The Snowshoe Business Open House, held
on June 6, 2008 at the Marlinton Career Center, was very informative
and proved to be a successful event. Presentations were given
by Snowshoe representatives and Career Center staff. The evening
ended with a delicious buffet catered by Kathy's Kafé
and Lounge. Attendees mingled and small group conversations
took place as area business representatives spoke about issues
that were discussed during the meeting.
Bill Rock, President and Chief Operating Office of Snowshoe,
began by announcing the Silver Eagle Award presented to Snowshoe
for their habitat conservation plan to protect the endangered
WV flying squirrel. Bill felt the higher gasoline prices may
increase visitors from surrounding states with longer stays
in the county. Ron Cadrette, Snowshoe's Vice-president of
Lodging, spoke about the Mountain's upcoming summer events.
New events include the ATV Avalanche and the Gravity Sports
International race, both in September. Coby Brown represented
Snowshoe Foundation which serves Pocahontas, Webster, and
Randolph counties.
Snowshoe's JD Morgan gave a brief summary of the many state
committees on which he represents Pocahontas County. JD addressed
the recent sewer project and said, "If there is one thing
you take away from this meeting, it is the fact that this
[the sewer project] is a Rate Payer Issue, NOT a Tax Payer
Issue."
An interesting panel discussion on the Hotel Motel tax was
held by Lindie Moore from Jerico Bed & Breakfast, Nelson
Hernandez from the Old Clark Inn, and Allen Johnson from the
Pocahontas County Libraries. The dialogue was an eye-opener
to many, as the source of these funds and how they are allocated
back to the tourist industry was explained. County Commissioner
Reta Griffith agreed that this tax is a way to better our
community for residents and for increased tourism. Allen Johnson
gave his view of how important these funds are to the four
libraries in the county, which offer free Internet access
to visitors and will also begin an outdoor equipment check-out
section.
Pocahontas County Prevention Coalition Project Director Ginny
Ramos described the recent Above the Influence poster and
education campaign involving our high school student athletes.
This national campaign encourages students to avoid drug use
and underage drinking.
Robin Morgan from WorkForce West Virginia and Tracy Samples
of Snowshoe explained how their businesses have formed a partnership
to provide the new Career Center in Marlinton. The center
offers GED and computer classes, access to employment and
unemployment applications, and a job training facility open
to the public. The WorkForce system makes it easy for employers
to find employees and vice versa.
The Chamber's first Business After-Hours reception was well
attended, and we hope to continue this type of event in the
future, with individual businesses hosting the event at their
establishments.