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

Today is Wednesday, June 26, 2024.

A Greenbrier County barrel maker expands production with help from Marshall Advanced Manufacturing Center in building a skilled workforce…The Charleston Area Alliance reveals plans for its new LIFT Center -- that’s “learning, innovation, food, and technology -- on Charleston’s East End…and employers, learn how you can find the perfect match for your job opening through Generation WV’s talent recruitment service…on today’s daily304.

#1 – From MAMC – The Great Barrel Company employs 235 individuals at its cooperage and stave mills in Greenbrier County. Men and women work in tandem with advanced technology to produce barrels from plentiful, sustainable, tight-grained Appalachian white oak. The products serve the Kentucky bourbon industry.

Plant Manager Bryan Lucas said the company expects plans to ramp up production to 225,000 barrels this year and 250,000 by 2025. But to do so requires employees with the necessary skills.

To bridge the skills gap, Great Barrel recently turned to the Marshall Advanced Manufacturing Center for assistance. MAMC operates Apprenticeship Works, the National Advanced Manufacturing Apprenticeship Partnership, which helps such manufacturers as Great Barrel develop the talent they need through a grow-your-own approach.

Read more:

https://www.mfg.marshall.edu/barrel-manufacturer-infuses-ancient-art-with-high-tech/

#2 – From METRO NEWS – The 120-year-old Kanawha Manufacturing Company on Charleston’s East End is about to undergo a monumental $20 million transformation into a modernized innovation center.

The Charleston Area Alliance plans to reuse existing manufacturing space in the former warehouse by renovating it and converting it into a 55,000 square foot multi-use facility for workforce development, renewable and alternative energy production, and a commercial food hub. The new facility will be called the LIFT Center– the learning, innovation, food, and technology center.

Marshall University Economic Workforce Development Vice President Brandon Dennison said there is enough space for a total of five tenants to occupy the facility and so far there are three confirmed ones, organizations and programs that will conduct the aforementioned services.

Read more:

https://wvmetronews.com/2024/06/16/charleston-area-alliance-meets-to-provide-community-with-update-on-new-20-million-lift-center-project-coming-to-charlestons-east-end/

#3 – From GENERATION WV – Generation West Virginia’s talent recruitment service helps employers find top talent by offering a streamlined approach to staffing and recruitment in West Virginia.

Here’s how it works: Set up a meeting to discuss hiring needs. GWV uses its recruiting resources and vast network to find at least 3 to 5 qualified candidates, vets them and helps you set up interviews. Find your ideal candidate faster and easier!

Learn more:

https://generationwv.org/programs/career-connector/hire-talent/

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.