Welcome to the daily304 – your window into Wonderful, Almost Heaven, West Virginia.  

Today is Sunday, May 19, 2024.

The History Project examines the birth of the WV Turnpike and takes a look at what the wheels of change brought to the state … Mountain Stage celebrates 40 years with “Outlaws and Outliers,” a new album of favorite live performances … and the WV SBDC addresses challenges faced within childcare businesses …on today’s daily304.

#1 – From THE HISTORY PROJECT – Of the 29 state turnpikes in the nation, West Virginia’s was the 8th to be completed when it opened in 1954. It had a honeymoon period before the Interstate system changed everything, and turnpike became inadequate and dangerous for drivers used to four-lane modern highways. But the wheels of change came to the turnpike and today it completes the dream of connections to the Great Lakes and Florida.

Check out the story on The History Project -- the daily304’s presentation of famous people, places and events that shaped West Virginia.

Watch the video:

https://www.youtube.com/watch?si=msA3IjRLxpTJuU9w&v=YRkxFkrNxpc&feature=youtu.be

#2 – From BLUEGRASS SITUATION –  Born out of humble beginnings in 1983, Mountain Stage has blossomed to become not just one of Appalachia’s most sought-after musical platforms, but one of all of Americana and roots music’s most cherished stages. 

Broadcasting bi-monthly to nearly 300 NPR stations nationwide, the program has welcomed everyone from John Prine to Wilco, Wynonna Judd, and even Widespread Panic during its historic 40-year run. To celebrate the achievement, Mountain Stage and Oh Boy Records have partnered to release the 21-song Live On Mountain Stage: Outlaws and Outliers, available now for purchase and streaming.

Read more:

https://thebluegrasssituation.com/read/40-years-of-mountain-stages-outlaws-and-outliers-laid-out-on-compilation-record/

#3 – From WV SBDC – The West Virginia Small Business Development Center recently participated in the first-ever Child Care Roundtable discussion, hosted by the Small Business Administration and Administrator Isabel Guzman.

The event, held at the White House in March, underscored the importance of addressing challenges within the child care sector. Officials discussed initiatives aimed at increasing capital access, such as child care capacity expansion and financial barriers faced by small businesses in the child care sector. 

The WV SBDC has produced guides designed to aid small business owners and startups along with one-on-one assistance from a WV SBDC Business Coach.

To benefit from this assistance and learn about other available resources, visit wvsbdc.com and click “Become A Client.”

Read more:

https://wvsbdc.com/wv-sbdc-participates-in-first-ever-child-care-roundtable-at-white-house/

Find these stories and more at wv.gov/daily304.

The daily304 curated news and information is brought to you by the West Virginia Department of Commerce: Sharing the wealth, beauty and opportunity in West Virginia with the world. Follow the daily304 on Facebook, Twitter and Instagram @daily304. Or find us online at wv.gov and just click the daily304 logo. 

That’s all for now. Take care. Be safe. Get outside and enjoy all the opportunity West Virginia has to offer.