Latest news with #Rotellini
Yahoo
24-04-2025
- Business
- Yahoo
Future Forward Summit and Expo offers community networking opportunities
BECKLEY, WV (WVNS) – The Beckley-Raleigh County Chamber of Commerce presented day two of its 2025 Future Forward event on Wednesday, April 23, 2025. Businesses and organizations from throughout Raleigh County come together each year for the Future Forward Summit and Expo, which is held at the Beckley-Raleigh County Convention Center. The two-day event puts a spotlight on local businesses and offers a variety of educational and networking opportunities. Workshops on economic development, workforce resources, tourism impact, and city planning and zoning were just some of the resources made available at this year's event. The Beckley-Raleigh County Chamber of Commerce President, Michelle Rotellini says this provides an opportunity for community members to collaborate on solutions for intricate issues.'Economic development is very complex,' Rotellini tells 59News. 'There are a lot of different issues, and so today some of those issues are being unpacked and we're learning how we can come together as a community and move forward.' Another important opportunity presented by Future Forward each year is that of networking, with community members being given a platform to express their ideas in a collaborative setting.'Future Forward I think is just a wonderful thing to where we can all come together and kind of brainstorm our ideas of what to do for the community,' says Michelle Wilson, president of small business, Suddenly Spotless – one of many organizations to be showcased for the event. Local business celebrates anniversary with BRCCC ribbon cutting City of Beckley Parks and Recreation Director, Leslie Baker notes the significance of the sessions in keeping the community up to date on current happenings. 'It's so important for the networking opportunities that are available, the sessions that they have to find out what's new and trending in our world,' she says. The Chamber of Commerce concluded the 2025 Future Forward session one Wednesday evening with the hope of attendees leaving more strongly informed, inspired, and connected. Copyright 2025 Nexstar Media, Inc. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed.
Yahoo
19-04-2025
- Business
- Yahoo
Future Forward Summit and Expo will arrive next week
Final preparations are being made for the Future Forward 2025 Summit and Expo, a major business and economic development networking platform scheduled next week in Beckley. The summit, titled 'Future Forward: Growing Our Economy, Strengthening Our Community,' will be Tuesday and Wednesday, April 22-23, at the Beckley-Raleigh County Convention Center. It is coordinated by the Beckley-Raleigh County Chamber of Commerce, the New River Gorge Regional Development Authority and West Virginia Hive, and The Cabins at Pine Haven is the event's platinum sponsor. According to organizers, the event will offer 'a premier business and economic summit and expo bringing together business leaders, entrepreneurs and community change makers to explore the future of economic growth and innovation in southern West Virginia.' 'Collaboration is key to driving meaningful economic growth,' said Michelle Rotellini, BRCCC president/CEO. 'By partnering with the NRGRDA and WV Hive, we're expanding the reach of Future Forward, ensuring a more regional impact and bringing together a broader network of business leaders and entrepreneurs. 'Combining our resources allows us to offer even greater value to businesses, fostering innovation and opportunity across southern West Virginia.' Rotellini said Thursday that ticket sales are going well for the event. There are still spots available, though, and the public can register/pay at the door. To obtain tickets, visit Future Forward will focus on four critical pillars of success — housing, downtown development, small business growth and the economic outlook. Sessions and presentation leaders on the agenda include: • New and existing housing modernization needs — Patrick Bowen, president, Bowen National Research; • Southern West Virginia economic outlook — Dr. John Deskins, director, Bureau of Business and Economic Research at West Virginia University; • Downtown development and revitalization — Moderated by Jina Belcher, NRGRDA; and • Small business development — Judy Moore of NRGRDA and the WV Hive. The event will kick off Tuesday with setup for exhibitors from 9 a.m. to 4 p.m. A developers forum sponsored by Paramount Development Corporation will run from 3:30 to 4:45 p.m., and that will be followed by a legislative reception/business after hours sponsored by Truist from 5 to 7 p.m. 'We encourage everyone to come to the legislative reception,' said Rotellini. Pre-registration is preferred but attendees can also pay at the door. For ticket information, visit Sen. Brian Helton (R-Fayette) will guide the legislative reception. According to Helton, many of the topics to be covered are statewide economic development issues, while others feature more of a local concentration. 'All of these were legislation that were passed during this last session and will play a key role in our future growth in the Mountain State,' he said. The topics will include: • STIF (economic development district); • Microgrid data centers; • Universal Licensing Act; • Local economic development initiatives; • Substance use disorder initiatives; and • Coal Renaissance Act. There will also be time set aside for a question-and-answer session. Also on Tuesday, a ribbon-cutting will be staged at 6 p.m. for new BRCCC member Suddenly Spotless, which offers house cleaning services in Beckley, Charleston, Oak Hill and Fayetteville. On Wednesday, April 23, a full day of forums, educational sessions and networking opportunities will all focus on steering local communities toward the future. That will include presentations and/or discussions on the four pillars to success stressed by organizers. There will also be breakout groups featuring areas of concentration including downtown planning and zoning, tourism and workforce resources. In addition, a diverse range of exhibitors is expected to showcase products, services and initiatives from throughout the region. For more on the agenda for both days, visit The Exhibitor Hall will be open Wednesday from 8 a.m. to 5 p.m. It will be open to the general public for free from 9 a.m. to 4:30 p.m. that day.
Yahoo
02-04-2025
- Business
- Yahoo
Future Forward Summit/Expo to focus on crucial pillars of success for region
Local leaders are poised for a major networking event later this month which will explore avenues for future growth in southern West Virginia. According to a press release, the Future Forward Summit and Expo in April will focus on four crucial pillars of success for southern West Virginia – housing, downtown development, small business growth and the economic outlook. The New River Gorge Regional Development Authority (NRGRDA) and Beckley-Raleigh County Chamber of Commerce (BRCCC) have recruited expert speakers to lead discussions and to seek recommendations for improvements in each of the four areas for the summit, which is planned for April 22-23 at the Beckley-Raleigh County Convention Center. 'The Future Forward planning committee has done an excellent job in securing in-state talent who can be a convener for innovation, collaboration and actionable progress in southern West Virginia,' Jina Belcher, executive director of NRGRDA, said in the press release. Michelle Rotellini, president/CEO of BRCCC, said the annual Future Forward Summit gives business leaders, entrepreneurs and community representatives the opportunity to engage in meaningful discussions, forge strategic partnerships and explore opportunities. 'The focus is a little bit different' than last year's summit, Rotellini said. 'We're very excited about it.' The aim is to 'provide a platform for our community stakeholders to engage in meaningful conservations' geared toward laying the groundwork for workable solutions to guide long-term success in the region, said Rotellini. The BRCCC is partnering with the NRGRDA and West Virginia Hive (WV Hive) to bring together the various industry, business and civic leaders and policy-makers who will be featured on the agenda for the two-day summit. Sessions and presentation leaders scheduled to attend include: • New and existing housing modernization needs — Patrick Bowen, president, Bowen National Research; • Southern West Virginia economic outlook — Dr. John Deskins, director, Bureau of Business and Economic Research at West Virginia University; • Downtown development and revitalization — Moderated by Jina Belcher, NRGRDA; and • Small business development — Judy Moore of NRGRDA and the WV Hive. In addition, West Virginia State Sen. Brian Helton (R-Fayette) will guide a dialogue with state legislators and industry leaders. That session is expected to cover recent legislative developments and provide a platform for attendees to ask questions and gain insights into policy changes, organizers say. There will also be breakout groups featuring areas of concentration including downtown planning and zoning, tourism and workforce resources. In addition, a diverse range of exhibitors is expected to showcase products, services and initiatives from the region. "We were asked this year to partner with the Beckley-Raleigh County Chamber of Commerce on Future Forward," said Moore, executive director of the West Virginia Hive and deputy director of the NRGRDA. "We have very diligently worked to pull together what we think is going to be a really good conference opportunity. "It definitely is an economic development-based conference, and what we're attempting to showcase in this conference is some of the topics that are most prevalent right now with economic development. That's everything from housing to child care to small business support." "The conference is appealing to community leaders, legislators, decision-makers," she added. "That's who we want to have in the room." Moore said the summit will also provide an opportunity for WV Hive to spread the message on the services it offers. "Sometimes, quite honestly, even though the West Virginia Hive has been in existence since late 2016, a lot of people still don't know about us or the services that we provide," said Moore. "So, we're going to take this opportunity to be in front of these key community leaders to let them know what we can actually do to support the small businesses that they are also supporting as legislators and community developers and community leaders. "We're really looking forward to having that opportunity to be on that platform." The 'Future Forward: Growing Our Economy, Strengthening Our Community' event will kick off Tuesday, April 22, at 3:30 p.m. with a downtown development and revitalization session followed by a legislative reception from 5 to 7 p.m. On Wednesday, April 23, a full day of forums, educational sessions and networking opportunities will all focus on driving local communities toward a prosperous future. For more information on this year's Future Forward Summit and Expo, visit For ticket information, visit For information and booth reservations, contact 304-252-7328 / chamber@
Yahoo
05-03-2025
- Business
- Yahoo
Trump tariffs may impact cost of locally grown produce
BECKLEY, WV (WVNS) — The executive director of an advocacy group for state farmers' markets said tariffs imposed on Canada and Mexico by President Donald Trump on Tuesday may impact the cost of locally grown produce in West Virginia. 'Tariffs would increase cost on their feed, fertilizer, equipment, fuel,' said Holly Morgan, executive director of West Virginia Farmers Market Association, on Tuesday, March 4, 2025. 'Any input cost that would go into producing your food would increase for your farmer too.' West Virginia farmers struggled last year as a historic drought affected growing conditions. 'Losses from last year's drought, they aren't put to bed and done, yet,' Morgan added. 'Drought from last year will continue to affect farmers this year. Farmers have already faced higher prices and costs. The tariffs will affect them too.' Tariffs may be used to force manufacturers in targeted countries to relocate to the U.S. and to boost domestic production, which may benefit steel, automobile and other U.S. industries. Economist's said the tariffs will likely raise Americans' yearly spending by $2,000. All Raleigh County students to receive free lunch and breakfast during 2024-25 school year One drastic cost increase could occur on fresh fruits and vegetables, economists have predicted. Data from the U.S. Department of Agriculture show that in 2022, 53 percent of imported fresh fruit came Canada and Mexico, while 89 percent of fresh vegetable imports were from the two countries. Michelle Rotellini, CEO of the Beckley-Raleigh County Chamber of Commerce, said that perishable food items such as fresh produce rely on a 'short and time-sensitive supply chain.' 'Unlike durable goods, perishable produce must move quickly from farms to shelves; meaning any disruption, either from cost increases or slowed imports, can have an immediate impact on availability and pricing,' said Rotellini. 'As consumers, we may see higher prices and reduced selection at grocery stores and restaurants in the short term, and restaurants that depend on fresh ingredients will feel the strain.' Rotellini encouraged local residents to purchase from farmers' markets, noting that locally grown produce is only available in season. Morgan said that eating 'in season' produce is the most natural diet and has benefits, but she emphasized that it is not 'cheaper' to buy fruit and vegetables from a local market. Beekeepers worried about concerning trend of local government crackdowns 'The common misconception is you go to a Farmer's Market because it is a discount. Farmers are not bulk producing,' said Morgan. 'Farmers are not big corporations. Farmers have a smaller margin than a big box store to absorb these increased costs.' Morgan added that farmers need additional support in 2025. 'Supporting your local farmers is going to be a good way to support local business, obviously, and keep farmers in business, because they had a hard year last year, and they needed our support then, and they definitely need it now,' she said. Copyright 2025 Nexstar Media, Inc. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed.
Yahoo
24-02-2025
- Business
- Yahoo
Business owner helps promote small businesses
Beckley has always been home for Beckley-Raleigh County Chamber of Commerce CEO and President Michelle Rotellini. Growing up on South Kanawha Street, Rotellini attended Stratton Junior High and Woodrow Wilson High School. She now runs two successful restaurants in Raleigh County alongside her aunts and daughter, who have partnered with her in the endeavor. Like many who were raised in West Virginia, Rotellini initially pursued an education and a career out of state, but also, like many West Virginians, she eventually found her way back to the mountain state where she has since grown roots. Rotellini said her time learning and working in Charleston, South Carolina, influenced the food she enjoys and cooks and was part of the reason she was inspired to open a restaurant in Raleigh County. Rotellini opened The Dish Café in Daniels in 2013 and recently opened Uptown Dish on Main Street in Beckley. Both restaurants focus on offering quality, homemade food that's made with fresh and healthy ingredients. Rotellini also owns Homecare West Virginia, which she started in 2008 and provides in-home care, elder care and senior home care services. 'Small businesses are really what make communities unique because they're not duplicated,' Rotellini said. 'You're not going to go to another town and find another Dish Café or another favorite boutique, and so those are really what the community becomes known for.' As a business owner as well as the CEO and president of the local chamber of commerce, Rotellini said small businesses are the backbone of small communities because they are tailor-made to fit the community's needs. 'Every community is unique in what services they need, and in small towns, there are a lot of missing services,' Rotellini said. '. . . So the small businesses really have to step up and fill those needs. It's very important because without small businesses, people in rural communities would have to spend a lot of time on the road getting what they need.' Rotellini took over at the Beckley-Raleigh County Chamber of Commerce in 2016 and she enjoys being able to promote and aid small businesses. 'People have an assumption that everybody opens a business because they have deep pockets and they can afford to open a business,' she said. 'But people open businesses because they have great ideas and they want to share them, and it's hard. There's sweat equity, there's late at night and early mornings, and a lot of times they're putting in their personal money to make their payrolls . . . so through the chamber of commerce, we're really able to help promote our businesses.' What is one of the most important things you've learned as CEO and president of the chamber? Collaboration is important. Everything that happens takes partnerships. What is your favorite dish from your restaurants? Anything with our shrimp. We cook our shrimp to perfection. A lot of people are hesitant to order seafood in a landlocked state, but once they've tasted it, they're like me, it's perfect. Do you have a favorite baked good from your restaurant? My favorite is our gluten-free butterscotch blondie. To me, when you get it with a scoop of ice cream, it tastes like a bowl of Honey Bunches of Oats. What's your favorite meal to cook at home? I have a couple of specialties that my family always craves, just from my time in Charleston, South Carolina. They love when I make low-country cheese grits. When my kids were little, I used to make quiche a lot because it was just something that was easy to heat up for them in the mornings and it wasnutritious.
