West Virginia Executive Summer 2018 | Page 108

Photo By Tim Naylor. Regional Focus COMPILED BY JENNIFER JETT PREZKOP Grow with Google Comes to Charleston In July, Google hosted local West Virginia business owners, startups and job seekers for its Grow with Google event at the Clay Center for the Arts & Sciences in Charleston. More than 400 participants attended the two digital training sessions, which connected them to resources and training needed to grow their skills, careers and businesses online. “Making sure West Virginians have the skills and technical knowledge they need to succeed in the workforce and expand their businesses is critical as we work to grow and diversify our economy,” says U.S. Senator Shelley Moore Capito. “Not only is it important to help prepare individuals for success both today and in the future, but it’s also important to create new and innovative opportunities that can improve our state’s economic potential.” The day’s workshops and training focused on topics such as online marketing, introductions to Google’s Search and Maps applications, email basics and search engine optimization, as well as 1:1 G Suite coaching sessions with Google staff. The Grow with Google initiative was started to help create economic opportunity through skills training needed to pre- pare for working, finding a job or growing a business. Charles- ton was chosen as a stop along the nationwide tour because of its reputation as a regional center for manufacturing, govern- ment, education and health care, as well as its vibrant small business community. 106 WEST VIRGINIA EXECUTIVE “Grow with Google’s goal is to help create economic oppor- tunities for Americans,” says Tia Bethea, community engage- ment manager for Grow with Google. “Moving forward, we are excited to continue working with all our local partners so that more West Virginians can have the digital skills trainings we provided today.” Nemitz Named the President at West Virginia School of Osteopathic Medicine The West Virginia School of Osteopathic Medicine (WVSOM) board of governors has appointed James Nemitz, Ph.D., as the medical school’s seventh president. Nemitz, who has been employed with WVSOM for the past 31 years and recently served as the school’s vice president for administration and exter- nal relations, began his role on July 1. “I am truly honored to be selected as the next president of WVSOM,” says Nemitz. “I look for- James Nemitz, Ph.D. ward to stepping into this