CFOAM Ltd. Announces Job and Capacity Expansion Plans
CFOAM Ltd., a northern West Virginia manufacturing company that converts coal into a versatile new material for use in a wide range of critical products from boats and aircraft parts to fireproof walls and lightweight military armor, has embarked upon a $ 2.2 million expansion that will triple its manufacturing capacity and bring more jobs to the Mountain State.
According to Alain Bouruet-Aubertot, executive director of CFOAM Ltd., this major expansion project, which will triple production by August 2018, began in late 2017 with construction of a new kiln used in the manufacture of carbon foam. The expansion is being funded by the West Virginia Economic Development Authority, West Virginia Jobs Investment Trust and Summit Community Bank.
“ The state has been aggressive in its support for our business, and it is our goal to grow a substantial manufacturing organization here,” he says.“ In fact, before this phase of expansion is complete, an even larger expansion at the current manufacturing site will occur. Plans are for another tripling of our production capacity.”
Roth Named 26th President of University of Charleston
The University of Charleston( UC) has announced the election of Dr. Martin Roth as its 26th president. Roth will succeed Dr. Edwin Welch upon his retirement on June 30, 2018.
Roth currently serves as dean of the Barney School of Business at the University of Hartford. While leading the Barney School, Roth has guided enrollment increases, program innovation, corporate partnerships, alumni engagement and fundraising. He previously served as the chair of the International Business Department and the chief innovation and assessment officer at the University of South Carolina. His accomplished career includes assignments as the associate director of research at the Pittsburgh Research Institute for Studies in Marketing and assistant professor of marketing at Boston College and consulting work with CSX, Nissan, Verizon, Xerox and other global firms.
“ I am excited and honored to join the University of Charleston community,” says Roth.“ The focus on professional programs, innovation and community engagement sets the university apart. With the outstanding faculty and staff, I look forward to building on UC’ s impressive momentum to create exceptional value for students and partner organizations.”
Leadership West Virginia Announces Class of 2018
Fifty-seven leaders from across the state have been accepted into the Leadership West Virginia( LWV) Class of 2018. Candidates were selected from a list of nominations submitted in late 2017.
“ Each year, the class participants are selected from a list of top-quality applicants from around the state, and the applicant pool was larger this year than ever before,” says Pam Farris, executive director of LWV.“ Individuals are selected into the program because they demonstrate leadership skills, have experience in civic activities and can articulate important issues West Virginians are facing. We are very pleased with the diversity of candidates in the 2018 class.”
A list of the 2018 class members can be found at www. leadershipwv. org.
WestRidge 2018 Announcements are Fueling Growth in Morgantown
The brand-new WestRidge Business + Retail Park in Morgantown has big plans for 2018 as it continues to build leasing momentum in a market that has had a great response to the company’ s development projects.
“ There is truly a product type available for every tenant, and we are receiving many inquiries daily for each type,” says Holly Childs, director of business development and external relations for WestRidge.“ Recently signed tenants include the national hotel chain Drury Inn & Suites, the new West Virginia offices of Larson Design Group and a full-service Exxon fuel and convenience store.”
WestRidge is a mixed-use development of 1,000-plus acres comprised of five neighborhoods: WestRidge Crossing, WestRidge Commons, WestRidge Corporate Park, WestRidge Commerce Centre and WestRidge Business Park. This spring will bring a major economic boon to the Morgantown area through the company’ s projects, including vertical building projects, flex office space, neighborhood strip retail space and box retail stores and corporate office space.
Diehl Named Executive Director of Jefferson County Development Authority
Nic Diehl has been named the executive director of the Jefferson County Development Authority( JCDA). After an extensive search, the JCDA selected Diehl from a group of qualified candidates from across the U. S.
With Diehl, the JCDA will have a steady and experienced leader at the helm. He has spent the past 12 years working with the West Virginia Department of Commerce in various capacities. Most recently, he served as a regional manager for business and industrial development focused on business expansion and retention in the Eastern Panhandle of West Virginia. He brings extensive knowledge of the economic development process and the West Virginia Department of Commerce and understands Jefferson County and its unique and advantageous position in the marketplace.
“ We could not be more excited to have Nic Diehl joining the JCDA team,” says Eric Lewis, president of JCDA’ s board of directors.“ His experience, positivity and enthusiasm will be a huge asset to Jefferson County as we move to the next phase of strategic economic growth.”
Appalachian Log Structures Celebrates 40th Anniversary
Locally owned Appalachian Log Structures, a manufacturer of log home building materials and packages, is celebrating its 40th Anniversary.
Established in 1978, the company has delivered more than 4,000 manufactured precut log home packages nationally and internationally. With headquarters, a sales center and a model home in Ripley, WV, and manufacturing operations in Princeton, WV, Appalachian is a leader in the log home industry. It has been a member of the Log Home Council, a part of the National Association of Home Builders, for more than 30 years and has provided expertise while serving in a variety of leadership positions.
Appalachian offers more than 75 predesigned floor plans ranging from 500 to 3,700 square feet to jump-start the design
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