that has served as the state ’ s official anthem since 1971 .
“ We ’ re one of the only states to form our brand around a song , but as we looked for new ways to tell our story , we found that the answer was right in front of us all along in the profound and highly coveted lyrics of ‘ Country Roads ,’” says West Virginia Tourism Commissioner Chelsea Ruby .
Ruby shows Justice the photo mosaic created from the # AlmostHeaven Photo Contest .
With 86 percent of current travelers to West Virginia consisting of repeat visitors , the new campaign aims to increase first-time visitation and reach new travelers across the region while continuing to inspire the state ’ s loyal visitor base .
$ 1 Million Donation Establishes Consumer Rights Program at Marshall University
Marshall University has received $ 1 million to launch a consumer assistance program for West Virginians . The initiative is a joint project with the West Virginia University ( WVU ) College of Law , which received $ 1 million to implement a similar program .
The Joint Consumer Assistance Project was established by attorneys involved in a significant consumer class action case involving more than 14,000 West Virginia consumers . The attorneys representing all parties in the case agreed that any funds not claimed by class members would be used to fund consumer-oriented programs in West Virginia . The project will establish and maintain a website with consumer information , tips and references to laws and regulations to help West Virginians navigate what can be a complicated issue and include the development of an interactive website to assist those who must represent themselves in consumer disputes .
Dr . Damien Arthur , assistant professor of public administration and policy at Marshall , has been named director of the project and will lead the university ’ s efforts .
“ This is such a wonderful , necessary endeavor for the state of West Virginia and its people ,” he says . “ With this joint partnership , we can make people ’ s lives
Dr . Damien Arthur better and do some good in communities throughout our state .”
Natural Capital Investment Fund Receives Funding to Support Small Businesses
The Natural Capital Investment Fund ( NCIF ), a small business lender that supports locally owned enterprises throughout central Appalachia and the southeast , recently announced that it has received more than $ 500,000 in investment and grant support from United Bank to increase its lending and support services to small businesses in underserved West Virginia counties .
The $ 500,000 equity equivalent flexible investment is the second investment NCIF has received from United Bank and will be used to finance business and entrepreneurs in 26 counties with an emphasis on Boone , Cabell , Wood , Fayette , Kanawha , Lincoln , Logan , Monongalia , Preston , Putnam , Raleigh and Wayne . In addition , United Bank awarded its first grant to NCIF of $ 10,000 , which will support NCIF ’ s business coaching services in Monongalia and Preston counties .
“ At United Bank , we proudly invest in West Virginia ,” says Henry Kayes , chief operating officer . “ Our partnership with NCIF is an example of our ongoing commitment to and support of the individuals , businesses and organizations that contribute to the prosperity and vitality of the state .”
Bethany College Receives $ 39.6 Million in USDA Loans
Bethany College has received a total of $ 39.6 million in loans from the U . S . Department of Agriculture ( USDA ). These loans are part of the USDA ’ s rural development program and will be used for a variety of campus , facility and program improvements .
“ These federal loans will have a significant impact on our entire campus community for many years to come ,” says Dr . Tamara Nichols Rodenberg , president of Bethany . “ They will provide us with the financial flexibility to aggressively pursue long-range strategic objectives and accelerate our pace of advancement and growth .”
Included in the loan total is a $ 5 million Rural Development Community Facilities loan guarantee for use in the planning , development and construction of new or renovated facilities on campus . This federal funding comes at a time of much anticipated growth and development at Bethany . The college has recently created several new academic majors , including cybersecurity and international business . A major expansion to the college ’ s athletic center is expected to break ground this year , and a renovated campus dining hall was opened in September 2017 . In addition , abandoned property is being acquired for redevelopment in support of the college ’ s longterm strategic goals , and new academic and office spaces are being planned .
TERRADON Corporation Opens North Central West Virginia Office
TERRADON Corporation recently opened a North Central West Virginia office in Clarksburg to expand and support its full-service engineering reach throughout the state .
“ We have been providing services throughout North Central West Virginia for years ,” says Bill Hunt , president of TERRADON . “ We are excited that this new office location provides us with more of an anchor for our staff working in support of the oil and gas industry and development projects in the area .”
The office opening comes on the heels of TERRADON expanding its Charleston office , as the firm has grown more than 25 percent in the past two years . “ We are really fortunate to
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