WV Hive Clients Competing in Hayhurst Invitational Pitch Competition

Beckley, W.Va. (April 5, 2024) – Mountain Steer Meat Company will be vying for $100,000 in capital and recognition when its co-owners, James Tuckwiller and Frank Ford, compete from 5-6 p.m. Wednesday, April 10, at the inaugural Hayhurst Invitational statewide business pitch competition at the Bridging Innovation Week event in Huntington. The second prize is $50,000.

Mountain Steer Meat raises, processes and distributes local beef to businesses and customers throughout the state and nationwide.

Out of seven WV Hive clients nominated, five clients — Cox Telecom, Hawk Knob Appalachian Cider, Mountain Steer Meat Company, Sage & Lila Co., and Wild Blue Adventure Co. — were invited to participate in the Hayhurst Invitational, made possible by Jim and Christie Davis. The Hayhurst Invitational only allowed 20 businesses throughout West Virginia to participate, and five southern West Virginia companies – all WV Hive clients – made the cut.

Mary Legg, Senior Business Advisor at the WV Hive, said only 20 businesses in the Mountain State were invited to participate. “Five WV Hive businesses advancing through the rigorous first round selection process is pretty impressive,” said Legg. “I have worked closely with the organizers of this event and nominated seven of our clients. The top 20 firms were narrowed down to 10 for the second round of judging, and we had three businesses to make the top 10 – Mountain Steer Meat Company, Wild Blue Adventure Co., and Sage & Lila. This was a statewide invitation only event, so we are very proud to have this many of our clients competing at such a high level!”

More about the WV Hive clients:

James Tuckwiller and Frank Ford of Mountain Steer Meat Co. in White Sulphur Springs Mountain Steer – We Know Beef.

Dan Cox of Cox Telecom in Beckley Home | Cox Telecom Llc

Samantha Phillips of Sage & Lila Co. in Oak Hill Home | Sage & Lila Company, LLC (sageandlilacompany.com)

Josh Bennett of Hawk Knob Appalachian Distillery in Lewisburg Hawk Knob Appalachian Hard Cider | Handcrafted Hard Ciders West Virginia

Ashley Chouinard of Wild Blue Adventure Co. in Fayetteville WV Wild Blue Adventure Co – Bi-Plane Rides at the New River Gorge (wildblueadventurecompany.com)

Judy Moore, deputy director of the New River Gorge Regional Development Authority and executive director of the West Virginia Hive, expresses pride in the accomplishments of these entrepreneurs and their ventures. “WV Hive stands as a pillar of support for entrepreneurs like James, Frank, and their counterparts, guiding them through every milestone,” Moore stated. “As they take center stage in this extraordinary opportunity, we’ll be rooting for their success and celebrating their journey, showcasing the depth of talent and innovation within our community and the true essence of West Virginia’s entrepreneurial spirit.”

The WV Hive is the entrepreneurship program of the New River Gorge Regional Development Authority. Its 13-county service area includes Raleigh, Fayette, Summers, Nicholas, Webster, Greenbrier, Pocahontas, Monroe, Mercer, McDowell, Wyoming, Logan, and Mingo counties. More information about the WV Hive can be found at wvhive.com.