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, Dec. 13.
“Entrepreneurship and small business development are the lifeblood of our communities,” said Woodrum. “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.”
Judy Moore, Executive Director of the WV Hive and Deputy Director of the New River Gorge Regional Development Authority (NRGRDA), welcomed guests and presented awards to 12 entrepreneurs and partners of the WV Hive. Awardees included:
2024 WV Hive Small Business of the Year: Trails Edge Cycles, Beckley, WV
2024 WV Hive Startup of the Year: Mountain Table, Renick, WV
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
Moore expressed gratitude to Woodrum, who leads community and economic development initiatives throughout West Virginia and has been helpful on many projects in 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,” said Moore. “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 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 award entries were championed by the WV Hive business advising team and were judged by a panel of outside experts.
