The West Virginia Small Business Development Center (WVSBDC) staff conference kicked off with an educational session on shale energy, followed by awards to members who earned professional certifications.
WVSBDC Director Kristina Oliver presided over the conference held in April at Stonewall Resort in Lewis County. In addition to WVSBDC staff, the event was attended by West Virginia economic development officials. West Virginia Commerce Secretary Keith Burdette delivered the opening remarks.
The conference opened with a training seminar on Marcellus Shale, presented by Matt Henderson, shale asset manager, Marcellus Center for Outreach and Research (MCOR). MCOR is an education and research initiative of Pennsylvania State University. The seminar provided WVSBDC business coaches with an overview of shale development and trends. The presentation explained upstream, midstream and downstream processes and opportunities. The information will enable WVSBDC staff to better meet the needs of their clients who do business in the industry.
Industry panelists gave brief stand-up presentations and fielded questions from the audience. The panelists were Kevin DiGregorio, director, Chemical Alliance Zone; Teresa McNeil, procurement sourcing Agent , EQT Corporation; Tom S. Witt, Witt Economics LLC; and Jim Crews, vice president of development, MarkWest Hydrocarbons.
After the seminar, WVSBDC recognized business coaches who had received certifications in specialized capabilities. Josh Jarrell, Deputy Secretary and General Counsel at West Virginia Department of Commerce, presented awards:
Export and Trade Counseling from Trade Promotion Coordinating Committee and the U.S. Small Business Administration: Beth Ludewig, Sharon Stratton, Justin Gaull and Rob Hinton.
Certified Global Business Professional for knowledge in international trade, issued by the National Association of Small Business International Trade Educators:  Amber Wilson, Terry Cyfers and Steve Johnson.
Research Commercialization Course for understanding of innovation, commercialization and tech transfer required to successfully function in industry: Justin Gaull, Sharon Stratton and Steve Johnson.
Federal Acquisition Management for skills regarding managing federal government contracts: Doug Spaulding and Terry Cyfers.
Capital Access Recognition for accessing more than $1 million dollars of capital infusion for their clients:Terry Cyfers, Jim Epling and Bob Marggraf.
The WVSBDC is part of the West Virginia Development Office and creates economic impact through offering entrepreneurs and small businesses cost-effective business coaching and technical assistance. The West Virginia SBDC is funded in part through a cooperative agreement with the U.S. Small Business Administration. The WVSBDC is an Accredited Member of America’s SBDC network.
