Beckley, W.Va. (Dec. 15, 2023) – The West Virginia Hive Network presented 10 awards to entrepreneurs and partners at its annual Open House and Awards Ceremony today at the Historic Black Knight Country Club.
Beckley Mayor Rob Rappold, who attended and offered remarks, declared December 15 “WV Hive Network Day” in recognition of “the commendable efforts and achievements of the WV Hive Network and NRGRDA in promoting entrepreneurship, fostering innovation, and contributing to the economic prosperity of our beloved city.” He called upon all citizens to join him in celebrating this occasion and continuing support of the endeavors of the WV Hive Network and NRGRDA as they strive to create a vibrant and flourishing community.
Rappold shared the proclamation with Jina Belcher, executive director of NRGRDA, and Judy Moore, executive director of the WV Hive and deputy director of the NRGRDA.
Moore said competition was tight for the awards, which were judged by a panel of business, education and communications professionals.
Winners and awards categories included:
2023 Small Business of the Year
Southern Pillar Jeweler / Trey Swartz / Fayetteville
2023 Start Up of the Year
Z&Z Beauty, LLC / Angela Bryant / Beckley
2023 Entrepreneur of the Year
Josh Bennett / Greenbrier Valley Brewing Co. and Hawk Knob Appalachian Hard Cider / Lewisburg
2023 Social Enterprise of the Year
Sage & Lila Company, LLC / Samantha Phillips / Beaver
2023 Survivor Bee of the Year
Deneena Lugar – Grandview Diner / Beaver
2023 Minority Business of the Year
The Hair Maxx Salon LLC / Veronica Haskins / Beckley
2023 Innovative Business of the Year
Edgell Development / Zachary Edgell / Little Birch
2023 Student Entrepreneur of the Year
Ellie Groves and Jacob Odell – Sanctum Tor Farm / Nettie
2023 Community Advocate of the Year
Chris Vaught / Beckley
2023 Partner of the Year
WV Community Development Hub / Charleston
Moore said, “The interest in and value of starting and growing one’s own business is alive and well in our region. All of us at the WV Hive are privileged to support those with business ideas, already launched companies or those seeking to grow their markets. These entrepreneurs – and all of our partners – exemplify our mission to build a robust entrepreneurial culture in southern West Virginia.”
The WV Hive is the entrepreneurship program of the New River Gorge Regional Development Authority, serving entrepreneurs and small business owners in Raleigh, Fayette, Nicholas, Summers, Webster, Pocahontas, Greenbrier, Monroe, Mercer, Wyoming, McDowell, Logan, and Mingo Counties. More information about the WV Hive can be found at wvhive.com.
The West Virginia Hive Network proudly announces the addition of two new regional business advisors – Devon Fitzgerald and Matt Nichols. Both advisors have been actively serving small business clients and startups since joining the team in September, bringing a wealth of experience and dedication to their roles.
Bill Woodrum, Senior Program Officer at the Claude Worthington Benedum Foundation, delivered keynote remarks and 12 awardees were recognized at the West Virginia Hive’s annual Open House and Awards Ceremony on Friday, December 13, 2024.
Jina Belcher, Executive Director of the New River Gorge Regional Development Authority (NRGRDA), named Bowles Rice, LLP and Huntington National Bank, as recipients of its 2024 Partner of the Year award.
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