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Ray Moeller joins Brownfields Assistance Center, meet him at the upcoming conference

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BY KAYCIE STUSHEK, COMMUNITY DEVELOPMENT NETWORK COORDINATOR, THE HUB

Community leader Ray Moeller recently joined the Northern West Virginia Brownfields Assistance Center at WVU as their Economic Redevelopment Specialist. A brownfield is a former industrial or commercial property where future use is affected by environmental contamination, and the Brownfields Assistance Centers support redeveloping these properties so they may be put to use again.

In his new role, Ray will be working with a number of partners (including the team at The Hub!) and across a variety of West Virginia communities, striving to facilitate rural downtown development. There is strong data supporting the redevelopment efforts that lead to increased energy around the traditional main street. Walkability, “Live where you play,” stability, vitality, connectedness, and economic health are the keys to downtown redevelopment.

Ray is a Michigan native, attended Western Michigan University, receiving degrees in both Computer Science and Applied Mathematics, then spent more than 28 years in Kalamazoo working in the pharmaceutical industry. So, as he says, “Of course, it only makes sense I am now serving as an Economic Redevelopment Specialist with the Northern Brownfield Assistance Center in West Virginia.”

His journey to arriving in West Virginia held several significant life changes, starting with an employment release due to down-sizing. What followed was the opportunity to do some travel, several remote Habitat builds, and time for associated soul searching, which led to a commitment to give back.

After considering the Peace Corps, Ray settled on serving as an AmeriCorps VISTA performing community development work in West Virginia. Ray and his wife Connie have loved the opportunity to explore West Virginia through camping, hiking, and biking. After completing three years of VISTA service, he transitioned into a four year stint as a Community & Economic Development Extension Agent with West Virginia State University.

Ray and Connie lived in Summersville throughout this time and Ray primarily served Nicholas County and the New River Gorge Region. Much of his efforts included facilitation of community organizations, coordination of projects, and promotion of public improvement programs (a favorite project, Helios Park in Richwood, is pictured below). Ray led The Hub’s Richwood Blueprint and HubCAP III teams.

Helios Park includes native vegetation, solar energy creation supporting local CVB, storm-water management, and a cool human sundial. This pocket park was created on the site of a burned out vacant commercial structure, with the contributions of a variety of organizations and individuals.

Ray’s recent employment change affords him the opportunity to expand upon his previous experience and challenge himself professionally. He says, “Life provides no guarantees or assurances, other than the opportunity of doing better today because of what you experienced yesterday.”

Life has routinely pulled Ray out of his comfort zone, and he remains eager to bring his best.

Ray would like to encourage everyone to attend the upcoming 2018 WV Brownfields Conference, September 5-7, in Charleston, WV. This year’s theme is Embracing the Challenge, which speaks to the work we do, and the lives we live. Come learn, meet, grow, and absorb the energy that can change your community. See you there!

Find out more about the 2018 WV Brownfields Conference »

Pittsburgh Business Times: Benedum Foundation names new president

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BY STACEY FEDEROFF FOR PITTSBURGH BUSINESS TIMES

The Claude Worthington Benedum Foundation has named a new president.

Jennifer Giovannitti, 48, was named the first woman to lead the foundation, which was established in 1944, according to a news release. She currently works as a community development manager for the Federal Reserve Bank of Richmond in its fifth district, which includes Virginia and West Virginia.

Beginning in October, she will succeed William P. “Pat” Getty, who has led the foundation since 1999. He will continue to serve as a regional facilitator and become an emeritus member of the board of trustees, the release said.

“Her background gives her a deep understanding of the region the Benedum Foundation serves,” said Lloyd Jackson, Benedum board chair and former West Virginia state senator, in a prepared statement. “Her experience in working with regional and national partners, such as the Appalachian Regional Commission and the Robert Wood Johnson Foundation, is a great benefit. It is impossible to replace Pat Getty, but we know Jen will be the true leader in her own right that the foundation sought.”

Giovannitti has emphasized the role of data-driven decision-making in regional projects. Prior to 2011, she served as chief executive of the Randolph County Economic Development Authority and directed the West Virginia Wood Technology Center, among other roles…

Read the full article on the Pittsburgh Business Times website »

How the Grafton community is bringing their local theater back to life

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BY BREANNA COLLINS, ENERGIZING ENTREPRENEURIAL COMMUNITIES VISTA, THE HUB

Back when the Turn This Town Around initiative was underway in Grafton in 2014, community members identified a number of projects they wanted to tackle to help jumpstart economic growth and community engagement in the town. Community leaders worked on projects from repainting a caboose to dreaming big about old and historic buildings in the downtown area. During this process, the Manos Theatre was identified as a key property that the community desired to see reopened and available to the public. While community projects have been ongoing in the Grafton area ever since, the Manos Theatre fell to the wayside.

The theatre was owned by the Mother’s Day Shrine, located directly across the street, for a number of years. Members of All Aboard Grafton began to redirect their efforts toward making their dream to redevelop this building a reality. In late spring of 2018, the City of Grafton purchased the property back from the Mother’s Day Shrine (the City sold them the property the many years before).

Members of All Aboard Grafton attended City Council meetings to express the group – as well as the community’s – hope for the restoration of the space. Mayor Peggy Barney, alongside councilmen and women, and City Manager Kevin Stead directed the group to form a community-driven steering committee to offer guidance based on the community’s wishes as well as to provide project assistance that Mayor Barney and Kevin Stead would also be included in.

The group formed quickly and decided upon ways to spread the word that efforts were beginning at the theatre in anticipation of the city’s annual Spirit of Grafton Festival and 151st Memorial Day Parade when thousands of people would fill the streets of Grafton.

Architect Joe Sinclair of Thrasher Engineering, a member of the steering committee, developed a rendering of what the facade could look like that was placed in the poster cases on the front of the building. All Aboard Grafton’s Michaela Flohr was already in the planning phases of preparing the group’s annual Gala Fundraiser and they determined that proceeds from the event would help support the Manos Theatre project.

The steering committee knew that establishing a need for the space would be crucial to ensuring the project continued to move forward. Carol Harvey, owner of Tygart Lake Golf Course, was already part of the steering committee and had years of experience in theatre. She reached out to former colleague in theatre projects and local teacher Duretha Mayle to create and establish a community theatre group.

In less than a month, the two had created the “Theatre on Main” and held the group’s first performance at Grafton’s June First Friday event that was a reading called America. The duo has catapulted this new group into existence, with 30 people attending their first gathering. The Taylor County Arts Council donated the funds necessary to trademark and copyright the new group’s name and logo. In mid-June, they held a “Basics of Theatre” workshop geared toward 6th, 7th and 8th graders where students from surrounding counties also attended.

With the Theatre On Main up and running, it was time for others to spring into action. Active community members attended City Council and County Commission meetings in hopes of involving everyone in the efforts. With three main needs to the facility identified early on – the facade, electric, and a heating and cooling system – the hope was that local government entities would be eager to get involved. Theatre On Main approached both city and county with aspirations of attaining seed money for production cost such as royalties, costumes, scenery, etc. The city and county agreed to give the group $3,500.00 each. The city had already begun the undertaking of having the electric installed inside of the facility and the county agreed to pay the roughly $9,000.00 cost of installation.

Another key partner in the project is the community’s local coal mine, Leer Mine. With resources, equipment and personnel on hand at their facility they have the ability to provide construction muscle. Another local business owner has offered to purchase a movie projector and equipment for the theatre space, that was originally a movie theatre in its day, as a way to provide a wholesome pastime for children of the area and adults alike. The Taylor County EDA has also been involved in the project as well and are excited to be part of such an influential project for the community.

The collaboration of local government, business entities, and organizations instills community confidence and is critical to a project of such magnitude. The community-wide entrepreneurial endeavor will take much grit and dedication as well as strategy and structure to establish and maintain such a facility.

The Manos Theatre steering committee has remained open-minded in thinking through performance possibilities and other uses of the space. Theatre On Main is always looking for new members for all areas of theatre interest. In going forward, the community is extremely enthusiastic to see the Manos Theatre come back to life, and once again attend events within the facility.

Now Accepting Nominations – 2018 Spirit of Philanthropy Awards

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2017 Spirit of Philanthropy Award Winners. Photo courtesy Philanthropy WV.

BY EMMA PEPPER, DIRECTOR OF STRATEGIC NETWORK COMMUNICATIONS, THE HUB

Do you know of a remarkable program or project that has had a critical impact in WV; a star philanthropic volunteer; or a WV corporate giving/foundation staff person who has made a significant difference in our state in the past two years?

If so, Philanthropy West Virginia is looking for your ideas.

Philanthropy WV is an organization for funders to exchange information, discuss common interests, learn about relevant issues, hone their grantmaking skills and establish networks of important relationships across the state. Through its programs and services, Philanthropy WV helps funders become more efficient, effective grantmakers.

They are currently accepting nominations for their annual Spirit of Philanthropy Awards.

Awards will be presented in the following categories:

  1. The Volunteer Leadership Award honors an individual exhibiting an extraordinary commitment to philanthropy through their personal giving, their company’s philanthropy, engaging others to give, and/or serving as a board member of a philanthropic organization.
  2. The Staff Leadership Award honors a staff member (paid or volunteer) that demonstrates commitment and leadership in the field though creativity, leading others, and going that extra mile.
  3. The Critical Impact Award celebrates local grantmaking of any size and honors the organization whose grantmaking has demonstrated an enduring positive impact, sustainability, and philanthropic leadership.

The deadline for nominations is August 17, 2018 at 5pm.

Nominate a person or group today »

 

WCHS: Volunteers help this locally-sourced community cafe run smoothly

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BY ALLISON SCOTT FOR WCHS

A new place to enjoy farm fresh and locally grown food is opening in South Charleston.

It’s called Café Appalachia, and it’s located inside an old church.

The non-profit is part of One World Everybody Eats.

The cafe and coffee house will have a different menu every day.

“The concept is to show people that someone who doesn’t have a lot of money can get a really good meal, but the other thing is food waste, so everything that is left turns into another meal the next day,” said Cheryl Laws with Café Appalachia.

All items are a suggested donation price, which means someone can bus tables, take out the trash or work in the garden to pay for their meal.

“You don’t know if you paid 20 dollars for yours [meal] and someone beside you is going to bus tables after they eat,” Laws said. “It’s an opportunity of people of all walks of life to come together and have conversations that will hopefully start healing the community…”

Read the full article on WCHS’s site »

Lincoln County’s community-driven social entrepreneur Ric MacDowell

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Upper Mud River Lake via Lincoln County EDA

BY DAN TAYLOR, ENERGIZING ENTREPRENEURIAL COMMUNITIES PROGRAM COORDINATOR, THE HUB

Upper Mud River Lake is a beautiful place in Lincoln County that is an official Wildlife Management Area overseen by the WV Department of Natural Resources. The area features great hunting, fishing, swimming, and boating.

Some people overlook community assets like this one, other just appreciate them – and some see them as opportunities for community action.

These people are entrepreneurs, and Ric MacDowell is a prime example of a community-driven social entrepreneur in Lincoln County.

In the spring for 2010, WVU Extension, its Food Nutrition Program, the Wall Project, and the County Commission began a series of end-of-the-school year field trips to bring youth to Camp Lake View at Upper Mud River Lake, and teach them about the outdoors through hands-on STEM learning experiences.

Ric is both a former WVU Extension Agent in the county and an educator, keenly interested in water quality issues who has helped many in the area get septic systems to improve their watershed and quality of life.

During this same summer of 2010, a series of Free Saturday and Sunday camp events were inaugurated to promote and bring more people to the Camp Lake View facility and the lake.

A Free Wednesdays Program began in 2011 under Ric’s guidance. This program continues to run every Wednesday during the summer from 10am to 2pm, bringing hundreds of youth and their families to the camp for kayaking, canoeing and swimming, an opportunity that otherwise many would never be able to afford.

A changing building was constructed in 2011, allowing larger groups like schools to have more appropriate places for children to change before and after swimming. An open air shelter was constructed at the beach in 2013. A full-court concrete basketball court was constructed the same year.

Lifeguards and waterfront safety staff are provided by the camp, and free lunches come from local churches and service groups. Tri-River Transit provides a bus which makes stops through Hamlin, making it possible for low income youth to participate in the program whose families may not be able to provide transportation.

But, more recently, funding for this crucial community program has become harder to secure for Ric as he seeks to transition the program to new hands in the future as a retiree.

That is why programs to build up budding social entrepreneurs in the community are key. We must support the leaders of tomorrow that Ric seeks, and connect communities to the funding sources that make their dreams a reality.

Do you know people in and around the Lincoln County area who want to get involved to make this community the best place it can be?

Are you thinking of someone with a vision for more outdoor recreation opportunities, better community health, and a supported tourism industry that can help take Camp Lake View into the future? If so, reach out to me, The Hub’s Entrepreneurial Communities Program Coordinator, or Ric – we would love to get you involved!

Collaboration is at the heart of Boss Babes WV — GLAM Series

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Kayla Young by The Oberports

BY SALLY DESKINS, EXHIBITS AND PROGRAMS COORDINATOR, WVU LIBRARIES

What’s GLAM? GLAM stands for galleries-libraries-archives-museums, and, for this series, The Hub is partnering up with Sally Deskins of WVU Libraries to put a spotlight on what happens when groups and institutions related to these collaborate. As Sally says, “Sharing resources can bring in more audiences, and lead to a better course for sustainability amongst all, as opposed to seeing each other competitively and bringing each other down.”

Read all of Sally’s GLAM columns here and read more about the series here.

Boss Babes panel on women and innovation in partnership with The Hub at 2018’s New Story

Kayla Young is the Executive Director of Boss Babes WV, a statewide women’s empowerment organization. In this interview, Kayla shares about why she created this organization, how Boss Babes collaborates with various community organizations and women-owned businesses, her tips on collaborating, her hopes for the future of WV and more.

Sally Deskins: Tell me about your background and why you got into what you do.

Kayla Young: Professionally, I worked in foodservice purchasing for the past few years. While I love food, I wanted to do something more directly involved with the community. Boss Babes WV was born out of realizing there were so many talented women around me and wanting to know them and work with them.

SD: Tell me about your organization and your role/what you do. 

KY: Boss Babes WV is a women’s empowerment organization, so as long as you identify as a babe, and are interested in being an active member of your community, we are for you in some way or another. We hold meetups, classes, panels, workshops around the state of WV and work to empower women. Boss Babes is about reclaiming the term “bossy” because there’s nothing wrong with being assertive and standing up for yourself and your beliefs, whatever they may be. We introduce women to each other and participate to make West Virginia better and more open and inclusive.

SD: So what are some ways you have or will collaborate with either outside organizations or groups?

KY: We’ve collaborated with a number of organizations. We hold our meetups at locally owned businesses and work with their owners – often women – to promote their businesses. We work with local movers and shakers to host panels and have conversations about innovation and entrepreneurship in West Virginia. We’ve worked with larger companies like Sephora to host private shopping events and workshops. We’ve also held fundraisers for local women-oriented groups like a comedy show with proceeds going to West Virginia Free, a reproductive justice organization, and a coat drive for Recovery Point, a women’s substance abuse clinic.

SD: Why is collaborating important to you and/or your position, and WV/society moving forward?

KY: Collaboration is at our core mission. We exist to bring people together, and think it is critical to moving forward as a state. The more people you get in a room to respectfully share ideas and work together, the better. Collaborating provides a sense of value, gets your brain working, helps you see another perspective, and promotes self-analysis. West Virginia is such a tight-knit state, and while our various communities have their own challenges, pooling our talents and skills and seeing the bigger picture as a state is imperative for our future to be successful.

Boss Babes panel on women and entrepreneurship in partnership with MESH Design and Development

SD: Any advice or tips for people wanting to collaborate—how do you approach people about it without knowing them? How do you think up such ideas?

KY: Just ask! You aren’t going to get something if you don’t ask for it, you have to put yourself out there. It’s scary at first, but realizing that people saying “no” to you isn’t the worst thing on the planet passes pretty quickly. When asking someone, especially a stranger for something, I’ve found it’s important to have a specific ask. Rather than just “let’s get coffee sometime” what works better for me is “Let’s get coffee to discuss (blank). Are you free on this day at this time?” It shows initiative and there is a clear plan. When thinking of ideas, I look around for things that have worked in other cities or groups that are similar to ours for inspiration.

SD: What are your hopes for future of WV?

KY: West Virginia has come a long way in the past decade or so, and I think it’s always important to credit that. There are great people around the state doing great work. Moving forward, I think a lot of changes need to happen at the top. We need a state government that spends time working to keep people here and advance our economy and technology. Our population is dwindling and young people need reasons to stay here. There are tons of grassroots efforts to retain young people, but it isn’t enough. Our legislature needs to find ways to grow job opportunities and make our state attractive to new industries.

Interested in having your group or initiative featured as a part of GLAM? Email Sally at sbdeskins@mail.wvu.edu.

Three West Virginians named “Outstanding Young Americans”

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Image courtesy West Virginia Jaycees

BY TERRY BARTLEY, PRESIDENT, WEST VIRGINIA JAYCEES

The West Virginia Jaycees announced that three West Virginians have been named recipients of the 2018 Ten Outstanding Young Americans, one of the oldest and most prestigious recognition programs in America. Previous honorees include Bill Clinton (1979), John F. Kennedy (1946), Dick Cheney (1976), Kurt Warner (2010), Wayne Newton (1977), Gale Sayers (1969), Elvis Presley (1970), Michele Tafoya (2001), and Ruth Riley (2014).

They will be honored at the 80th annual black-tie awards ceremony on Saturday, September 29, 2018, at the Doubletree by Hilton in Denver, Colorado.

Each year, JCI USA recognizes the accomplishments of ten individuals who are truly outstanding in the areas of business or entrepreneurial accomplishment, political achievement, humanitarian and voluntary leadership, and more. Through an intense judging process, these ten individuals were selected from a field of nearly 50 nominations.

“These ten individuals represent the best and the brightest of young people in America and we should strive to emulate them in our everyday actions. Each Honoree has shown a commitment to that hope, reminding all Americans that no problem is too difficult when handled with grace, ingenuity, courage and determination,” said Noelle Nachreiner, 2018 National President for JCI USA.

The three West Virginians honored are:

  • Caitlin Ahrens, 26, PhD Graduate Student in Space & Planetary Science, NASA Solar System Ambassador, Fairmont, WV
  • Jeremy Harrison, 39, Co-Founder/Chief Operating Officer, Helping Heroes: A Center for Veteran Resources, Glen Dale, WV
  • Alyson Hehr, 23, President/Founding Member, Alyson’s Angels, Wheeling, WV