BECKLEY, WV (LOOTPRESS) – The West Virginia Hive hosted its Annual Open House and Awards Ceremony event on Friday, with 12 awardees having been recognized for their local business contributions.
The ceremony took place from 10:00am to 1:00pm on Friday at the Historic Black Knight Conference Center in Beckley. Keynote remarks were delivered by Senior Program Officer at the Claude Worthington Benedum Foundation, Bill Woodrum, who praised the efforts of the West Virginia Hive in helping to develop small businesses on the local level.
“Entrepreneurship and small business development are the lifeblood of our communities,” Woodrum said. “The WV Hive plays a critical role in fostering innovation, providing support, and empowering individuals to pursue their dreams. The entrepreneurs and partners recognized today exemplify the resilience and ingenuity that drive economic progress in West Virginia.”
Awards were presented by WV Hive Executive Director and New River Gorge Regional Development Authority Deputy Director, Judy Moore, who issued her thanks to Woodrum for his dedicated work in leading community and economic development initiatives throughout the state as well as his assistance in a number of projects benefitting the New River Gorge Region.
“Every year, we see more and stronger businesses emerging in southern West Virginia, driven by the creativity and determination of our entrepreneurs and their allies,” Moore said. “These businesses are creating jobs, driving economic development, and enriching our communities. The WV Hive is proud to work alongside them, providing support and resources to help them achieve and even greater success. Today’s open house is a celebration of their achievements and a powerful reminder of the bright future they are building for our region.”
The 12 awardees recognized at this year’s Open House and Awards Ceremony are as follows:
2024 WV Hive Small Business of the Year
Trails Edge Cycles, Beckley, WV
2024 WV Hive Startup of the Year
Mountain Table, Renick, WV
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2024 WV Hive Startup of the Year
 New River Farms Sawmill, Clifftop, WV
2024 WV Hive Entrepreneur of the Year
Bill and Ashley Chouinard/Wild Blue Adventure Co., Fayetteville, WV
2024 WV Hive Social Enterprise of the Year
JarHead Farm, Alderson, WV
2024 WV Hive Survivor Bee of the Year
Erica Bowden, Auntie E’s, MacArthur, WV
2024 WV Hive Minority Small Business of the Year
Paramount Records, LLC, Beckley, WV
2024 WV Hive Innovative Business of the Year
Seven Rivers Design & Build, Lewisburg, WV
2024 WV Hive Collegiate Entrepreneur of the Year
Manuel Furmento, WVU Institute of Technology, Beckley, WV
2024 WV Hive Partner of the Year
Beckley-Raleigh County Chamber of Commerce
2024 WV Hive Community Advocate of the Year
Ryan Thorn, U.S. Department of Agriculture
2024 WV Hive Vendor of the Year
Monika Jaensson, Jaensson Law, PLLC
