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

Today is Tuesday, June 18, 2024 

West Virginia’s thriving business climate leads to major successes in economic development…Charleston Chef Paul Smith wins a prestigious James Beard Award--the first WV chef to claim the title…and the Clear Fork Rail Trail opens in Raleigh County…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.

“We’ve created a great business climate in West Virginia,” says Michael Graney, executive director of the West Virginia Department of Economic Development.

That’s because the state boasts unique education opportunities, ample raw materials and quick access to important markets. West Virginia 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. 

Read more:

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

#2 – From METRO NEWS – A highly-acclaimed Charleston-based chef is now adding one of the most prestigious culinary arts awards in the country to his repertoire and making West Virginia history.

Chef Paul Smith now bears the title of “Best Chef: Southeast” as part of the James Beard Foundation Restaurant and Chef Awards that takes place annually in Chicago.

It marks the first year a chef has ever won the award from West Virginia.

Along with being the owner of three local restaurants – 1010 Bridge, Ellen’s Ice Cream and The Pitch– Chef Paul Smith is also Capitol Market’s Culinary Ambassador.

Smith said he was grateful for everyone he helps to lead and serve on a day to day basis.

Read more:

https://wvmetronews.com/2024/06/10/charleston-based-chef-makes-history-as-first-ever-james-beard-award-winner-in-the-state/

#3 – From WOAY-TV – Raleigh County has a new trail that follows the old CSX Rail Line along the Clear Fork River.

Parks & Recreation Authority Executive Director Molly Williams says the Clear Fork Rail Trail is not like anything we have in the county. Once completed, the trail will be 14-plus miles long.

The non-motorized trail is fairly flat with a slight incline, suitable for walkers, bicyclists and horseback riders. 

“You can see the different striations of the geography there. You can see the creek, you can see lush forest. All along the trail, the views change as you go about it,” Williams said. “It’s just a beautiful trail. It’s serene, it’s quiet, it’s not like anything that we have in Raleigh County.”

Read more:

https://woay.com/clear-fork-rail-trail-phase-1-ready-to-open/

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.