West Virginia Executive - Summer 2013 by Executive Ink

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2013 Executive Issue

Locally Owned, Nationally Grown

Global Exports Stunning Scenes from the Mountain State

$7.50

INVENT SOMETHING

WVU student Katherine Bomkamp’s Pain-Free Socket could improve the lives of countless amputees.

“

I always thought,‘That could’ve been my dad.’

What will you create at WVU?

”

She was inspired to create the prosthetic device when she visited wounded soldiers.

She’s been inducted into the National Museum of Education’s National Gallery for America’s Young Inventors and named one of Glamour’s 2013 Top 10 College Women. As the CEO of Katherine Bomkamp International, LLC, she hopes to invent more medical devices.

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Built On

Faith

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When the Old Laidley Home at 333 Laidley Street in Charleston opened in 1913 as a 33-bed hospital, a lasting legacy of compassion and faith was born. Today, a century later, the same faith in Christ that guided our early years remains the cornerstone of our care at Saint

Francis Hospital. Our not-for-profit mission has endured and our trust and faith in God’s healing power is more present today than ever. As we

Sister Virginia Yeager Vice President of Mission and Director of Pastoral Care

mark our memorable centennial year, we give

thanks for the thousands who have been touched by our hospital – patients and families, doctors and nurses, volunteers and caregivers, clergy and staff – all of whom understand that

all things are truly possible through Christ. Peace be with you.

Charleston, West Virginia | 304.347.6500

West Virginia’spremierbusiness publication! Published by Executive Ink, LLC Editor in Chief Kensie Hamilton Creative Director Jennifer Jett Senior Graphic Designer Lisa Affolter Production Assistant Amy Arnett Production Assistant Maggie Matsko Intern Rachel Hunter

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Business De velopment

Vice President of Business Development Mark Lamborn markwvexecutive@aol.com • 304.543.2505

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Photogr aphy Verde Canyon Railroad, Mark Branciaroli, Durbin & Greenbrier Valley Railroad, Bob Henry Baber, U.S. Small Business Administration, Tracy Toler, Snap Shop Photo Booth, Gary Hartley, Todd and Meg Stallard, Office of the Speaker of the House John Boehner, Martin Valent, Jeremiah Bowen, Mike Fear Photography, Samuel Starkey, Geoff Kraus, Marvin Woodie, Rick Burgess, Sarah Garland Photography, Carlie Hensley, Penny Johnson Photography, Steven Johnson, JPKarner Photography, Zach Lonergan, Timothy Luce, Kevin Pickens, John Rappold, Connie Rowe Photography, Kimberli Schuman, Robbie Skinner, Tony Turley, Bo Wriston, Steve Shaluta Photography, Herb Smith, Arnett Muldrow, Mothman Museum, West Virginia Pumpkin Festival, Gina Maria Candelori, Gail Hyer, West Virginia Department of Commerce, Main Street Ripley, Charleston West Side Main Street and Jennifer Bauer-Leffler, Inside Out Creative and Chris Gosses Photography

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West Virginia Executive is published quarterly by Executive Ink, LLC, PO Box 6277, Charleston, West Virginia 25362. All rights reserved. All contents are copyrighted by Executive Ink, LLC; reproduction in whole or part without written permission from Executive Ink, LLC is expressly forbidden and punishable by law. West Virginia Executive is not responsible for unsolicited materials. All opinions expressed within West Virginia Executive belong to the feature’s author and are not necessarily the opinions of the publishers or Executive Ink, LLC employees. West Virginia Executive and Executive Ink, LLC reserve the right to refuse any idea, material or subject matter, especially those of racist, sexist, pornographic or religiously derogating intent. Throughout this issue, trademarked names are used. Rather than denoting a trademark symbol in every occurrence of a trademarked name, West Virginia Executive uses the names in an editorial fashion, with no infringement. All trademarked names are still fully protected, and anyone who uses them without permission will be prosecuted. About the Cover Gregory Burton, the president and CEO of BrickStreet Mutual Insurance Company.

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value community service, both personally and professionally. This is epitomized in the requirement that Young Gun nominees have community service and participate in charities of their choice during their free time. It is something we take very seriously when narrowing down our nominations to the final 10 each year. Each of our staff members has his or her own way of giving back to our communities, and as a company, we have made it a priority to give back as a group. Sometimes, it is through these opportunities to help others that we become a stronger team. We also enjoy hearing about other companies that make it a priority to give to the communities of West Virginia. Dixon Hughes Goodman LLP is a prime example; they recently completed their second annual Count the Cans Community Collection Day. Another great example is Wilson Martino Dental who holds an annual event called “Trick or Treat for the Troops.” Each year, more than 3,000 pounds of candy is shipped to troops from West Virginia who are serving in international efforts.

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For the past three years, West Virginia Executive has sponsored the American Cancer Society’s Kanawha County Relay For Life Kid’s Care at the West Virginia State Capitol. Over the course of two hours, we get to talk with members of the community, help spread the word about the fight for a cure and play games with the kids. Volunteering as a group has allowed us to spend off-the-clock time together in a fun environment; it’s a team-building experience that has an impact that reaches beyond our staff. As stewards of the Mountain State, we are all responsible for giving back to our communities and taking care of each other. We encourage you to find a way to get involved in your community. Whether fundraising for an organization or serving in a soup kitchen, you will benefit just as much from the experience as those you are helping. If there are charities or events your company participates in, we want to know about them! Send us your press releases and photos. 

Letter from the Publishers

What has a global reach, meets

international supply demands, brings millions of dollars into the Mountain State across a variety of industries and allows West Virginia businesses to diversify so they can grow despite a struggling economy? If you guessed West Virginia’s exports, you’re right on. We don’t hear nearly as much about West Virginia’s strong exporting industry as we should. The reason we should be more interested in what is leaving our state for countries around the world is the opportunity that comes with exporting. Exporting gives entrepreneurs a chance to succeed, offering businesses a platform from which to diversify the economy. Consider this: • In 2012, plastic exports accounted for $1 billion of West Virginia’s total merchandise exports. • West Virginia exported products totaling $952 million to the Netherlands in 2012. • Exports to Panama grew 871 percent in 2012. West Virginia exports are finding great success in Canada, the Netherlands, China, Japan, India, Italy, Brazil, South Korea, the United Kingdom and France, and smaller markets, like Turkey, Spain and Singapore, are also proving to be successful markets for the Mountain State’s products. In addition to coal, which accounted for $7.43 billion in international exports in 2012, export categories also include plastics, machinery, chemicals, aerospace components, automotive components,

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medical devices, aluminum, wood products, electrical machinery and rubber products. To say the Mountain State is defined by its fossil fuels is to ignore the impressive amount of exporting our great state participates in every day. Why, then, aren’t more businesses participating in such a successful industry? Making a global connection isn’t easy, and it takes some courage to make a jump from being a regional supplier to becoming a global supplier. The good news is that West Virginia businesses have a great ally in the state’s U.S. Export Assistance Centers, where knowledgeable export professionals can help overcome language barriers, plan overseas trips and even locate countries with potential markets for West Virginia products. We are proud to present our Summer 2013 issue for several reasons: we have never done an issue with an “executive” theme before and are excited about the informative editorial we are able to provide to business owners and business leaders; this issue has a special section dedicated to celebrating West Virginia Executive’s 15th anniversary including scenic Mountain State photography submitted by our readers, and there’s a great story on exporting from the Mountain State that provides a viable option for business owners to grow their businesses. In this issue, Gregory Burton of BrickStreet Mutual Insurance Company discusses the challenges and successes his national company has faced, and Tim

Warden, president of Engart Inc., tells us what it’s like to be an international company based in the Mountain State. Justin Seibert shows us how social media has changed the workplace, and Marvin Woodie shares with us his business travel experience to Kemerovo, Russia. In honor of our 15th anniversary, we’ve compiled several lists of 15 things Mountaineers should know, and local trainer Brandon Walters discusses the facts and fiction of weight training for women. Leslie Drake, with the U.S. Export Council, shares some amazing statistics about exporting that will really get you thinking about how to create a global footprint for your company. It’s common for the Mountain State to be shrouded in negativity, considering the challenges of our fossil fuels industry and the continuing struggles of the economy. It’s important for us to remember, though, that despite the negativity we hear every day, amazing things are constantly happening in West Virginia. And the idea that some of those amazing things are traveling the globe to help others is exciting and encouraging. 

Site Development: Quality & Experience vs. A “Dirt Cheap” Price Site preparation is the foundation of any field operation, especially in the energy and natural gas industries. Cutting corners on this phase by considering “price only” can put your entire operation at risk. Consider the consequences of pads, slopes or faces that ﬁssure or slide, containment ponds that leak, or retaining walls that aren’t adequate. At a minimum, poorly planned or performed site work will need to be redone. We know. We’ve been called in to ﬁx these exact kinds of problems. A “dirt cheap” price often ends up costing more, not less.

QUALITY & EXPERIENCE The best way to save money on site development work is through quality and experience. Vecellio & Grogan contributes a wealth of knowledge, gained from 75 years’ experience in heavy/highway and site development work, throughout the planning and construction process. As a result, we’re able to plan and perform work in the safest, most costeffective manner, providing real-world savings. We’ve saved a public-sector customer over $1 million since 2010 through value engineering, and we provide the same level of service to our private-sector customers as well.

At Vecellio & Grogan, we want to be your site “Contractor of Choice.” We’re a Top 400 Contractor and among the leaders in Heavy/Highway Construction & Site Development Work. With our vast equipment ﬂeet and one of the industry’s safest work records, we can handle projects of any size or scope across the Eastern United States: • Full-Service Industrial, Mining & Natural Gas Site Preparation (& Remediation) • Environmental Solutions, Ponds, Walls, Access Roads, Bridges, Drainage Structures • Value Engineering That Lowers Potential Risks & Costs Ofﬁce (304) 252-6575 Toll-free (800) 255-6575 SiteWork@VecellioGrogan.com www.VecellioGrogan.com Scan QR Code With Mobile QR App To See How Vecellio & Grogan Provides Real-World Savings On Site Development Work

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IN THIS issue summer 2013

Nationally Grown

President and CEO Gregory Burton has taken BrickStreet Mutual Insurance Company from a startup to major success. By Kensie Hamilton

87 15 Reasons to Read the Magazine

92 West Virginia Goes to Market

Weekend Rolodex 15 Fabulous Food Finds

Explore the West Virginia restaurants rolling out some of the stateâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s tastiest treats.

By Amy Arnett and Rachel Hunter

Main Street West Virginia

Find out how communities are making improvements to keep the heart and soul of the Mountain State alive. By Brooks McCabe

Mail Pouch Tobacco Barns

These iconic pieces of Americana had an unexpected start that took place in Wheeling, WV.

By Rebekah Karelis

Kemerovo Calls

Kemerovo is a Russian coal community in the heart of Siberia. See it through the eyes of an industry executive. By Marvin Woodie 10

west virginia executive

52 93 33 105 101 108 113 118

15 Stunning Scenes from the Mountain State

Notebook

Women on Weights

Think cardio and diets are the ways to get lean? Think again. Learn how weight training is the ultimate fountain of youth. By Brandon Walters

Risk Management

A human resources expert shows us how HR may be one of the most important pieces of a company and how to gauge its success. By Sharon Boyce-Werdebaugh 118 Kemerovo Calls

66 Beyond Beckley 46 Moving the Mountain State Forward

Executive

West Virginia Exports

Exporting is an important element in a successful company, and our state’s businesses are learning how to play the advantage. By Leslie Drake

Moving the Mountain State Forward One of our favorite features has returned with an emphasis on business challenges. See what insight professionals have to share. By Jennifer Jett

Riding the Digital Wave

Read about how today’s technology has become a major tool for businesses, oftentimes making the impossible possible. By Justin Seibert

Back to the Books

Schools statewide are providing MBA programming to position professionals and students to succeed. By Maggie Matsko

Corporate Connections

Former Young Gun David McKinley discusses the Young Presidents' Organization.

By David McKinley

Beyond Beckley

Engart Inc.’s CEO Tim Warden shares with us how he took a small Beckley company and created an international presence. By Amy Arnett

42 46 50 57 71 63 75 66

71 West Virginia’s Economy

42 West Virginia Exports

West Virginia’s Economy

Two experts share with us the strengths and weaknesses of the Mountain State through this economic overview.

By Eric Bowen and John Deskins

Around the State

Read about the numerous Mountain State businesses that are celebrating milestones this year.

By Amy Arnett and Jennifer Jett

EXECUTIVE BUSINESS 4 Masthead 6 Editor’s Journal 8 In ink 10 in this issue 14 Contributors 75 around the state 122 regional focus 127 marketplace 128 ad finder 12

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CONTRIBUTORSsummer Lisa Affolter Lisa Affolter is a cum laude graduate from Marshall University who received her Bachelor of Fine Arts in graphic design in May 2006. In addition to designing magazines, Affolter works on a variety of projects including print advertising, business proposals and Web sites. She may be reached at (304) 941-0600, ext. 12, or via e-mail at lna@wvexecutive.com.

Amy Arnett Amy Arnett, a production assistant for West Virginia Executive magazine, recently moved to Charleston after studying public relations at West Virginia University (WVU). As a student at WVU, Arnett served as a research director for the Buy Local Shinnston campaign. She also traveled to Cambodia in 2012 as part of a free medical clinic team. In her spare time, Arnett enjoys traveling, community service, outdoor activities and attending events. She may be reached at (304) 941-0600, ext. 10, or by e-mail at aja@wvexecutive.com.

Eric Bowen Eric Bowen serves as research associate and economist at the Bureau of Business and Economic Research, a division of the West Virginia University ( WVU) College of Business & Economics. Bowen holds a master’s degree in economics from WVU and specializes in energy economics and applied economic research.

Nikki Bowmar Nikki Bowmar is the public affairs specialist for the West Virginia District Office of the U.S. Small Business Administration (SBA) where she focuses on ensuring small businesses know and understand the programs and services offered by the SBA. Bowmar is a native West Virginian who attended West Virginia University and currently resides in Bridgeport with her husband and son.

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Sharon Boyce-Werdebaugh Sharon Boyce-Werdebaugh is the founder of WesMar HR Consulting, LLC, a human resources consulting firm located in Bridgeport, WV. Boyce-Werdebaugh holds a master’s degree in corporate and organizational communication from West Virginia University and is a certified Senior Professional in Human Resources through the HR Certification Institute. She was named to the Young Guns Class of 2012 by West Virginia Executive magazine and Volunteer of the Year by the Harrison County Chamber of Commerce.

James Casto James Casto is the associate director for public information at the Robert C. Byrd Institute for Advanced Flexible Manufacturing. He is retired from The HeraldDispatch in Huntington, where he was a reporter, editor and columnist for more than 40 years. Casto holds a bachelor’s degree in journalism and a master’s degree in English from Marshall University. A freelance writer with a passion for history, he’s written a number of books on local and regional history. His latest, “Legendary Locals of Huntington,” profiles many of the city’s leading citizens.

John Deskins John Deskins serves as director at the Bureau of Business and Economic Research at West Virginia University, leading the bureau’s efforts to serve the state by providing rigorous economic analysis and macroeconomic forecasting. Deskins holds a doctorate degree in economics from The University of Tennessee. His research has focused on U.S. state economic development, small business economics and government tax and expenditure policy.

Leslie Drake Leslie Drake is an international trade specialist for the U.S. Commercial Service who has led or organized trade missions to 25 countries over the last 20 years. Prior to this position, she worked for the West Virginia Development Office International Division for 13 years, where she helped West Virginia businesses gain access to export markets. Drake directs the U.S. Export Assistance Centers in West Virginia. She holds a master’s degree in international business and marketing from the University of Kentucky and is a certified global business provider.

Rachel Hunter Rachel Hunter is a print journalism major at Marshall University, where she has served as a reporter for The Parthenon, covering the environmental beat. A summer 2013 intern for West Virginia Executive, Hunter is a member of the Society of Professional Journalists. In her spare time, she enjoys attending music festivals and spending time with her rescue dog, Willie Nelson.

Jennifer Jett Jennifer Jett is the creative director for Executive Ink, LLC, where her role focuses on research, writing and editing. Jett is a graduate of West Virginia State University’s Regents Bachelor of Arts program and a 2012 graduate of Leadership Kanawha Valley. She is an 11-year volunteer for the American Cancer Society’s Relay for Life, and she spends her free time editing manuscripts and boating on Lake Erie. Jett’s unpublished novel, “Scars,” won first place in the young adult category at the 2013 WV Writer’s, Inc. Annual Writing Competition.

Rebekah Karelis Rebekah Karelis, a native of Short Gap, WV, is the historian at the Wheeling National History Area in Wheeling, WV. Karelis graduated from Belmont College with a degree in building preservation and restoration, and she also holds an undergraduate degree in anthropology and a master’s degree in public history from West Virginia University. In her spare time, she enjoys writing about the history of Wheeling.

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CONTRIBUTORSsummer Maggie Matsko Maggie Matsko, a production assistant for West Virginia Executive magazine, is a graduate of West Virginia University (WVU), where she received her bachelor’s and master’s degrees in journalism. A Delaware native, Matsko has freelanced for the Delaware State News and WVU’s newsletter, Signals WV. Matsko is an alum member of Phi Sigma Pi and was a recipient of the 2011 Outstanding Advertising Senior Award for the Perley Isaac Reed School of Journalism. She may be reached at (304) 941-0600, ext. 14, or via e-mail at mam@wvexecutive.com.

Brooks McCabe Brooks McCabe is managing member and broker of West Virginia Commercial, LLC, a commercial real estate company specializing in office, industrial, retail and land brokerage as well as development within the State of West Virginia. With a focus on the rehabilitation and adaptive reuse of historic properties, McCabe has been recognized for his efforts in the redevelopment of downtown Charleston’s Historic Village District and downtown Fairmont’s Historic District.

David McKinley David McKinley is a principal of McKinley Carter and serves as president and managing director of the firm. McKinley is a graduate of West Liberty University and the College for Financial Planning in Denver, CO. A trustee of the West Virginia Investment Management Board, McKinley has served on the board of directors for Regional Economic Development Partnership, West Liberty University Foundation, Business Advisory Council at West Liberty University, Financial Planning Association of Pittsburgh and Wheeling-area community programs like Habitat for Humanity and the Soup Kitchen.

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Justin Seibert Justin Seibert is president of Direct Online M a r k e t i n g , We s t Virginia’s oldest and largest digital agency. The Google AdWords Certified Partner offers search engine marketing, social media optimization, banner advertising and online reputation management to clients around the world. Seibert was named the 11th Most Influential Pay Per Click Expert for 2013 from a pool of global candidates by Hanapin Marketing. He lives outside Wheeling with his wife, Kristin, three children and office mascot, SEODog.

Kirsten Smith Kirsten Smith is the vice president of Business Development at ContactPointe IT Services, a regionallybased computer services company with locations in Charleston, Wheeling and Pittsburgh. Smith holds a bachelor’s degree in environmental engineering from the University of Central Florida. She currently oversees the company’s regional initiatives for business development and firm administration, and she serves on the board of directors for the Arthritis Foundation - Great Lakes Region and the West Virginia Board of Advisors. In her spare time, she enjoys snow skiing, scuba diving and sailing.

Tracy Toler Tracy Toler scaled Seneca Rocks at the age of 5 and has been reaching new heights ever since. Through his business, Tracy A. Toler Photography, he has become a leading pioneer, serving as creative director and feature photographer for many of the region’s largest magazines. Known among his peers as “Mr. McGyver,” he can fix anything with a bobby pin, rubber band or Swiss Army knife. This comes in handy at home with his wife and two children. Toler may be reached by e-mail at tracytoler@yahoo.com.

Brandon Walters Brandon Walters is a personal trainer at the Charleston Family YMCA and the founder of Brandon’s Boot Camp. As one of the most sought after trainers in the Kanawha Valley, his boot camp class has helped transform bodies and lifestyles for three years. A graduate of Marshall University, he holds a master’s degree in exercise science. When he isn’t training or lifting heavy things, he enjoys spending time with his wife and kids. He can be reached at (304) 561-5371 or trainingwithbrandon@hotmail.com.

Marvin Woodie Marvin Woodie is the vice president of Field Operations at Conn-Weld Industries, Inc., where he began as an engineering intern in 1985. Woodie, who designed screening systems for the coal industry, water treatment and other process applications, is responsible for all outside sales operations. He has worked to establish joint ventures, manufacturing opportunities of ConnWeld products and new international markets for Conn-Weld, which has taken him many places around the world, including Turkey, India, South Africa and Russia.

Reviving Richwood For most of the 20th century, Richwood, WV, was a boom town, thriving in the lumber and coal industries. Known as “The City Merry on the Banks of the Cherry,” this Nicholas County community has gone from a population near 10,000 to a residency of just more than 2,000. What happened to this once-thriving economic center? Richwood, aptly named for its hardwood resources, was once home to industries that included financial institutions, lumber, factories for clothespins and axe handles and deep-mining coal. Over time, the factories closed or relocated, and in the 1980s, the town took a major economic hit when one of its mines collapsed. The subsequent downturn of the coal industry forced a loss of more than 4,000 jobs. The residents and government of Richwood have refused to let this setback stop them from believing in the possibilities the town has to offer. Recent improvements and a change in marketing to focus on tourism—which is now West Virginia’s largest industry—show Richwood is ready to evolve with changing times.

A Small Southern West Virginia Town Fights Back Against a Crippled Economy

Blueprint Communities This year, Richwood is one of six West Virginia towns selected to participate in Blueprint Communities, a year-long community building initiative sponsored by the Federal Home Loan Bank of Pittsburgh (FHLBank). The goal of Blueprint Communities is to put a Blueprint team in place in each city; each team will assess the status of the community, develop goals and plan ways to achieve those goals. John Bendel, FHLBank director of Community Investment, explains their involvement in Blueprint Communities as a way to support the future of our region and nation. “Investing in Blueprint, which builds leadership capacity and fosters sound, local planning, prepares communities for growth and development. It is a perfect complement to the work the FHLBank and our local member partners do every day,” says Bendel. “Blueprint helps lay the foundation for communities that embrace it. When they do, our collective investment multiplies into housing, jobs and improvements to quality of life.”

By Amy Arnett Photography by Bob Henry Baber

Create West Virginia In addition to the Blueprint Communities selection, Create West Virginia recently selected Richwood as the site for its Conference on the Future. Create West Virginia is a grassroots organization that focuses on the empowerment of communities within the state. The organization is determined to strike at the heart of the state’s problems, and selecting Richwood as the conference location represents the optimistic spirit they hope to instill within the Mountain State’s communities. Conference Director Rebecca Kimmons explains the town’s involvement by saying, “It’s true that it’s a creative challenge to have the conference in Richwood, which is exactly the point. It’s one thing to go to a nice hotel and talk about the issues West Virginia’s towns face. It’s another to be there.” The conference will be held October 24-26 at Richwood High School. Because the town does not have conference facilities, the Create West Virginia team has taken a creative approach to finding conference space in an effort to demonstrate the innovation necessary to inject economic life into struggling communities. This event, drawing professionals from all industries, has been met with anticipation from Richwood’s residents and officials, including Richwood Mayor Bob Johnson. “The Create West Virginia conference is an opportunity to break the mold for conferees while shaking up our citizenry with an in-your-face jolt of fresh approaches to improving the quality of life in Richwood,” says Johnson. “Maintaining the status quo is simply not productive for our city, or anywhere else in the state.”

Moving Forward Improvement efforts have already been taking place, including a restoration of the historic train depot, new sidewalks, removal of the former city hall, a $4 million upgrade of the storm drain and consistent maintenance of one of the town’s great assets, the Cherry River. These enhancements add to the already-present natural beauty of the local recreational areas like the nearby Monongahela National Forest and the Cranberry Glades Botanical Area, the southernmost Canadian bog in the world. Richwood represents the resourcefulness required to fight through times of economic struggle. The town has taken its former industry reputation and transformed itself, building on the city’s history of coal and lumber by developing projects that will carve out a new piece of the tourism market. 

A close-up of “Memory Mosaic,” a collage by Create West Virginia’s 2013 featured artist, Richwood native Bob Henry Baber. west virginia executive

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You’re part of everything WE ARE Just like the citizens and communities of Southern West Virginia, the Bank of Mingo has a rich history and a strong foundation, and it continues to evolve to meet the demands of the industry. Chartered May 1975, the Bank of Mingo sustained 58 inches of water throughout its building during the 1977 May Flood. That could have been a deterrent to close their doors but the founders said that was not an option. Celebrating 37 years of service, the Bank of Mingo remains dedicated to helping our customers achieve their goals, from purchasing a new home and financing a new or existing business to planning for retirement. The personalized services of helping neighbors, being a resource for local businesses and being actively involved in community revitalization is the nature of a smalltown bank, and we are proof of that. As residents whose families’ presence goes back several generations, we are united with our neighbors in preserving the history of our southern roots while creating a brighter future for our children and grandchildren. The Bank of Mingo is a proud partner of the revitalization that is taking place in Southern West Virginia. The enthusiasm for our community’s economic development is contagious among its citizens, and it’s spreading beyond Mingo County throughout Southern West Virginia. Revitalization and redevelopment projects like the construction of King Coal Highway, Wood Products Industrial Park, and Air Transportation Park, as well as water, sewer and infrastructure projects, are the stepping stones for a future of continued job growth and prospering families. Community Development support provides a substantial edge for improvements that benefit everyone.

Providing service to you in six locations: Bank of Mingo –Belo (Main) Belo Industrial Park 10 Commerce Drive • Williamson, WV 25661 (304) 475-1900 Bank of Mingo - Matewan Bridge & Mate Street • Matewan, WV 25670 (304) 426-4000 Bank of Mingo – Gilbert Second Avenue & Stafford Street Gilbert, WV 25621 (304) 664-3535 Bank of Mingo - Williamson 70 West Fourth Avenue Williamson, WV 25661 (304) 235-7500 Bank of Mingo - Delbarton Junction U.S. 52 & State Route 65 Delbarton, WV 25670 (304) 475-4750 Bank of Mingo - Naugatuck Junction US 52 & St Route 65 Naugatuck, WV 25686 (304 235-6700

24 Hour Telebank: 1-877-730-0573

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Center for Railway Tourism Preserving Our Railroad Heritage While Giving Tourism a Boost

Railroads are an essential part of West Virginia’s history, having provided both a means of public transportation and a method for accessing and transporting West Virginia’s abundance of natural resources—coal, timber and other minerals—since the early part of the 19th century. Through the Center for Railway Tourism at Davis & Elkins College (D&E) in Elkins, WV, students have the opportunity to help preserve railroad heritage and, ultimately, increase tourism both in the state and nationally. “The state’s history and economic development were, and are, closely tied to railroad history,” says James Porterfield, director of the Center for Railway Tourism. Under the leadership of Porterfield, the center was created as a component of the recreation management and tourism major within the Department of Business and Entrepreneurship at D&E. Porterfield, an accomplished author, teacher and avid railroad enthusiast, says he was encouraged by friends to start the endeavor that became the center. His interest in the field began when he authored the widely popular book “Dining By Rail: The History and Recipes of America’s Golden Age of Railroad Cuisine.” “Now 70 years old, I see this as my encore career,” Porterfield says. “It presents an opportunity to apply all of my life skills

as a teacher, writer, marketer and historian to a subject that is dear to my heart and in need of those skills.” Porterfield says railway tourism plays a key role in community economic development, adding, “Upwards of 1,000 American cities and towns depend on railway tourism for some, or most, of the tourism dollars that flow into them.” Despite this fact, the railway heritage industry is aging, leading to the dire need to attract young people into the field, which led to the creation of the center. The Center for Railway Tourism provides undergraduate students with courses and hands-on experience to earn the credentials for a career in railway heritage and tourism management. There is also a program for those who do not wish to earn a degree but want the credentials to work with railway heritage. The specialized curriculum includes courses in railway heritage, railway tourism, tourism marketing and heritage preservation, as well as courses titled “The Railroad in Film” and “The Railroad in Art, Literature and Music.” Students must also complete a 120-hour internship at a railway heritage site. The recreation management and tourism program has also partnered with Durbin & Greenbrier Valley Railroad. The railroad company and its working freight short line, The West Virginia Central, have opened their doors to students and offered them the chance to see firsthand how railroads

work today. The company also offers a paid internship to one D&E student during the summer. In addition to providing the industry with many qualified and passionate young professionals, Porterfield says the center is also striving to excite the public to engage and partake in railway heritage attractions. “Trains are big, noisy, colorful machines that generally draw a favorable response from young and old alike. Building on the attention they get can be a challenge to the industry: to convert that attention into appreciation and understanding.” The center has already begun working on engaging more of the public in the railway heritage attractions offered in the state. Recently, the center partnered with Holiday Vacations in Wisconsin to offer the first of what is hoped to be an annual railroadbased tour, which is open to the public. The American Society of Railway Artists is also headquartered within the center. Thanks to the center, the future of railway heritage and railway tourism looks brighter. As more young professionals enter the field, it appears as though the rich railway history of West Virginia will not be forgotten. Porterfield hopes that as more people become involved, railway tourism will be carried on for years to come. “The tradition of leadership, not to mention spectacular scenery, challenging routes and dramatic operations, continues today. What’s not to love about this situation?”  By Rachel Hunter Photography by Verde Canyon Railroad, Mark Branciaroli and Durbin & Greenbrier Valley Railroad

The

Practice of

Perfection 2013-14 POWER POINTE SEASON Behind Barres: Reality Ballet “Uncensored!” October 18-19, 2013 • 7:30 PM • Civic Center Theater The Nutcracker with the West Virginia Symphony Orchestra December 13-14, 2013 • 7:30 PM & 2:00 PM Maier Performance Hall, Clay Center La Bayadere (The Temple Dancer) March 7-8, 2014 • 7:30 PM • Civic Center Theater

CHARLESTON BALLET Proud to be the Official WV State Ballet

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Young Guns Erikka Storch In 2001, West Virginia Executive welcomed Ohio Valley Steel Company CFO Erikka Storch to the class of 22 Young Guns, recognizing her growth in the company and personal accomplishments. While Storch remains the fearless leader of Ohio Valley Steel, she has also taken on a new role as a member of the West Virginia House of Delegates. In her 2001 Young Guns interview, Storch spoke about her induction into the fabricating business and the importance of giving back to her community. For this issue, we spoke with her to find out how she balances her time between her different roles of chief financial officer, delegate and mother and how she upholds her father’s legacy. WVE: In your Young Guns profile in 2001, you were quoted as saying, “I believe the key to success is balance. One cannot truly succeed without achieving a harmonious relationship between family, career, spirituality, volunteerism and time for self. If one of these factors is missing, a person cannot be complete.” How do you find balance when trying to combine these factors in your daily life? ES: In 2001, when I was inducted into the Young Guns class, my children were ages 1 and 4. Now, my kids are 16, 13 and 7. In addition to my schedule, I have the challenge of keeping track of their busy schedules too. Being involved in the legislature is a huge time commitment as well. Sometimes, one area of my life or another seems to take over for a period of time, and I have to make a conscious effort to keep things in perspective. I try to spend a lot of time with my family on weekends. They have been so supportive of me; it is important I keep them a priority in my life. WVE: You were also quoted as saying “I wanted to make the business that my father had grown for 20 years a permanent place in my career plans.”

What is it like following in your father’s footsteps as partial owner, CFO and project manager of Ohio Valley Steel? ES: It has been a challenging and humbling journey. My dad had a vision for this incredible shop and implemented it well into his facility. The economy has been challenging for us lately, so it is hard to operate in this downturn. I constantly compare myself to my dad, but my brother reminds me that our dad never had to deal with the economy I have had to deal with for the past four and a half years. WVE: You started off your career at Ohio Valley Steel as a general office assistant. What has been your greatest accomplishment on the way to the top? ES: In 2012, I was nominated for and won the inaugural STEP Ahead in Manufacturing Award by the Manufacturing Institute and the National Association of Manufacturers. I was the only person from West Virginia to be selected. It was great to see Ohio Valley Steel Company, just a medium-sized steel fabricator from Wheeling, WV, listed among other prestigious companies who were also nominated. WVE: You have been representing District 3 in the West Virginia House of Delegates since 2011. What have you

learned in that position that you can apply to your role at Ohio Valley Steel? ES: I think it is the other way around. You have a perspective in business that helps bring a good perspective to the legislature. Coming from a small business, I am willing to do whatever I need to do to get the job done. Because of my role, I have had the opportunity to see how we do some construction projects in this state. I can now take that education to the legislature and, hopefully, affect some positive change. WVE: What is it like being a woman holding such an important leadership position? ES: It is a great honor with great responsibility. It is intimidating some days, but I cannot let that define me. I am also humbled to have the people of Ohio County trust me to be their voice in office. A few years ago, I would not have pictured myself in this role. I have two daughters, and I don’t want them to look at positions as men’s jobs or women’s jobs. I want to demonstrate to them that no matter what challenge faces them, if they have the mental perspective to view it as an opportunity, they will go far.  By Maggie Matsko Photography by Martin Valent

www.wvexecutive.com

summer 2013

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U.S. SBA Regional Administrator Natalia Olson, Matt Thomas, Diane Lewis, Senator Joe Manchin, Tim Warden, Jonathan Bellingham and U.S. SBA West Virginia District Director Judy McCauley.

Small Business Success In the Mountain State

In the popular children’s story, “The Little Engine That Could,” a determined little engine teaches children optimism and dedication while pulling its long train over a mountain. Small businesses are much like that little engine. Local small businesses face many obstacles on the long journey to success over our West Virginia hills. Their trip has not gone unnoticed: President Barack Obama released a proclamation for National Small Business Week in which he hailed small businesses, saying, “They are our economy’s engine and our biggest source of new jobs.” The U.S. Small Business Administration (SBA) recognized some of West Virginia’s own little engines during the 2013 Small Business Awards Ceremony in May. Diane Lewis, the president and CEO of Action Facilities Management, Inc. (AFM), has been named the Small Business Person of the Year. This award honors an entrepreneur who not only excels in business but also in leadership—and Lewis exemplifies the definition of leadership. Founded in 2001, AFM, a Morgantown-based company, specializes in providing full spectrum site management services to 20 government and commercial clients in 11 states. Because of the company culture created by Lewis, AFM has grown from two to more than 300 employees. Engart, Inc., a highly specialized company that designs and manufactures wet dust extraction systems for mining, utility and heavy process industries, has been recognized as the Small Business Exporter of the Year. Engart was founded in 2003 and is headquartered in Beckley, with a production facility in Bluefield. Owned and operated by Tim Warden, Engart has expanded its geographic market to set up distributors in Canada and has established a market presence in South Korea, Mexico and Colombia.

Capon Springs and Farms, Inc., has received the Jeffrey Butland Family-Owned Business of the Year Award. Owned and operated as a family-owned business since 1932, the business is managed by a leadership structure that includes family members from the third generation. They work to continue traditions where family and friends enjoy home cooked meals, outdoor fun and lasting friendships. The business is located on 4,700 acres of green forested mountains in Hampshire County and is open April through October of each year. Thomas|Work, owned by Matt Thomas, has been named the Home-Based Business Champion. Thomas launched his homebased furnishing business in 2002, with the focus of creating beautiful, finished pieces from metal and wood by blending the styles of traditional, contemporary and hybrid inspiration. Christina Lundberg has been presented with the Minority Small Business Champion Award. Lundberg is a business coach with the Small Business Development Center in the Eastern Panhandle and is a tremendous advocate for small businesses, especially minority small businesses. Lundberg has an impressive list of accomplishments, which includes securing funding for multicultural events and publications, producing the Eastern Panhandle Multicultural Business Directory and co-chairing the Berkeley County Diversity Committee and the Martinsburg-Berkeley Chapter of NAACP Economic Development Committee. The SBA provides support and resources to help small businesses start, grow and succeed. The administration accomplishes this mission through capital, contracting, counseling, exporting and disaster assistance. Small Business Week nominations for 2014 will be accepted in fall of 2013.  By Nikki Bowmar Photography by U.S. Small Business Administration

www.wvexecutive.com

summer 2013

The Microcone Recorder MeetingFriendly Technology That Assists in Note Taking Helps Make Executives More Efficient

In the flood of technology advances today, the most challenging task is discerning which gadgets can be put to efficient use. With many professionals spending half of the workday in meetings, there is certainly value in any technological device that can help make the most of the time professionals spend in these meetings. After all, these gatherings are usually called to achieve a business objective. Meetings should result in courses of action being taken by accountable individuals or groups. The issue is when busy executives leave the conference room and rush off to the next meeting, forgetting much of what was discussed and is now expected of them. Meeting efficiency experts would suggest a number of labor intensive tasks that can help keep the meeting and group on assignment. One of the main tasks essential to a well-run meeting is taking detailed notes, but clearly there has to be a more efficient manner than dedicating a team member solely to note taking. The goal is to use technology as an aid rather than a hindrance in everyday life. From time tracking to note taking, technology can enable us to stay on track and then follow through on our discussions. Dev-Audio has addressed this executive meeting dilemma with an astounding innovation demonstrated through the Microcone Recorder®. This Australia-based, multidirectional intelligent desktop microphone has software that works with both Windows and Mac. It can be plugged into any available USB port, and it will not only record the conversation but it can also discern the voices of six different people. The Microcone Recorder software records the conversations on individual tracks and automatically reduces the background noise. An accompanying smartphone app allows users to tag parts of the conversation for easy reference later. The Microcone Recorder also includes integration with Dragon Speech-to-Text Conversion Web service, a pay-per-use feature, to automatically annotate meetings at the click of a button. If there’s anything worse than attending a long, boring meeting, it has to be transcribing it from an audio recording.

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For executives who find themselves checking their watch, wondering where the meeting veered off track, the Microcone Recorder app allows users to easily integrate a timeline into the meeting record. For times when not every meeting attendee is in the same room, the Microcone is compatible with Skype, which solves the problem of scattered executives. Video and voice conferenced attendees are provided with an identification of the speaker at all times. Tags are available in the software for meeting highlights such as decision points, lingering questions and assigned action items and can be controlled through a Mac, PC or the Microcone Remote app on an iPhone. Tagged points in the meeting can be carried over to Nuance dictation software for easy speech-to-text transcription for e-mailing to attendees or saving in line-of-business software notes. The service for transcribing key points to text comes at a minimal cost per use. Many factors weigh into the accuracy of the transcription, but Microcone estimates the accuracy at roughly 75-85 percent. All of this is achieved through a series of six microphones in one compact, cone-shaped package. Teamed together with the companion software, the device acknowledges when each person is speaking and from what direction. Because it uses just one plug to achieve these features, users can plug in the USB microphone, download the driver and install the application with one wire. A simple click begins the recording while flashing lights indicate which voice is being recorded, and the software allows users to label each attendee at the close of the meeting. Adaptive noise reduction keeps the voice quality clear and sharp while multidirectional audio streams are produced. The Microcone was named one of the winners of the 2012 Macworld iWorld Best in Show, and it can be purchased in the U.S. through Amazon for $359.  By Kirsten Smith

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summer 2013

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By Amy Arnett

Spring 2013 marked the third

annual energy issue for West Virginia Executive (WVE) magazine. In this issue, WVE took a look at the energy industry’s evolution, highlighting the benefits and struggles of working in a field that has been a vital element in the history of business in the Mountain State. CONSOL Energy CEO Brett Harvey shared his unique perspective with our readers, while “Uncensored: The Energy Issue” showed honest, anonymous points of view on the energy industry from today’s industry professionals. On May 30, WVE held our third annual Executive Energy Celebration at the University of Charleston Rotunda. The celebration featured speeches from the following event sponsors: • Dr. Ed Welch, president, University of Charleston; • Bob Welty, state president, Fifth Third Bank; • Anne Blankenship, shareholder in the Environmental Services and Energy & Natural Resources Group, Babst Calland Attorneys at Law and

• Maribeth Anderson, senior director of Corporate Development and Government Relations, Chesapeake Energy and West Virginia state lead of America’s Natural Gas Alliance. With an attendance from some of the state business community’s best and brightest, as well as many of our energy industry colleagues from surrounding states, the Executive Energy Celebration proved to be an evening filled with networking, discussion and an appreciation of exciting, evolving businesses in our region. As we could not have held this celebration without their generosity, West Virginia Executive would like to thank our wonderful sponsors for the event: University of Charleston, Fifth Third Bank, Babst Calland Attorneys at Law, America’s Natural Gas Alliance, HSC and Wells Fargo Insurance Services.  Photography by Tracy Toler and Snap Shop Photo Booth

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Bringing the pieces together for a diverse workforce

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Women on Weights The Real Fountain of Youth By Brandon Walters

Ask the average woman if she does weight

training, and she’ll probably act appalled at such an idea and inform you that she doesn’t want to be bulky, sport an adam’s apple or take on a voice like Barry White. Sadly, what women don’t understand is that working with weights doesn’t mean they’re going to develop these masculine traits. Weight training, as a matter of fact, is the closest thing to a fountain of youth we may ever find. What do women want when it comes to health and fitness? As a personal trainer, I’ve heard many goals, like “I want long, lean muscles,” “I just want to tone up” and “I want to look like (insert favorite actress’s name here).” There’s a major misconception out there about women and weights, and it’s complicated by the inundation of fad workout programs, many of which never involve a single weight. To set the record straight and show the importance of women not only having an active lifestyle but one that involves weight training—and one that will show the results women want—let’s look at the typical approach to losing weight versus the weight training approach.

Progressive Resistance Training

“The size or capacity of your glass is your maximum strength.” I first heard the water glass analogy from Eric Cressey, president and co-owner of Cressey Performance, five years ago, and I love how it applies to the fact that strength is the foundation for everything. If you’re strong, everything is easier. I have always told my clients that if they want to stay youthful, they have to stay strong. Consider this: • Can you perform 10 perfect push-ups with your chest touching the floor? • Can you perform three strict (dead-hang) chin-ups? • Can you squat your body weight and deadlift one and a half times your body weight with proper technique? If you achieve these goals, more than likely you will achieve the toned look you desire, and here’s why: if you’re overweight, you may be able to perform 10 push-ups, but it’s highly unlikely you’ll bang out three perfect chin-ups. You must make strength training a priority to get lean. Fat loss and aesthetics aside, getting stronger increases energy and libido, improves posture and self-assurance, reduces anxiety and stress and allows women to uncover their inner athlete.

www.wvexecutive.com

summer 2013

The Typical Female Weight Loss Plan The typical female approach to weight loss looks something like this: • A diet of 1,000-1,200 calories per day. • Two to three group classes per week, such as Zumba, step classes, highrepetition strength training or spinning. • An hour of cardio on a machine of choice, followed by a few sets on the inner/outer thigh machines and some bicep curls. • Lying on the floor three days a week, performing different contortions to tone the core. Yes, this approach may work for a while, but eventually, after two to three months, the female body will adapt to this type of training, and results will come to a halt. The human body craves change, and without a challenge, it will no longer need to adapt. What’s a girl to do? Add more cardio and decrease the caloric intake? Wrong. The answer is to utilize the challenge of progressive resistance. Change is as simple as continually trying to get stronger in basic movements.

The Strength Training Weight Loss Plan If you’re a female and you’re serious about that goal to tone up or slim down, the first thing you need to understand is that strength training is a marathon, not a sprint. You have to be patient and focus on small, attainable goals.

Take a look at this strength trainingfocused fitness approach: • Lift heavy weights two to three days per week with reps in the three to 10 reps range. • Train for performance—work toward the goals of performing 10 perfect pushups and three strict chin-ups and being able to squat and deadlift one to one and a half times your body weight. • Do real conditioning work, like jumping rope, running hill sprints, pushing a sled or prowler or performing kettlebell swings or high intensity interval training.

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• When in doubt, pick up something heavy. When time is limited during the week, always opt for strength training over cardio or high intensity interval training. • Find a good trainer or support system. Training with weights requires feedback from a knowledgeable trainer or a motivated partner with a keen eye. • Judge progress based on your performance, how you feel and how your clothes fit, not on what the scale says. Muscle is more dense than fat. It’s not uncommon for women to lose eight to 10 pounds of fat while gaining eight to 10 pounds of lean mass. On the scale, this reads as no weight loss, but in reality, it translates to a decrease in one to two sizes in clothing and a loss of several inches all over the body.

The Action Plan Now that you know weight training is more like a fountain of youth and will not, despite popular belief, turn you into a She-Hulk, where do you go from here? Here are some basic steps for beginners: • Learn the proper squatting depth for your body. Everyone I see moves differently. Figure out the squat pattern best suited for your build and strength level. • Learn the hip hinge. The deadlift, referred to by some as the king of all exercises, is one of the best hinge movement patterns and will give you the biggest bang for your buck. • Learn how to perform a push-up. • Start practicing your chin-ups. Beginners may perform these with a rubber band for assistance. • Learn the proper technique for the front and side plank. Ladies, stick to the basics and get away from the machines. Train the body the way it’s meant to move by focusing on compound movements like pushing, squatting and lunging. Compound movements are the quickest way to tone up and improve body composition, body image, athleticism, posture and confidence. Most importantly, they help women achieve the body they never thought they could have. Besides, I bet you can't remember the last time you heard a woman say “I wish I wasn’t this strong”? 

SPECIAL ADVERTISING SECTION

LETTER FROM THE MAYOR

During one of our country’s most trying economic times, Parkersburg continues to foster an atmosphere of interest and excitement in economic development, quality of life enhancements and improvements to our city’s infrastructure. Over the past few years, we have reduced our debt, improved infrastructure and put the city on sound financial footing. On the economic front, several areas in the city are being eyed for development, due largely to our track record of reaching out to developers, assisting infrastructure development and encouraging new business growth. East 7th Street has seen tremendous growth and will continue to evolve into a viable retail area, made possible by the investments of our local car dealerships. The millions invested in the showrooms have had a considerable impact on improving the appearance of the entire length of 7th Street. In our downtown business district, vacant buildings with renovation potential are being considered for mixed use facilities, thanks, in part, to the new five-year B&O tax exemptions on the renovation of vacant buildings. West Virginia University at Parkersburg has proven what can be accomplished in a vacant building by renovating an old department store donated to the school to create its Culinary Academy.

“The value of a man resides in what he gives and not in what he is capable of receiving.” —Albert Einstein Einstein’s observation about value is true of any business or organization. Therefore, the value of Camden Clark Medical Center should not only be measured on the quality of care and service provided to our patients and their families, but also by the manner and many ways in which we give back to our community. The health care professionals at Camden Clark live our corporate values of ICARE: Integrity, Commitment, Accountability, Respect and Excellence. Both the Memorial Campus and the St. Joseph’s Campus have been familiar landmarks in the city of Parkersburg for generations. People have come to see them not only as a vital part of their lives but as an important and active part of the community. It’s important to remember that, as a community medical center, Camden Clark is much more than a collection of bricks, mortar and glass structures.

We have taken great strides in the areas of livability and quality of life, evident in the creation of our ON TRAC Program; the inclusion of downtown events and the completion of Point Park, Fort James Neale Park and our bike trail system.

A community hospital need not be restricted to a centralized location where people come for treatment. It is more than that. A community hospital is really a group of people working together, committed to improving the quality of life.

We are also catering to a new generation of business entrepreneurs and executives who want to live where there is a variety of activities and events, which is why we have initiated projects such as the Parkersburg Skate Plaza Foundation, the Downtown Farmers Market, the Winter Market, Taste of Parkersburg, the Point Park Concert Series and downtown residential investments.

For more than a century, our mission has been dedicated to this commitment—working with our neighbors to promote good health and providing the very best in medical treatment.

Although Parkersburg is not central to the Marcellus Shale drilling, we are reaping benefits from this boom. Two new hotels have announced plans to build; new retail establishments and restaurants have located in the area and new commercial and residential developments have been announced.

This emphasis on outreach is what being a community hospital is all about. It stems from a focus on people rather than profits—where the driving force is compassionate care rather than corporate goals. It’s our way of continuing to serve you for your lifetime.

Yes, Parkersburg is on the move!

In accomplishing this mission, the entire Mid-Ohio Valley is really our workplace.

Sincerely, Sincerely,

Robert D. Newell, Mayor City of Parkersburg

PARKERSBURG An Atmosphere of Excitement

Michael A. King, CEO Camden Clark Medical Center

SPECIAL ADVERTISING SECTION

Supporting Industry, Education and Health Care in the Mid-Ohio Valley Since 1988 Pickering Associates Reaffirms Long-Term Dedication to Community Since 1988, one company has supported industry, education, health care and the community at large through various projects for a number of clients. Pickering Associates, the architecture and engineering firm located in Parkersburg, WV, has had an incredibly productive 25 years in business. “We’ve been honored to have the trust of our clients and community,” says Traci Stotts, lead architect and vice president of Marketing and Development. “Knowing that clients like Camden Clark Medical Center, Wood County Schools, the City of Parkersburg, the City of Vienna and many others recognize our hard work and continue to request our services means the world to us, and it says a great deal about our company. We’re very proud.” Pickering Associates provides expertise in project development, project management and architecture and engineering services in the industrial, institutional and commercial industry sectors. The company is based on more than 70 years of construction experience in the constantly evolving building environment. As the Mid-Ohio Valley’s premier full-service architecture and engineering firm, Pickering Associates offers a number of disciplines to make sure each project is not only unique but also innovative, sustainable, polished and affordable. “I think one of the major keys to our success has been, and will continue to be, our ambition to please our clients,” Stotts continues. “We listen first. We take all of our clients’ questions, concerns and budgets into account and create a one-of-a-kind, completely customized solution for them.” It’s this unique approach to business that helps Pickering Associates remain the Mid-Ohio Valley’s most requested, primary full-service architecture and engineering firm. “Pickering Associates understands the constraints and complications we face when implementing improvements,” explains Martin Best, director of Engineering at Camden Clark Medical Center. “They have always worked incredibly hard to make sure our needs are met and our rigid schedule is maintained. We are constantly impressed with Pickering Associates’ delivery and product.” Best’s sentiments are shared throughout the area. The fact that Pickering Associates gives back to their community isn’t lost on clients, either. The firm sponsors teams, events and individuals who work to better their society. The firm is even a “Partner in Education” with Hamilton Middle School in Parkersburg, WV. “As a Wood County organization, we value services that strengthen our community. In addition to providing exceptional architecture and engineering services, Pickering Associates is a Mid-Ohio Valley company with a Mid-Ohio Valley work force at a Mid-Ohio Valley price,” says Dr. J. Patrick Law, superintendent of Wood County Schools. “We’re more than pleased to work with such dedicated professionals and look forward to continued collaboration.” Pickering Associates is located at 11283 Emerson Avenue, Parkersburg, WV, 26104. They can be reached by calling (304) 464-5305.

www.pickeringusa.com • PARKERSBURG, WV 304-464-5305 • ATHENS, OH 740-593-3327 • MARIETTA, OH 740-374-2396

SPECIAL ADVERTISING SECTION

Wood County Schools Preparing Tomorrow’s Work Force Today A collaboration in Wood County has been created to prepare and develop the region’s work force to meet the needs of current and potential employers. Wood County Schools, West Virginia University at Parkersburg (WVU-P) and local business, industry and labor partners have joined together to not only meet current work force needs but to prepare a future work force for the jobs available in the area. The Caperton Center for Applied Technology and the Wood County Technical Center provide the community with education opportunities based on flexible schedules and focused programs to ensure current and future employees are prepared to meet the region’s work force needs. Through opportunities like these, Wood County Schools and its partners will continue to develop a group of qualified and motivated individuals to strengthen our region’s work force and represent the Mountain State as a business destination.

Wood County Technical Center More than 32 businesses participate in an advisory capacity with Wood County Technical Programs to provide high school students with a variety of career and training options to prepare them for the work force after graduation. Programs at Wood County Technical Center • Culinary Arts • Administrative Support • Carpentry • Therapeutic Services • Early Childhood and Education Services • Agricultural Education • Collision Repair • Welding • Broadcasting/Communication • Automotive Technology

Wood County Technical Center’s students are being recognized across the nation. In June 2013, three Wood County Technical Center students joined students from all 50 states and territories to compete at the 49th Annual National Leadership and Skills Conference in Kansas City, MO. All three Wood County students placed in their respective categories: Steven Moore placed 12th in the nation for extemporaneous speaking; Bret MacIver placed 8th in the nation for architectural drafting and Steven White placed 8th in the nation for firefighting.

Caperton Center for Applied Technology At the Caperton Center for Applied Technology, students and residents interested in sophisticated technology careers are taking advantage of the best instruction and training the region has to offer. At the center, current high school students can simultaneously pursue college programs and earn college credit while enrolled in the center; WVU-P students can obtain associate and bachelor degrees from the center and area residents can learn or update in-demand skills through the center’s flexible offerings. Programs at Caperton Center for Applied Technology • Computer Systems & Repair • Emergency Response Services • Electricity • Engineering Technology • CAD/Drafting

High school students are already reaping the benefits of the center’s offerings. In May 2013, Caperton Center’s engineering technology program’s Team Lightning Racing participated in the Ten80 NASCAR Student Racing Challenge in Charlotte, NC. Competing against other student racing teams from 32 states, Team Lightning Racing received first place in the aerodynamic design category. Lightning Racing is the first West Virginia team to participate in the competition.

Caperton Center for Applied Technology: 300 Campus Drive • Parkersburg, WV 26104 • (304) 424-8365 • www.wvup.edu/caperton Wood County Technical Center: 1515 Blizzard Drive • Parkersburg, WV 26101 • (304) 420-9501 • http://wcvt.wood.tec.wv.us/WCTC/WCTC.htm

SPECIAL ADVERTISING SECTION

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Corporate Connections Riding the Digital Wave 2013 WV ECONOMIC UPDATE

West Virginia Exports Business in the Global Marketplace

Large firms may come to mind when visualizing the typical exporter, but in reality, small companies actually account for about 98 percent of U.S. exporting firms.

By Leslie Drake

West Virginia businesses create world-

class products that are manufactured by dedicated employees and promoted by word-of-mouth buzz generated by satisfied customers. Oftentimes, these products draw attention from companies around the world, generating export sales leads that could potentially serve to expand sales, increase wealth and strengthen the local economy. Despite the potential and appeal, there are often many questions about how to communicate with a prospective customer in another language, how to get paid or how to determine if an inquiring representative is actually qualified to sell the product. It is not difficult to begin selling products outside the country. The most important thing is to understand the risks. The U.S. Commercial Service Export Assistance Centers (USEAC), West Virginia District Export Council, West Virginia Development Office and other partners have made tremendous efforts in educating potential manufacturers on the issues and concerns of exporting goods while providing answers to these questions in order to address the risks. Many U.S. companies reactively sell products internationally as a result of trade show connections or Internet contact, yet they neglect to devise a focused, proactive sales strategy in the best markets possible. How do small and medium-sized business owners get these answers while also wearing all of the hats required to keep the company profitable in the domestic market?

The Case for Exporting

Companies that export products develop a larger customer base while lowering their risk. According to the Federal Reserve Bank of Chicago, more than 70 percent of the world’s purchasing power lies beyond America’s borders.

Local Assistance for an International Play West Virginia’s USEAC, with locations in Charleston and Wheeling, work to help companies launch or increase sales in global markets. Over the past two years, the centers have counseled and provided services to approximately 250 West Virginia businesses, most of them small or medium-sized employers. This generated nearly $40 million of new international business in 39 countries. The USEAC’s international trade specialists visit clients in every corner of the state across all industries, taking the time to learn about the products and services, understand the needs and knowledge gaps and help offer solutions for achieving more international sales. A team exists in West Virginia with extensive trade knowledge on market selection, trade financing, shipping and freight forwarding options and U.S. trade regulations. Besides trade counseling, the center helps local companies connect with international customers through market research, business matchmaking and commercial diplomacy. It also helps connect businesses to a network of international companies located in West Virginia. Exporting opportunities abound through planned trade missions during which a West Virginia company ExEdge travels abroad to meet with prescreened and qualified potential partners. Excellent Export, WV, was a small mining regional and local trade education town located seminars address specific trade issues and on Laurel Creek opportunities. Export-ready companies near New River are scheduled during individualized one- with a population of 31 in 1910. on-one meetings with potential agents and partners in the target country, Source: www. complete with interpreters, drivers and wvexp.com/ index.php/ a preplanned schedule. Main_PageIn addition, the efforts of the West Virginia Development Office continue to provide valuable support to the Mountain State’s international businesses and partner with the U.S. Commercial Service to fulfill the goals of President Barack Obama’s National Export Initiative. Through discounted exhibit space at worldwide, must-attend trade shows and the organization of statewide trade missions, businesses can tap into one of the best federal-state partnerships in the country.

Exports help smooth out U.S. economic downturns. Whether it’s strength of currency or overall economic growth, a downturn in the U.S. economy can be offset by strength in the economies of our trading partners. A U.S. company that exports is 40 percent more profitable than those that don’t engage in international sales. The U.S. dollar is trading low against most of the world’s currencies. This means that in relative terms, U.S. goods are more economically viable for foreign markets.

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summer 2013

Export Assistance There are a variety of services available to assist West Virginia businesses with expanding into global markets, including: • Free consultations to determine a company’s export readiness. • Connections to affordable export working capital, credit receivable insurance and other export-related financing providers. • Free assistance in identifying foreign markets for an exporter’s products or services. • Help with completing export sale documents, Certificates of Origin and compliance with Free Trade Agreements. • Education on export licensing requirements that might be applicable to an export sale. • Access to a network of international trade specialists in U.S. embassies and consulates in more than 80 countries worldwide. • Due diligence, background checks on potential partners, business matchmaking and custom promotion events with high level U.S. and foreign government officials in the target country. • Trade advocacy services for a level playing field for bidding on foreign contracts.

Small Businesses Make Big Players Large firms may come to mind when visualizing the typical exporter, but in reality, small companies actually account for about 98 percent of U.S. exporting firms. According to the National Small Business Association and Small Business Exporters Association’s 2013 Small Business Exporting Survey, there was a marked increase among non-exporters who said they would be interested in starting to export their goods and services from just 43 percent in 2010 to 63 percent today. In addition to this positive news, the survey found there was a significant drop in those non-exporters who said lack of goods or services to export was their main barrier to selling internationally. Today, the main barrier is a lack of information and an unclear understanding of where to start, which is a problem with a clear, feasible solution.

• Inexpensive trade missions and subsidized costs for advertising and exhibiting in international trade shows in dynamic markets.

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West Virginia Exports West Virginia exporters are highly successful. In 2012, West Virginia exports reached record levels for the third consecutive year. In fact, the state’s exports grew by 25 percent to $11.3 billion, surpassing the national growth rate of 4.6 percent. In a recent ceremony at the West Virginia Culture Center, Governor Earl Ray Tomblin recognized 51 West Virginia businesses for sales to 164 new international markets in 2012, representing nearly 90 countries. The largest manufactured product export category is plastics, which accounted for $1 billion of West Virginia’s total merchandise exports in 2012. Other top merchandise exports are machinery ($834 million), chemicals ($426 million), aerospace components ($283 million), medical devices ($271 million), automotive components ($168 million), aluminum ($119 million), wood products ($90 million), electrical machinery ($75 million) and rubber products ($64 million). Coal

exports accounted for $7.43 billion in 2012, ranking West Virginia as the number one supplier to international markets. From a larger economic perspective, favorable U.S. dollar global exchange rates are a big factor as well as Free Trade Agreements (FTAs). Countries with FTAs, such as Australia, Bahrain, Canada, Chile, Colombia, Costa Rica, Dominican Republic, El Salvador, Guatemala, Honduras, Israel, Jordan, South Korea, Mexico, Morocco, Nicaragua, Oman, Panama, Peru and Singapore, are great places to start. In general, FTA markets have fewer barriers to trade, such as strict labeling requirements and complicated import licenses, and have a more analogous legal system and more accountability mechanisms to which U.S. businesses are accustomed. Top countries for West Virginia’s products include Canada ($1.8 billion), the Netherlands ($952 million), China ($887 million), Japan ($773 million), India ($739 million), Italy ($727 million),

Huntington, WV | www.etarch.com

Brazil ($685 million), South Korea ($611 million), United Kingdom ($548 million) and France ($444 million). However, smaller markets are also prosperous. For example, Turkey is up by 44 percent; Singapore is up 51 percent; Argentina is up 132 percent and Spain is up by 148 percent. Exports to Panama grew an astonishing 871 percent in 2012. Both real and perceived barriers to trade can be understood and eliminated with the assistance of the network of export professionals in the state. To take advantage of the export assistance offered in West Virginia, visit www.export.gov or contact the U.S. Export Assistance Centers to begin the journey or get help along the way. West Virginia businesses have the high quality, U.S.-made products in demand around the world. With ready and available assistance in navigating through the exporting system, West Virginia businesses can continue to grow and prosper. 

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summer 2013

Moving the Mountain State Forward By Jennifer Jett

As any business owner, manager or self-

employed individual can tell you, running a business can be challenging. From finding the right location and developing a marketing plan to hiring the right employees, building a client base and everything in between, owners and managers have a lot of responsibility on their hands. The challenges aren’t specific to a certain industry, either; health, legal services and even education all have their share of difficulties. No one industry is free and clear from struggles. For our executive issue, we wanted to bring back “Moving the Mountain State Forward.” In the past, this feature has brought some interesting problems to the attention of our readers; more importantly, it has offered solutions and suggestions for handling challenges being faced all over the state. We reached out to some professionals from various industries around the state and asked them to explain their greatest challenge as a business owner or business leader. We also asked them to tell us, in 150 words or less, what they felt a reasonable solution would be for the problem. It is our hope that some of our readers will be able to utilize the input from these Mountain State professionals to address their own challenges in running a business.

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Anne Barth Executive Director, TechConnect West Virginia Challenge: Growing innovation economy jobs in West Virginia in order to diversify the state’s economy by changing mindsets and priorities around the issues of risk capital, entrepreneurism and STEM education. Solution: In order to diversify the economy and create high-wage jobs in West Virginia, investments must be made in the innovation economy: investments of time, energy and money. We must develop and attract intellectual capital in our universities and laboratories, where research generates new knowledge. That knowledge must be transferred—from a university lab, a shop floor or someone’s garage—to the marketplace. Physical infrastructure, including high-speed Internet access and technology parks, is needed. Most importantly, the innovation economy requires access to capital to help entrepreneurs and start-up companies move from ideas to early-stage ventures to growth firms. By forging stronger partnerships between researchers and entrepreneurs, streamlining the pipeline for commercialization of new products, providing infrastructure and identifying more sources of risk capital, West Virginia can more fully engage in the innovation economy.

Dr. L. Marshall Washington

Kathryn Brown

President, New River Community and Technical College

Managing Member, The Write Word, LLC

Challenge: A generation of skilled tradesmen is reaching retirement age, and there are not enough workers with the necessary technical skills and work ethic to take their place. Solution: Community and technical colleges have the flexibility to customize training programs to address these gaps. For example, utility companies came to New River with a grave concern about the lack of trained line service mechanics to replace their retiring workers. New River worked in partnership with industry representatives to develop a curriculum that addressed the skills they needed and also stressed the importance of a strong work ethic. New River has been successful in developing similar customized programs for a range of other industries. If the institution is to produce a skilled work force to meet needs of current employers and to attract new businesses and industries to the state, there must be a close partnership between educators and employers so that students are being taught and learning, as early as middle school, relevant skills to prepare them for the work force.

Eric Kinder Labor and Employment Attorney, Spilman Thomas & Battle, PLLC Challenge: Business owners’ complex, evolving requirements under the Affordable Care Act (ACA) are here to stay. Steps should be taken immediately to ensure compliance with employer mandates. Solution: Business owners should immediately determine if the company is a large employer as defined by the ACA, because only large employers—businesses with the equivalent of 50 full-time employees where full-time is 30 hours per week—are required to provide health insurance to employees. However, the total hours worked by all part-time employees must be included in this calculation. Companies meeting the ACA’s large employer definition will need to do two things now. The first is to calculate the minimum value and actuarial value of the health insurance currently provided using the government’s calculator and make sure government minimums are met. The second action is to compare what employees are paying out of pocket for insurance premiums, which must be no more than 9.5 percent of an employee’s wages. The answers to these questions will indicate what, if anything, needs to change to meet ACA mandates.

Challenge: Remaining selfemployed in a creative field. Solution: There is a lot of money to be made if at-home workers are willing to stay small. The most successful freelancers keep their front doors open because of assignments that larger marketing and advertising departments do not want to do, or do not have time to do. Instead of holding out for high-profile clients, independent writers and other types of creative talent can build an impressive book of business by accepting individual projects instead of complete accounts. There is no reason to be a starving artist. Think of it in this way: it is far healthier to eat several little meals throughout the day than to choke on three big ones. Swallow your pride, take the small stuff and say “Thank you.”

Ed Welch President, University of Charleston Challenge: Addressing the diverse and changing higher education interests of students and families. Solution: A lackluster U.S. economy and the influx of adult learners into the undergraduate college student market have forced colleges across the U.S. to become more nimble and innovative by abandoning decades-old thinking. The University of Charleston (UC) opened new locations in Beckley, Martinsburg and online this year to expand its offerings by more than 30 percent and to be more accessible to adult learners. By breaking down public and private walls, UC is now also providing easy access to baccalaureate and graduate programs for those serving our country in the National Guard and for students who begin their higher education at community colleges in the state. Universities in West Virginia and beyond must change dramatically to serve today’s students and continue addressing our nation’s needs.

Kevin DiGregorio, Ph.D. Executive Director, Chemical Alliance Zone Challenge: Changing the perception of “spending” to one of “investing” in the innovation economy at the state level to diversify our economy and create high-paying jobs for our kids and grandkids. Solution: We need to invest more state dollars in the innovation economy to build a future for our children and grandchildren. We have a tendency to think more about how

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much something costs instead of considering what the return might be for those dollars, and we have a tendency to shy away from those things that are a bit risky and have a longer outlook. We spend little—or certainly much less than other states—on things that can bring a high return on investment (ROI) and instead spend on “sure things” that have smaller risks but also smaller returns. We need to change our collective mindset to be more accepting of risk, to focus more on ROI instead of spending and to invest more on our innovation economy. That is where the high-paying jobs are, and that is where the future lies for our children and grandchildren.

Jeff James Founder and CEO, Mythology Marketing Challenge: Building revenue growth in a state with few large, prosperous companies and many low-income consumers.

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Solution: It’s imperative that West Virginia companies commit to establishing revenue streams from outside of the state. We can do great things here, but it is tough to get work here. By securing effective sales channels and partnerships in major metro areas and by marketing our products and services nationally or globally, we can pull much-needed revenue into the state. E-commerce and digital marketing are important aspects of this issue, of course. Customers can find us from anywhere in the world, but it’s a crowded marketplace, and we have to be effective at marketing ourselves in differentiated ways. In professional services industries such as consulting, law and accounting, identifying local partners within targeted metros like Columbus, Pittsburgh and Charlotte is highly effective in getting our foot in new doors. Bottom line: think of West Virginia as a great home base but seek the world as your marketplace.

Jeffrey Kessler Senate President, West Virginia Senate Challenge: Creating an opportunity through the oil and gas industry to change the course of West Virginia. Solution: I propose the West Virginia Future Fund, which would put a portion of the severance taxes now paid by the oil and gas industry into a savings account for use in developing new industry, improving education, expanding broadband and even building and repairing highways. West Virginia is witnessing a new energy boom through oil and gas, and such a fund would create long-term stability. We should not let this opportunity come and go again, as we did in the past with coal, because we don’t have the foresight, courage and wisdom to realize our resources are finite and that when they’re gone, they’re gone. We need to

take a long-term view of where we want to be in 20-50 years, and the West Virginia Future Fund would create real wealth for this great state.

Arthur Ross, III, MD Dean and Professor of Surgery and Pediatrics, Robert C. Byrd Health Sciences Center Challenge: Recognizing community-wide health issues, which are a red flag for businesses, and creating a healthier population and stronger work force for West Virginia. Solution: Communities that come together to address health issues head on will be most successful. This includes organizing local health providers, schools, employers and citizens to identify health priorities and take joint action. No matter where they live, West Virginians deserve access to health care that’s as high quality and as safe as anywhere in the world. West Virginia's health system will work best when it’s coordinated with a strong base of local health providers in each community. West Virginia University’s role is to train the next generation of health care providers and keep them in West Virginia to care for all of us. As a state, we must increase scholarship support to ensure that West Virginia’s best and brightest stay here. We also need stronger research connections with communities to make sure we’re discovering the type of knowledge that will improve their health and wellness and make sure we are sharing those best practices across the state.

Nina Shell Sales Manager, ContactPointe IT Services Challenge: Performing and growing business competitively in a small market. Solution: A small market can work for, or against, a business in terms of profitability, growth and longevity. In West Virginia, degrees of separation are far fewer than most places. A business professional can leverage this by maintaining reputation, always delivering on promises and clearly communicating goals to advocates. The obvious way to maintain reputation is to always deliver and communicate value. One way to do this is to start by identifying a target client and using LinkedIn to determine those in your network who are connected to the person you would most like to meet. Use good judgment to determine which of your common connections would be best prepared and most likely to introduce you. Ask them about the nature and strength of their relationship with your ideal client and then request an introduction. 

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summer 2013

Riding the Digital Wave Tools for Todayâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s Workplace

By Justin Seibert

West

Virginia,

communication with other parts of the state has long been a source of frustration for many of the stateâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s businesses. Even brief meetings in, say, Charleston, require an all-day commitment for anyone in the Eastern and Northern panhandles without a private aircraft. Technology is transforming offices across West Virginia, public and private, in almost all industries through video conferencing, software, smartphones and social media. These tools provide new efficiencies that allow companies to grow their businesses and their bottom lines.

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The New Face of Conference Calls Vi d e o c o n ferencing is slowly starting to change the business meeting landscape. While face-to-face meetings will always be the preferred mode of communication, video conferencing has become commonplace for shorter meetings. Organizations can use popular services like Skype, GoToMeeting, Apple FaceTime and Google+ Hangouts to communicate

with fellow employees and clients. These services require minimal technology and range in cost from free to less than $50 per month. These services are particularly helpful for international meetings where phone costs can be eliminated completely. Some organizations across the Mountain State have invested in higher quality, more secure video technology. The legal industry, in particular, has ridden the front of this trend as shown by the state-of-the-art capabilities hosted in many of West Virginiaâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s regional, national and global law firms.

Increasing Efficiency Through Technology In a world of “better, faster,” a host of technological advances—both in software and hardware— have allowed businesses to increase their efficiency while creating the opportunity to sell into new markets. When McDonald’s began accepting credit cards in the late 1990s, many were surprised a merchant would take anything except cash for such small transactions. Now, anyone with a cell phone and a small adapter, such as Square or PayPal, can swipe a card as long as they have cellular or Wi-Fi coverage. Technology advancements have been even more robust. Companies like SalesForce, SAP and LinkedIn have made billions by serving the needs of large corporations while small businesses and solopreneurs have access to software that can meet virtually any need from project management, like Teambox and Basecamp, to information mobility, like LogMeIn and Evernote. If a prepackaged software won’t cut it, businesses can find developers to help them customize existing software or build from scratch. Perhaps even more impressive, many of these tools can be utilized from those mini computers called smartphones that more than 50 percent of Americans now own. Chances are there’s an app for virtually any business need you have in the Apple App Store or Android Market Place, with Microsoft Windows and Blackberry growing their app libraries as well.

The Social Question Even with all these changes, no area of technology that affects the workplace gets as much discussion as social media—for better and for worse. When social media platforms first gained prominence, business professionals dismissed them with good reason. In most industries, businesses weren’t able to leverage platforms like MySpace, and few employees had the ability to access them during the workday.

Fast forward to 2013: the social media landscape has exploded—and it’s not just for the kids. Businesses are actively using sites like Facebook, Twitter, Pinterest, Yelp, Instagram, YouTube and LinkedIn. New platforms like Vine, which shares videos of six seconds or less, pop up seemingly every day. Some get bought, like Vine by Twitter. Others ride off into the sunset, and only a select few are adopted by the masses. Social media can benefit organizations in two primary ways: • Increasing Awareness and, Often Indirectly, Sales. Building awareness comes through a commitment to the community. The process can also be supplemented or accelerated through carefully crafted advertising campaigns. Facebook ads and promoted Twitter products are leading the way, with 2013 revenues expected to reach $2.35 billion according to eMarketer. • Enhancing Customer Relations and Reputation Management. Recognizing that dissatisfied customers will vent on their preferred social media channels, organizations should try to diffuse those situations by replying either privately or publicly to those complaints. This reputation management goes beyond responding to the negative comments; a five-star rating on Yelp can bring in new business. Whatever a business’s main reason for participating in social media, the most important reason is just to have a relevant offline goal. Far too often, marketers will focus solely on increasing likes as an end goal and achieve nothing of value in the process. With so many success stories, businesses large and small today worry about ignoring the social phenomenon. While the potential rewards are rich, social media offers many perils as well. Simply do a search for “social media horror stories” and enjoy some laughs at the expense of other organizations, some of which have gone out of business because of their mishandling of the public through social media. In today’s workplace, worries about social media go well beyond official company usage. Human Resources departments struggle to craft a legally and socially acceptable social media policy for personal use. While firewalls can shut off access to these sites, like Facebook and YouTube, those boundaries don’t extend to cell phones. Increasingly there are legitimate uses for cell phones—many times a text is

the best way to reach a prospective client or off-site employee. More controversial is the blurring of lines between personal and professional lives. If an employee posts questionable behavior—or even just strong political opinion—on their personal Facebook pages or Twitter streams, does the employer have a right to say anything? What if the employee is connected socially with clients who might disapprove? Or what if the employee is posting negative comments about their boss or other employees? What rights does the employer legally have?

Navigating the Digital Divide While technological advances provide new costs and issues, like keeping networks secure and upgrading computers, perhaps the biggest challenge is utilizing members of the work force who are not technology savvy. Sociologists call this gap between the two groups the digital divide. The most common schism is between younger workers from generations X and Y and older traditionalists and baby boomers. With an aging work force in West Virginia, the divide is vast. Training is needed to utilize the experience and work ethic of older workers who have not used computers much at home or work. For basic computer training, such as with Microsoft Office products, local community colleges offer classroom-style learning. The medium of learning is important; according to a study published by the National Institute of Health, more than 50 percent of older workers prefer classroom-style training. Technological advances are only going to come faster. Smartphones were introduced just six years ago. The businesses that best adapt to these changes will be able to best compete in the global environment. The struggle lies not only with businesses and their employees, though. West Virginia needs an infrastructure with fast, reliable Internet and cellular connectivity throughout all parts of the state. With the right tools and attitude, more West Virginia businesses can become global players. 

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summer 2013

Locally Owned, Nationally Grown A Q&A with Gregory Burton

“During the next few years, we intend to continue expanding regionally into Alabama, Tennessee, Georgia, South Carolina, Maryland and Washington, D.C.”

By Kensie Hamilton

For our first executive issue, the staff at

West Virginia Executive went on the search for an experienced, widely-knowledgeable Mountain State professional who not only had a business that has exceeded the state’s borders but who could share with us important insight as to what is taking place in West Virginia’s business community. We chose Gregory Burton, president and CEO of BrickStreet Mutual Insurance Company, because of his diverse background in business and because his current position revolves around workers’ compensation, a product that crosses over many industries around the country. As president and CEO, Burton oversees policy direction, strategic plan implementation and budget development while providing leadership for this regional company. His past experience includes serving as cabinet secretary of the West Virginia Department of Administration; chairman and former board member of the West Virginia Health Care Authority; assistant vice president of Investment Banking at Ferris, Baker Watts; head of Corporate Trust with Bank One and assistant vice president of Bank of West Virginia. Considering this, we felt strongly that he would be able to provide the insight on the business climate in West Virginia for which we were searching, and his comprehension of the challenges of a West Virginia company doing business on a national level only adds to the benefits of a conversation with him.

WVE: BrickStreet Mutual Insurance Company was the result of a major overhaul of the state’s workers’ compensation system. Tell us about the events leading up to the founding of BrickStreet. GB: In 2003, West Virginia’s 90-plus-year-old, state-run workers’ compensation system was in disarray and faced more than $3 billion in unfunded liabilities. As a result of the high costs of workers’ compensation insurance, existing businesses were leaving the state and new businesses were not considering West Virginia as an option. In 2003 and 2004, major legislative reforms were passed and enacted under Governor Bob Wise’s leadership, as well as some key legislators like Speaker of the House Bob Kiss, Senate President Earl Ray Tomblin and Senator Brooks McCabe. These legislative changes allowed the system to stabilize and the next key legislation to pass—the privatization piece. In 2005, then-Governor Joe Manchin signed Senate Bill 1004 into law, beginning the move from a monopolistic, state-run system to a competitive market of private insurers. West Virginia Employers’ Mutual Insurance Company, now known as BrickStreet, opened its doors January 1, 2006, becoming the first private company to offer workers’ compensation coverage in the Mountain State’s history. WVE: You have been involved with BrickStreet since before its founding. How did you get involved? GB: I started with the West Virginia Workers’ Compensation Commission on April 1, 2003, when the system had more than $3 million in unfunded liability and was losing approximately $1 million a day. Through a lot of hard work and dedication by a number of our employees who were willing to make tough choices, workers’ compensation in West Virginia saw significant change—administratively, legislatively and medically—that ultimately led to the formation of BrickStreet.

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WVE: What is it like working for a company owned by policyholders instead of the traditionally owned company? GB: Working for policyholders versus working for a traditional stock company is a breath of fresh air. In a stock company, you are constantly looking at the bottom line trying to hit certain growth and return on equity percentages, which at times can cause your core values to be tested as you try to hit those numbers each quarter. Working for a policyholder-owned company, returns and hitting financial targets are important, but there is greater flexibility in delivering services to our policyholders as well as giving back to the communities we work in. WVE: How many locations does BrickStreet operate, and how many employees does it have today? GB: BrickStreet currently has three offices: our corporate headquarters in Charleston, WV; a Midwest regional office in the Chicago suburb of Naperville, IL and a South/Mid-Atlantic regional office

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in Charlotte, NC. Within the three offices and several home-based operations, we have 380 employees. WVE: What would you identify as the most crucial decisions leading to BrickStreet’s success? GB: Expansion was crucial for us. We wanted to remain a strong economic force in our home state of West Virginia; in order to do this, we needed to reach across state lines and build on our foundations. Enhancing our technology has been vital to our success as well, and our regional growth would have been very difficult without it. We’ve continuously improved and innovated to create solutions for our agents, policyholders and vendors that make working with us more effective and efficient. This includes the recent launch of our new interactive portal, StreetConnect. Working hard to earn our A- rating from A.M. Best was important as well. We initially earned this in 2010 and have since been able to maintain this excellent rating. Having an A.M. Best rating allows us to compete on a larger scale, placing

us among the most financially secure insurance providers in the nation and indicating our excellent ability to meet our ongoing insurance obligations. WVE: How were you able to position BrickStreet as one of the largest writers of workers’ compensation coverage in the nation? GB: When BrickStreet opened its doors in January 2006, we were the 15th largest insurance company writing workers’ compensation coverage in the United States, the second largest West Virginia-based insurance company and the fourth largest insurance company with offices in West Virginia. The impressive task we faced was rising to the challenge of maintaining these figures. I think we’ve done pretty well—and our A- rating from A.M. Best has been a key part of this. WVE: BrickStreet currently has a presence in seven states. How does doing business in these other states compare to doing business in West Virginia? GB: Many other states have had private workers’ compensation systems for much longer than West Virginia. For this reason, we’ve found that agents and companies in these states are well versed in the products we offer and the services we can provide. This has provided a great opportunity to bring tools back to our teams in West Virginia so we can further educate our agencies and policyholder companies in the Mountain State about the industry. WVE: What is BrickStreet’s strategic plan for growth into additional states? GB: We’ve identified niche markets and corresponding geographic regions that can take advantage of our key specialties in the more labor-intensive sectors like mining, heavy manufacturing and energy. Driving safety culture is very important to us; we want to help mitigate risk for our policyholders, and these industries are a great way we can make an impact. During the next few years, we intend to continue expanding regionally into Alabama, Tennessee, Georgia, South Carolina, Maryland and Washington, D.C. WVE: What are the benefits of being located and headquartered in West Virginia? GB: Definitely the work force we are able to attract, as well as being able to utilize the relationships we have built over the years in the state. We have a great work force, and our employees are

Leadership Team With Greg Burton at the helm, BrickStreet has grown exponentially since 2006. This growth would not be possible without the help of the Board of Directors. The Board of Directors, led by Burton, includes:

W. Marston Becker Chairman and CEO, Max Capital Group Ltd.

Governor W. Gaston Caperton, III Vice Chairman, Leeds Equity Partners

Thomas V. Flaherty, Chairman, Attorney, Flaherty, Sensabaugh and Bonasso

T.J. Obrokta, Jr. Chief Operating Officer, General Counsel and Secretary, BrickStreet Mutual Insurance Company

David Rader CEO, West Virginia Physicians’ Mutual Insurance Co.

Stephen Roberts President, West Virginia Chamber of Commerce

Steven F. White Manager, Steven F. White, PLLC

very dedicated to what they do, striving to provide the best customer service possible. WVE: How has BrickStreet directly impacted the Mountain State’s economy? GB: We are proud to have been a part of making West Virginia a more business-friendly state by driving down the cost of workers’ compensation insurance. Rates in West Virginia have gone down more than 60 percent since January 1, 2006. We would like to think that BrickStreet’s work with the West Virginia Governor’s Office and the West Virginia Insurance Commission has played a small part in helping drive the rates down by delivering great customer service to our policyholders and getting our claimants the medical care they need to get back on the job as quickly as possible. WVE: From where you stand at the helm of such a large, regional company, what is your perspective on West Virginia’s business climate? GB: The business climate in West Virginia continues to evolve into one that allows us to compete in the Mountain State, as well as regionally with major out-of-state companies. As we expand into other states, we find that the West Virginia Office of the Insurance Commission is easier to work with than regulatory agencies in other states because many of the employees at the commission were instrumental in helping us get set up from day one. WVE: Has BrickStreet faced any challenges due to economic uncertainty? If so, how are you dealing with them? GB: The last few years have been volatile and unpredictable for all markets in the U.S. and across our region, and the insurance industry has been no different. We’ve remained financially stable during this economic turbulence by managing our assets with a conservative approach to investment and maintaining adequate reserves to ensure claims coverage and support business growth. WVE: How does working with so many different industries impact the success of BrickStreet? GB: It actually makes it easier. While we have markets and industries in which we focus heavily, having a large variety allows us to see the larger picture of the industry and the business climates of each state. We haven’t put all of our eggs in any one basket, so to speak, which gives us the opportunity to be financially stronger and a more well-rounded company. WVE: What changes do you see for BrickStreet in the future? GB: We will continue to round out our regional footprint during the next few years and continue to grow our book of business in a manner that makes sense for our policyholders. WVE: Is there anything else you would like our readers to know? GB: BrickStreet is a company that has deep roots in West Virginia and is proud of all of the hard-working and dedicated staff we have in the Mountain State, as well as in our regional offices. With the leadership provided by our board of directors, we will continue to strive to provide the best possible customer service through our BrickStreet 360° business approach to workers’ compensation insurance.  Photography by Tracy Toler

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There’s a lot more to your water bill than just water. When you turn on the tap, it’s easy to see what your water bill buys. What’s not as easy to see is what it takes to bring that water to your home. The miles of pipeline hidden below the ground. The facilities that draw water from the source. The plant where it’s treated and tested. The scientists, engineers, and maintenance crews working around the clock to make sure that water is always there when you need it. Your water payments are helping to build a better tomorrow by supporting needed improvements that will keep water ﬂowing for all of us—today and well into the future. All for about a penny a gallon.

WE CARE ABOUT WATER. IT’S WHAT WE DO. FIND OUT WHY YOU SHOULD, TOO, at www.westvirginiaamwater.com. “West Virginia American Water” and the star logo are the registered trademarks of American Water Works Company, Inc. All rights reserved.

Back to theMBA Books Programs Across the State With a job market that is more challenging than ever, MBAs also provide an advantage when competing with peers for employment or promotions.

By Maggie Matsko

There are many reasons for pro-

fessionals to go back to school for a Master of Business Administration (MBA) degree: to advance one’s career, to obtain a leadership role within one’s current position or to change the direction of one’s career. With a job market that is more challenging than ever, MBAs also provide an advantage when competing with peers for employment or promotions. A master’s degree in business ensures a candidate has a higher level of knowledge and skills, which stands out in a stack of résumés. Higher education institutions across West Virginia are also aware of this trend, which is why many of them are not only providing MBA opportunities but offering a variety of specialized degrees, such as Marshall University’s Executive MBA for professionals, University of Charleston’s Master of Business Administration and Leadership and Shepherd University’s new MBA in sport management. These

higher education programs not only give one’s skills set and résumé a unique boost but also show a current or future employer a high level of commitment to his or her career path.

Marshall University’s Executive MBA Program Marshall University’s (MU) Executive MBA program (EMBA), which launched in the summer of 1997, is held through the university’s College of Business. Accredited by the Association to Advance Collegiate Schools of Business, which is the most prestigious business accrediting body, the program takes 16 to 18 months to complete, and class sizes range between 16 and 30 students who graduate with a broad knowledge of managerial leadership skills. The courses in the EMBA program are taught by highly qualified and dedicated faculty and cover the functional areas of marketing, information systems, quantitative and production methods, economic analysis, accounting, finance, law, management, ethics, global issues and business strategy. Most courses are team taught, so students are exposed to different perspectives from professors with different backgrounds. “Marshall’s EMBA offers a carefully designed and integrated curriculum that is balanced, practical and challenging,” says Wesley Spradlin, assistant director of MU’s Graduate School of Management. “On top of the curriculum, the program also provides networking opportunities with other area executives in the class.” Students also benefit from the opportunity to take the knowledge gained through their studies out into the world. An international trip is one component of the program, and students in the past have traveled to places like Santiago, Chile; Frankfurt, Germany and Budapest, Hungary.

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MBA Programs

in West Virginia

Fairmont State University • Master of Business Administration Marshall University • Executive Master of Business Administration • Master of Business Administration Salem International University • Master of Business Administration • Master of Business Administration with a focus in Health Care Management • Master of Business Administration with a focus in International Business • Master of Business Administration with a focus in Accounting • Master of Business Administration with a focus in Sports and Recreation Management Shepherd University • Master of Business Administration • Master of Business Administration with a focus in Accounting • Master of Business Administration with a focus in Health Administration • Master of Business Administration with a focus in Sport Management (Available Fall 2013) • Master of Business Administration with a focus in Public Management (Available Fall 2013) University of Charleston • Master of Business Administration • Executive Master of Business Administration in Pharmaceutical and Health Care Management • Master of Business Administration and Leadership • Executive Master of Business Administration - National Guard West Virginia University • Executive Master of Business Administration • Master of Business Administration • Master of Business Administration with a focus in Finance • Master of Business Administration/Master of Science Dual Degree in Finance • Master of Business Administration/ Master of Science Dual Degree in Human Resources and Industrial Relations • Master of Business Administration/Master of Science Dual Degree in Sport Management • Master of Business Administration/ Doctor of Pharmacy Dual Degree West Virginia Wesleyan College • Master of Business Administration Wheeling Jesuit University • Master of Business Administration

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The professors at Marshall University use state-of-the-art, application-oriented teaching methods like case analysis, computer-based simulations, team presentations and role-playing exercises. For some projects, students have the opportunity to do an analysis on their own company. This component provides real-world, hands-on experience students can apply to their job, which also benefits their employers. Marshall University designs their EMBA curriculum around the busy schedule of working professionals. Each class runs for four consecutive weeks, with classes on every Saturday and two Friday evenings. While students are welcome and encouraged to attend all class sessions on campus, they can log on to the program’s Web site to participate in the Friday evening and middle Saturday sessions. Attendance, however, is mandatory for the first and last Saturdays of the course. “When I enrolled in Marshall University’s EMBA program, I found it fit perfectly into my work-life cycle. After the second day of class, I was able to see the principles and concepts we were learning in the classroom in practice at my workplace. This is when I knew I made the right decision,” says Andrew Varney, a Marshall graduate and current customer service manager for Amazon. Applicants of the EMBA program at Marshall must have: • An undergraduate degree in business with a grade point average (GPA) of 3.0 or higher and documentation to show a minimum of three years of significant managerial work. • A bachelor’s degree with a minimum GPA of 2.5, documentation to show a minimum of three years of managerial experience and either official GRE or GMAT scores. Some applicants must also provide documentation showing a minimum of five years of significant managerial experience or hold a doctoral degree from a regionally accredited institution. For more information on Marshall University’s EMBA program, visit http:// muwww-new.marshall.edu/cob/graduate/ emba/.

Salem International University’s International Business MBA Salem International University’s (SIU) International Business MBA was implemented in 2005. The MBA is a 12-month,

36-credit program that aims to enhance the international experience of students and guide them toward a defined career path. Some of the MBA students choose to pursue a specialization in international business, and many arrive from other nations eager to earn a degree studying abroad. “When students finish their degrees and go back home to their respective countries, the international experience often proves invaluable as they embark on careers such as international banking, international trade, marketing and information technology,” says Dr. Marc Getty, dean of SIU’s School of Business. A unique aspect of the SIU MBA program is that, regardless of specialization, the students take one class at a time, permitting them to focus on just a single subject area instead of juggling multiple classes. In addition, graduate students have a defined curriculum, so they know what their upcoming courses will be. The students can take classes on campus or online and always have an electronic classroom platform to support them. If students choose to participate on campus, the class size is small—generally around eight to 12 students. “A smaller class size makes for a highly interactive and individual-focused classroom,” says Getty. In order to be admitted to the MBA program, the student must have earned a bachelor’s degree from an accredited institution recognized by the Higher Learning Commission. The undergraduate degree is then verified by official transcripts received from the awarding institution. Assuming the prospective student has met these requirements and paid the application fee, he or she is accepted to the school on a provisional basis with the understanding that each student must earn A’s and B’s in every class. Upon graduation, many students believe that because the courses are set up to immerse them in real-world business scenarios, the program allows for the development of skill sets that are useful and fundamental to leadership positions in the business environment. “After I retire from the military, I will be able to pursue a position in international business or another area,” says Daniel Webb, a recent program graduate. “The Salem International University MBA degree put me in a good position.” For more information on Salem International University’s International Business MBA program, visit www.salemu.edu/ programs/mba-international.

to business professionals interested in going back to school for an MBA. When students have completed the program, Shepherd wants them to be prepared to jumpstart their careers. “Combined with the curriculum and our outstanding faculty expertise, we believe our students have the power to grow in this new concentration,” says Zimmer. For more information on Shepherd University’s Sport Management MBA program, visit www.shepherd.edu/graduate-studies/ mba/sport-management.html.

University of Charleston’s Master of Business Administration and Leadership

Shepherd University’s Sport Management MBA Shepherd University’s Sport Management MBA will launch in the fall of 2013 with the goal of having class sizes at a maximum of 20 people. The curriculum for the new program is designed so that students get all of the theoretical and practical knowledge of an MBA with the added concentration of sport management. Students are required to take all 21 credits of MBA core courses and then move on to the 15 credit hours of their sport management concentration. “The main aspect of the program we like to stress is that individuals will receive the hands-on experience in the field of sport management,” says Dr. William Zimmer, MBA graduate coordinator at Shepherd University’s Martinsburg Center. The program also focuses on developing relationships with some of the professional

sports teams in West Virginia and beyond. Shepherd University is planning on partnering with some of the biggest names in the professional sports industry, such as the Hagerstown Suns, Washington Redskins and the Baltimore Orioles. “The internship relationships we would like to establish serve the purpose of a student getting their foot in the door,” says Zimmer. Beginning this fall, Shepherd is reinventing all of its MBA programs and moving to a new location in Martinsburg, as well as having all classes taught in an eight-week time span. “This makes the MBA courses more intense, but we found that the students would prefer a shorter class span,” says Zimmer. Another great appeal for students is that the classes for the MBA program are taught in a hybrid format, which means 60 percent of the classes are taught in a classroom and 40 percent are taught online. This makes the program appealing

The Master of Business Administration and Leadership (MBAL) program at the University of Charleston (UC), which was established in 2008, is a comprehensive, cohort-based, fully integrated program where students learn the foundational disciplines of business by engaging in active problem solving of real-world issues. The MBAL program at UC focuses on experience-based education involving unique, highly-structured and specialized internships with area businesses, nonprofit organizations and local government. In addition, students take a professional mentoring class each semester, where they focus on self-assessment, developing their personal leadership style and working on goal setting and relationship development in the business community. “The breadth and depth of the MBA, supported by a challenging finance-based curriculum, has allowed me to quickly grasp and understand the business decisions facing many managers today,” says Eric Morris, a UC alumnus and current sales support officer for BB&T Corporation. There are numerous opportunities to focus on areas of interest through internships and projects during the MBAL program. Entrepreneurial attitudes and habits are encouraged, and students who want to start their own business can opt to work on their own business or business plan to replace one of their professional internship rotations. UC partners with many companies for internship opportunities, ranging from small to large and covering a wide variety of industries, including Triana Energy, NGK Spark Plugs USA, BB&T, City of Charleston, Capitol Market and CAMC. “The MBAL program provided a good foundation for understanding and

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developing performance improvement, which builds transferrable skills applicable to any industry,” says Joshua Tuck, a UC graduate, workflow coordinator for Integrated Healthcare Providers, Inc. and chief financial officer for the Kanawha Pastoral Counseling Center. The MBAL is a full-time program, completed in three traditional semesters and one four to six week international practicum in the summer. The class sizes are limited to 10 to 15 students. In order to apply, students need to have completed an undergraduate degree from an accredited institution in any major and earned a cumulative 3.0 GPA. In some cases, students working on an undergraduate degree in business can fast-track into the program, completing their undergraduate and graduate degrees at the same time. Students are not required to have work experience prior to admission. After putting in the time and effort, the MBAL students from UC are well-versed in their studies and ready to put their knowledge to work. In fact, 94 percent of students who are seeking employment or pursuing additional graduate studies have been placed within six months of graduation.

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“After graduation, students get a well-rounded exposure to core business fundamentals, including finance, marketing, accounting and operations, but in a context that is much more reflective of what they will actually face in a real job,” says Scott Castleman, director of Communications for the University of Charleston. For more information on UC’s MBAL program, visit www.ucwv.edu/business/ mbal.

West Virginia University’s Finance MBA West Virginia University’s (WVU) MBA with a concentration in finance, established in 2009, is held through the school’s College of Business and Economics. Accredited by the Association to Advance Collegiate Schools of Business, the program takes 18 months to complete. Class sizes range between 20 and 25 students who graduate with an enhanced finance background. The curriculum for this program is a combination of in-person class time, problem-solving lectures and online electives offered during the summer, allowing the option to do an internship. All of the courses in this MBA

program focus on preparing students for a career in investment banking or money management. A 3.0 GPA in all finance courses must be earned for the emphasis in finance to be awarded. Students also benefit from the required MBA international trip, which exposes them to a global perspective. “The value of this trip is tremendous because it gives our students built-in experiences,” says Gary Insch, associate dean of Graduate Programs for the College of Business and Economics. “This trip gives students the competitive edge while searching for a job to be able to speak about things in a global context.” The professors at WVU’s College of Business and Economics are individuals who have been in the business field for many years and bring their experience to share. “Our faculty members are some of the best and the brightest, and they come back to teach just for the love of being with our students,” says Elizabeth Vitullo, director of Masters Programs for the College of Business and Economics. This is especially important when students are faced with case work discussions that involve situations the professors have seen before. With participation in the Association for Corporate Growth Cup in Pittsburgh and the opportunity to network with some high-level executives, WVU students are able to distinguish themselves after graduation. “I believe having an MBA allowed me to rise above other candidates in a very competitive job market,” says Matt Anstey, a WVU graduate and an associate at Compass Point Research and Trading. “Job placement is obviously very important, and the MBA program gives you the tools to succeed from networking and job searching right through to interviewing and negotiating offers.” To apply to the MBA program with an emphasis in finance, students must have earned a grade of C or better in: statistics, accounting and microeconomics. Students have the option to complete the prerequisite course work through an online software program offered by the WVU MBA program. For more information on WVU’s MBA in finance, visit www.be.wvu.edu/mba/. 

Apprenticeship Training Works CONTINUING THE LEGACY OF A HIGHLY SKILLED, DRUG-FREE WORK FORCE

BOILERMAKERS • BRICKLAYERS • CARPENTERS/MILLWRIGHTS • CEMENT MASONS & PLASTERERS ELECTRICIANS • INSULATORS • IRONWORKERS • LABORERS • OPERATING ENGINEERS PAINTERS • PLUMBERS/PIPEFITTERS/SPRINKLER FITTERS • ROOFERS • SHEET METAL WORKERS

West Virginia Construction Apprenticeship Programs provide a combination of onthe-job training and related classroom instruction in which workers learn the practical and theoretical aspects of a highly skilled occupation. Apprenticeship training is a proven system of training that benefits workers, companies, and communities. For more information, visit wvapprenticeships.com.

Skilled Labor Across West Virginia’s Industries

West Virginia State Building & Construction Trades

• Marcellus Shale

600 Leon Sullivan Way Charleston, WV 25301

• Chemical Plants

304-346-1367 www.wvsbt.org

• Health Care Facilities

Corporate Connections Young Presidents’ Organization

By David McKinley

When I was acquiring a business six

years ago, one of the people involved with the deal suggested I explore a business networking organization called Young Presidents’ Organization (YPO). I was intrigued. As a business leader in West Virginia’s Northern Panhandle, I have often felt we are perceived as being separate from the rest of the state—something I was eager to change. I wanted to connect, collaborate and exchange ideas with similarly minded business people from around the Mountain State. This year, I celebrated my five-year anniversary at YPO. The organization enables me to grow professionally and personally, as well as expand my business around West Virginia and beyond. Members have an opportunity to interact with accomplished business people, who have produced substantial results within their company.

YPO Mountain State members visit the Summit Bechtel Boy Scouts Reserve in Southern West Virginia.

YPO Mountain State Chapter YPO is a nonprofit global network of chief executives connected around a shared mission: “Better Leaders Through Education and Idea Exchange™.” With 21,000 members in more than 125 countries, YPO provides business leaders and their families with access to unique experiences, world-class resources, alliances with top learning institutions and specialized networks to enhance their business, community and personal leadership. The YPO Mountain State Chapter is one of 413 chapters in the Young Presidents’ Organization network and is a statewide chapter for business leaders in West Virginia. Formed in 1987 by John Mork and his wife, Julie, the chapter was championed by a number of West Virginia leaders, including a former governor and chief executives from well-known West Virginia companies. The chapter drew members to its initial events by making the commitment to bring world-class speakers and thought leaders to West Virginia, which they continue to do today. Some of the chapter’s events in its first year included a gathering at the home of U.S. Senator John D. Rockefeller, IV, where he detailed his life’s passion to serve West Virginia, as well as a fireside chat with A.C. Nielsen and Robert Galvin, who spoke about how they started their companies. A wonderful culture has developed in this chapter, which strives to deliver top-notch education and idea exchanges to all of its current members and combs the state for new members.

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During a chapter event in Washington, D.C., YPO Mountain State members met with Speaker of the House John Boehner.

YPO Mountain State hosts up to 15 events throughout the the experience itself was about overcoming mental obstacles. year, combining traditional speakers with boardroom lunches. In business, we come up with all kinds of reasons as to why we These events provide members with opportunities to participate can’t do this or that, and Mosher’s focus was to help us get past in small, intimate group settings preconceived notions of what is with accomplished executives and right or wrong and overcome “Operating a large construction company CEOs in our region who share— obstacles we create for ourselves. in my early 30s, oftentimes I would through one-on-one conversations This event in particular was an with YPO members—the chalimpactful experience for me. have situational difficulties with very lenges they experienced, what few peers to turn to who understood the they learned from those challenges A Personal Board of Directors and what members can learn from ramifications of the problem at hand. their experiences. Past events have An integral part of the YPO What YPO means to me is a forum of included trips to Washington, experience is Forum, which peers in my geographic location I can D.C., to visit with Speaker of the operates like a personal board House John Boehner and tour the of directors. Forums are peerturn to who understand the weight of Pentagon, the U.S. Department of moderated groups of up to 10 the decisions I make every day and the Energy and the U.S. Capitol; a trip members who meet on a regular to Cuba to learn more about the basis in an atmosphere of trust and effect it might have on my employees.” country’s economic and political openness to share in each other’s situations and a tour of the new business, family and personal —John Boyle, II, President, Boy Scouts of America camp in experiences. By participating in Mountaineer Contractors, Inc. Southern West Virginia, where Forum, you give yourself space for members learned about the $450 introspection, a more thoughtful million camp from its architects, designers and fundraisers. analysis of your situation and an opportunity to find out what is Education through YPO can be more than learning from an driving the results you are experiencing, positive or negative. You executive, though; it can involve learning more about yourself. also receive feedback from a trusted group of advisors on anything My first event was a Dr. L. Cameron Mosher™ Firewalk, and that comes up in your world, whether it is personal or business.

west virginia executive

YPO Mountain State members traveled to Cuba to learn about the country’s economy and politics.

A World of Opportunities

Another example of the breadth of YPO and its benefits is the YPO goes far beyond the chapter experience, providing numerous YPO Global Pulse, which is the only CEO economic sentiment survey ways to interact with its vast international network and shared to span the globe on a quarterly basis. Members get the chance to business, personal and social enterprise interests on a global find out what their peers’ perspectives are on the overall economic scale. Networks that are popular with members of the YPO climate as well as expected changes in sales, employee counts and Mountain State Chapter include the Deal Network, the first fixed investment. Because they are making material decisions on resource members turn to for the front lines of the economy, maximizing success in mergers, our members’ perspectives are “The two most significant benefits I have acquisitions, financings and often more accurate than other new business ventures, and the available economic data. received from YPO are spending quality time Family Business Network, which Membership for the Young with other leaders from different industries strengthens families, businesses Presidents’ Organization is for and learning how they deal with similar issues business leaders under the age and legacies by connecting members to each other and to of 45 who hold the title of chief as I do in the insurance brokerage sector.” the world’s best resources. operator—CEO, managing YPO events provide oppordirector, president or chairman—of —Chris Allen, Managing Director, Wells Fargo tunities for members to meet in companies that fulfill minimum person. YPO’s annual flagship size and complexity criteria. These Insurance of West Virginia, Inc. event, Global EDGE, brings criteria ensure that YPO maintains together more than 2,500 members from around the globe to a high standard of members who have as much to give as they have interact with world-renowned thought leaders for idea exchange to gain while expanding the pool of knowledge and experience and networking. This event provides the invaluable opportunity from which its members can draw. of sitting down with members from Africa, Asia, Europe, the For more information about the Young Presidents’ Organization, Middle East and the Americas to discuss the challenges we all visit www.ypo.org.  face. Despite our different cultural backgrounds, our challenges are the same, and it is a powerful experience to be able to share Photography by Gary Hartley, Todd and Meg Stallard and the Office of Speaker of the House John Boehner our different approaches.

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Beyond Beckley Pushing the Boundaries in International Industry

“Our company is highly specialized. To continue to grow, we had to expand either our geographical reach or the types of industrial markets in which we operate. We decided to do both.”

By Amy Arnett

Tim Warden has found a way to make

his hometown the headquarters of one of the state’s most successful businesses in international operations. Engart Inc., a wet dust extraction company located in Beckley, was named the 2013 West Virginia Small Business Exporter of the Year by the U.S. Small Business Administration. Originally, Warden was hired by the previous owner of the company, but shortly after, the owner decided to sell the company. Warden jumped on the opportunity to own the business and began negotiations to purchase the company. In 2004, ownership was transferred to Warden, and Engart Inc. started its journey to becoming the company that today has 23 employees working to provide service to countries across the globe. The fugitive dust from the air in industrial facilities, like those found in mining, power utility and heavy process industries, can be hazardous to both employees and the conditions of the facilities, and Engart has made its mark by specializing in the removal of this dust through their machines that use water to capture, store and dispose of the dust. Engart is also unique in their industry because they design and assemble machines according to their clients’ needs. Rather than gathering the parts each time an order is placed, the Bluefield facility keeps a stock of parts used to build extraction machinery, which allows for a shorter processing period. From order to assembly to delivery, the wait time is as brief as possible, allowing Engart to rise head and shoulders above their competition in design, quality and consumer satisfaction. “The safety aspects of our equipment cannot be emphasized enough,” says Warden. “When dealing with fugitive combustible dust, there is no safer, more efficient equipment in the world than an Engart dust extractor.”

Creating excellence in a specialized industry has allowed Engart to reach out to the global market with confidence that their product has a place beyond the borders of the state—and the nation. Engart made their first move by establishing a production facility in Bluefield as a counterpart to their Beckley headquarters. From there, they added engineering and project management staff located in South Carolina, North Carolina and New York. Internationally, Engart has focused strongly on placing their products into the best markets. The company’s ideas for international expansion came early during the process of establishing their business. When the coal industry’s ExEdge security came into question, Warden and his team took a look at what the company Colombia, the had to offer. They saw an opportunity world’s 10th largest producer and made the strategic decision to expand of hard coals, in 2009 when the company’s Web site expects coal began drawing international clients. A output to reach company from South Korea was the first 144 million tons in 2020. to approach Engart, requesting a machine that could remove gas and dust during Source: www. blasting operations. Almost immediately sourcewatch.org afterward, Engart was approached by the largest underground silver mine in Mexico. At the time, Engart did not possess the necessary parts for the machine the company wanted, but Warden’s team of engineers worked to develop and build a machine from scratch. Since the original purchase of one machine, the same company has returned to purchase three more. “Our company is highly specialized,” says Warden. “To continue to grow, we had to expand either our geographical reach or the types of industrial markets in which we operate. We decided to do both.”

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On the Map

Today, Engart is working successfully on three continents, with additional expansion and development in South America on the horizon. Brazil, Colombia, Chile and Peru have proven to be strong markets because of their heavy mining and processing industry presence. International development is something Warden stresses as a highly valuable venture. “About 90 percent of consumers are outside the U.S., and making a decision to get a piece of that pie strengthens the company financially,” says Warden. “We want a sustainable business that will be here for the next generation. Although we cannot take our eyes off of the U.S. market—as it is still predominantly our largest, most successful market—there is much more out there waiting to be uncovered.” After understanding that their product needed to expand on an international scale, Warden set out to establish a successful means of working with clients who are located thousands of miles away. He explains that their first international relationship came with a learning curve, as all business ventures do, but once they established their plans, it became second nature.

west virginia executive

• Engart Inc. • Probe America Inc.

Warden’s first recommendation for companies looking to handle international clients is to secure methods of payment. To ensure payment, Engart uses an Irrevocable Letter of Credit (ILOC). An ILOC is set up between banks and creates a financial agreement that guarantees payment to Engart. For these transactions, Engart uses Huntington Bank, which is large enough to have international capabilities but still provides customer service that has been invaluable to Warden and his team. There have been instances when an ILOC has not been an option, and Engart has used the Export-Import Bank of the United States to obtain credit insurance. While this option carries more risk, they One of Engart's wet dust extraction machines.

have found that allowing more transaction flexibility has generated worthwhile positive customer relations. The next step in the process is to find a broad-reaching freight forwarder, an agent that handles custom clearance, freight arrangements and necessary paperwork. Maintaining a close relationship with their freight forwarder, who can operate in virtually any country, has saved Engart on many occasions through professional advice. Different shipping methods are used in different regions around the world, and freight forwarders can prevent obstacles by managing all of these details. Exporting comes with challenges as well, but Warden emphasizes that the rewards

far outweigh the risk. Beyond methods of payment, Engart also faces the challenge of providing customer support across borders. In one instance, a machine sold to a Canadian client required service, which Engart provided firsthand by making trips to Canada to ensure the system design was up to the company’s standards. Although it presented an initial cost to them, Warden believes customer service should not be sacrificed for international consumers. “We have a policy that doing business with us is not painful,” says Warden. “All of our service techs and field engineers have passports and are willing to go when needed.” Breaking into the international market is what has taken Engart to an entirely new level. Opportunities and dollars multiply by the hundreds and thousands for companies that take advantage of exporting. West Virginia, as a relatively small business community in comparison to other states, provides excellent assistance to companies looking to export. Warden says their relationship with the West Virginia Economic Development Office for International Trade has been invaluable to the success of their global expansion, as the office has provided numerous international networking opportunities. “I can’t say enough good things about doing business in West Virginia,” says Warden. “I doubt we would be here today if our business was located anywhere else.” He stresses that West Virginia’s position in the global marketplace should not be underestimated. West Virginia leads the nation in export growth, thanks primarily to the coal and fossil fuels industry. Many businesses, like Engart, are able to piggy back onto these industries, creating a shared wealth and business climate that fosters relationships and growth. “I believe West Virginia is unique in that way,” says Warden. “It is a small businesssavvy atmosphere with an attitude to help the little guy in such a personal way that makes you comfortable to leap into markets you would otherwise shy away from.” Additionally, Warden says using distributors and manufacturer sales agents helps bridge language barriers and provides local support to clients around the world. The logistics of exporting for West Virginia companies are vastly simplified through the services and standards that are a part of our regional and national business climate. In addition to the West Virginia Economic Development Office for International Trade, the U.S. Commercial

Branching Out This year, Warden and his team made a discovery that led to the development of a new company, Probe America Inc. This second company, while still in its infancy, has developed strong business prospects, already breaching markets beyond the U.S. Probe America focuses on the distribution of probe atomizers and AiroPure™, an odor destructive reagent. Warden found that Engart could benefit from offering probe atomizers, misting fans that allow dust without source point capture, known as ambient dust, to be trapped in mist and removed from the air of processing facilities. While working to acquire the atomizers for Engart, Warden found that the company in the U.K. that manufactures the atomizers has also invented a product called AiroPure, which works on a molecular level to remove odors from the air that are a byproduct of industry. His interest was piqued, and after trips to find out more about the products, a license was purchased that would allow Probe America to manufacture and sell the products within the North American and Caribbean markets. These products appeal to a different type of customer base, and therefore, Engart Inc. made the decision to branch out beyond its already extensive reach into new markets, appealing to such industries as waste management, recycling and quarrying. Probe America’s first order came from a company in the Bahamas that was looking to remove the odor resulting from its reverse osmosis plant—reverse osmosis is the process of filtering saltwater into drinkable water—which was upsetting the local residents, many of whom were wealthy owners of million dollar beach homes. The company had tried multiple products from multiple companies before they discovered AiroPure; the product completely eliminated the sulfurous stench produced by the process, satisfying the plant workers and locals alike. As is also the case with Engart, Probe America’s customers have been coming to them internationally through online outlets. Since launching their Web site two months ago, Probe America has seen approximately three leads a week from online consumers. Warden and his team at both Engart and Probe America recognize the power of marketing through the Internet. Their Web site development is a focal point during the process of expansion, and it has proven its worth time and time again. Warden says that working to ensure that the company returns well with keywords in search engines has been a vital element to success. In addition to the Bahamas, Probe America is working throughout the rest of North America, with interested parties in the U.S., Canada and, most recently, Aruba.

Service has provided assistance in the transition from national to global for Engart. Along with his business skills, Warden manages to remain a people person. When he is in the office, he is known to make pretty good coffee and take out the trash—given that he remembers it’s Tuesday: trash day. Beyond his other responsibilities, he wants to spend his time with the company encouraging and lifting up others while keeping everyone focused on customer service, which is what keeps the company alive. Warden emphasizes that, in business and industry, people make it happen, and a good staff is what has helped Engart evolve into an industry standard. “Originally, this company was set up to supply ventilation and dust control to underground coal mines. However, after a short while, it became evident that our dust extractor unit could be redesigned to handle fugitive dust in plant operations,” says Warden. “We were blessed with the right people to get where

we are today. We have extremely bright engineers and hard-working and dedicated sales, service and administrative staff. These individuals have made Engart a part of their lives and given many years of hard work and dedication to see this company prosper. “I am extremely proud of what our small core group has accomplished. Even though I may be the person in charge, I am merely a reflection of the people who surround me—a symbol of their excellence. Without the hard work and dedication of my Engart team, we would not be in business today. I can say that in the circles in which we operate, our small world is better off because this company exists. And we are better people for having been a part of it.”  Photography by Tracy Toler, Inside Out Creative and Chris Gosses Photography

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The West Virginia District Export Council congratulates all WV exporters on another record-breaking year. If your company is ready to find new international customers, join the Export Management class, offered by the WV District Export Council at Marshall University and West Virginia University over five weekends during the semester. The curriculum is targeted to your specific needs, and you’ll learn directly from companies who have found that international sales are good for their bottom line. You’ll come away with an Export Marketing Plan, created by you and a team of students, that you can use to launch your sales globally.

Contact Don Gallion at donlgallio@aol.com or scan for more information.

Exports: Compete, Win, Grow

September 16-18, 2013 Raleigh Marriott City Center • Raleigh, NC Interested in breaking into the global marketplace through international exporting? DISCOVER2013 is a conference you won’t want to miss. Led by the U.S. Commercial Service, DISCOVER2013 is designed to help U.S. businesses take advantage of established and emerging export opportunities.

The conference will provide: • Up-to-date Market Intelligence • Assistance in Developing Practical Strategies for Exporting • Private Consultations with more than 20 U.S. Commercial Diplomats • International Market Exploration Plenary Sessions • Intensive Breakout Sessions • Numerous Networking Opportunities

For more information, visit www.export.gov/ northcarolina/discover2013/

Saturday, November 9th, 5-9 pm Big Sandy Superstore Arena Huntington, West Virginia, USA West Virginia's largest and longest running international festival, featuring international foods, world music and dance and displays representing many different countries and cultures. The festival is open to the public and is free of charge to enter. For more information, visit the festival website at www.marshall.edu/cip/festival

West Virginia’s Economy One of the major boosts to the state’s tourism industry will come from the Summit Bechtel Boy Scout Reserve, which opened this summer.

By Eric Bowen and John Deskins

After being battered in

the second half of 2012, West Virginia’s economy appears to be making a turnaround in 2013, according to the latest economic data. Overall, West Virginia’s economy has recently shown several notable signs of improvement. Perhaps most importantly, the unemployment rate in our state as of May has fallen from 7.6 percent to 6.2 percent as recently as September 2012, and it has fallen 0.8 percentage points in just the last few months. This drop corresponds to an increase of around 6,100 in the number of employed people in the state since the end of 2012. West Virginia’s unemployment rate compares well to the national rate of 7.6 percent, although growth in employment lags below the national average. Unemployment is expected to continue its decline through the end of the year, though the recent reductions have already outstripped the latest forecast number.

Optimism over our unemployment situation must be tempered, however, by the fact that West Virginia consistently comes in last among the 50 states in terms of the share of its overall population who either has a job or is seeking employment. The state’s labor force participation rate fell from 54.4 percent to 54 percent in May at the beginning of 2013.

The Fossil Fuels Industry A significant portion of the improvement in the jobs picture is attributable to the state’s mining sector. After a difficult year in 2012, the mining sector appears to be rebounding. Coal mining jobs fell by almost 3,300 positions over the course of 2012, a drop of almost 13 percent. A few of those losses were offset by gains in the oil and gas industry, which produced 228 new jobs, an increase of nearly 4 percent. The mining sector altogether saw a decline of approximately 8 percent during 2012. These job losses stemmed from a sharp drop in demand for coal throughout the middle of the year. Total 2012 West Virginia coal production fell by nearly 11 percent from the previous year, according to data from the U.S. Energy Information Administration. Southern West Virginia coal fields were hit particularly hard, where production fell by more than 15 percent. Mining jobs have been returning during the first half of 2013. Overall for 2013, the state has gained nearly 4,000 new mining sector jobs as of the end of May, a gain of nearly 12 percent, and this gain has surpassed recent forecasts. These jobs include those in both the coal and oil and gas industries. Though still down from this point last year, coal production has begun to rise again during the first quarter of 2013. Production in the month of May alone was up 2 percent over the previous year.

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The Construction Industry As is the case in many parts of the U.S., construction activity in West Virginia is finally picking up after the significant drop that occurred in conjunction with the recent recession. Housing starts in the first quarter of 2013 were nearly 43 percent higher than a year ago at this time and were up more than 9 percent from the last quarter of 2012. Employment in the construction sector rose by about 230 jobs, a gain of about 1 percent, in the first quarter. Employment is projected to rise another 1 percent by the end of the year.

The Exports Industry Exports have been another key driver in the West Virginia economy. The total value of West Virginia exports rose by $2.3 billion from 2011 to 2012, a gain of more than 25 percent. The vast majority of the increase in 2012 came from coal exports, which rose by $2.1 billion, a gain of 39 percent over 2011. Strong export growth is especially good news, given the importance today of export markets as the source of many of the world’s best opportunities for growth.

The Tourism Industry Lastly, the state’s tourism industry is projected to produce new jobs over the course of the year. May statistics showed the number of leisure and hospitality sector jobs rose 1,800 from a year ago, a gain of 2.4 percent. According to the latest projections, the number of jobs in tourism will rise 2.4 percent this year overall. One of the major boosts to the state’s tourism industry will come from the Summit Bechtel Boy Scout Reserve, which opened this summer. The 2013 national Boy Scout Jamboree was projected to bring in as many as 50,000 scouts and other tourists.

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Forecasting the Future Despite these economic highlights, much uncertainty remains. In the broader world and national economy, potential threats to West Virginia growth stem from numerous sources, such as the continuing European debt crisis, the potential instability of the U.S. governmentâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s fiscal position and the possibility that the U.S. Federal Reserve might end its aggressive monetary stimulus prematurely. Within West Virginia, threats also exist, deriving from sources such as the potential that U.S. regulatory policy could damage West Virginia coal production and from problems that might stem from revenue shortfalls within the state government. But, at least for now, we can focus on these encouraging signs of economic improvement. ď Ž

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Around the State Executive Advances Compiled by Amy Arnett and jennifer jett

Eagle Manufacturing Company Announces Expansion Project Eagle Manufacturing Company recently announced the construction of a new warehouse and distribution center, located on four acres of brownfield land situated on Commerce and 22nd streets in Wellsburg, WV. “We are very excited for this opportunity to allow for further growth within our company,” says Joseph Eddy, president and CEO of Eagle Manufacturing Company. The project is planned to be completed in three phases within the next three years and will ultimately add 100,000 square feet of space to Eagle Manufacturing Company. Phase I will be the construction of a 40,000-square-foot warehouse, 17 shipping bays and a 1,200-square-foot shipping office. Construction began in February with expected completion of Phase I scheduled for August of this year. “Eagle products ship both domestically and worldwide, and the additional space will allow for continued growth. “Without additional room to expand, we’d really run out of answers for growth,” says Eddy. “Purchasing this property gave us an opportunity to design our growth for the next five years. In addition to the physical growth, this type of expansion will also allow Eagle to sustain a current level of employment and will ultimately create new jobs.”

Health Care Highlights Celebrates 25th Anniversary Health Care Highlights is celebrating its 25th anniversary in 2013, marking a quarter century as West Virginia’s definitive publication for legislative action and governmental policy making related to health care. Considered a “must-read” by politicians, reporters and health care practitioners alike, Health Care Highlights (HCH) is the brainchild of Thomas Stevens, president of Government Relations Specialists, LLC of Charleston. Published weekly during the legislative session and monthly following interim committee meetings throughout the rest of the year, the newsletter reaches more than 5,000 health professionals, policy makers and observers. “Thom has crafted a unique and comprehensive approach to legislative bill tracking over the years that proves invaluable when the Legislature is in session,” says Dr. Hoyt Burdick, president of the West Virginia State Medical Association. “It helps us sort through the hundreds of health-related bills that get introduced every year to focus on those issues that are of particular importance to our membership.” The history and status of all health care bills introduced in the West Virginia Senate and House of Delegates are highlighted each week throughout the legislative session in a special section of HCH. The newsletter also reports on committee actions and other news on such issues as patient advocacy; hospice services and end-of-life decisions; organ and tissue donation and education; diabetes programs; primary and specialty medical practices; behavioral health initiatives; child health care services; hospitals and health care delivery systems; pharmaceutical availability; insurance coverage; health care management; preventive health and wellness programs; children’s health topics and public safety. “I learn something new in every issue,” says Delegate Don Perdue, chair of the House Health and Human Resources

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Committee. “Both about what just happened and about what I can expect in the future.” Stevens says he started HCH in 1988 as a service to clients of government relations specialists to help them keep pace with the ever-changing landscape of health care. “Over the years, it’s kind of taken on a life of its own,” he says. “It helps me to stay focused on what I believe are some of the most challenging issues of our time.”

Valley Supply Company’s 2013 Trade Show and Grand Opening Valley Supply Company recently unveiled its new 75,600-squarefoot distribution center in Clarksburg, WV, with a trade show and grand opening. “We saw an opportunity to expand the company and give more to our customers. Just like all businesses, I think when customers come in, they’ll recognize the importance we place on having a highly educated staff and excellent customer service and that we appreciate having an establishment that carries the highest quality products,” says Rogers Earl, Jr., president and CEO of Valley Supply Company. “We are thankful to our customers for helping us. With their help, we can continue.” The new facility was built to help promote the economic wellbeing of the community as well as allow for future expansion. The company has spent three years developing a brownfield into usable commercial space. The company currently operates in four locations across the State of West Virginia with a staff of 40 full-time employees. Valley Supply is one of the largest wholesalers in West Virginia and carries a full line of products for plumbing, heating and cooling, as well as pipes, valves, fittings and hardware.

Maloney Launches Center For A Brighter Future Think Tank Bill Maloney, the Republican nominee in both the 2011 special election and 2012 election, has launched a think tank called the Center For A Brighter Future (CFABF). After years of dedication and giving back to his community, Maloney’s commitment to West Virginia intensified over the past two years while running for governor. The CFABF is his latest effort to make a difference, stating, “It is a nonpartisan think tank founded on the principles on which our nation and the State of West Virginia were formed.” The CFABF is a 501(c)(4) nonprofit organization that will serve as a nucleus to develop and promote ideas that advance prosperity in the Mountain State and beyond. The core focus will build from Maloney’s Blueprint for a Brighter Future. It will begin by addressing issues such as ethics reform, energy independence, tax policy and healthy lifestyle initiatives. “The mission of the center is to advance a legacy of prosperity for future generations based on the key principles of freedom and independence,” says Maloney. “It is an honor to be joined by a diverse board of passionate individuals who are all in this effort for the right reasons. We look forward to energizing others by providing sound reasoning that achieves common sense solutions to our most pressing needs.”

HGO Technology Supports Downtown Wheeling Community After nearly 20 years in the Elm Grove area, HGO Technology has relocated their Wheeling office to the downtown area. Over the years, HGO has built a standard of care that has made them quite successful thanks to the continued support from their clients. “We believe it’s important to build on this success while remaining relevant to our clients and continuing to be a leader in our community,” says Liz Gates, HGO’s Special Projects executive. “Our new office location will increase our visibility in the Wheeling market,” says Gates. “We are ready to grow at a faster pace, and downtown is going to help us get there.” HGO was established in Wheeling in 1986, and two recent acquisitions—Terradon Communications Group and ContactPointe—have allowed the firm to grow to include offices in Pittsburgh and Charleston. These combinations enhance HGO’s strategic information technology capabilities and available technology offerings and position HGO to be a premier provider of the full life cycle of information consulting services. The combinations also expand and deepen available technical expertise within the firm allowing for extensive collaboration and coordination between experienced IT professionals. “Our vision is to be a world-class strategic and tactical IT consulting business serving clients throughout the Mid-Atlantic and Midwestern markets,” says Gates. “We are excited about the opportunities our growth brings to our clients and employees.”

Mihalyo Named President of Davis & Elkins College Dr. Michael Mihalyo, Jr. assumed the presidency of Davis & Elkins College on July 1. He was appointed to the position by the college’s board of trustees in March in a move designed to sustain the momentum of its present positive direction. Mihalyo was recently honored with a Service of Transition at the Davis Memorial Presbyterian Church. He emphasizes that his presidency will be “a continuum of all the good things happening at D&E.” Mihalyo came to Davis & Elkins in August 2011 as provost and chief academic officer. In March 2012, he was named chancellor, with responsibility for overseeing day-to-day administration of the college as well as representing and acting on behalf of the president. Mihalyo is widely experienced as a teacher and higher education administrator. Before coming to D&E, he served as chair of the Division of Fine Arts at Brevard College in Brevard, NC, and as vice president for Academic Affairs, provost and dean of Faculty at Bethany College in West Virginia. He also served as interim vice president for Academic Programs of the Appalachian College Dr. Michael Mihalyo, Jr. Association (ACA), a consortium of 35 private,

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liberal arts colleges and universities serving over 45,000 students and 3,700 faculty members. Mihalyo was founding co-director and dean of the ACA Institute for Teaching and Learning funded by the Andrew W. Mellon Foundation. He has a strong background in the arts and is known for his creativity and ability to collaborate with external constituencies, as well as faculty and staff. Mihalyo succeeds G.T. “Buck” Smith, who voluntarily stepped down after five years as president. Smith will continue to serve the college as president-emeritus and college advisor.

Ernst & Young LLP Names Wheeler Managing Partner for Charleston Office Ernst & Young LLP recently announced that Susan Wheeler Susan Wheeler has been appointed managing partner of the organization’s Charleston office. Wheeler will be responsible for all of the Charleston office’s resources, including oversight of the firm’s assurance, advisory, tax and transaction services. Wheeler, a certified public accountant, has more than 20 years of experience serving a variety of clients, including those in the energy, distribution, public sector and insurance industries. Her clients include multinational companies, SEC registrants and nonpublic entities. She has significant experience addressing accounting and reporting issues for both public and private sector clients, as well as extensive experience in transactions like initial public offerings and due diligence. Wheeler holds a bachelor’s degree in accounting from Marshall University where she serves on the Lewis College of Business Division of Accountancy and Legal Environment Advisory Board. She is a member of the American Institute of Certified Public Accountants; the West Virginia Society of CPAs, including the Charleston Chapter and the Government Finance Officers Association.

Woodland Press CEO Receives West Virginia Writers JUG Award Keith Davis, CEO of Woodland Press, an

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Organization and Committee on Finance. Before beginning his service in state government, Pizatella practiced law at Spilman Thomas & Battle, PLLC in Charleston.

Lauttamus Communications and Security Receives Business Award

Keith Davis

independent book publishing firm located in Chapmanville, was one of the recipients of the prestigious 2013 West Virginia Writers (WVW) JUG Awards this year. Mountain State writer Cat Pleska accepted the award on his behalf WVW's conference banquet. The JUG Award, which stands for Just Uncommonly Good, is the highest recognition from WVW and is given for outstanding support of writers or for writers who have endured and produced exceptionally. Woodland Press currently has more than 40 Appalachianbased books currently in the marketplace. JUG Awards were also awarded to Bill Haydon (posthumously) of Mountain State Press; the Pearl S. Buck Birthplace Foundation and Terry McNemar, WVW's president emeritus.

Jason Pizatella Named Deputy Chief of Staff Governor Earl Ray Tomblin recently announced that Jason Pizatella will serve as his deputy chief of staff. “During my tenure in the state senate, and now as governor, I’ve had the great privilege of working with Jason. He has a keen understanding of how government works,” says Tomblin. “I’m confident Jason will do well in this new position, and I look forward to continuing to work with him.” Prior to this appointment, Pizatella was most recently serving as acting cabinet secretary of the West Virginia Department of Revenue. In addition, the Fairmont native has been the director of Legislative Affairs in the Governor’s Office since January 2011. Prior to joining the Tomblin Administration, he served as deputy state tax commissioner and as counsel to the State Senate Committee on Government

A.V. Lauttamus Communications, Inc., a diversified communications and security holding company headquartered in Weirton, WV, has been selected as one of the Top 100 Fastest Growing businesses in the greater Pittsburgh area by the Pittsburgh Business Times for its increase in sales revenues over the last three years of nearly 100 percent. Lauttamus was established in 1967 and specializes in two-way radio systems; inbound call center services; integrated security services; communications towers; maintenance of mission critical wireless networks for public safety, health care, government, education, commercial, gaming and manufacturing clients; mass notification systems for emergency communications; burglar alarm intrusion and surveillance systems; medical alert systems; paging and specialized security and communications consulting services. Lauttamus also owns FCC spectrum in West Virginia, Pennsylvania, Ohio, North Carolina, South Carolina and Florida that is sold and leased throughout the market area. Lauttamus expects to double the size of the business in the next three to five years. Lauttamus does business in 24 states and prides itself in providing reliable, anytime service to all customers. Operating departments are supported by full-time employees who answer calls for service and repair all day, every day—something that distinguishes Lauttamus from its competitors.

Clay Center Celebrates 10 Years The Clay Center is celebrating a decade of inspiring people all across the region through music, theater, art and science with a year of promotions and special activities. Since opening in July 2003, the center has entertained and educated more than 1.5 million visitors from 49 states. A 2011 study by Marshall University’s Center for Business and Economic Research found that the center is responsible for 379 jobs, $6.7 million in personal income for West Virginia residents and $16.4 million in economic revenue for the state annually. President and CEO Judy Wellington

says one of the most rewarding things about the milestone is looking back on 10 years of personal stories from people who have been touched by the center’s work. “Our mission is to inspire and over the last decade we’ve experienced countless stories of inspiration firsthand,” says Wellington. “People of all ages, backgrounds and hometowns have had lifechanging experiences through Clay Center programs.” The celebration will continue through June 2014, with special offers announced on the center's Web site on the 10th of each month.

Pickering Associates Expands Its Professional Staff Pickering Associates is proud to announce the hiring of four new professionals: Christopher Algmin, architect; John Bentz, civil engineer; Donald Kinder, electrical engineer and Adam Paff, mechanical engineer. These men bring impressive résumés and experience with them as they join the company. Algmin is a licensed architect in the state of Illinois and is both National Council of Architectural Registration Boards and Leadership in Energy & Environmental Design certified. He has experience in corporate office, institutional, industrial, residential, medical and recreational projects. Bentz graduated from Ohio University in June 2011 with a bachelor’s degree in civil engineering and a certificate in construction engineering and management. Bentz is currently seeking his master’s degree in civil engineering. Paff is a mechanical engineer. He received his bachelor’s degree in mechanical engineering from West Virginia University and has experience in the mechanical, commercial and industrial fields. Kinder is an electrical engineer and holds an associate’s degree in electrical engineering technology from Bridgemont Community & Technical College and a bachelor’s degree in electronic engineering technology from West Virginia University Institute of Technology. “We’re excited to have four new professionals join our team,” says Traci Stotts, vice president of Marketing at Pickering Associates. “This is an exciting time for us. Our company is growing and so is our community. The addition of Christopher Algmin, Donald Kinder, Adam Paff and John Bentz means we will be able to better

serve our clientele and capture some new opportunities, too.”

Matheny Recognized as National Leader in Fight Against Alzheimer’s Disease WomenAgainstAlzheimer’s, a national organization that is creating a new approach to finding a cure and building a movement that commits our nation to a bold plan for the prevention and treatment of Alzheimer’s disease, has invited Helen Matheny to be one of its 40 founders. The WomenAgainstAlzheimer’s founding members are distinguished women leaders from across the nation who are passionate about addressing the Alzheimer’s crisis. Matheny serves as the director of the Alzheimer’s Disease Outreach and Registry Program at the Blanchette Rockefeller Neurosciences Institute at West Virginia University. The program proHelen Matheny vides physicians

with education and tools to improve screening, diagnosis, treatment and care of patients with Alzheimer’s disease and related dementias. In August 2011, United States Health and Human Services Secretary Kathleen Sebelius appointed Matheny to serve as one of 11 nonfederal members of the Advisory Council on Alzheimer’s Research, Care and Services. The council, created as part of the National Alzheimer’s Project Act, advises Sebelius on how to prevent or reduce the burden of Alzheimer’s disease and related dementias on people with these conditions and their caregivers. In addition, in 2012, the Health Resources and Services Administration named Matheny to an expert panel to develop a national Alzheimer’s disease standardized curriculum for health care professionals. Formerly, Matheny served as the founding chief executive officer of the West Virginia Medical Foundation, the educational and charitable organization of the West Virginia State Medical Association. She also serves on the board of the West Virginia Health Improvement Institute and the West Virginia University School

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of Dentistry Visiting Committee. In addition, Governor Earl Ray Tomblin appointed her chairperson of the 13-member West Virginia Healthy Lifestyle Coalition. Sandy Sponaugle

Founder and CEO of Platinum PR Awarded 2013 Public Relations Professional of the Year

The American Advertising Federation–Greater Frederick (AAF-Greater Frederick) named Sandy Sponaugle the Public Relations Professional of the Year at the Maven Awards earlier this year. Sponaugle is founder and CEO of Platinum PR, a public relations firm with offices in Shepherdstown, WV and Frederick, MD. The awards seek to recognize outstanding business professionals in advertising, marketing and related fields. “It’s great to know that my peers respect me and my work enough to nominate me for a 2013 Maven Award,” says Sponaugle. “I’m honored to be recognized as the AAF-Greater Frederick Public Relations Professional of the Year. Public relations is a challenging field to keep up with—things are always changing but that’s why I love it.” Sponaugle founded Platinum PR more than 10 years ago and serves as the marketing and communications department for local and national businesses and organizations. She is a marketing consultant, spokesperson, publicity expert, public speaker and public relations team leader.

HSC Announces New Automated Logic Dealership HSC Building Automation & Controls (BAC) is proud to announce their appointment as an authorized Automated Logic dealer in Knoxville, TN. This news comes after an announcement made in June by Automated Logic officials that they were appointing the dealer territory to HSC BAC. “Based on their performance in representing Automated Logic in West Virginia, it was an easy decision to expand our relationship with HSC Building Automation & Controls to include an additional dealership in East Tennessee,” says John Miner, director of Dealer Development for Automated Logic. HSC will be providing energy management products, systems and services in buildings to control and monitor energy consuming equipment. HSC BAC has appointed Bob Vlastos as the Knoxville branch manager. Vlastos has more than 25 years of professional experience in energy management and controls. He has worked with Automated Logic since 1986, serving in a variety of project manager and corporate management positions. “We are delighted to obtain the dealership in Knoxville and begin providing services to our new customers,” says Tom Hughes, HSC owner. “We have a reputation for providing the utmost in service after the sale, and we look forward to showing our excellent standards of service to our new clients throughout Tennessee, Virginia and Kentucky.”

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West Liberty University’s President Marks Six Years in Office President Robin Capehart recently marked six years at the helm of West Liberty University (WLU) and has overseen many changes on the hilltop campus, including the move to university status for the former college. He plans to keep the momentum going and is focused on a bright future. “When I accepted the position as president of West Robin Capehart Liberty State College, I was serving as a Fulbright Scholar. I had experience in education, administration and management. It has been an exciting transition. I am grateful to the faculty and staff for their hard work in helping to make the university a better place for our students and all of us,” says Capehart, a Moundsville, WV native. WLU has experienced six consecutive years of enrollment growth under Capehart, and private fundraising has grown tremendously. As far as academics go, there has been the addition of 15 new degrees and certifications, including the highly successful Physician Assistant Studies program, which recently enrolled its second class. “Hopefully, we’ll continue to grow and have more graduate level programs and more certificate degree programs to offer students. We know we can offer the academic quality that students seek with an excellent return on investment.” Some of the physical accomplishments during his tenure include the building of the $23 million Campbell Hall of Health Sciences, set to open in December 2013. Other campus changes include renovation of historic Shaw Hall into the Student Enrollment Center and administrative offices; the opening of the Highlands Center campus; renovation of the football field and locker rooms; the addition of new soccer and lacrosse fields and creation of WLTV-14, the university’s television station.

Spilman Thomas & Battle Releases Innovative Employment Law App The law firm Spilman Thomas & Battle, PLLC (Spilman) has announced its launch of the Spilman SuperVision app for iOS devices. The new app, which is available for free download in the Apple App Store, is designed to help corporate executives, general counsel, business owners and human resources professionals with frequently asked questions. “We are excited to share the latest information on human resources issues and regulations via this new channel,” says Eric Iskra, chair of Spilman’s labor and employment practice group. “This app is a perfect complement to our SuperVision labor and employment symposium series and our quarterly e-newsletter. Finding new ways to deliver additional value to our clients is always front of mind at Spilman.” The app allows users to explore common employment law situations, including those relating to overtime pay, final wage payment and employee complaints on social media. Following the app’s simple decision tree, users can gain a better understanding

of their particular employment issue, what their options are and when to seek the counsel of a knowledgeable legal advisor.

Adventures on the Gorge Celebrates 100,000 Zip Line Guests Adventures On The Gorge has reached an aerial milestone. The outdoor recreation resort has hosted 100,000 guests on its four aerial adventure activities. When guest number 100,000 stepped onto the platform at the end of the final zip, the total number of miles for Adventures On The Gorge zip line tours reached 150,000 miles—that’s equivalent to six times around the world. “To my knowledge, we are the first resort with zip lines in the United States to reach this milestone,” says Dave Arnold, founder and managing member of Adventures On The Gorge. “The aerial adventure industry, while still young in our country, is growing faster than any other outdoor recreation sport, including rafting and skiing.” By comparison, Arnold says that it took 10 years for the company to hit 100,000 rafters. “When we opened TreeTops Canopy Tour in 2009, I am not sure what we expected guests’ reactions to be,” says Arnold. “We wanted to offer our visitors an option for outdoor recreation that they could enjoy when they weren’t on the river. From that first summer, we knew we had a hit.” TreeTops was named one of the United States’ top 10 zip lines by USA Today in 2010. Following on its success, the company began operating Gravity Zip Lines in 2010, a high-adventure zip line course built on a reclaimed mining site. In 2012, they added a third aerial adventure, TimberTrek Aerial Park. This aerial playground lets guests balance, swing, climb and zip. The company’s fourth aerial adventure option is New River Gorge BridgeWalk, a one-of-a-kind stroll on the catwalk under the New River Gorge Bridge. “Combined with our whitewater rafting and other outdoor activities, the zip lines fit well into our mission of offering great outdoor recreation at the New River Gorge,” says Arnold. “Whether our guests are here for a weekend getaway, a family vacation or a class reunion, they have choices for beginning to advanced adventures along with lodging and dining options.”

American Chemistry Council Honors AC&S’s Cordle with Political Leadership Award The American Chemistry Council (ACC) awarded Dean Cordle, president and chief executive officer of AC&S, Inc., the Political Leadership Award at the council’s annual meeting in Colorado Springs, CO. Cordle, whose chemical manufacturing company is located in Nitro, WV, was honored for his continuous work throughout the past year in educating key congressional allies who value the chemical industry and seeking constructive public policy solutions. He played a critical role this year helping to secure the introduction of the bipartisan Chemical Safety Improvement Act by strengthening essential relationships with key congressional allies. “I’m honored to receive this award,” says Cordle. “The ACC is committed to meeting new challenges and continuously improving the safety performance of the industry. The introduction of the Chemical Safety Improvement Act is a testament to the importance the ACC and industry places on safety.”

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“Our relationship with the American Chemistry Council has been very beneficial for us—and in turn our community and all of our stakeholders. I’m grateful to be a part of such a reputable and innovative organization,” says Cordle.

Southern West Virginia Health System Establishes Kanawha County Presence Southern West Virginia Health System, a Lincoln Primary Care Center company, has marked the official opening of its first Kanawha County-based facility, a health care center dedicated to a medical home model of care. Located in South Charleston, WV, the newly-constructed 15,900-square-foot health care center was made possible by $3.4 million in funding from an Affordable Care Act Capital Development grant from the Health Resources and Services Administration. The health care center offers comprehensive family medicine care, urgent care, women’s health services, X-ray services and laboratory services alongside an on-site 340B and retail pharmacy that is complete with a drive-thru. “We are pleased about becoming a part of the Kanawha County community,” says Lincoln Primary Care Center and Southern West Virginia Health System CEO Brian Crist. “Southern West Virginia Health System-Sand Plant represents an important step in our goal of improving access to quality, affordable health care to the people of South Charleston and beyond.” The medical home model of care on which Southern West Virginia Health System-Sand Plant focuses will deliver full-service preventive and primary care designed around the specific needs of each patient it serves. Patient care will take a team-centered approach with the health care team giving attention to each patient’s needs as a whole person, integrating all aspects of care with a goal of improving patients’ physical health, behavioral health, access to community-based social services and management of chronic conditions. Southern West Virginia Health System’s Sand Plant site holds distinction as a Federally Qualified Health Center, and as such, ensures the availability of health care services to all, regardless of a patient’s insurance status or ability to pay. Patients will be offered a wide selection of payment options, including acceptance of private and commercial insurance, Medicare, Medicaid and WVCHIP. Qualified patients will also be eligible to receive discounted health services through the organization’s Sliding Fee Program and will have access to the West Virginia Breast and Cervical Cancer Screening Program and the Vaccine for Children program. Southern West Virginia Health System's Sand Plant facility.

As a further means of supporting its patients, the Lincoln Primary Care Center and Southern West Virginia Health System network will be hiring patient navigators in the fall of 2013 to support the Affordable Care Act legislation that becomes effective in 2014. Patient navigators will support the medical home team by helping uninsured patients when it comes to evaluating and selecting the right health insurance options to meet their needs.

Protea Launches New Mass Spectrometry Services Protea Biosciences Group, Inc. (Protea) recently announced that it has launched a new Web-based, commercial mass spectrometry service, named ProteaScope™, that enables researchers to navigate tissue samples using high-resolution microscopy. ProteaScope is a first of its kind, a microscopy-driven mass spectrometry platform that provides additional levels of molecular information to compliment traditional histologic examination. Based on Protea’s LAESI® technology, exclusively licensed from George Washington University, the new platform was developed through the integration of fiber optics, LAESI and high-resolution microscopy and mass spectrometry. ProteaScope will be offered through the company’s services division, ProteaWorks. The ProteaScope service workflow starts by the researchers submitting their tissue samples and scheduling a ProteaScope session. Afterwards, the researchers are able to view and navigate the tissue and identify and capture biomolecular information. Following the session, researchers receive a report containing the high-resolution microscopy images and mass spectra data from their ProteaScope session.

Polymer Alliance Zone to Attend International Plastic Industry Trade Show Representatives from the Polymer Alliance Zone, based in Davisville, WV, as well as state officials and local industry members, will market the State of West Virginia as an ideal location for plastic and polymer companies at an international trade show. The K Show, held from October 16-23, will take West Virginia plastic workers to Dusseldorf, Germany. “Given all the advantages West Virginia offers the plastics industry—low cost feedstocks, proximity to market, available infrastructure and a skilled work force—our state is primed for further plastic industry growth, and the Polymer Alliance Zone hopes to help bring it home,” says Karen Facemyer, president of the Polymer Alliance Zone. With more than 3,000 exhibitors, a half million square feet of exhibition space and tens of thousands of industry representatives in attendance, the K Show is the world’s foremost trade show for the plastics industries. “Our mission is to meet with plastic industry companies, vendors and suppliers to let them know the benefits of establishing operations in West Virginia or purchasing products from West Virginia polymer companies,” says Facemyer. “At the same time, we’ll be collecting information on the latest products and tools for the industry to bring back for the benefit of our members.”

Goodwill Achieves Highest CARF Certification The Commission on Accreditation of Rehabilitation Facilities (CARF) has announced that Goodwill Industries of Kanawha Valley, Inc. has been accredited for a period of three years for

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employee development services, organizational employment services and community employment services in job development and job support. This outcome represents the highest level of accreditation awarded to an organization and shows Goodwill’s substantial conformance to the standards established by CARF. By receiving a three-year accreditation, Goodwill has completed a rigorous peer review process and demonstrated to a team of surveyors during an on-site review that its programs and services are of the highest quality. CARF accreditation is the industry gold standard. Founded in 1966 and headquartered in Tucson, AZ, CARF is an independent, nonprofit organization that works to promote quality, value and optimal outcomes of services to enhance the lives of persons served. Organizations that receive CARF accreditation for services and programs are deemed to be among the best available. The CARF summary commended Goodwill’s strategic planning process and unified vision of quality in all areas of the organization. Goodwill’s commitment to expanding services to the previously underserved areas and its excellent reputation with all stakeholders were cited as strengths. President and CEO Cheri Bever and staff were recognized as well-qualified, vigorous advocates for persons served. Goodwill Industries of Kanawha Valley, Inc. has been continuously accredited by CARF since 2002. This achievement is an indication of Goodwill’s dedication and commitment to improving the quality of life of persons with disabilities and other vocational disadvantages. Services, personnel and documentation clearly indicate an established pattern of practice excellence.

Moyers Named Business Relationship Banker at My Bank! First United My Bank! First United Bank & Trust has announced the promotion of Kimberly Moyers, former branch manager at the First United Suncrest location, to business relationship banker. This role is dedicated to supporting the needs of the businesses and business owners in Morgantown and the surrounding areas. “Kim’s banking expertise, her community involvement and her professionalism are dedicated to helping Monongalia County’s community-oriented businesses meet or exceed their personal and business-related financial goals,” says William Grant, chairman of the board and CEO at First United. “We are confident in Kim and know she will build professional and valuable relationships with businesses in the county.” Moyers is a graduate of West Virginia University, where she received a bachelor’s degree in business administration and a minor in communication studies. She also completed the American Bankers Association National Commercial Lending School in March 2013, and she is an honors graduate from Maryland Banking School, where she received the Lilian T. Moffat Award as valedictorian of the Class of 2008. Moyers is actively involved in the community, performing duties as the 2013 co-chair of Generation Morgantown and a member of the Leadership West Virginia Class of 2013. She is also an assistant leader of the Cheat Lake Sailors 4-H Club, as well as a member of the Special Olympics West Virginia Polar Plunge Committee. 

Locations: Bridgeport Charles Town Charleston - COMING SOON Clarksburg Cheat Lake Edwin Miller Fairmont Foxcroft Sabraton White Hall

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summer 2013

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Celebr ating 15 Wonderful Years

Celebrating

Years

“Fifteen years? We're just getting started!” Fifteen years: 15 años, 15 ans, 15 年, 15

χρόνια—however you say it, it's a big deal! The West Virginia Executive magazine got its start in 1998 and has come a long way since then. We want to take this opportunity to thank everyone who has helped us on our journey. As a statewide publication, it is important for us to have a network of friends and contacts from every corner of the state, and we couldn’t do this without you. We also want to thank past, present and future advertisers for your support and confidence in our publications and our team. We are proud to serve you and the Mountain State and enjoy shining a positive light on the great people of West Virginia. In celebration of our 15 years, we wanted to take a look back as well as highlight some fun 15s from around the state. In this 15th anniversary section, you will find “Consecutive Executives,” a look at 15 covers from over the years, and “Back to the Future,” a collection of quotes from 15 of our past Young Guns, as well as “15 Reasons to Read the Magazine,” “15 Fun Fall Festivals,” “15 Fabulous Food

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Finds” and “15 Stunning Scenes from the Mountain State.” We have been blessed with 15 wonderful years and are excited about the future and the opportunities that await. Thank you!

Too high-tech for print? You can read our magazine online with our page-turn edition and check our social media pages for Web exclusives.

We ❤ fossil fuels.

This is a magazine you really can read for the articles.

Because everyone else is reading it!

We’re statewide, so there’s a good chance you’ll see someone you know. Our editorial staff is made up of five talented, driven women. Can you say girl power? (Sorry, Mark and Longfellow—we’re sure they love you too!)

We throw a mean party.

Young Guns. Need we say more? Nominate yours by September 2

You won’t get black ink on your fingers every time you pick up an issue.

Reasons to Read the Magazine

Our advertisers are great examples of why you should do business in West Virginia.

With all the print publication options across the state, we wanted to give you 15 reasons to pick up West Virginia Executive.

We’re an office divided. (Editor’s note: Go ‘Eers!)

We have the best creative staff with Tracy Toler and Lisa Affolter rocking photography and design.

We don’t just bitch and moan about the state’s problems. We offer solutions and encourage dialogue.

We want our readers to embrace the true West Virginia culture and heritage we are so proud to be a part of.

From an underground coal mine to the top of the Green Bank Telescope and everywhere in between, we’ll go to the extreme to get it done.

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summer 2013

Consecutive Executives A Collection of Covers

As we look back on our last 15 years of magazines, itâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s interesting to consider the many powerful people and stories that have graced our covers. Beginning with Spring 1998, West Virginia Executiveâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s premiere issue, we wanted to give our readers a sampling of covers to show the diverse nature of our magazine through the years. Enjoy!

Premiere Issue, Tom Burns, Spring 1998

Premiere Young Guns Issue, Spring 1999

U.S. Senator Robert C. Byrd, Spring 2000

Erikka Storch and Andy Zulauf, Fall 2001

Richard Adams, Winter 2002

Scott Rotruck, Spring 2003

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Then-Secretary of State Joe Manchin, Summer 2004

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Jim Estep, November/December 2005

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The 50 Most Powerful, Summer 2006

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Awe-Inspiring Architecture

MIKE GARRISON

Energized Educator

Senator Robert C. Byrd

Education

Looking Forward

A Lifetime of Leadership

PRAGUE From Country Roads To Cobblestones

ENERGY OVERVIEW 2007 Tapping Into Water Resources

Uncorking Ambition

Journey To Master Sommelier

Education 2009

Tourismâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s Treasure Making Maple

Mike Garrison, Summer 2007

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Awe-Inspiring Architecture, Volume III 2008

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Executive Photo Contest Vote Now

U.S. Senator Robert C. Byrd, Spring 2009

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The

FUTURE of Power Generation

NGV Driving Economic Growth

Energy 2012

POWERING THE NATION

From Russia With Love The Changing Face of Politics

Robert C. Byrd A Celebration of Service

Winning in WV

Lisa Allen, Summer 2010

Major General James Hoyer, Summer 2011

Charles Patton, Spring 2012

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summer 2013

Fun Fall Festivals

By Amy Arnett

It’s almost autumn—a time

when the leaves change, the air gets crisp and apples and pumpkins come into season. West Virginia is a great location for celebrating the season, and we’re in no short supply of fall fest opportunities. Here, we have selected 15 notable festivals that provide an excuse to get out, see the foliage and maybe even eat some tasty treats.

Golden Delicious Festival Clay • September 19-22 www.claygoldendeliciousfestival.com

12th Annual Mothman Festival Point Pleasant • September 20-22 www.mothmanfestival.com As one of West Virginia’s foremost sources of notoriety and fame among conspiracy enthusiasts, the Mothman has earned an annual festival held in Point Pleasant, WV. According to festival organizers, the attendance now tops 4,000 visitors each year, all of whom can speak with eyewitnesses, see the statue and visit important landmarks in Point Pleasant.

West Virginia Storytelling Festival

The Grimes Golden Delicious Apple was discovered in Clay County in the late 1800s on the Mullins farm. The Golden Delicious Apple was declared the state fruit of West Virginia in 1955, and since 1972, Clay County has held the Golden Delicious Festival, which features an antique car show, art auction, Golden Delicious-only baking contest, 5K, parade, pig roast and shows held at the local theater.

Prickett’s Fort State Park • September 26-27 www.prickettsfort.org

45th Annual Treasure Mountain Festival

West Virginia Molasses Festival

Franklin • September 19-22 www.treasuremountainfestival.com This year marks the 45th Annual Treasure Mountain Festival. Held in Franklin, WV, the theme will be “The Treasure That Is Pendleton County.” Each year, attendees witness the re-enactment of the burning of Fort Seybert, in addition to a grand parade, quilt show, tea and dinner and arts and crafts. This year’s festival will include the production of “Red Velvet Cake War” at the Smith Creek Playhouse.

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The Mothman Festival

Storytelling is an art form that has been passed down for many generations and through many cultures. At Prickett’s Fort, festival guests join the West Virginia Storytelling Guild for workshops on how to tell stories, as well as the chance to hear some excellent tales.

Arnoldsburg • September 26-28 This sweet festival celebrates the art of molasses-making, complete with demonstrations. In addition to sugary spectacles, this Calhoun County festival has exhibits, craft shows, a parade and a chicken barbecue.

Preston County Buckwheat Festival Kingwood • September 26-29 www.buckwheatfest.com For 72 years, visitors at the Buckwheat Festival have enjoyed several activities in

celebration of the agricultural heritage of the Mountain State. Buckwheat was a staple when the festival was formed and remains so today. Guests attend the festival to enjoy a traditional feast of buckwheat pancakes and sausage, but they stay to participate in all of the other activities.

Volcano Days Waverly • September 27-29 www.mountwoodpark.org Volcano, WV, a former oil boom town, is the subject of Waverly’s Volcano Days. Held annually, the festival celebrates the oil and machinery heritage of Ritchie and Wood counties. Former residents of Volcano gather to reminisce and share the history of the area with newcomers and veteran attendees alike.

Bramwell’s Oktoberfest

West Virginia Roadkill Cook-Off

77th Mountain State Forest Festival

59th Annual Black Walnut Festival

Marlinton • September 28 www.pccocwv.com

Elkins • September 28-October 6 www.forestfestival.com

Spencer • October 10-13 www.wvblackwalnutfestival.org

This humorous festival in Pocahontas County requires that cook-off participants use meat of animals one would typically see as roadkill, including raccoon, opossum, squirrel, rabbit and deer.

The Mountain State Forest Festival boasts being the largest and oldest festival in the state. Each year, the grand parade, competitions of all varieties, rides and entertainment and the coronation of Queen Sylvia draw guests from all over the state and beyond. This year, Queen Sylvia LXXVII will reign over the festivities, which have become a West Virginia tradition and a highlight for Elkins residents.

Roane County is a quiet, rural area that creates quite the stir for their annual Black Walnut Festival. This event features glass blowing demonstrations, beauty pageants, a carnival, flower show and, of course, the annual nut sweepstakes, where an award is given for the best specimen of hickory and black walnuts from around West Virginia.

Capon Bridge Founders Day Capon Bridge • September 28-29 www.cbfoundersdayfestival.com This Hampshire County festival emphasizes the importance of the history of our region, as well as our nation. With history demonstrations from figures like Mary Todd Lincoln, Stonewall Jackson, Belle Boyd and Mark Twain, visitors will get a glance into the past while experiencing the best of today in Capon Bridge. Arts and crafts, archery and BB gun ranges, an animal park and live entertainment are all offered during the festival.

Webster Springs • October 12 www.visitwebsterwv.com

West Virginia Pumpkin Festival Milton • October 3-6 www.wvpumpkinpark.com The West Virginia Pumpkin Festival was originally held to help area farmers show and sell their pumpkins and produce. Today, the festival includes a bake-off, where entries must include a minimum of one cup of pumpkin; a parade; a beauty pageant and the annual Pumpkin Run 5K.

October Sky Rocket Boys Festival Beckley • October 4-6 www.rocketboysfestival.com

West Virginia Pumpkin Festival

Burgoo Cook-Off

In 1960, the Rocket Boys of Coalwood, WV, won a gold medal at the National Science Fair for their rockets. This festival, now moved to the Beckley Exhibition Coal Mines, celebrates the bravery and determination of a small group of southern boys inspired by the 1950s space race. Visitors can tour the coal mines, visit exhibits and meet four of the Rocket Boys themselves: Billy Rose, Jim O’Dell Carroll, Roy Lee Cooke and Homer Hickam.

Held Columbus Day weekend, the Webster Springs Burgoo Cook-Off is a festival for those who enjoy a hearty, autumn meal. Burgoo is a well-seasoned stew made with fresh meats and vegetables. The cook-off also includes an apple pie contest, apple butter making, live music and entertainment and a scarecrow contest.

18th Annual Bramwell Oktoberfest Bramwell • October 12 www.bramwelloktoberfest.com West Virginia’s own slice of a German tradition, the Bramwell Oktoberfest, brings the best in beer to Mercer County. Bramwell, known as the “Home of the Millionaires,” also offers tours of their historic district and excellent live music, including country, bluegrass, jazz and folk, during the festival.  Photography by the Mothman Museum, the West Virginia Pumpkin Festival, Gina Maria Candelori and Gail Hyer

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summer 2013

West Virginia Goes to Market As part of the celebration of our 15-year milestone, West Virginia Executive turned its attention toward the success stories of the Mountain State that are being created beyond our borders—around the globe, as a matter of fact. In the list “2012 Coal Exports,” provided by the West Virginia Development Office, we look at the top 15 countries to which West Virginia exported its coal in 2012, as well as the financial gains made by exporting our fossil fuels globally. Given these types of numbers, there’s no question West Virginia is a coal state—and yet we’re so much more. The list “2012 Top Non-Coal Markets” shows the top 15 countries in which other West Virginia industries are finding international success. 

2012 Coal Exports 1. Netherlands............................$807 million 2. Italy.........................................$697 million 3. India........................................$694 million 4. Brazil......................................$556 million 5. South Korea...........................$520 million 6. China......................................$492 million 7. United Kingdom.....................$457 million 8. Turkey.....................................$403 million 9. Japan.....................................$395 million 10. France..................................$381 million 11. Ukraine.................................$358 million 12. Canada.................................$272 million 13. Germany...............................$155 million 14. Morocco...............................$152 million 15. Spain....................................$151 million

2012 Top Non-Coal Markets 1. Canada......................................$1.4 billion 2. China....................................... $395 million 3. Japan...................................... $378 million 4. Belgium................................... $196 million 5. Germany.................................. $178 million 6. Mexico..................................... $154 million 7. Netherlands............................. $145 million 8. Brazil....................................... $130 million 9. United Kingdom........................ $91 million 10. South Korea............................ $91 million 11. Hong Kong.............................. $65 million 12. France..................................... $63 million 13. Singapore................................ $56 million 14. Australia.................................. $48 million 15. India......................................... $45 million

Source: West Virginia Development Office

west virginia executive

15 By amy arnett

Stunning Scenes from the Mountain State

In our 15 years, we have worked hard to honor

all the aspects that make living in West Virginia a privilegeâ&#x20AC;&#x201D;whether it be business efforts or beautiful landscapes. We asked our readers for their best scenic photos of the Mountain State, and we were not disappointed. With more than 500 outstanding entries of wildlife, wild flowers and wild

adventures, all of which epitomize Wild and Wonderful West Virginia, the staff had quite the challenge of narrowing it down to only 15. Many thanks go out to our readers for their amazing submissions. To view some of the additional photos, visit www. wvexecutive.com/stunning-scenes.

1. Rick Burgess Bomont, WV Looking out from the entrance of Sinks of Gandy in Randolph County, WV

2. Sarah Garland, Sarah Garland Photography Summersville, WV Boley Lake, located in Babcock State Park in Clifftop, WV 3. Carlie Hensley Huntington, WV A view of the Ohio River as seen from the 6th Street Bridge in Huntington, WV 4. Penny Johnson, Penny Johnson Photography Sissonville, WV A lightning strike over the I-64 Bridge on the Kanawha River in Charleston, WV

5. Steven Johnson Fairfax, WV A summer sunset at Plauger Farm in Beverly, WV 6. James Karner, JPKarner Photography Rock Hill, SC The Glade Creek Mill in Babcock State Park in Fayette County

7. Zach Lonergan Elkins, WV Looking at the Allegheny Front from the Bear Rocks Preserve in Tucker County, WV 8. Timothy Luce, Presidio Studios Alderson, WV A barn near the National Radio Astronomy Observatory in Green Bank, WV

9. Kevin Pickens Dunbar, WV Sandstone Falls in Hinton, WV

west virginia executive

10. John Rappold Huntington, WV An autumn sunrise at Summersville Lake in Summersville, WV

11. Connie Rowe, Connie Rowe Photography Montrose, WV The High Falls of Cheat, located in Monongahela National Forest near Bemis, WV 12. Kimberli Schuman Charleston, WV Looking from Hawks Nest State Park down on New River in Fayette, WV 13. Robbie Skinner Buckhannon, WV The West Virginia State Capitol after an evening thunderstorm 14. Tony Turley Scott Depot, WV Sunset one-half mile from Winfield Locks & Dam on the Kanawha River 15. Edwin â&#x20AC;&#x153;Boâ&#x20AC;? Wriston Palestine, WV The view of Route 5 and Fish Hatchery Road from Courtney Ridge in Wirt County

Kevin Pickens Dunbar, WV Sandstone Falls in Hinton, WV.

Memorable Moments in West Virginia History By James Casto

As West Virginia Executive celebrates its 15th year in print, we turn our attention to the history of the great State of West Virginia. Here are 15 significant moments in Mountain State history.

1731

West Virginia’s First Settler

Morgan Morgan was the first white settler in what is now West Virginia. Generations of West Virginia school children were taught that Morgan became the state’s first white settler when he settled at Bunker Hill in Berkeley County in 1726. Research now shows he was still living in Delaware in the 1720s and didn’t migrate to Bunker Hill until 1731. Research also suggests other settlers may have arrived before him. Traditions die hard, though, and Morgan seems destined to retain his niche in West Virginia history.

1742

The Discovery of Coal in West Virginia

Coal was discovered for the first time in what is now West Virginia by frontiersmen John Howard and John Peter Salling, who were exploring western Virginia when they came upon outcroppings of coal at Peytona on the Coal River.

1774

The Battle of Point Pleasant

On October 10, 1774, a day-long battle at the confluence of the Kanawha and Ohio rivers, the site of present-day Point Pleasant, took place as a force of 1,110 Virginia militiamen clashed with a similar number of Native American warriors led by Shawnee Chief Cornstalk. Losses were heavy on both sides, but the Virginians, under the command of Colonel Andrew Lewis, carried the day and quelled a Native American uprising.

west virginia executive

1818

The Completion of America’s First Major Highway

Cumberland Road, later called the National Road, was completed from Cumberland, MD, to Wheeling, WV. The nation’s first major highway to be built by the federal government, the 620-mile-long road provides a busy connection between the East Coast and the Ohio River.

1853

The First B&O Railroad Train Arrives in Wheeling

January 1, 1853 marks the arrival of the first Baltimore & Ohio (B&O) Railroad train in Wheeling, WV, from Baltimore, MD. The B&O had reached Cumberland, MD, in June 1851, but extending its tracks to Wheeling was slow work that required the construction of 11 tunnels and 113 bridges. The railroad’s completion to Wheeling reduced a trip that had previously taken several days to 16 hours and helped foster the city’s growth as a center of industry and trade.

1859

John Brown’s Raid in Harpers Ferry

On October 16, 1859, John Brown and a small band of followers attacked the U.S. Arsenal at Harpers Ferry, hoping to incite a slave insurrection and thus bring an end to slavery. They quickly seized the complex. Within hours, troops commanded by Lt. Col. Robert E. Lee arrived and stormed the engine house where Brown and his men were hiding. The troops captured Brown and his cohorts. Brown was tried for treason and hanged on December 2.

1861

Secession from Virginia – The First Wheeling Convention

On May 13-15, 1861, delegates from 25 counties in western Virginia met at the First Wheeling Convention and repudiated the idea of secession from the Union as favored by many in eastern Virginia. Later, the Second Wheeling Convention formed the Reorganized Government of Virginia and called for a public vote on breaking away from Virginia. When the vote was taken, 18,408 voters favored creating a new state, and 781 opposed it.

1863

A New State Is Born

1907

The Monongah Mine Disaster

On June 20, 1863, West Virginia was admitted to the Union as the 35th state.

On December 6, 1907, an explosion at the Monongah mine claimed the lives of 362 miners. The death toll makes the explosion the worst industrial accident in U.S. history. Mine health and safety expert Davitt McAteer’s 2007 book on the disaster, “Monongah,” asserts the actual death toll was close to 500 men and boys.

1920

The Matewan Massacre

On May 19, 1920, Matewan Police Chief Sid Hatfield attempted to arrest Baldwin-Felts detectives hired by coal operators to evict families of fired union miners from company housing. Ten people died in the resulting gun battle, including Matewan Mayor Cable Testerman. The “Matewan Massacre” made Hatfield a hero to miners and a national celebrity.

1932

The Dedication of the West Virginia State Capitol

1960

John F. Kennedy Continues to White House with West Virginia Victory

On May 10, 1960, John F. Kennedy defeated Hubert Humphrey in West Virginia’s presidential primary, launching him on the road to the White House. In 1963, Kennedy told a crowd of thousands gathered at the West Virginia State Capitol for the state’s centennial celebration that he couldn’t have won the presidency “if it had not been for the people of West Virginia.” Three months later, he died, felled by an assassin.

1972

The Buffalo Creek Disaster

1977

The Opening of the New River Gorge Bridge

2010

West Virginia Loses a Champion

On February 26, 1972, a Logan County coal waste dam collapsed, sending a massive wall of black water rushing down the Middle Fork of Buffalo Creek and sweeping away everything in its path. A total of 125 people were killed, and thousands were left homeless. The State of West Virginia sued the dam’s owner, the Pittston Co., for $100 million. Governor Arch Moore later accepted a $1 million settlement.

The iconic New River Gorge Bridge, near Fayetteville, WV, opened on October 22, 1977. One of the state’s best-known landmarks, the soaring structure reduced the time required to drive across the gorge from 40 minutes to only one minute.

U.S. Senator Robert C. Byrd died on June 28, 2010, at the age of 92. His death wrote an end to a legendary political career that saw him serve more than 50 years in the U.S. Senate, where he cast 18,699 roll call votes—more than any other senator in U.S. history. Many of those votes brought millions of dollars to West Virginia for new roads and other projects. 

The West Virginia State Capitol was dedicated on June 20, 1932. Built to replace the capitol that had burned, the structure was constructed in stages over a period of eight years. Designed by famed architect Cass Gilbert, the West Virginia State Capitol cost slightly under $10 million to build, meaning it came in under budget, a rare distinction for any government building project.

Back to the Future 15 Years of Young Guns

As we look back over the past 15 years, each Young Gun has shared with us how they reached the top, and each journey has been unique in its own way. West Virginia Executive would like to reflect on some of the best and brightest in our state and the inspiring quotes they passed on through their Young Guns profiles. Whether pertaining to work ethic, how to juggle career and family life or personal values, we have selected 15 quotes to help inspire other business professionals.

By Maggie matsko

“You haven’t seen anything yet. West Virginia is rich with opportunity, and I look forward to working with those that believe the same.”

Class of 2000, Mike Basile, Managing Member, Spilman Thomas & Battle, PLLC

“I have a lot of energy, am very competitive, very driven and have a deep desire to achieve. I thrive on my drive and always sought out opportunities, stepped over failures and disappointment and had clear goals.” Class of 2011, Jill Cranston Rice, Partner, Dinsmore & Shohl LLP

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“Whether applied to staff, family or marriage, enthusiasm and cooperation has never failed me!”

Class of 2002, Stacey Brodak, Previous Position – Executive Director, Greater Morgantown CVB; Current Position – Community and Media Relations Manager, Noble Energy

“You must always have a clear goal in mind. Then start eliminating the obstacles standing in the way.”

Class of 2003, Scot Drake, Previous Position – Vice President of Marketing Communications, The Arnold Agency; Current Position – Chief Marketing Officer, The Arnold Agency

“I believe that, to be successful, you have to honor your commitments, even when it’s inconvenient or uncomfortable. Employees, vendors and customers all appreciate this trait and will certainly cheer for you and may even help you along when you most need it.”

Class of 2012, Jim Bunn, II, Managing Member, Coal River Energy, LLC

“Working smart is very important, but there is no substitute for determination and tenacity. When you combine those attributes with a staff of high-quality people, there is very little you cannot achieve.”

“My greatest success is the many failures that I have experienced and will continue to experience. I have learned more from doing things the wrong way than I ever have from doing them without error.”

Class of 2001, Jim Estep, President and CEO, West Virginia High Technology Foundation

Class of 2009, Jennifer Casey, Owner, FOX Engineering

“We should encourage students to explore technology, energy sciences and math. Today’s engaged children are tomorrow’s state leaders.”

Class of 2013, Amy Flynn, Operations Manager, Bioanalytical Services, Protea Biosciences Group, Inc.

“Some of the best opportunities come out of some of the worst situations.”

Class of 1999, Elizabeth Osenton Lord, Previous Position – Partner, Jackson & Kelly, PLLC; Current Position – Member, Jackson Kelly, PLLC

“I’m proud to be a 10th generation West Virginian and grateful to have a job that allows me not only to stay in West Virginia but to help promote the wonderful things about our state that people may not know.”

Class of 2005, Aly Goodwin Gregg, Previous Position – Senior Vice President, RMS Strategies; Current Position – Chief Marketing Officer, MVB Bank

“I try to lead by example, and that’s what I live by. I don’t ask any of my employees to do a job that I haven’t already performed myself.” Class of 2008, Diana Lewis, Owner, Action Facilities Management

“The people in West Virginia are different than anywhere else. There is a greater sense of comraderie here; this is true even in the legal profession. There is a better quality of people, and I feel comfortable. This is home.” Class of 2007, Corey Palumbo, Previous Position – Attorney-at-Law, Bowles Rice McDavid Graff & Love, PLLC and Delegate, District 30; Current Position – Partner, Bowles Rice, LLP and West Virginia Senator, District 17

“West Virginia is a beautiful diamond in the rough. Those of us who hail from this great state have accepted a personal mission to enlighten others to that fact.”

Class of 2001, Richard Slater, Previous Position – Principle, Ernst & Young, LLP; Current Position – Managing Partner, Dixon Hughes Goodman, LLP

“I try to find the positives in every situation, viewing the glass as half full rather than half empty. I also believe in personal accountability— sharing the credit or stepping up to take the blame, whichever is appropriate.”

“I was the Shepherd College Ram! This was one of the ways I got involved in college life. I feel strongly that everyone should try to give back and have a strong commitment to volunteerism. Everyone has a unique role to play in the community, and I encourage others to get involved when and how they can.” Class of 2010, Sandy Sponaugle, Founder and Chief Executive Officer, Platinum PR

Class of 2001, Andy Zulauf, Previous Position – Executive Director, West Virginia Capital Corporation; Current Position – Executive Director, West Virginia Jobs Investment Trust

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Welcome Home. Sarasota, Florida

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Sarasota is home to a variety of recreational opportunities, including golf and water sports.

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A 2011 ranking of healthy communities named Sarasota 4th in the state.

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Fabulous Food Finds By Amy Arnett and Rachel Hunter

If you’ve been looking for new dining experiences to explore around the state, your search is over. From organic and local-grown ingredients to international cuisine, our fabulous food finds have something for every taste bud. Black Sheep Burrito & Brews 1555 3rd Avenue Huntington, WV (304) 523-1555 www.blacksheepwv.com Located right beside Marshall University, Black Sheep Burrito & Brews offers a menu that is world food truck inspired. Offering a variety beyond your usual burrito stand, Black Sheep features dishes like a kimchi barbeque burrito in addition to the traditional carnitas, and customers can choose their own burrito filling from a variety of options: jerk chicken, brisket, portobello, duck, pork shoulder, tofu and trout. The décor is modern and eco-friendly, as the owner, Patrick Guthrie, made his own light fixtures out of recycled liquor bottles.

Blue Moon Café 200 E. High Street Shepherdstown, WV (304) 876-1920 www.bluemoonshepherdstown.com Opened in 1999, the Blue Moon Café is a food oasis located in historic Shepherdstown. The menu boasts a variety of delicious salads, sides and sandwiches like the Pilgrim: turkey

breast, brie and a cranberry aioli served warm on ciabatta with a side of sesame noodles or corn salad. Diners can enjoy their meals in the café, often with live music, or in the beautiful outdoor space, complete with a stream. The restaurant uses many local products and makes efforts in being a sustainable business.

Bovine's Gourmet Burgers and Hot Dogs

Capitol Market 800 Smith Street Charleston, WV (304) 344-1905 www.capitolmarket.net The Capitol Market, a unique shopping experience where customers can find fresh A personalized burrito from Black Sheep Burrito & Brews in Huntington, WV.

3625 S. Main Street Weirton, WV (304) 604-2641 Bovine’s is a classic and gourmet burger gem, and it’s hidden in a food truck. Bovine’s vast array of burgers, like the Breakfast Burger, Harvest Burger, Barnyard BBQ Burger and Peanut Butter Burger, have been hits among customers. Bovine’s also offers hotdogs with a twist: covered in chili, slaw or put in a wrap. These dining classics and a menu beefed up with soups, salads and other sandwiches have created a dining experience that locals say can’t be matched. Imaginative ingredients and the casual food truck dining experience make Bovine’s a must-stop location when passing through Weirton.

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meat, produce, books, wine and gourmet chocolate, is also a great place for a lunch break. Johnnie’s Fresh Meat Market offers old-style butcher shop services and madeto-order sandwiches and salads. The Fresh Seafood Company, which provides a broad lunch menu and seafood selection, is possibly best known for its West Virginia-style hotdog complete with homemade chili, slaw and fresh onions. The Purple Onion offers healthy lunch alternatives like salads and homemade soups, and Holl's Swiss Chocolatier gives Charleston a taste of gourmet chocolate from their glass displays. At the Capitol Market, there’s something for every craving.

Happy Trails Café

Kenyan Café

133 Washington Street Ellenboro, WV (304) 869-3635 www.happytrailscafe.com

1137 Van Voorhis Road, #20 Morgantown, WV (304) 598-3044 www.kenyancafe.com

Located nine miles from North Bend State Park in Ellenboro, WV, Happy Trails is one of only a handful of cafés in the Mountain State that roasts its own coffee. Unique flavored roasts include S’mores, Crème Brûlée and Raspberry Crème Truffle. For those who can’t choose just one, Happy Trails offers customers the option to build their own coffee blend with orders of five pounds or more.

Creperi Café

Jamaican Café

4002 MacCorkle Avenue, SE. Charleston, WV (304) 925-4400 www.cafecreperi.com

171 Retail Commons Parkway Martinsburg, WV (304) 596-9000 www.jamaicancaferestaurant.com

Those searching for an eclectic culinary experience in Morgantown, look no further. The Kenyan Café serves up Kenyan food with an American twist. The primarily organic menu includes several rice-based dishes like Beef Briani, which is well-seasoned beef served with corn, green beans, carrots and peas, and matoke, a blend of vegetables with unripened plantains, which are similar to potatoes. For the more daring, they offer goat stew, a slow-cooked meal served with cabbage or kale. The homey dishes are paired with drink options such as red ginger tea and millet drink, a traditional decaffeinated Kenyan beverage.

Creperi Café brings the best of both Greek and French inspired foods into one café where customers can pick from a variety of both sweet and savory crepes. Popular savory crepes on the menu are inspired by Mediterranean fare while the dessert crepes have more French influence. The Crepe de’Amour has fresh raspberries and the choice of Belgian or Nutella chocolate, topped with homemade whipped cream from Ellen’s Ice Cream in Charleston.

Jamaica is famous for its music, lively people and spicy food, and we have our own piece of island paradise at the Jamaican Café. The menu boasts a diverse assortment of chicken, fish, goat, beef and vegetarian options, including jerk shrimp, curry chicken, oxtail, saltfish; sandwiches on coco bread and bread pudding for dessert. Both eating and drinking is international here, as they serve a selection of beverages meant to evoke a day in paradise: Ginger Iced Tea, Jamaican-Me-Blue Fruit Punch, a FiveFruit-Smoothie and a selection of Jamaican sodas that includes spicy ginger beer.

DiOGi’s 312 N. Court Street Fayetteville, WV (304) 574-3647 www.diogismexicangrill.com DiOGi’s is known for serving some of the state’s most authentic Latin cuisine. It’s also known for being one of the only dog-friendly restaurants in the state. Diners can take their four-legged companions on a leash and dine outside, where they will get their own complimentary cool bowl of water and doggie taco. Among the human customer favorites are the carnitas and the fish tacos, which were added to the menu by popular demand. The tacos are stuffed with grilled or fried tilapia, pico de gallo and a chipotle lime shredded cabbage.

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The Kissel Stop Café in Elkins, WV.

Kissel Stop Café 23 3rd Street Elkins, WV (304) 636-8810 www.kisselstop.com One of the highlights of downtown Elkins’ historic railroad scene is the Kissel Stop Café. With railway-themed décor and a play on “whistle stop” for a name, this coffee shop and café is a train stop treasure. Kissel Stop serves up sandwiches like the classic Reuben and also has a menu of breakfast options like scones, croissants and danishes. The coffee selection includes

basic roasts and flavored coffees such as the Calypso Cream, Baked Alaska and German Chocolate Cake, making Kissel Stop the perfect place to sit down and soak up some of our state’s rich railway history.

Later Alligator 2145 Market Street Wheeling, WV (304) 233-1606 www.lateralligator.net Fresh ingredients and made-from-scratch dishes set Later Alligator apart from other West Virginia eateries. From a menu of distinct soups, salads, savory and sweet crepes, wraps and sandwiches, one notable item is The Divine Intervention, a grilled peanut butter, Reese’s Cup and Nutella sandwich. This intense combination of chocolate and peanut butter is sure to satisfy even the biggest sweet tooth.

One of the many menu offerings at Later Alligator in Wheeling, WV.

Mango Latin Bistro 701 Market Street Parkersburg, WV (304) 834-3927 If you’re in the mood for authentic Latin American cuisine and a unique dining atmosphere, check out Mango Latin Bistro in Parkersburg. Daily lunch specials such as chicken and cheese or black bean and cheese empanadas are a big hit with customers. The menu is provided in both Spanish and English, and all of the specialty dishes—like the Arepa, a handmade, grilled corn flatbread stuffed with chicken, cheese, banana peppers, mojito, avocado and salsa—are infused with genuine spices and flavors.

Panorama at the Peak 3299 Cacapon Road Berkeley Springs, WV (304) 258-0050 www.panoramaatthepeak.com Panorama at the Peak, situated on a 60-acre panoramic overlook in Berkeley Springs, offers guests a breath-taking view while they dine from a diverse menu that includes a local pork chop from West Virginia’s Awee Farm. The pork chop is brined in house, charbroiled and served over apple and potato hash with sautéed kale. The combination of fresh, local ingredients and natural Mountain State beauty make this a restaurant experience not to be missed.

The Thyme Bistro in Weston, WV is known for its assortment of specialty desserts.

Pretty Penny Café

Thyme Bistro

7484 Seneca Trail Marlinton, WV (304) 653-2646 www.prettypennyfood.com

5 E. 2nd Street Weston, WV (304) 269-7177

Pretty Penny Café owner Blair Campbell makes food just the way her mother, Penny, did—with fresh, local ingredients. The menu includes sandwiches, salads, burgers, pasta and steaks, all made with the freshest ingredients and spices. Many of the dishes, like the Carrie Logan Burger, are named after family members. Customer favorites are the Mountaineer Burger, a burger with ramp BBQ sauce, cheddar, bacon and an onion ring, and the Pretty Penny Penne.

Cinnamon Apple Cheesecake with Walnut Streusel, Pina Colada Torte, Limoncello Tiramisu, Hummingbird Cake with Brown Butter Frosting—is your mouth watering yet? These are just a few of the decadent dessert specials created at the Thyme Bistro in Weston, WV. Casual café by day and fine-dining getaway by night, this bistro has options for all tastes and schedules. Lunchtime specials and the “kettle of the day” are featured and have included items like Salmon Gyros and the Braised Short Rib Mountaineer. In the evening, the restaurant features an elegant menu of dishes, complete with bacon-wrapped and pan-seared delights.  Photography by Jeremiah Bowen, Mike Fear Photography, Samuel Starkey and Geoff Kraus

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Risk Management In Human Resources To make HR departments a profit center for the company instead of a cost center, you must begin with an assessment of your current practices.

By Sharon BoyceWerdebaugh

One of the most important

aspects of any business owner’s job is to minimize risks when dealing with human resources (HR) issues. Many have learned the hard way that treating a crisis once it arises puts the company on the fast track to trouble. Experience shows that companies need to work proactively to discover potential problems and handle them immediately. Auditing your HR practices on a periodic basis is the best way to create that advantage. The formality of an audit is the only systematic way an employer can examine its human resources function objectively, identify problem areas, assess strengths that can be leveraged, prioritize according to greatest payoff and take prompt, effective corrective action where needed. From a strategic standpoint, effective HR risk management significantly and positively affects a company’s financial success, growth and reputation in many ways, including:

• Identifying the company’s overall needs, liabilities and strengths; • Evaluating the effectiveness and efficiency of HR; • Identifying policies that are missing or are not legally defensible if challenged; • Bringing potential problems to the forefront; • Identifying needs for improved internal control in human resources; • Having a benchmark for future audits; • Identifying the most common violations and suggesting ways to avoid them and • Using the audit findings to change course in order to meet the company’s strategic goals. Even if companies aren’t auditing HR practices in order to save money or identify issues before they become unmanageable, they should do it to help HR provide exemplary service to both employees and the organization. To make HR departments a profit center for the company instead of a cost center, you must begin with an assessment of your current practices.

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The bottom line is that an HR audit gives you solid information to determine how to structure and align human resources to accomplish results most beneficial to the company.

HR Audits There are as many types of audits as there are specialties in HR. Professionals categorize them into four groups: traditional risk management audits, strategic audits, function specific audits and HR effectiveness audits. The primary goal of risk management audits, which are the most essential and comprehensive, is to assess the level of risk involved in certain actions or policies the company has either adopted or overlooked and provide actions to overcome the risk. Strategic audits focus on systems and processes to determine if HR is helping, hindering or having little impact. Function specific audits focus on a particular area of HR such as benefits, discipline and termination and leave policies. The HR effectiveness audits focus on evaluation of how well the needs of the company and employees are being met, not unlike a satisfaction survey or a scorecard for the department.

Using Metrics Using proper human capital metrics that are standard to your organization or industry allows companies to calculate critical data needed to improve the health and growth of an organization through tactical and/or strategic changes, ultimately driving the company to greater success and value. Some of the best metrics to capture include the human capital return on investment, which shows the return on investment ratio per employee; the

human capital value added, which shows how employees add value to the organization; the health care costs per employee; the HR expense as a percentage of total operating cost and the cost of each turnover in both hard and soft dollars.

The Stages of an Audit At first glance, conducting an HR audit may seem daunting, but taking it in steps makes it much more practical. Some organizations choose to outsource the audit because of the magnitude. As with anything productive, there is a planning stage. A good audit begins with creating a project plan and having a defined scope. During this stage, the type and who, what, where, when and how of the audit are determined. This stage also involves the communication plan, an essential part of having a successful audit. Finally, the planning stage involves the creation of the questionnaire to which the audit will adhere. The next stage can be thought of as either a separate phase or part of the preparation phase but cannot be overlooked; gaining buy-in is vital and is accomplished by communicating the reasons for the audit, as well as the advantages to those who are integral to the process. The more people affected by the audit feel in control, the more likely it is they will cooperate. The third stage is the process of collecting actual information. Regardless of which type of audit you are conducting or outsourcing, it is at this point you will be interviewing people, reviewing checklists, policies and procedures and referencing different resources. Each of these phases leads up to the benchmarking and analysis stage. It is here where you will summarize your findings and

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The word is out, and West Virginia is open for business thanks to natural gas. Beyond powering our homes and vehicles, natural gas plays a critical role in manufacturing processes, either as energy to produce a bevy of products such as steel and glass or as a feedstock to produce chemicals and plastics. West Virginia’s own Blenko Glass is a prime example. “(Blenko Glass) Vice-President Katie Trippe says that the Milton glassmaker has benefited from a recent drop in natural gas prices and a surge in sales.” - WSAZ, August 6, 2012

Milton, WV

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More than $20 billion in manufacturing projects have been announced in America to come online by 2015 covering a geographic region ranging from the Gulf Coast to the Ohio Valley. That’s good news for America’s manufacturers, and for West Virginia.

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compare those findings to other companiesâ&#x20AC;&#x2122; results. Depending on your scope, you may or may not be adding actionable items to this phase. Typically, when outsourced, you will receive audit results coupled with actionable items. Before presenting the results, ensure you write the audit report and focus on your different audiences. Create an executive summary of no more than three pages for top management while providing more detail for the affected functional areas. And finally, if not already included in an earlier phase, create action plans and foster a climate for continuous improvement.

Areas to Audit When faced with conducting an HR audit, there is no doubt you will feel overwhelmed. If you are conducting an audit yourself or with the assistance of your staff, you will likely find that a focused, function-specific audit is best. However, if you can convince your organization to outsource the audit, it is well worth having a comprehensive audit. Most professionals suggest doing a comprehensive risk management audit at least every three to five years. Otherwise, focused audits are generally only required when there are significant organizational changes such as mergers, acquisitions, new management, catastrophes and changes to the strategic plan or those performed in response to a law, lawsuit or claim. With all the work there is to do in HR, or as an executive wearing many hats, an audit may seem like just one more thing to do. Audits are not very enticing, but this investment will pay for itself many times over if it provides your organization with an accurate picture of what you need to worry about and what you donâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;t. ď Ž

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The Heart and Soul of the Mountain State Main Street West Virginia

By Brooks The main streets in the Mountain McCabe State are alive and well, due in large part to Main Street West Virginia, a program that provides technical assistance to West Virginiaâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s nationally certified main street communities: Charleston East End, Charleston West Side, Fairmont, Kingwood, Mannington, Martinsburg, Morgantown, Philippi, Point Pleasant, Ripley, Ronceverte and White Sulphur Springs. These communities are learning how to make their revitalization efforts more effective with Main Street services and training customized to meet their local needs with the help of Main Street West Virginia State Coordinator Jennifer Ferrell. West Virginiaâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s main streets help showcase the best of the state and are a powerful force to meet the challenges of the 21st century.

The Bluegrass Kitchen, known for its eclectic menu, is located on Charleston's East End.

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“Main streets are the heart and soul of West Virginia communities,” says Monica Miller, manager of Local Capacity Development in the West Virginia Development Office. “They are the traditional economic hub of the community, and the Main Street philosophy is to preserve and revitalize these vital areas.” Since its inception in 1988, Main Street West Virginia has grown in both importance and scale. The program focuses on traditional, historic or commercial districts and uses the National Trust for Historic Preservation’s Main Street Four Point Approach™, which includes organization, promotion, design and economic restructuring, to reach its goals for the 12 designated communities. The State of West Virginia has been working with the West Virginia Department of Health and Human Resources Bureau for Public Health to focus on a fifth point: public health. With funding from the Bureau of Public Health and the Claude Worthington Benedum Foundation, Main Street West Virginia is adding health and wellness as a building block for strong communities. This offers exciting possibilities and is especially needed, given West Virginia’s poor health demographics. Living and working in exciting downtown environments goes hand in hand with proper diet and exercise. Farmers markets, jogging and bicycle paths and a strong sense of community all add up to an improved quality of life. This is what main streets are all about. Kate Greene, the executive director of Main Street Fairmont, believes her community is at a “great tipping point with major growth, new people and a more worldly perspective.” With Pierpont Community & Technical College deciding to locate downtown, a whole new excitement and vibrancy is being created. Fairmont State University is another hub of activity with a renewed focus on revitalizing Locust Avenue. Greene believes it is about “working with the assets you have. It is about the people in the community investing in themselves.” Greene has established Fairmont at 1230, a group of concerned community members that meets every Thursday to review issues and how best to resolve them. “If you bring up an issue, you also have to propose a solution,” says Greene. “You can’t just gripe about a problem; you have to help with the

CLOCKWISE: The Charleston West Side Main Street’s Wiener Dog Race, Philippi Main Street and Ripley Main Street.

Main street shops in Fairmont.

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Friendly’s Furniture, a Main Street Fairmont staple.

Main Street Economics •

In 2012, the total equivalent energy saved by rehabbing 217 downtown buildings was equivalent to 4,256,889 gallons of gasoline, which is enough to power 4,027 cars on an annual basis.

•

From 2011-2012, the number of downtown businesses supporting locally-made products nearly doubled to 121 businesses.

•

In 2012, for every state public dollar invested in the Main Street West Virginia program, there was $55 in direct private reinvestment and $4 in indirect private reinvestment.

•

Main Street West Virginia communities leveraged state investment to generate another $295,000 in new taxes from new business creation and $580,303 in new taxes from job creation.

•

Overall, Main Street West Virginia communities generated $15.7 million in total economic reinvestment in 2012. Source: Main Street West Virginia 2012 Performance Metrics Report

solution.” Fairmont’s sesquicentennial celebrations were facilitated by the group, whose collaborative efforts made the 150th celebration bigger and more successful with the influx of volunteers and resources. Main Street Fairmont has initiated a variety of other projects including a farmers market on Veterans Square’s parking lot during the weekends. It is all about community engagement and creating an active downtown area. Stephanie Johnson, executive director of West Side Main Street in Charleston, is proud of the West Side’s Old Fashioned Ice Cream Social, a part of Charleston’s multi-day FestivALL. United Dairy, West Virginia’s largest dairy and a West Side business, provides 25 gallon tubs of ice cream, and this event—coupled with several music performances, face painting for children and other activities—showcases the best of the West Side. According to Johnson, some people have a negative perception of the West Side, and this event helps combat that perception while allowing people to see the great businesses and opportunities in the neighborhood.

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G.L. Callihan and his granddaughter, Olyvea, enjoy the Charleston West Side Main Street’s annual Old Fashioned Ice Cream Social.

West Side Main Street is also on a mission to find a way to preserve and renovate the old Staats Hospital building. It is a daunting task but one that the organization and other city and business groups are pursuing in earnest. If successful, this adaptive reuse of the historic property could act as the catalyst needed to take the West Side to an entirely new level. Revitalizing the building stock is a major component of West Side Main Street’s goals, which can be accomplished through such tools as façade grants, streetscapes, signage and pursuing grants to stabilize buildings until a developer can be found. Karen Carper, the project manager and VISTA volunteer for Elkins ON TRAC, is working with her community to obtain

certification as a Main Street community in 2014. To become certified, communities must establish funding for the local Main Street administration implementing the program, so Elkins is setting up Friends of ON TRAC to help raise money for the effort. Carper believes the National Main Street program is a powerful economic development tool, and certification is a major community accomplishment. Elkins was recently chosen as a livable community by the American Institute of Architects - West Virginia Chapter. Working with the ON TRAC and Main Street programs has some related benefits. Elkins, where mountains beckon, artists gather and history lives, is a good example. Carper is extremely pleased to have the Main Street and ON TRAC programs in West Virginia. “The support service provided to small communities is outstanding. Training opportunities such as the recent Main Street West Virginia Conference held in Charleston address the topics that concern our communities in education sessions and provide a platform to discuss problems or concerns in a supportive environment.” The ON TRAC program is sponsored by the West Virginia Development Office and works in concert with the state’s Main Street program. Nikki Williams, the West Virginia ON TRAC coordinator, oversees 18 participating communities, three of which are on track for Main Street certification in 2014. In addition to Elkins, Wheeling and Parkersburg are fully engaged in the process and shooting for a 2014 Main Street certification.  Photography by Steve Shaluta Photography, West Virginia Department of Commerce, Main Street Ripley, Charleston West Side Main Street, Arnett Muldrow and Herb Smith

Clinton W. Smith Collections Since 1983

Law Offices Of Clinton W. Smith Mezzanine Suite 4 405 Capitol Street Charleston, WV 25301 E-mail: CWSmithLawyer@aol.com Telephone: (304) 343-4498 Fax: (304) 343-5807 Toll-free Central/Southern WV 1-800-335-4498

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1210 Smith Street, Charleston, WV | 304-344-1231 | www.cgwv.com

Mail Pouch Tobacco Barns

America’s Early Outdoor Advertising

By rebekah Karelis

The name Mail Pouch

usually evokes a visual image of an idyllic barn in a pastoral setting and an automatic sense of familiarity with the product. Perhaps the country’s most well-known

outdoor advertising tool, the surviving landmark Mail Pouch barns are important and treasured pieces of Americana. What many people don’t know is that Mail Pouch Chewing Tobacco was a product of West Virginia.

In 1879, Aaron and Samuel Bloch began operating a stogie-making business on the floors above their wholesale grocery and dry goods store located on Main Street in downtown Wheeling, WV. A disastrous flood hit the town in 1884, and the floodwaters destroyed the business located on the first floor, wiping out their stock and equipment. The tobacco factory, though, remained untouched on the second floor. The brothers sold off the damaged goods and turned the focus of their business efforts wholly on tobacco production. They created Mail Pouch Chewing Tobacco in 1879, which was comprised of tobacco wrapper clippings that resulted from the stogie-making process. The brothers gathered, flavored and packaged these clippings for sale. With the success of this tobacco ExEdge product, they eventually discontinued stogie making and Mail Pouch exclusively sold this cheap slogans adorned barns, bridges chewing tobacco option. and buildings. The Bloch brothers began By 1992, West buying tobacco leaves for Virginia had more their product from crops in than 200 signs. Wisconsin, Pennsylvania, Source: www. Connecticut and Ohio to wvencyclopedia. be blended at the facility in com Wheeling. The crops would then be formed into blocks and cut with a ribbon-cut technique. The brothers took the idea one step further by deciding to flavor those wrapper clippings and package them in a bag inspired by those used to transport mail on the railroads, hence the birth of Mail Pouch Chewing Tobacco.

This Mail Pouch barn in Randolph County, WV, appeared in “Mail Pouch Barns of West Virginia,” a collection of Mail Pouch barn photography by Steve Shaluta.

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Page 114 (background image): This Mail Pouch barn photo was taken by Steve Shaluta in Jackson County, WV, off exit 138 on I-77. Page 114 (right inset): Harley Warrick, the last of the barn painters. Above: Charles Kuralt featured Mail Pouch barns on the TV show “On the Road” in 1962. Here, Kuralt stands in front of a Mail Pouch barn as Harley Warrick paints the famous logo.

Engineering

The practice of selling stogie wrapper clippings was not a new idea at the time, as many businesses were doing the very same thing. Even though the Blochs were not inventing the wheel with their product, it was their remarkable advertising campaign that left an indelible mark across America’s countryside.

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Their well-known advertisements began to appear on barns across the country around the turn of the century. During the 1920s, in Syracuse, NY, six men—two per truck— began painting barns, traveling from site to site by way of Ford Model T’s. Focusing their efforts first on barns along railways, the common slogan, “Chew Mail Pouch – Treat Yourself to the Best!” later popped up along rural roads in distant countrysides and town centers from Maine to California. As an advertising campaign, it was brilliant. The farmers were offered their choice of payment for use of their barn, most of which needed painted anyway: money, tobacco or a magazine subscription. Eventually, the payment simply became cold, hard cash. Designed by Mr. J.A. Bloch, the sign required a wide, yellow border with a black spot centered in every foot. At one point, for a painter to be paid, he had to submit a picture of the advertisement. The painters were paid per square foot, and in that picture, the central office could determine how many square feet the advertisement covered by counting black spots. The paint of choice was Dutch Boy white lead, a paste mixed with linseed

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oil and stored in milk cans between jobs. Painters would then thin it with gasoline before applying it to the barns. To achieve the characteristic black on the barn side, they would use lampblack mixed with linseed oil. The words “Chew” and “Treat Yourself to the Best” were typically in white, and “Mail Pouch Tobacco” was in yellow. While every team stuck to a

prototype, there were variations from region to region. In the beginning, local painters were hired to paint the barns in their area because transportation from region to region was so difficult. In later years, as transportation routes and means improved, the paint contracts were pared down to teams of painters that would travel regionally. They

A Mail Pouch barn in Wirt County, WV, captured by native Bo Wriston.

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were assigned a territory and would stay in one area for several weeks, painting as many barns as they could. In 1933, brothers William and Ed Burner took over the business—William took over the western half of the country and Ed took the eastern half. It was during this period that the company moved away from hiring local painters and began hiring official barn-painting crews who traveled the country. Each territory could be covered in about three years’ time, with the teams painting barns from February until the end of December, depending on the weather. Harley Warrick, the last of the barn painters, spent 38 years painting Mail Pouch logos on barns across the country. Born in Belmont, Ohio, he began working as a barn painter after he returned from World War II at the age of 21. He worked for a sign shop first, and when a team came to his family’s farm to paint their barn, they had an opening on one of their four two-man teams. The painters were paid $28 a week plus incentives per square foot of barns painted, and added incentives included staying in hotels at the company’s expense and traveling in a company truck. His team would paint two or three barns a day, six days a week which would equal out to approximately 700 barns a year. In 1965, Congress passed the Highway Beautification Act, supported by Lady Bird Johnson, restricting many new barns from being painted as it called for no sign to be within 660 feet from both interstates and primary highways. This law was enacted in order to banish “eye pollution,” and it changed the barn painter’s life forever. The barns Warrick painted were considered a billboard after this law was passed, and it greatly limited those that could be painted or repainted. In fact, the company had to fight in order to save those that were already in existence by 1965. With the help of West Virginia Senator Jennings Randolph, Congress amended the law in 1974 to exclude signs “on farm structures or natural surfaces,” or, as in this case, of historic or artistic significance. The Senate Committee ceded that there were some types of outdoor advertising that were unique enough to justify their preservation, and at the top of their list was the Mail Pouch barns.  Photography by Steve Shaluta Photography and Bo Wriston

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www.wvexecutive.com Nominations will be accepted through September 2, 2013, and selections will be announced in the Fall 2013 issue of West Virginia Executive. All nominations are thoroughly evaluated. Final decisions are made by the publishers and are completely without regard to advertising status, gender, race, creed, political ideology or profession.

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Kemerovo Calls The Kuzbass region of Russia is a major supplier of metallurgical and thermal coal to Russia and many other regions of the world.

By Marvin Woodie

It was a perfect day for a trip: the

weather was hot, and the sun was out at Pittsburgh International Airport, busy with travelers of all types going across the globe for various reasons. My reason was a trip to Kemerovo, Russia via Moscow as part of my business travel with Conn-Weld, a supplier of screening products located in Princeton, WV. What a stark contrast between locations! From Moscow, a city of 12 million, to Kemerovo, with a population of half a million people, there was an incredible difference in the styles of the cities I experienced on this trip. Moscow is a major global community, while Kemerovo, a smaller area in the center of the Kuzbass region of Russia and not far from Mongolia, China and Kazakhstan, is considered a mid-sized city.

Coal brought me to this destination. As vice president of Field Operations for Conn-Weld, my trip to Kemerovo was meant to assist with enhancing the screening requirements of washing coal. The Kuzbass region of Russia is a major supplier of metallurgical and thermal coal—used for the production of steel—to Russia and many other regions of the world. Many companies in Russia are vertically integrated; they mine raw materials and convert them so that they can be used to manufacture goods for the commercial markets around the world, such as cars, appliances and equipment. I was joined on this trip by George Uram, one of my associates at Conn-Weld. Once we landed in Kemerovo, we took a short, 15-minute drive to the hotel where we were staying. The hotel was offered to us by Ural Mining and Metallurgical Company (UMMC), the company we were visiting on our trip. As we drove through the city’s wide streets, ExEdge bisected by beautiful parks, we observed Administrators families playing together, older men seated in the city of on park benches discussing what could Kemerovo have only be current affairs and people strolling claimed they have indisputable along the wide park avenues. proof that Yetis For the most part, the culture of the exist and live city of Kemerovo is similar to that of a in the region. larger city in the U.S.; residents walk to Source: their destinations or use readily available www.dailymail. transportation, such as trains, buses and co.uk taxis. Restaurant chains were not easily recognizable there, and the only American-based chain I noticed within the region was Subway. The city itself is not colorful, but has a beauty and charm about it, as most of the architecture—mainly brick, stone and wood—was constructed during the Soviet era.

The interior of a coal cleaning plant in Russia.

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L-R: Andrei Karapetian of Ark Industrial Supply and George Uram and Marvin Woodie of Conn-Weld in front of a Ural Mining and Metallurgical Company mine near Novokuznetsk in the Siberia region of Russia.

Once we arrived at our hotel, we found small but pleasant rooms with all of the necessary amenities. We learned that the hot water supply was a fickle thing; due to the country’s supply of hot water being reduced for the warmer summer months, as well as times of high demand, sometimes hot water was not to be had. George and I had our first meal in the hotel dining area—I would hesitate to call it a restaurant. The meals were served to guests as a group rather than being ordered individually. Every morning, we had porridge, sunny side up eggs, a piece of meat that resembled bologna with tomatoes and a tasty berry juice drink. During lunch, we were always traveling, and we ate at various places along the roadside. Our dinners were shared with our clients at some attractive restaurants, many of which reminded me of the best American restaurants you can find. During these dinners, we had some outstanding dishes, most notably the slow-cooked pork, served with potatoes and vegetables. One dish that is eaten regularly in the region is cow tongue; served sliced with potatoes and vegetables, it is a far cry from a traditional American burger and fries. Each day, we would drive two to four hours to the mining communities around Kemerovo. I enjoyed driving into the more rural locations because the people would get friendlier and more curious, as American guests were an exciting and new experience for them. Our visits began with introductions and tours of the facilities. One of the most amazing tours included

the second largest open pit coal mine in the world, a massive expanse of approximately three miles by seven and a half miles wide, reaching one-third of a mile deep. I also noticed during the tours that one of the companies had only female employees working within the company. I’m not sure as to why they were all women, but their work was outstanding. The three days we spent in the Kuzbass area were filled with long hours of driving on meandering roads that, at times, sent us flying out of our seats because of the road conditions. We rode in a van, and our driver was a local employee for UMMC who was determined to get us to our destinations quickly, though sometimes slightly shaken. Along the way, we got to take in the scenery of the region. The area was not unlike eastern Virginia, with greenery and small hills along winding roads, although the roads were in much poorer condition than they would be here in the states. On our last day in the region, we drove through a small community along the Tom River. We stopped at a restaurant that offered outdoor seating alongside the river. That picturesque evening, with the sun low in the sky, is how I like to remember my trip to the reaches of Siberia. We dined on an incredible spread of stuffed grape leaves, lamb and Russian flatbread wrapped around a spicy sausage. After leaving Kemerovo, we spent our final two days in Russia traveling and partaking in local tourism. We had an early flight to Moscow and spent the entire day in the city walking the Red Square and window shopping at Gum, a large mall nearby. As our trip came to a close, we headed back to the U.S. When we landed in Pittsburgh, it was comforting to be back in the states, although there are sure to be more trips to Kemerovo on the horizon.  Photography by Marvin Woodie

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Regional Focus Compiled by Jennifer JEtt and Maggie Matsko Photo by Jennifer Bauer-Leffler

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Computer Lab Grand Opening Part of Veteran-Friendly Community Initiative Logan Veterans Center recently hosted a grand opening for a new computer lab and its associated learning opportunities for rural vets. The lab, equipped with 10 computer stations provided by Future Generations Rural America and Mission West Virginia, will assist vets in accessing a wide range of learning opportunities and available resources. Trained volunteers will mentor veterans in digital literacy skills and how to navigate online resources. Vets will gain access to basic adult education, collegiate level degree programs, applications for federal and state jobs, small business development skills and online mentoring. This new computer lab will also be open to the general public and may provide a common space for welcoming veterans to the community. “Logan Veterans Center is doing something really special here,” says James McCormick, chairman of West Virginia Veterans Coalition. “This computer lab and all the center’s volunteer services are part of a larger vision and approach to Logan becoming a veteran-friendly community.” “Many resources exist for veterans across West Virginia, but a challenge is access,” says LeeAnn Shreve, director of Future Generations Rural America. “This computer lab and the volunteer efforts of the Logan Veterans Center will help bridge the gap for many veterans and their families.” “The computer lab in Henlawson adds critical technical resources to rural communities not only in Henlawson but surrounding communities as well,” Shreve continues. “Adding this computer lab will be one more lifeline for our veterans and community members to utilize together, and in many cases, it will mean an outlet for continued education, applying for veterans benefits, communications and connecting with friends and relatives across the country. We at the West Virginia Veterans Coalition hope this is the first of many more centers like this across the state, connecting our veterans in rural West Virginia and bringing one more resource or lifeline that builds hope and brings about positive changes.”

Former West Virginia First Lady Gayle Manchin Joins MVB Financial Corp. Board The Board of Directors of MVB Financial Corp. recently announced the appointment of former West Virginia First Lady Gayle Manchin as a member of its board of directors. Manchin currently serves as president for the West Virginia Board of Education, which oversees an annual budget of more than $1.4 billion. In this position, she leverages her previous experiences as an educator in the Marion County, WV school system and at Fairmont State University. A passionate advocate for education and volunteerism to build stronger communities, Manchin has been integrally involved with AmeriCorps projects and America’s Promise for many years. Manchin also worked at the Office of Secretary of Education and the Arts, where she implemented the West Virginia Partnerships to Assure Student Success. “We are pleased to have Gayle join our board,” says Larry Mazza, CEO of MVB Financial Corp. “As a long-time champion for education throughout West Virginia, Gayle brings a unique perspective as to what it takes to establish the infrastructure to support West Virginia businesses and help them succeed.”

Manchin’s board term is subject to the approval of the shareholders of MVB at the next 2014 annual meeting.

Researchers Awarded NASA Grant to Study Muscle and Bone Loss Dr. Miaozong Wu of the Center for Diagnostic Nanosystems at the Marshall University School of Pharmacy has been awarded a $750,000 grant from NASA to lead a team of researchers investigating the muscle and bone loss associated with space travel. Wu’s three-year project was one of only 14 funded nationally through NASA’s Experimental Program to Stimulate Competitive Research (EPSCoR). According to Dr. Majid Jaridi, chairman of the NASA West Virginia EPSCoR Committee, which coordinates the grant proposal process in West Virginia, researchers in 29 states were eligible to compete. “Marshall University has had a track record of success in winning these grants. The program is quite competitive, and this latest award is a great achievement for the team,” says Jaridi. “I look forward to working with them to get the project started.” “The loss of muscle and bone observed with space travel is an important and vexing problem, and NASA has put a high priority on identifying risk factors and treatments,” says Wu. “It was really exciting news to get this award. We have a great team ready to get to work.” Wu’s team of collaborators for the project includes: Dr. Eric Blough and Dr. Nicole Winston, also of the School of Pharmacy; Dr. Henry Driscoll and Dr. Omolola Olajide of the university’s Joan C. Edwards School of Medicine, Department of Internal Medicine and Dr. John Leidy of the Huntington VA Medical Center. Other contributors include colleagues at West Virginia State University, University of Louisville, University of Delaware, Universities Space Research Association and NASA’s Johnson Space Center. Wu says the researchers will have three primary objectives: to study the effects of space travel on the body’s muscles and bones, to identify possible causes and to develop potential treatments. “The lack of gravity and the exposure to increased radiation in space are believed to be related to musculoskeletal loss, but very few studies have been done,” he says. “Our findings will

Dr. Miaozong Wu

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have direct applicability not only to NASA personnel traveling in space, but also to anyone who is experiencing muscle and bone loss, including aging patients and those suffering from cancer, AIDS and diabetes.” Wu adds that the project will involve undergraduate and graduate student researchers and endocrinology physician fellows from the Department of Internal Medicine’s Endocrinology Fellowship Program. “An important component of this particular NASA program is to train students for science and other high-tech careers,” Wu says. “We will be giving them hands-on opportunities to do significant research associated with this study.” Dr. Kevin Yingling, dean of the School of Pharmacy, congratulated Wu and his colleagues for the award, saying, “This project will further the team’s partnerships, significantly increase the state’s research and development capabilities and support both our educational mission and economic development in the region.”

Fifth Third Bank and NextJob Offer Job Seeker’s Toolkit to Bank Customers Fifth Third Bancorp and NextJob, a nationwide re-employment solutions company, has recently created a groundbreaking program to help bank customers find jobs. The Job Seeker’s Toolkit is NextJob’s exclusive and proprietary online job search software. It is a Web-based, multi-media program that facilitates interactive learning through nine job search modules. The bank is offering the toolkit at no charge to its Internet banking customers, including checking and savings account holders and those with other types of borrowing or investment relationships with the company. “Our relationship with NextJob continues to provide unique benefits for our customers,” says Steven Alonso, executive vice president and head of the Consumer Bank, Fifth Third Bancorp. “Our homeowner re-employment initiative is an outreach effort to distressed mortgage borrowers to help them find their next career and avoid foreclosure. This Phase II effort enables us to offer a key component of that homeowner re-employment program—the online job search assistance—to a much broader audience and help more people gain financial security.” The Job Seeker’s Toolkit is a customized program that includes video interviews with job search experts, job seekers and hiring managers, thereby providing learning examples from real-life hiring experiences. All aspects of a successful job search, such as creating an effective résumé and developing a personal brand, are included. “Fifth Third Bank has taken another step forward to help its customers,” says John Courtney, CEO of NextJob. “They were innovative with the offering of the homeowner re-employment program by reaching out to their mortgage customers who had lost jobs or suffered an income reduction. Now, they are giving more of their customers an opportunity to gain employment or find more meaningful careers by offering, at no cost, comprehensive, top quality online job search assistance. We are thrilled to have this relationship with a financial institution that is always curious about what more it can do to improve the lives of their customers and communities.”

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West Virginia University BrickStreet Center Receives Grant for High School Business Plan Competition West Virginia University and the West Virginia Department of Education (WVDEP) have received a big boost in their joint quest to develop a high school business plan competition. The College of Business and Economics (B&E) and the WVDEP have received a grant for development of the competition from the Pittsburgh-based Claude Worthington Benedum Foundation. B&E’s BrickStreet Center for Innovation & Entrepreneurship has received $89,000 from the Benedum Foundation to develop the West Virginia High School Business Plan Competition in an effort to encourage and develop entrepreneurial interests in students at a younger age. “This really is fantastic news because now we can start building the foundation for this high school competition,” says Jose Sartarelli, Milan Puskar dean of the college. “It’s going to take a lot of resources and a team effort to develop the competition so that it’s available to high school students across the state.” Funding for the competition will come in part from a $3 million gift announced in February that will come from the BrickStreet Foundation. The BrickStreet Foundation is the philanthropic arm of the BrickStreet Mutual Insurance Company, based in Charleston, WV. “What a great opportunity for West Virginia students and for the West Virginia Department of Education,” says Kathy D’Antoni, associate state superintendent of schools. “The high school business plan competition provides a wonderful partnership between secondary education and higher education that will provide students not only support for their future endeavors but the skill sets necessary for success.” “We want to make the high school business plan competition available to 157 West Virginia high schools and an estimated 37,000 high school juniors and seniors,” says Sartarelli. “It’s going to take resources just to get the infrastructure in place, and that will be the purpose of this generous grant. What we have before us is an opportunity to provide a platform for the development of business ideas at a younger age than ever in West Virginia. This competition can actually be the birthplace for ideas that represent economic diversity in our state. We can bolster ideas for new technologies, new companies and new jobs in West Virginia, and that’s exciting.” The high school business plan competition could launch for the upcoming 2013-14 school year.

West Virginia State University Sports Studies Program Earns National Recognition The National Strength and Conditioning Association (NSCA) has renewed West Virginia State University’s (WVSU) Sports Studies program’s distinction as the only one in the state recognized through the NSCA Education Recognition Program (ERP). “To have our program recognized by the NSCA demonstrates the commitment of WVSU and the program’s faculty and students to educational excellence in our chosen field,” says Dr. Aaron Settle, associate professor and program director of the Bachelor of Science in Sports Studies. “We are so very proud of our recent graduates who serve their communities in productive work ranging from conducting research with national level track and field athletes to serving as strength and conditioning coaches, athletic coaches, youth sport directors and attending graduate school.”

The NSCA-ERP recognizes regionally accredited academic institutions for their educational programs that have met, and continue to meet, educational guidelines recommended by the NSCA. WVSU was initially accepted into the NSCA-ERP in July 2010.

Webster County Economic Development Authority Offers Virtual Tour The Webster County Economic Development Authority has created an interactive virtual tour of the county’s business park. This marks the first known 360-degree virtual tour of a West Virginia development authority property. “Seeing is believing,” says Geary Weir, director of the Webster County Economic Development Authority. “The tour provides a real sense of what the facility looks like and what it can provide to businesses.” The virtual tour is comprised of a series of images that have been seamlessly merged together, which allows the viewer to experience a 360-degree view of each room in the facility. “Consultants and real estate agents can view the site from their home or office, and we can walk through the property together online,” says Weir. Visitors are transported inside the Webster County Business Park and through the Robert C. Byrd Information Technology Center via software similar to Google Earth. As participants travel through the 17,200-square-foot facility, individuals are able to move their views from side to side using arrow buttons in the tour window or by dragging the screen in a full 360-degree rotation. Completed in 2003, IBM previously used the Robert C. Byrd Information Technology Center as a document scanning and conversion data facility. The building remains equipped with broadband service and fiber accessibility. In addition, the building has many special features including an energy-efficient geothermal HVAC system, a diesel back-up generator and a climate controlled data center with an INERGEN dry fire suppression system. The facility is handicap accessible and the parking lot contains more than 100 parking spaces. The Webster County Business Park has two additional site features to complement the Robert C. Byrd Information Technology Center. The warehouse adds an extra 12,000 square feet of space that can be used for multiple functions, including manufacturing. The building is equipped with a loading dock and drive-thru bay door.

promote access to postsecondary education. Although more than half of its students qualify as low-income, WVU-P still managed to have a comparatively high four-year completion rate among the state colleges at 21 percent with the next two highest rates at 23.8 and 33.3 percent. Also, according to the data released, WVU-P had the lowest student spending per completion at $29,605 while the next lowest amount was $52,310. “We attribute our success for four-year completion to our flexible programs and classes along with our free support services, which enable students to obtain a quality education at an affordable rate,” says WVU-P President Marie Foster Gnage, Ph.D. “We are still making strides in regard to retention and completion, and I only expect our completion rate to climb.” “The report underscores the quality of our programs and our strong emphasis on college completion,” says Senior Vice President for Academic Affairs Rhonda Tracy, Ph.D. “That we can do more with less is a tribute to efficiencies and our wise use of resources.” WVU-P provides support to students including free tutoring, counseling, advising and health and wellness services. In addition, the Student Engagement and Activities Division provides a variety of opportunities for students to be involved on campus. “We know there is a high correlation between student engagement and student success. Students who feel they are a part of the campus community are more likely to stay,” says Gnage. “Even though we, along with all other state colleges, recently underwent mandated budget cuts, we tried to ensure that student activities and the tutoring center wouldn’t suffer as a result.”

West Virginia University at Parkersburg Ranks High Among Public Colleges for Completion Despite having the second-highest percentage of students with Pell grants, West Virginia University at Parkersburg (WVU-P) has the third-highest completion rate among the 12 state colleges offering four-year degrees. This is according to a College Completion Web site released by “The Chronicle of Higher Education.” The data is from 2010. WVU-P is the only institution in the data released that is open enrollment due to its status as a community and technical college. Comparatively, WVU-P has 58.3 percent of students using Pell grants with the next highest being 45.3 percent. The Federal Pell Grant program provides need-based grants to low-income undergraduate and certain post-baccalaureate students to

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Shepherd University’s Martinsburg Center Strategic Alliance Partnership Offers Tuition Reduction Shepherd University’s Martinsburg Center is offering partnership agreements to local businesses that enable students to take courses at the center in Martinsburg. The partnerships may allow in-state and out-of-state students to take classes with savings up to 25 percent off the current tuition. Regardless of where the business is located, the Strategic Alliance Partnership can help businesses provide the benefit of education to their employees. To date, 10 businesses and agencies have agreed to participate in the program, including City of Martinsburg, Berkeley County Public Schools, Berkeley County Government, Big Brothers Big Sisters, Hospice of the Panhandle, United Way of the Eastern Panhandle, University Healthcare and Bank of Charles Town in West Virginia, President Suzanne Shipley, Shepherd University, and Peter Mulford, United Way of the Eastern Panhandle, sign a Strategic Alliance agreement.

as well as Meritus Medical Center and Department of Public Safety and Correctional Services-Hagerstown Complex in Maryland. Shepherd University has partnered with these local businesses and agencies to address the needs of the community with higher education. Current survey data collected by the West Virginia Higher Education Policy Commission indicates that more than 800 students in the Eastern Panhandle alone have stopped attending college before completing their bachelor’s degree. Only 17.5 percent of West Virginians hold a bachelor’s degree or higher. This is the third lowest percentage of the 50 states. The Martinsburg Center is designed to serve adult learners who are juggling career and family. The Martinsburg Center is offering the Regents Bachelor of Arts degree; the R.N. to B.S.N. program with online and evening courses and the Master of Business Administration degree, with concentrations in accounting, health care administration, public management and sport management. A five-course endorsement in multi-categorical special education, which can help increase the marketability of new teachers or solidify the credentials of current teachers, is pending approval by the West Virginia Department of Education. “As the Eastern Panhandle’s longtime public university, Shepherd is well positioned to address the business community’s need for employees with bachelor’s and master’s degrees,” says President Suzanne Shipley. “Our new Martinsburg Center is designed to effectively serve the area’s nontraditional students. The center delivers Shepherd’s outstanding academic instruction to the region while offering a convenient location, flexible hours and affordable prices.”

Secretary of State’s Office Reports Another RecordBreaking Year for Online Annual Report Filings

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A record-breaking number of entrepreneurs across West Virginia have taken advantage of business-friendly initiatives offered by the West Virginia Secretary of State’s office. There were 56,443 annual reports filed online this year during the January to June filing period, compared to 43,381 last year. The number of annual reports filed online has increased every year since 2009, when Secretary of State Natalie Tennant took office. That year, there were 14,300 annual reports filed online. In 2010, there were 23,939, and in 2011, there were 28,640. The online filing Web site, www.business4wv.com, also provides a tutorial video that takes a business owner step by step through the online filing process. Annual reports contain information such as a business’s managers and officers, service of process address and business address. There is no financial information contained in an annual report. These documents also allow a business owner to provide an e-mail address that can be used to notify them if an unknown person has modified their annual report without their knowledge, which could suggest business identity theft. “There are tens of thousands of business owners in West Virginia who are taking advantage of these online services that save them time and money while offering a more efficient government,” says Tennant. “The best way for this office to facilitate commerce in West Virginia is to make it as easy as possible on the business owner to actually run their business, and that is what online filing does.” In addition to online filing, the Secretary of State’s Office offers an online chat feature, where business owners can be connected to a business and licensing specialist.

University of Charleston Records Largest Enrollment Since 1983 The University of Charleston’s (UC) three new locations that opened in January helped UC record its largest total enrollment in 30 years and the second largest full-time enrollment in the university’s history. University President Ed Welch has announced a full-time enrollment for Spring 2013 of 1,669 and a total enrollment of 1,884. “We are extremely pleased with the growth in enrollment brought on by our recent expansion,” says Welch. “Our focus now is to build on this base to serve additional students at each of our locations. We want to ensure that each student experiences the high-quality courses and programs that have garnered the university a national reputation for preparing graduates to be successful in their jobs and leaders in their communities.” UC’s full-time enrollment surpasses 1972’s mark of 1,567 as the second largest on record. At the present time, UC has 1,367 students taking courses in Charleston and 517 taking courses in its regional network at UC-Beckley, UC-Martinsburg and UC-Net.

MotionMasters Documentary to Explore State’s Role in the Early Oil and Gas Industry It’s time to set the record straight on the oil and gas industry in West Virginia, and Diana Sole Walko, CEO of MotionMasters, is about to do just that with a full-length documentary entitled “Burning Springs.” Walko is the executive producer of the film. Wesley Poole and Rich Granberry shoot footage for “Burning Springs.”

“Most references to the origins of oil and gas production credit Colonel Edwin Drake’s 1858 well in Titusville, PA, as the start of it all, but this is not so. Our documentary will demonstrate that oil production was well under way in the Kanawha and Ohio River valleys by then,” says Walko. The documentary’s title, “Burning Springs,” recalls the name the first settlers gave the natural outflows of petroleum and natural gas in what was then western Virginia. Walko says searching for saline led to the taming and utilization of these burning springs. “In the early 1800s, the Ruffner family and others found both oil and gas while drilling for salt brine near what is now Malden, WV,” says Walko. “Initially, the petroleum and gas were considered a nuisance, but once the value of these amazing resources was realized, the industry took off. And West Virginia led the way.” “Burning Springs” will be released initially via West Virginia Public Television, just as the many other MotionMasters documentaries have been. It will then be available to schools across the state and marketed to public broadcasting stations elsewhere. A Web site and teaching guide are also planned as accompaniments to the piece.

“Milt is the perfect fit to renew the company’s focus on financial solutions for the energy sector,” says Daniel McGill, Peoples Bank executive vice president and chief commercial banking officer. “We’re excited to have him help take us back to our roots and usher in a new era for Peoples Bank.” Haynes joined Peoples Bank in 2011 and has more than 20 years of banking and industry experience. Prior to working with Peoples Bank, he served as a vice president, senior banker and portfolio manager for energy groups and financial institutions. Over the years, he has managed the financing of a multitude of oil and gas projects throughout the continental United States. “There are few banks this side of the Mississippi that can serve the energy sector like Peoples Bank,” says Haynes. “For a bank to specialize in upstream and midstream energy businesses is very rare. Most banks are strictly focused on working with landowners and leasing royalties. We go beyond that and serve companies as a whole. We’re approaching the energy industry much like we did 110 years ago: we’re working to build success with companies and communities.” 

Peoples Bank Focuses Department on Financial Services for Energy Companies Peoples Bank is renewing its roots in the energy sector. The company recently announced the establishment of a new department focused exclusively on providing financial services to upstream and midstream energy companies. Financing the energy industry is not new to the bank. In 1902, a group of oilmen needed loans for expansion. Back then, oil was risky business and loans were difficult to come by. Because they couldn’t come up with necessary capital with established banks, this group created their own bank: The Peoples Banking and Trust Company. That action was the start of a relationship between Peoples and the energy market that has lasted for well over a century. Peoples Bank Vice President of Energy Milt Haynes is leading the newly established department. A dedicated specialist, he is focusing on reserve-based lending, commercial and equipment finance, working capital, treasury management and investment and insurance services for oil and gas companies.

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