2,000 square feet to house two new filters , a new raw water pump , a new high service pump and the addition of sodium hypochlorite to replace the use of gaseous chlorine in the disinfection process . Additionally , the company refurbished the plant ’ s four existing filters , added a second raw water intake screen , updated water quality monitoring equipment and data analyzers , installed an additional source water monitoring probe and enhanced employee safety measures such as a new ventilation system and eye wash station .
“ The improvements we ’ ve made to our Weston treatment plant allow us to serve our customers with safe , reliable water service each day ,” says Jason Kessler , northern operating area operations manager . “ In addition to our treatment plant upgrades , we ’ ve enhanced communications equipment to better monitor our distribution system and made improvements to system needs in the Arnold Hill and Buck Hill areas .”
In 2019 , the Weston water treatment plant was awarded Best Tasting Water in West Virginia by the American Water Works Association West Virginia Section . It has also received the EPA ’ s Partnership for Safe Water Directors Award every year for more than a decade . In early 2022 , the company plans to retire its Webster Springs water treatment plant and serve its Webster County customers from the Weston plant .
Boone Memorial Hospital CEO Appointed to WVHA Board of Trustees
Virgil Underwood .
Boone Memorial Hospital CEO Virgil Underwood has been appointed to serve as a member of the West Virginia Hospital Association ( WVHA ) board of trustees .
“ WVHA is very excited to welcome Virgil to our board of trustees ,” says WVHA President and CEO Jim Kaufman . “ His knowledge about critical access hospitals and the key role they play in serving rural West Virginia communities will add great value to our board . We look forward to his insight , as we continue to work to make West Virginia hospitals and communities stronger .”
The mission of the WVHA is to support its members in achieving a strong , healthy West Virginia .
“ The WVHA is an advocate for all hospitals ,” says Underwood . “ It supports improving the overall health of the patients we serve , while also guiding us through challenges such as the COVD-19 vaccine mandate and workforce shortages .”
The WVHA board seeks to be representative of the membership and , to the extent possible , include diverse members from different size , ownership , function and location of hospitals . In their board role , all board members are expected to understand and represent the vision , mission and goals of the association rather than individual interest or constituency .
“ I am honored to have been selected and represent the WVHA ,” says Underwood . “ As an association , the following values guide our actions : quality , transparency , integrity , collaboration and innovation . I ' m excited to be part of an honorable mission and vision , as we work together to improve the health and economic future of our state .”
Willard Joins Asher Agency
Asher Agency , a full-service advertising , marketing and public relations agency , recently grew its Charleston staff with the addition of Ashley Willard .
Ashley Willard .
Willard , who has nearly 10 years of marketing experience , will join the Asher team in West Virginia as an account executive . She earned bachelor ’ s and master ’ s degrees at West Virginia University and was previously employed by Local Impact , John Howard Motors , BlaineTurner Advertising and Mon Hills Records . Willard has volunteered for the Business Network Initiative , Omega Phi Alpha and Alpha Lambda Delta .
“ Ashley ’ s enthusiasm , talent and knowledge make her an excellent match for our clients ,” says General Manager Steve Morrison . “ She will allow us to serve even more clients in West Virginia and continue to help businesses tell their stories and connect with customers and prospects .”
West Virginia SBDC Names Heidi Prior as New Business Coach in the New River Gorge Area
The West Virginia Small Business Development Center ( WV SBDC ), a division of the West Virginia Department of Economic Development , announced Heidi Prior joined the agency as a business coach in the New River Gorge area of their eastern region .
In this role , Prior will connect entrepreneurs and small business owners with services provided by the WV SBDC to help small businesses start , expand and succeed .
“ Heidi has a robust background in economic development and a keen interest in helping small businesses thrive ,” says WV SBDC Director Debra Martin . “ Her skills , coupled with the incredible economic potential in the region , provides a fantastic opportunity for new and existing small businesses to connect with the tools , talents and resources necessary for success .”
Prior serves as part of the statewide network of WV SBDC business coaches . The WV SBDC assists entrepreneurs and small business owners at every stage of the business lifecycle by providing technical assistance to help clients clarify goals , develop skills and acquire resources to operate a successful enterprise .
To learn more about WV SBDC ’ s services and resources for small businesses and entrepreneurs , visit wvsbdc . com . •
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