Affiliate Services High-Tech Expo planned at Culture Center - WBOY.com: Clarksburg, Morgantown: News, Sports, Weather

Affiliate Services High-Tech Expo planned at Culture Center

Posted: Updated:
  • BusinessBusiness

  • Tuesday, June 18 2013 1:16 PM EDT2013-06-18 17:16:11 GMT
    The West Virginia Sesquicentennial cake will make an impact on the celebration, clocking in at 8 feet long and 40 inches tall.
    The West Virginia Sesquicentennial cake will make an impact on the celebration, clocking in at 8 feet long and 40 inches tall.
  • Monday, June 17 2013 10:32 AM EDT2013-06-17 14:32:21 GMT
    Champion Industries Inc. on June 14 announced a reduced second quarter 2013 net loss from continuing operations of $700,000, compared to a$21.0 million for the quarter last year.
    HUNTINGTON, WV — Champion Industries Inc. on June 14 announced a reduced second quarter 2013 net loss from continuing operations of $700,000, compared to a net loss from continuing operations of $21.0 million for the quarter that ended April 30, 2012.
  • Monday, June 17 2013 8:04 AM EDT2013-06-17 12:04:51 GMT
    Worth an estimated $1.7 billion, Jim Justice is a prominent member of Lewisburg, but his coal operations are struggling as business owners have filed at least nine lawsuits since late 2011.
    Worth an estimated $1.7 billion, Jim Justice is a prominent member of Lewisburg, but his coal operations are struggling as business owners have filed at least nine lawsuits since late 2011.

The West Virginia High Technology Consortium Foundation and its Affiliate Services Program want the West Virginia Legislature to know what's happening along the I-79 High-Tech corridor. 

To get the message across, the WVHTC Foundation Affiliate Services Program is holding a "High-Tech Expo" on Thursday, March 14 at the Culture Center in Charleston.

"Our goal for this High-Tech Expo is to introduce our legislators to the many businesses who have become a successful part of the state's economy," said WVHTC Foundation President Jim Estep, "and at the same time, explain how some of our critical business and economic development services are in need of support."

The programs Estep is referring to are:

  • The Affiliate Services Program, initiated to provide workforce development, networking and employee benefits not readily accessible by a start-up or a small business looking to grow. Member benefits have grown, as has the membership, with more than 125 companies now participating statewide. 
  • INNOVA Commercialization Group, designed to provide business support services and seed- and early-stage investment capital dedicated to creating successful entrepreneurs and new ventures.  INNOVA specializes in bringing vital knowledge and resources to early-stage companies in support of product commercialization efforts.  In addition, INNOVA manages a growing seed-stage capital investment fund.
  • Foundation Innovator, a combination of low-cost, state-of-the-art office incubator space and business support services.  The Foundation Innovator is located in the Alan B. Mollohan Innovation Center in the I-79 Technology Park in Fairmont, which is home to numerous high-tech businesses, vibrant entrepreneurs, established organizations and government.

Nearly 25 high-tech firms located along the I-79 High-Tech corridor are planning to participate in the High-Tech Expo. 

The event will take place from 10:30 a.m. to 2 p.m. on March 14 at the West Virginia Culture Center and Museum in Charleston.