Welcome to the daily304 – your window into Wonderful, Almost Heaven, West Virginia.  

Today is Thursday, June 13, 2024.

West Virginia’s excellent business climate continues to attract top-notch, major companies…to thru-hikers, historic Harpers Ferry is the heart of the Appalachian Trail…and the founder of Lafayette Flats shares what inspired her to create this boutique lodging in the New River Gorge…on today’s daily304.

#1 – From CHIEF EXECUTIVE –  West Virginia has turned a new leaf in economic development. After notching nearly $20 billion in capital investment commitments since 2017, the state has shown that CEOs, as well as its residents, understand West Virginia is a great place to live, work and play.

Michael Graney, executive director of the West Virginia Department of Economic DevelopmentT, references West Virginia’s great business climate. That’s due in part to unique education opportunities, ample raw materials and quick access to important markets. The state also has America’s second-lowest workers’ compensation insurance rates, the least manufacturing workforce turnover in the nation and a highly responsive economic development team that out-quicks the competition.

Major companies, including Procter & Gamble, Toyota Motor and MHI RJ Aviation Group, have taken advantage of locating and staying in West Virginia, while new entrants include Nucor. North America’s largest steel-products company two years ago selected a site near Apple Grove for its new, $3.1 billion sheet mill which will employ about 800 full-time workers.

Read more:

https://chiefexecutive.net/from-rust-belt-to-business-belt-west-virginias-transformation/

#2 – From THE TRAVEL – At 2,190 miles, the Appalachian Trail is the longest footpath in the world. It takes five to seven months for hikers who want to hike the entirety of the trail from Maine to Georgia as it winds through forests, rural countryside and small towns.

Of all the towns on the AT, Harpers Ferry, West Virginia could be considered the heart. It’s home to the Appalachian Trail Conservancy, the organization that is responsible for maintaining the trail. It’s also home to Harpers Ferry National Historical Park, loads of Civil War history and historic buildings, and beautiful mountain scenery. 

Hikers may want to rest up for a few days here to explore, grab a tasty meal, or even raft or tube on the Potomac and Shenandoah rivers. Several campgrounds are available outside the park boundaries, providing a comfortable place to rest up for the rest of the journey.

Read more:

https://www.thetravel.com/where-appalachian-trail-runs-through-west-virginia/

#3 – From THE MAIN THING – What kind of magic is required to transform a 120-year-old building into a contemporary haven filled with original local art? The Main Thing podcast uncovers the inspiring journey of Amy McLaughlin and her husband/co-founder, who turned their vision into Lafayette Flats Boutique Vacation Rentals in Fayetteville, West Virginia. 

Celebrating the 10-year anniversary of Lafayette Flats, Amy talks about the meticulous planning, visionary design, and the challenges they overcame to create a unique lodging destination amidst the natural beauty of New River Gorge National Park. 

This conversation is a rich source of wisdom on sustainable tourism, entrepreneurship, and celebrating local culture, making it a must-listen for anyone with a passion for hospitality and West Virginia’s scenic splendor.

Listen now:

https://themainthingpodcast.com/ep-110-building-your-dream-with-entrepreneur-amy-mclaughlin/

Find these stories and more at wv.gov/daily304.

The daily304 curated news and information is brought to you by the West Virginia Department of Commerce: Sharing the wealth, beauty and opportunity in West Virginia with the world. Follow the daily304 on Facebook, Twitter and Instagram @daily304. Or find us online at wv.gov and just click the daily304 logo. 

That’s all for now. Take care. Be safe. Get outside and enjoy all the opportunity West Virginia has to offer.