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On September 9, 2009, Governor Manchin combined two of his passions, cars and economic development, when he welcomed Stasis Engineering, an automotive performance-enhancing company relocating from California to Summit Point Motorsports Park. Praise was given by CEO Paul Lambert to state and local officials for their support and guidance in the relocation. He stated that "Open for business is not just a slogan or tag line for West Virginia, it is real here."
Governor Welcomes Stasis, Journal link
http://www.journal-news.net/page/content.detail/id/524956.html
For previous article see also…
http://www.journal-news.net/page/content.detail/id/522660.html
On October 15, 2009 Governor Manchin visited Jefferson County to celebrate many achievements for the area.
Manchin cuts ribbon on new CVB headquarters and spoke at the official opening of the John Brown four day celebration at Harpers Ferry Park
Jefferson County’s Convention and Visitors Bureau is now housed in the two-story cedar-frame chalet off of U.S. 340. The welcome center operates with 15 part-time employees and Paulette Sprinkle, the center’s full time executive director. The new facility is filled with racks of brochures on the lower level, and upstairs, displays about the Washington Heritage Trail and other local attractions line the wall while a display case filled with artifacts stands in the center of the room.
Journal Link
http://www.journal-news.net/page/content.detail/id/526531.html?nav=5006&showlayout=0
Herald Mail Link
http://www.herald-mail.com/?cmd=displaystory&story_id=232385&format=html
On Tuesday, August 11th at an event at the Culture Center, Governor Joe Manchin announced more than $800,000 in grants to applicants in the Eastern Panhandle. Congratulations to Ranson as the recipient of $239,000 to upgrade pedestrian walkways.
Also, announced on Tuesday was approximately $1.7 million in grants for the Safe Routes to School program. The second phase of the city of Ranson’s Safe Routes to School project and Ranson Elementary School received a combined $88,000. This grant will help finish building sidewalks around the school. $8,000 is non-infrastructure funds and will go toward implementing programs, assemblies and workshops for safety awareness.
For full story: http://www.journal-news.net/page/content.detail/id/523662.html?nav=5006
The fourth class of Leadership Jefferson has begun. The goal of the 10 month program is to educate current and future community leaders about Jefferson County`s assets, opportunities, and hurdles, in order to strengthen the sense of community and ensure a prosperous future. The group started off in Harpers Ferry for team building and their two-day opening retreat where they were able to go rafting in Harpers Ferry, tour NCTC, participate in a live filming for Fish & Wildlife, and begin their exploration of Jefferson County with the infamous scavenger hunt. So far, participants have completed the October Ag Module, the November Economic Development Module and the December Local Government module.
 
At the November Economic Development Module, participants spent the morning touring the Eastern Panhandle Regional Airport, watching a debate about Table Games, and listening to Russ Sobel speak about The Rule of Law. The afternoon consisted of a tour of Schonstedt Instruments and a visit to Biztech where participants listened to a myriad of speakers that conveyed what economic development is all about.
A program of the Jefferson County Chamber of Commerce, please visit http://www.jeffersoncountywvchamber.org/leadership/index.html to learn more about the opportunity to experience Leadership Jefferson as a sponsor or participant.
To get up to date information on the activities of the current class, please visit coordinator, Andrew Skinner’s blog page: http://leadershipjefferson.blogspot.com/
 
Located at 270 Industrial Boulevard
Kearneysville, WV 25430
The event took place on Saturday, October 3rd
Congratulations on a beautiful building!
 
www.biztech.bz
On November 10th, Christina Lundberg of the Small Business Development Center led an interactive workshop titled Marketing on a Budget. Participants were introduced to a four step model for a successful marketing plan, explored a variety of marketing tools, learned to identify external factors that can impact business, and shared successful advertising techniques they have practiced.
The Eastern Panhandle Business Incubator @Biztech is a multi-use business incubator designed to help new and existing businesses thrive. In addition to providing tools and resources, Biztech offers a professional office and meeting environment, mentoring programs, and networking opportunities, while partnering with the Small Business Development Center to offer business workshops and presentations. For more information about the Eastern Panhandle Business Program call Beverly Bolger at 304-728-3051 ext. 252 or email bbolger@jctc.org. Contact Deborah Woods at 304-728-3051 ext. 112 to register for future workshops held at Biztech, 150 E. Burr Blvd, 1st Floor, Kearneysville, WV 25430.
 
In November 2009, a Sears Hometown Store opened in the 340 Business Center at Rt. 340 and Halltown Road. Owned and operated by Curtis and Debbie Wise, the franchise carries top-quality name brands in home electronics, appliances, lawn and garden equipment, and tools. In addition, the Sears Internet Solution Center will offer customers the opportunity to place orders for Sears products not offered in the store. Curtis’ background in management and operations is extensive, with over 30 years’ experience with two major paint retailers. Debbie is a teacher for Washington County Public Schools in Hagerstown, MD.
According to an independent study commissioned by the state Division of Tourism, travelers continued to make a dramatic impact on West Virginia’s economy, contributing $4.38 billion dollars. That’s $12 million per day. The destination for many is the state’s gaming facilities, but tourists also made impacts on the economies of ski resort counties. The top four counties benefiting from tourism spending were Jefferson ($729.3 million), Kanawha, Hancock, and Ohio counties. The study completed by Dean Runyan Associates indicated that visitor spending during 2008 supported 44,000 jobs with earnings of $912 million, and reflects a growth rate of 7.8 percent per year in a challenging economy. http://www.journal-news.net/page/content.detail/id/525575.html?nav=5006
Jefferson County Passes Table Games
Of the 10,622 votes that were cast, 6,279 (59 percent) were in favor of adding poker, blackjack, roulette and craps to the more than 5,000 slot machines at the thoroughbred racetrack.
http://www.herald-mail.com/?story_id=235505&cmd=displaystory
Freedom’s Run highlights national parks
The first annual Freedom’s Run, highlighting four area parks and promoting Health & Heritage, attracted about 1,700 participants from 37 states to the area. Exceeding the expectations of the organizers, the 2010 race has been set for October 2nd. Visit www.freedomsrun.org for full details and pictures from the 2009 event.
23rd Annual West Virginia Breeders Classic – held on October 17, 2009
Sam Huff`s lifelong interest in horses and a dedicated effort to improve and promote racing in his native West Virginia led to the founding of the West Virginia Breeders Classics. In 1987, Sam fulfilled the dream of having a night of racing devoted to West Virginia Thoroughbreds, featuring the very best running for large purses and national recognition. In 1988 live television coverage on the ESPN national cable network was added. Breeders Classics XXIII will be featured on its national TV coverage and will include a multitude of activities. LIVE Coverage was featured on Fox Sports Net & HRTV.
http://www.journal-news.net/page/content.detail/id/526608.html
http://www.journal-news.net/page/content.detail/id/526605.html
 
Eric & Gloria Sundback of Shepherdstown, WV, were selected as Grand Champions of the National Christmas Tree Contest this summer at the National Christmas Tree Association’s (NCTA) Annual Convention & Trade Show. Eric & Gloria Sundback are the owners and operators of the tree farm that submitted the prize-winning Fraser fir Christmas Tree. As Grand Champion Christmas Tree growers, the Sundbacks will present the official White House Christmas Tree to First Lady Michelle Obama for the 2009 Christmas season.
First lady Michelle Obama asked for a full tree, with sturdy branches to hold lots of ornaments. It had to be 18 1/2 feet -- no higher -- to fit in the Blue Room, but narrow enough for guests at receptions to walk around it. That tree was cut down today and delivered to the White House along with 22 other trees tagged for placement including the First Family’s Dining Room, The First Lady’s Office and one for Sasha and Melia.
You can buy your Christmas Tree from the Sundback’s farm at 4001 Engle Moler Road, Shepherdstown, WV.
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