Residential Window and Patio Door Satisfaction StudySM. Simonton Windows also captured the highest rating by consumers in the J.D. Power and Associates 2010 Windows and Patio Doors Satisfaction StudySM. Simonton Windows is part of the home and security business of Fortune Brands, Inc. Simonton Windows produces ENERGY STAR® qualified replacement and new construction windows and doors, including a line of impact-resistant products. Based in Parkersburg, Wood County, Simonton operates seven manufacturing facilities nationwide, including three in Ritchie County.
RCBI marks 20th anniversary in tech training and manufacturing
The Robert C. Byrd Institute for Advanced Flexible Manufacturing (RCBI) celebrated its 20th anniversary with an open house and graduation ceremony in Bridgeport. For the first time, the RCBI Machinist Technology Program graduation combined students from RCBI courses in Bridgeport, Huntington, Wheeling and Rocket Center. Graduates received National Certifications from the National Institute for Metalworking Skills. The open house featured seminars, demonstrations and technology displays from machine tool vendors and equipment suppliers from across the region. The current RCBI class started courses on Aug. 23 in Huntington, Bridgeport, Rocket Center and Wheeling.
WVU receives $6.5 million grant for study to detect gravitational waves
West Virginia University has received a $6.5 million grant to establish an international team to research gravitational waves. The grant was awarded by the National Science Foundation’s Office of International Science and Engineering and the Division of Astronomical Sciences as part of the Partnerships for International Research and Education program. The gravitational waves are a key prediction of Albert Einstein’s theory of general relativity but have not yet been directly detected. The international team will use a series of radio telescopes around the world, including those in Green Bank, W.Va., to observe signals from pulsars over several years. This effort will enable the scientists to directly test for the existence of gravitational waves. According to the project’s principal investigator, WVU’s Maura McLaughlin, the direct detection of gravitational waves could enable studies of black holes within massive galaxies and the space-time dynamics of early stages of the universe.
WVEDA approves $2.2 million for three businesses in Harrison and Monongalia counties
The West Virginia Economic Development Authority (WVEDA) approved loans totaling $2,259,000 for three businesses during its August meeting:
• Mid Atlantic Aerospace Complex, $700,000 to finance the acquisition of a hanger/warehouse facility at Benedum Airport, Bridgeport, Harrison County. The facility will be leased to Aurora Flight Sciences. Mid Atlantic Aerospace Complex is a non-profit economic development organization that promotes the aerospace industry in West Virginia. Aurora Flight Sciences develops, markets and operates a new generation of robotic aircraft. Currently, Aurora Flight Sciences employs 108 people and projects an increase to 139 after three years.
• Protea Biosciences Inc., $900,000 to purchase and install analytical testing equipment at its facility in Morgantown, Monongalia County. Protea develops new technologies that improve direct analysis of proteins and other biomolecules. Currently the firm has 34 employees and expects to expand to 71 posts — nine of which would be directly related to this expansion project – after three years.
• White Oaks Professional Building One Inc., $659,000 to finance a new building in Clarksburg, Harrison County. The building will be leased as the headquarters of EQT Corporation an oil and gas exploration firm. The building will serve as the headquarters for EQT geologists and field personnel working in the Marcellus Shale formation.
Friday, September 03, 2010
Wednesday, September 01, 2010
State releases list of West Virginia's Top 100 private employers - Wal-Mart remains No. 1
CHARLESTON — WorkForce West Virginia’s list of the 100 largest private employers, compiled from data for the first quarter 2010, ranks retail giant Wal-Mart as the state’s largest employer. Wal-Mart has maintained this position since 1998.
The list, released today, contains businesses with both single and multiple locations and ranks companies according to the number of employees. The data are extracted from the Quarterly Contributions Report for the first quarter of each year and are available to the public by the third quarter of each year.
West Virginia’s top five largest private employers are Wal-Mart, West Virginia United Health System, Charleston Area Medical Center, Kroger, and American Electric Power, all unchanged from 2009.
Several employers in the top 10 have shifted positions, and two employers not found in the top 10 last year now make an appearance. These new additions are Res-Care, Inc. and Mylan Pharmaceuticals.
The top 10 employers in total had 143 fewer employees in the past year, faring well when compared to the total for all private sector employment in the state which declined nearly 17,000 from the first quarter 2009 to the first quarter 2010. The sum employment of the top 100 employers declined by just over 4,400 from March 2009. Analysis of all private employers by size indicated all size groups except the group employing 500 to 999 people lost both units and employment over the past year.
Just over one-half of employers on the top 100 list climbed in rank, while nearly a quarter of businesses descended in rank. Six employers not present on last year’s top 100 made their appearance on this year’s list.
This list was prepared from information provided by employers covered under the unemployment compensation insurance system, through the federal/state Quarterly Census of Employment and Wages Program conducted in West Virginia by the Bureau of Labor Statistics, U.S. Department of Labor and the Research, Information and Analysis Division of WorkForce West Virginia.
The lists for the state and counties for each year since 1999 and workforce investment areas since 2002 can be found on the website: www.workforcewv.org/lmi or by contacting the Research, Information and Analysis Division at 304.558.2660.
The 2010 Top 100 list
The list, released today, contains businesses with both single and multiple locations and ranks companies according to the number of employees. The data are extracted from the Quarterly Contributions Report for the first quarter of each year and are available to the public by the third quarter of each year.
West Virginia’s top five largest private employers are Wal-Mart, West Virginia United Health System, Charleston Area Medical Center, Kroger, and American Electric Power, all unchanged from 2009.
Several employers in the top 10 have shifted positions, and two employers not found in the top 10 last year now make an appearance. These new additions are Res-Care, Inc. and Mylan Pharmaceuticals.
The top 10 employers in total had 143 fewer employees in the past year, faring well when compared to the total for all private sector employment in the state which declined nearly 17,000 from the first quarter 2009 to the first quarter 2010. The sum employment of the top 100 employers declined by just over 4,400 from March 2009. Analysis of all private employers by size indicated all size groups except the group employing 500 to 999 people lost both units and employment over the past year.
Just over one-half of employers on the top 100 list climbed in rank, while nearly a quarter of businesses descended in rank. Six employers not present on last year’s top 100 made their appearance on this year’s list.
This list was prepared from information provided by employers covered under the unemployment compensation insurance system, through the federal/state Quarterly Census of Employment and Wages Program conducted in West Virginia by the Bureau of Labor Statistics, U.S. Department of Labor and the Research, Information and Analysis Division of WorkForce West Virginia.
The lists for the state and counties for each year since 1999 and workforce investment areas since 2002 can be found on the website: www.workforcewv.org/lmi or by contacting the Research, Information and Analysis Division at 304.558.2660.
The 2010 Top 100 list
1. Wal-Mart Associates, Inc.
2. West Virginia United Health System
3. Charleston Area Medical Center, Inc.
4. Kroger
5. American Electric Power
6. Consolidation Coal Company
7. Lowe's Home Centers, Inc.
8. St. Mary's Hospital
9. Res-Care, Inc.
10. Mylan Pharmaceuticals, Inc.
11. Cabell Huntington Hospital, Inc.
12. Wheeling Hospital, Inc.
13. Pilgrim's Pride Corporation of West Virginia
14. Mentor Management, Inc. (Mentor Network, The)
15. Verizon
16. E I DuPont De Nemours & Company
17. Rite Aid of West Virginia, Inc.
18. Allegheny Energy Service Corporation
19. West Virginia University Medical Co. (University Health Associates)
20. Bob Evans Farms, Inc.
21. Mountaineer Park, Inc.
22. Alliant Techsystems, Inc.
23. Camden-Clark Memorial Hospital
24. Monongalia General Hospital
25. West Virginia's Choice, Inc.
26. K Mart Corporation
27. Aker Construction, Inc.
28. DOLGENCORP, Inc. (Dollar General Stores)
29. Herbert J Thomas Memorial Hospital Association
30. Greenbrier Hotel Corporation
31. BB&T Corporation
32. PNGI Charles Town Gaming, Ltd.
33. GMRI, Inc.
34. Go-Mart, Inc. 34 43 44
35. Teletech Customer Care Management (West Virginia), Inc.
36. Raleigh General Hospital, LLC
37. Cracker Barrel Old Country Store
38. Dominion Transmission, Inc. 3
39. Spartan Mining Company
40. Hobet Mining, LLC
41. Employee Resource Group, LLC
42. Cabela's, Inc.
43. Toyota Motor Manufacturing, West Virginia, Inc.
44. Elk Run Coal Company, Inc. (Black Castle Mining Company)
45. Alcan Rolled Products
46. Weirton Medical Center
47. Eastern Associated Coal Corporation
48. Heartland Employment Services, LLC
49. United Parcel Service Inc. (WV District)
50. Wheeling Island Gaming, Inc.
51. J C Penney Company, Inc.
52. Asplundh Tree Expert Company
53. Simonton Building Products, Inc.
54. Little General Store, Inc.
55. Highmark West Virginia, Inc. (Mountain State Blue Cross and Blue Shield)
56. Ohio Valley Medical Center, Inc.
57. Wesbanco Bank, Inc.
58. Gino's/Tudors Biscuit World
59. Homer Laughlin China Company
60. Huntington Alloys Corporation
61. ArcelorMittal Weirton, Inc.
62. Acordia/Wells Fargo Third Party Administrator, Inc.
63. Food Lion, LLC
64. Gabriel Brothers, Inc.
65. United National Bank
66. Bluefield Regional Medical Center, Inc.
67. Sears, Roebuck and Company
68. Prestera Center for Mental Health Services
69. McDonalds Restaurants of West Virginia, Inc.
70. Advance Stores Company, Inc.
71. Snowshoe Mountain, Inc.
72. Appalachian Regional Healthcare
73. Alex Energy, Inc. (Intrepid Mining Company)
74. GC Services Limited Partnership
75. TRG Customer Solutions
76. City National Bank of Charleston
77. Sunhealth Specialty Services, Inc.
78. St. Joseph's Healthcare System (St. Joseph's Hospital)
79. DirectTV Customer Service, Inc.
80. Charleston Hospital, Inc. (Saint Francis Hospital)
81. Pleasant Valley Hospital, Inc.
82. Universal Cable Holdings/Suddenlink
83. Quad/Graphics, Inc.
84. Alcon Research, Ltd
85. Mountain State University, Inc.
86. Logan General Hospital, LLC
87. Owner's Solution, Inc. (Personnel Management Company)
88. Echosphere, LLC
89. Davis Memorial Hospital
90. Capital Area Services Company, Inc. (CASCI)
91. Target Corporation
92. Armstrong Hardwood Flooring Company
93. Babcock & Wilcox Construction Company, Inc.
94. University Physicians & Surgeons
95. Wendy's International, Inc.
96. OS Restaurant Services, Inc. (Outback Steakhouse)
97. Speedway Superamerica, LLC
98. American Woodmark Corporation
99. Racing Corporation of West Virginia
100. Global Contact Services, LLC 100 91 89
2. West Virginia United Health System
3. Charleston Area Medical Center, Inc.
4. Kroger
5. American Electric Power
6. Consolidation Coal Company
7. Lowe's Home Centers, Inc.
8. St. Mary's Hospital
9. Res-Care, Inc.
10. Mylan Pharmaceuticals, Inc.
11. Cabell Huntington Hospital, Inc.
12. Wheeling Hospital, Inc.
13. Pilgrim's Pride Corporation of West Virginia
14. Mentor Management, Inc. (Mentor Network, The)
15. Verizon
16. E I DuPont De Nemours & Company
17. Rite Aid of West Virginia, Inc.
18. Allegheny Energy Service Corporation
19. West Virginia University Medical Co. (University Health Associates)
20. Bob Evans Farms, Inc.
21. Mountaineer Park, Inc.
22. Alliant Techsystems, Inc.
23. Camden-Clark Memorial Hospital
24. Monongalia General Hospital
25. West Virginia's Choice, Inc.
26. K Mart Corporation
27. Aker Construction, Inc.
28. DOLGENCORP, Inc. (Dollar General Stores)
29. Herbert J Thomas Memorial Hospital Association
30. Greenbrier Hotel Corporation
31. BB&T Corporation
32. PNGI Charles Town Gaming, Ltd.
33. GMRI, Inc.
34. Go-Mart, Inc. 34 43 44
35. Teletech Customer Care Management (West Virginia), Inc.
36. Raleigh General Hospital, LLC
37. Cracker Barrel Old Country Store
38. Dominion Transmission, Inc. 3
39. Spartan Mining Company
40. Hobet Mining, LLC
41. Employee Resource Group, LLC
42. Cabela's, Inc.
43. Toyota Motor Manufacturing, West Virginia, Inc.
44. Elk Run Coal Company, Inc. (Black Castle Mining Company)
45. Alcan Rolled Products
46. Weirton Medical Center
47. Eastern Associated Coal Corporation
48. Heartland Employment Services, LLC
49. United Parcel Service Inc. (WV District)
50. Wheeling Island Gaming, Inc.
51. J C Penney Company, Inc.
52. Asplundh Tree Expert Company
53. Simonton Building Products, Inc.
54. Little General Store, Inc.
55. Highmark West Virginia, Inc. (Mountain State Blue Cross and Blue Shield)
56. Ohio Valley Medical Center, Inc.
57. Wesbanco Bank, Inc.
58. Gino's/Tudors Biscuit World
59. Homer Laughlin China Company
60. Huntington Alloys Corporation
61. ArcelorMittal Weirton, Inc.
62. Acordia/Wells Fargo Third Party Administrator, Inc.
63. Food Lion, LLC
64. Gabriel Brothers, Inc.
65. United National Bank
66. Bluefield Regional Medical Center, Inc.
67. Sears, Roebuck and Company
68. Prestera Center for Mental Health Services
69. McDonalds Restaurants of West Virginia, Inc.
70. Advance Stores Company, Inc.
71. Snowshoe Mountain, Inc.
72. Appalachian Regional Healthcare
73. Alex Energy, Inc. (Intrepid Mining Company)
74. GC Services Limited Partnership
75. TRG Customer Solutions
76. City National Bank of Charleston
77. Sunhealth Specialty Services, Inc.
78. St. Joseph's Healthcare System (St. Joseph's Hospital)
79. DirectTV Customer Service, Inc.
80. Charleston Hospital, Inc. (Saint Francis Hospital)
81. Pleasant Valley Hospital, Inc.
82. Universal Cable Holdings/Suddenlink
83. Quad/Graphics, Inc.
84. Alcon Research, Ltd
85. Mountain State University, Inc.
86. Logan General Hospital, LLC
87. Owner's Solution, Inc. (Personnel Management Company)
88. Echosphere, LLC
89. Davis Memorial Hospital
90. Capital Area Services Company, Inc. (CASCI)
91. Target Corporation
92. Armstrong Hardwood Flooring Company
93. Babcock & Wilcox Construction Company, Inc.
94. University Physicians & Surgeons
95. Wendy's International, Inc.
96. OS Restaurant Services, Inc. (Outback Steakhouse)
97. Speedway Superamerica, LLC
98. American Woodmark Corporation
99. Racing Corporation of West Virginia
100. Global Contact Services, LLC 100 91 89
Friday, August 27, 2010
West Virginia coal supporters taking message to Washington Sept. 15
CHARLESTON – The West Virginia Coal Association, Citizens for Coal, the Federation for American Coal, Energy and Security (FACES of Coal), as well as several allied citizen and coal advocacy groups, will participate in a press conference and gathering held on Sept. 15 on the grounds of the United States Capitol.
The gathering will celebrate the American Coal Miner and the contribution coal and coal mining makes to our nation’s energy security and economic stability. Current regulatory challenges, coupled with ill-informed public opinion and damaging legislation are threatening the viability of coal mining throughout the United States and particularly in West Virginia.
“We plan to highlight the critically important role of the American coal miner and to call on lawmakers and administration officials to discontinue efforts to regulate the coal industry – and the hundreds of thousands of jobs it provides – out of business,” said Chris Hamilton, senior vice president of the West Virginia Coal Association and co-chair of the Mountaintop Mine Coalition. “West Virginia’s congressional delegation understands the importance of coal to our local economies and national energy plan, but many federal legislators and bureaucrats do not.”
A recent study by the Senate Environment and Public Works Committee’s Minority Staff highlighted the economic effect of the Environmental Protection Agency’s ongoing moratorium on coal mining permits in Central Appalachia. According to the study, nearly 18,000 new and existing jobs and more than 80 small businesses are being jeopardized by the unlawful policy the EPA and the Corps have applied to the 190 permits still awaiting action in mid-May.
“In Appalachia, we mine one-third of the nation’s coal and are responsible for nearly two-thirds of American coal-related jobs,” Hamilton said.
“We plan to highlight the critically important role of the American coal miner and to call on lawmakers and administration officials to discontinue efforts to regulate the coal industry – and the hundreds of thousands of jobs it provides – out of business,” said Chris Hamilton, senior vice president of the West Virginia Coal Association and co-chair of the Mountaintop Mine Coalition. “West Virginia’s congressional delegation understands the importance of coal to our local economies and national energy plan, but many federal legislators and bureaucrats do not.”
A recent study by the Senate Environment and Public Works Committee’s Minority Staff highlighted the economic effect of the Environmental Protection Agency’s ongoing moratorium on coal mining permits in Central Appalachia. According to the study, nearly 18,000 new and existing jobs and more than 80 small businesses are being jeopardized by the unlawful policy the EPA and the Corps have applied to the 190 permits still awaiting action in mid-May.
“In Appalachia, we mine one-third of the nation’s coal and are responsible for nearly two-thirds of American coal-related jobs,” Hamilton said.
Bryan Brown, West Virginia coordinator for the FACES of Coal campaign, said, “We need Congress to understand the vital role coal plays in America and its economic impact in West Virginia. Selective regulation that only impacts coal mining in Appalachia, like unattainable water quality standards and biased legislation like the Cardin-Alexander Bill, will cripple our regional economy and increase the use of foreign energy sources. We need the public to join us in Washington, DC to send this message loud and clear.”
The gathering celebrating the American coal miner is being held on September 15, 2010 at Russell Park on Capitol Hill. The event begins at 9:30 am with supporters attending from West Virginia, Kentucky, Virginia, Pennsylvania, Tennessee and Ohio. Anyone interested in attending the rally or joining the bus caravan is asked to call the West Virginia Coal Association at (304) 342-4153.
Energy Symposium set for Nov. 9 in Huntington
HUNTINGTON — The Huntington Regional Chamber of Commerce’s 6th Annual Energy & Natural Resource Symposium, presented by Natural Resource Partners L.P., will be presented on Tuesday, Nov. 9, at the new MU Foundation Hall, Home of the Erickson Alumni Center. The event will be held from 3 p.m. to 5 p.m. with a reception following from 5 to 6 p.m.
The keynote speaker will be Hal Quinn, president of the National Mining Association. In this role, he is involved with the key energy and environmental issues affecting coal and its use in electricity generation. His career has also included roles with the Interior Department and the Labor Department. He is a graduate of Denison University and the law school at Wake Forest University.
This annual event addresses energy and natural resource issues which impact the business community. Corporate tables of six are available for $200; Individual tickets are $50. Additional speakers will be announced soon. To make your reservation, contact the Huntington Chamber at (304) 525-5131.
The keynote speaker will be Hal Quinn, president of the National Mining Association. In this role, he is involved with the key energy and environmental issues affecting coal and its use in electricity generation. His career has also included roles with the Interior Department and the Labor Department. He is a graduate of Denison University and the law school at Wake Forest University.
This annual event addresses energy and natural resource issues which impact the business community. Corporate tables of six are available for $200; Individual tickets are $50. Additional speakers will be announced soon. To make your reservation, contact the Huntington Chamber at (304) 525-5131.
Wednesday, August 25, 2010
Eight West Virginia Companies among Inc.'s 5,000 fastest growing
NEW YORK — Inc. magazine this week announced its fourth annual Inc. 5000, an exclusive ranking of the nation's fastest-growing private companies. The list represents the most comprehensive look at the most important segment of the economy—America’s independent-minded entrepreneurs. Music website Pandora, convenience store chain 7-Eleven, Brooklyn Brewery, and Radio Flyer, maker of the iconic children’s red wagon, are among the prominent brands featured on this year’s list.
They are:
The Hottest Regions for Fast-Growing Companies
Once again, California tops the Inc. 5000 with the most companies of any state with 684. The Golden State is followed by Texas (404), New York (353), Virginia (293), and Florida (262). All 50 states, plus Washington, D.C., and Puerto Rico, are represented on this year's list.
New York boasts 410 Inc. 5000 companies, making it the top metro area, followed by Washington, D.C. (363), Los Angeles (262), Chicago (203), and Boston (189).
The Inc. 5000 at a Glance
The Real Estate sector, although small, was the top-performing industry, with a total growth rate of 189 percent. Software was second with a growth rate of 126 percent, and Telecommunications was third with 119 percent.
In total, the companies on the Inc. 5000 have created 1.4 million jobs. The Health sector is the top employer with 287,726 jobs, followed by Business Products & Services (230,066), Food & Beverage (108,344), Human Resources (107,924), and Retail (96,858).
Business Products & Services had the most companies on this year’s list with 640, followed by IT Services (607), Advertising & Marketing (410), Health (396), and Government Services (336).
This year’s fastest-growing company is Ambit Energy, a Dallas-based firm that buys electricity and natural gas at wholesale prices and resells the energy to customers acquired through a direct sales channel. The company saw $325 million in revenue in 2009 and a three-year growth rate of 20,369 percent.
The top woman-run company is Lexicon Consulting (No. 4 overall), based in El Cajon, California. Lexicon creates mock Iraqi and Afghan villages used to train military personnel. The firm, founded by Jamie Arundell-Latshaw in 2005, recorded revenue of $17.9 million in 2009 and a three-year growth rate of 14,018 percent. The top minority-run company is WDFA Marketing (No. 5 overall), a San Francisco–based firm that specializes in guerrilla, grass-roots, and micromarketing. WDFA, founded by Raj Prasad, posted revenue of $38.4 million in 2008 and a three-year growth rate of 13,350 percent.
The Inc. 5000 posted an aggregate revenue of $321.6 billion in 2009, up more than 50 percent from the previous year. The top five industries by total revenue are Business Products & Services ($84.7 billion), Health ($48.3 billion), Consumer Products & Services ($26.4 billion), Retail ($22.3 billion), and Government Services ($15.1 billion).
Methodology
The 2010 Inc. 500|5000 is ranked according to percentage revenue growth when comparing 2006 to 2009. To qualify, companies must have been founded and generating revenue by June 30, 2006. Additionally, they had to be based in the United States, privately held, for profit, and independent—not subsidiaries or divisions of other companies—as of December 31, 2009. (Since then, a number of companies on the list have gone public or been acquired.) The minimum revenue required for 2006 is $80,000; the minimum for 2009 is $2 million. As always, Inc. reserves the right to decline applicants for subjective reasons. The top 10 percent of companies on the list constitute the Inc. 500, now in its 29th year.
In addition, eight West Virginia based companies were named to the Inc. 5000 list.
• No. 392 Cenergy with a 3-year growth rate of 750 percent and revenue of $12 million;
• No. 638 HMS Technologies with a 3-year growth rate of 477 percent and revenue of $31.2 million;
• No. 764 The McEvoy Administration with a 3-year growth rate of 400 percent and revenue of $2.1 million;
• No. 1508 McKinley Carter Wealth Services with a 3-year growth rate of 190 percent and revenue of $2.8 million;
• No. 2426 Reliable Environmental Transport with a 3-year growth rate of 101 percent and revenue of $7.1 million;
• No. 2642 Performance Results with a 3-year growth rate of 88 percent and revenue of 13.8 million;
• No. 2715 KeyLogic Systems with a 3-year growth rate of 84 percent and revenue of 16.1 million;
• No. 3236 Advanced Technical Solutions with a 3-year growth rate of 60 percent and revenue of $8 million.
Complete results of the Inc. 5000, including company profiles and an interactive database that can be sorted by industry, region, and other criteria, can be found at www.inc.com/5000 .
The Hottest Regions for Fast-Growing Companies
Once again, California tops the Inc. 5000 with the most companies of any state with 684. The Golden State is followed by Texas (404), New York (353), Virginia (293), and Florida (262). All 50 states, plus Washington, D.C., and Puerto Rico, are represented on this year's list.
New York boasts 410 Inc. 5000 companies, making it the top metro area, followed by Washington, D.C. (363), Los Angeles (262), Chicago (203), and Boston (189).
The Inc. 5000 at a Glance
The Real Estate sector, although small, was the top-performing industry, with a total growth rate of 189 percent. Software was second with a growth rate of 126 percent, and Telecommunications was third with 119 percent.
In total, the companies on the Inc. 5000 have created 1.4 million jobs. The Health sector is the top employer with 287,726 jobs, followed by Business Products & Services (230,066), Food & Beverage (108,344), Human Resources (107,924), and Retail (96,858).
Business Products & Services had the most companies on this year’s list with 640, followed by IT Services (607), Advertising & Marketing (410), Health (396), and Government Services (336).
This year’s fastest-growing company is Ambit Energy, a Dallas-based firm that buys electricity and natural gas at wholesale prices and resells the energy to customers acquired through a direct sales channel. The company saw $325 million in revenue in 2009 and a three-year growth rate of 20,369 percent.
The top woman-run company is Lexicon Consulting (No. 4 overall), based in El Cajon, California. Lexicon creates mock Iraqi and Afghan villages used to train military personnel. The firm, founded by Jamie Arundell-Latshaw in 2005, recorded revenue of $17.9 million in 2009 and a three-year growth rate of 14,018 percent. The top minority-run company is WDFA Marketing (No. 5 overall), a San Francisco–based firm that specializes in guerrilla, grass-roots, and micromarketing. WDFA, founded by Raj Prasad, posted revenue of $38.4 million in 2008 and a three-year growth rate of 13,350 percent.
The Inc. 5000 posted an aggregate revenue of $321.6 billion in 2009, up more than 50 percent from the previous year. The top five industries by total revenue are Business Products & Services ($84.7 billion), Health ($48.3 billion), Consumer Products & Services ($26.4 billion), Retail ($22.3 billion), and Government Services ($15.1 billion).
Methodology
The 2010 Inc. 500|5000 is ranked according to percentage revenue growth when comparing 2006 to 2009. To qualify, companies must have been founded and generating revenue by June 30, 2006. Additionally, they had to be based in the United States, privately held, for profit, and independent—not subsidiaries or divisions of other companies—as of December 31, 2009. (Since then, a number of companies on the list have gone public or been acquired.) The minimum revenue required for 2006 is $80,000; the minimum for 2009 is $2 million. As always, Inc. reserves the right to decline applicants for subjective reasons. The top 10 percent of companies on the list constitute the Inc. 500, now in its 29th year.
Tuesday, August 24, 2010
West Virginia Made Trade Show to be held in Morgantown Sept. 10-11
MORGANTOWN – The first West Virginia Made tradeshow will be held at the Lakeview Resort in Morgantown, Sept. 10–11. The trade show will bring together West Virginia artisans and gourmet food producers with retailers and wholesalers from around the state. Approximately 50 vendors will be in attendance to display and sell their West Virginia made products.
Friday, Sept. 10 is reserved solely for wholesale buyers and is open from 1 p.m. until 6 p.m. Saturday is open to wholesaler buyers and the general public from 11 a.m. until 6 p.m. and will be a great opportunity for retailers and the general public to pick up some of the finest West Virginia made products just in time for the Holiday shopping season.
West Virginia Made is a trade association that was created in response to a growing demand from West Virginia artists and gourmet food producers in need of a central place to collaborate, network, and to promote their goods. West Virginia State University Extension Service and Preservation Alliance of West Virginia answered the call with support of an organization that will nurture collaboration and meet the business needs of full-time artists and producers.
In addition to the trade show, West Virginia Made provides an association website that helps members connect. The association also offers member services to enhance business skills including workshops and webinars. Possible webinar topics include marketing, pricing, merchandising, product development and other networking opportunities.
Friday, Sept. 10 is reserved solely for wholesale buyers and is open from 1 p.m. until 6 p.m. Saturday is open to wholesaler buyers and the general public from 11 a.m. until 6 p.m. and will be a great opportunity for retailers and the general public to pick up some of the finest West Virginia made products just in time for the Holiday shopping season.
West Virginia Made is a trade association that was created in response to a growing demand from West Virginia artists and gourmet food producers in need of a central place to collaborate, network, and to promote their goods. West Virginia State University Extension Service and Preservation Alliance of West Virginia answered the call with support of an organization that will nurture collaboration and meet the business needs of full-time artists and producers.
In addition to the trade show, West Virginia Made provides an association website that helps members connect. The association also offers member services to enhance business skills including workshops and webinars. Possible webinar topics include marketing, pricing, merchandising, product development and other networking opportunities.
For further details about WV Made and the WV Made Tradeshow schedule, please visit www.wvmade.org .
SBA to host webinar on Doing Business with the West Virginia Department of Environmental Protection
CLARKSBURG – The U.S. Small Business Administration is hosting a FREE webinar on “Doing Business with the West Virginia Department of Environmental Protection (DEP)” on Thursday, Sept. 30, from 10 a.m. to 11 a.m.
The DEP needs qualified contractors, especially minority and women-owned small businesses, to fulfill their various contracting opportunities throughout the state.
Jamie Lenore Chambers, accountant/auditor for the WV DEP’s grant management section, will be presenting an overview of state purchasing procedures and providing tips on how to navigate through the states contracting process.
The webinar is one in a series of free small business clinics and webinars for small businesses.
Upcoming sessions include:
· Small Business Loans: No Hype, Just the Facts Clinic, Charleston, September 16, 2010
· LLC v. S-Corporation: Which is Right for You? Webinar, September 21, 2010
· Marketing to Federal Agencies Webinar, September 23, 2010
· Taxes v. Liability: Business Legal Organizations Explained Clinic, Charleston, October 14, 2010
· Small Business Taxes from A to Z webinar, October 19, 2010
Jamie Lenore Chambers, accountant/auditor for the WV DEP’s grant management section, will be presenting an overview of state purchasing procedures and providing tips on how to navigate through the states contracting process.
The webinar is one in a series of free small business clinics and webinars for small businesses.
Upcoming sessions include:
· Small Business Loans: No Hype, Just the Facts Clinic, Charleston, September 16, 2010
· LLC v. S-Corporation: Which is Right for You? Webinar, September 21, 2010
· Marketing to Federal Agencies Webinar, September 23, 2010
· Taxes v. Liability: Business Legal Organizations Explained Clinic, Charleston, October 14, 2010
· Small Business Taxes from A to Z webinar, October 19, 2010
· Marketing to Prime Contractors webinar, October 21, 2010
Registration for all the above clinics and webinars can be made online at www.wvscore.org .
Registration for all the above clinics and webinars can be made online at www.wvscore.org .
Statewide technology conference to feature presidents of Marshall, WVU
HUNTINGTON – TechConnect West Virginia (www.techconnectwv.org ), in partnership with Verizon West Virginia, Marshall University and West Virginia University, will bring together policy and opinion leaders, researchers and entrepreneurs, economic developers and others to discuss and develop strategies for growing our state's technology economy. Featured speakers include Dr. James P. Clements, President of West Virginia University, and Dr. Stephen J. Kopp, President of Marshall University.
The event will be held from 1 p.m. – 5 p.m. on Tuesday, Sept. 7, at Foundation Hall on the campus of Marshall University in Huntington, West Virginia.
“West Virginia has the potential to significantly grow its technology economy, and in doing so, create jobs and economic diversity for state residents,” said Kevin DiGregorio, Executive Director of TechConnect West Virginia. “The purpose of this event is to inform state leaders on what is taking place across the state in this sector and to identify what needs to be done to spur growth.”
DiGregorio said the event will feature presentations by the presidents of both Marshall University and West Virginia University on the role of universities as the foundation for technology growth in their state. Paul Hill, Vice Chancellor for Science & Research with the WV Higher Education Policy Commission, will speak to the need for facilities in the tech field and specifically discuss the WV Education, Research & Technology Park in South Charleston. Additionally, panel segments, featuring experts and technology business owners from around the state, will focus on access to capital, entrepreneurial assistance and entrepreneurial talent. The panels will be moderated by Kelley Goes, Secretary of the WV Division of Commerce, and John Golden, Director of External Affairs for Verizon WV.
TechConnect West Virginia is a 501(c)3 non-profit coalition of public and private partners dedicated to growing and diversifying West Virginia’s economy by boosting the state’s technology economy. The organization serves as a forum and facilitator to spur collaboration within West Virginia’s technology community, bringing the assets of statewide entities to the table to spur technology commercialization and stimulate the creation of tech-based companies and jobs. The organization is a partner of Vision Shared.
Half of state counties report drop in unemployment in July
CHARLESTON — West Virginia's unemployment rate remained at 8.6 percent in July 2010. Approximately one-half of all counties reported a declining unemployment rate.
The number of counties recording an unemployment rate considered much worse than average when compared to the state rate rose slightly. This group included Brooke (13.3), Hancock (13.7), Clay (13.8), and Mason (14.5).
The number of counties recording an unemployment rate considered better than average when compared to the state rate nearly quadrupled. This group included Harrison (7.2), Lewis (7.2), Putnam (7.2), Boone (7.1), Doddridge (7.1), Marion (7.1), Preston (7.0), Gilmer (6.8), Pendleton (6.8), Monroe (6.5), and Jefferson (6.3).
The number of counties recording an unemployment rate considered better than average when compared to the state rate nearly quadrupled. This group included Harrison (7.2), Lewis (7.2), Putnam (7.2), Boone (7.1), Doddridge (7.1), Marion (7.1), Preston (7.0), Gilmer (6.8), Pendleton (6.8), Monroe (6.5), and Jefferson (6.3).
Once again, Monongalia (5.1) was the sole county reporting an unemployment rate considered much better than average when compared to the state rate.
Small Business Development Center to host small business startup workshop
CHARLESTON – The West Virginia Small Business Development Center (WVSBDC) will offer a small business startup workshop from 1 to 4 p.m. on Sept. 14.
The training will be at the Kanawha Valley Community and Technical College Workforce Division in the Schoenbaum Center at 1701 5th Ave. in Charleston.
WVSBDC business coach Anne Lane will advise participants on the aspects of starting a business, including startup issues, legal structure, licensing, business planning, budgeting and financing. There is no fee. Registration is required and is limited to 10 people. To register or for more information, call Dreama Wolfingbarger at 304-558-2960.
The West Virginia Small Business Development Centers are part of the West Virginia Development Office and work with colleges, universities and other host institutions to provide cost effective business coaching and technical assistance statewide.
The WVSBDC is funded in part through a cooperative agreement with the U.S. Small Business Administration. All opinions, conclusions or recommendations expressed are those of the author(s) and do not necessarily reflect the views of the SBA. Reasonable accommodations for persons with disabilities will be made if requested at least two weeks in advance. Call Dreama Wolfingbarger at 304-558-2960.
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