Welcome to the daily304 – your window into Wonderful, Almost Heaven, West Virginia.
Today is Thursday, Nov. 5, 2026.
…and now for the rest of the stories…on today’s daily304.com!
#1 – From MU Advanced Manufacturing – Charleston technology company brings innovative product to life with Marshall’s help
A Charleston technology company is turning a creative idea into a working product with help from the Marshall Advanced Manufacturing Center.
KDE Technology is developing Synapse Digital, a tabletop device combining wireless phone charging, digital advertising and interactive features for restaurants, entertainment venues and other public spaces.
The center provided $5,000 in early-stage assistance, along with engineering expertise and advanced 3D-printing equipment.
Working with MAMC engineer Adam Eshem, KDE leaders Tony Brown and Lee Ayers refined the device’s design, improved heat management and developed a durable enclosure.
The product features two high-speed wireless chargers and a digital display. Its cable-free charging design also aims to reduce security risks associated with public charging stations.
With the hardware completed, KDE is developing the software and advertising network needed to bring Synapse Digital to market.
It’s an example of how West Virginia’s manufacturing resources are helping entrepreneurs turn ideas into products.
Read more: https://www.mfg.marshall.edu/innovations-bring-creation-to-life-with-assistance-from-mamc/
#2 – From WV SBDC – WV SBDC helps childcare entrepreneurs build businesses that support working families
Childcare is essential for working families, and the West Virginia Small Business Development Center is helping entrepreneurs build businesses that meet that need.
Through its Childcare West Virginia: Building the Business that Supports Business initiative, the WV SBDC provides resources for people interested in opening or expanding childcare operations.
Entrepreneurs can access regional startup guides for childcare centers, family childcare facilities and home-based businesses, along with one-on-one assistance from business coaches.
The initiative is supported by the Appalachian Regional Commission and developed in partnership with the West Virginia Workforce Resiliency Office and childcare development company Wonderschool.
Its pilot focuses on eight counties: Boone, Jackson, Kanawha, Lincoln, Mason, Putnam, Roane and Wirt.
The effort also explores ways employers can help workers manage childcare costs.
By helping childcare providers establish sustainable businesses, the program aims to expand childcare access and support workforce participation across West Virginia.
Read more: https://wvsbdc.com/tools-and-resources/childcare-industry-resources/
#3 – From STV – Service Wire expansion reaches major construction milestone in Culloden
A West Virginia manufacturing company with roots dating back nearly 60 years is making progress on a major expansion.
Service Wire Company, a family-owned wire and cable manufacturer headquartered in Culloden, has reached an important milestone with the installation of the final structural steel at its expanding facility.
The completed framework marks the transition toward interior construction and equipment installation.
Engineering and construction management firm STV is overseeing project coordination, scheduling and collaboration among the construction teams.
To commemorate the milestone, employees signed two 24-inch steel beams before installation. The beams will remain visible inside the completed facility.
Founded in West Virginia in 1968, Service Wire manufactures American-made wire and cable for industrial, commercial and utility customers.
The expansion is designed to increase manufacturing capacity and support the company’s next generation of growth. The project is expected to create approximately 60 new jobs.
It’s another investment in West Virginia’s manufacturing workforce and industrial future.
Find these stories and more at wv.gov/daily304.
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That’s all for now. Take care. Be safe. Get outside and enjoy all the opportunity West Virginia has to offer.
