Welcome to the daily304 – your window into Wonderful, Almost Heaven, West Virginia.
Today is Wednesday, Sept. 23, 2026.
…and now for the rest of the stories…on today’s daily304.com!
#1 – From THE INTELLIGENCER – Could West Virginia manufacturers buy more from each other?
Here’s the idea: Before a West Virginia manufacturer orders something from overseas, find out whether another West Virginia company is already making it. The West Virginia Manufacturers Association is working with a new group called ReshoreWV to connect Mountain State manufacturers with suppliers closer to home.
ReshoreWV is led by West Virginia native and Marshall University graduate Ed Ryan, whose background includes international trade work with the U.S. Customs and Border Protection, Amazon and lululemon. Ryan calls the strategy “import substitution.” West Virginia manufacturers currently produce approximately $9 billion annually, but they also import about $4.9 billion in goods each year from more than 100 countries. Ryan says there’s a 60% overlap between those imports and products already manufactured in West Virginia. ReshoreWV sees an immediate $680 million opportunity to replace some imported goods with products made here.
The concept could shorten supply chains, reduce logistical headaches and keep more business circulating among West Virginia companies.
#2 – From THE REAL WV – Investing in the people who build West Virginia
When Stacie Dei talks about West Virginia’s future, she doesn’t start with buildings or businesses. She starts with people.
The Real WV has named the Wheeling native its Real West Virginian of the Week, recognizing nearly 25 years of work supporting nonprofit leaders, educators, community organizations and rural communities across the state. Dei spent 22 years leading the Marshall County Family Resource Network before launching Grow West Virginia and the Appalachian Innovation Collective.
Over time, she discovered what she calls her best work: “helping the helper.”
Through coaching, strategic planning, leadership development and mentorship, Dei supports the people who carry the responsibilities of leading nonprofits and community organizations. Her Appalachian Innovation Collective and programs including the Mountain State Leadership Lab have worked with leaders representing more than 60 organizations across West Virginia. And collaboration is central to her approach.
Rather than treating organizations as competitors, Dei encourages leaders to share connections, resources and opportunities.
#3 – From WV BOOK FESTIVAL – Book lovers, this one’s for you
Clear some room on the bookshelf. The West Virginia Book Festival returns to the Charleston Coliseum & Convention Center on Saturday, Oct. 24, bringing together readers, writers and some major names in literature. The 2026 featured-author lineup includes R.L. Stine, creator of the bestselling Goosebumps series, which has sold more than 400 million books.
He’ll be joined by Margot Lee Shetterly, author of “Hidden Figures”; bestselling historical-fiction author Kate Quinn; Huntington native Craig Johnson, creator of the Walt Longmire mysteries; and West Virginia author and illustrator Rosalie Haizlett.
And the festival isn’t just about listening to authors.
Visitors can explore writing workshops, family activities, a literary marketplace and the annual Used Book Sale. Admission to festival events and programs is free. There’s also a bonus for history lovers. Three-time Pulitzer Prize winner and bestselling historian Rick Atkinson will deliver the West Virginia Humanities Council’s annual McCreight Lecture on October 15 at Charleston’s Capitol Theater.
Read more:
https://www.wvbookfestival.org
Find these stories and more at wv.gov/daily304.
The daily304 curated news and information is brought to you by the West Virginia Department of Commerce: Sharing the wealth, beauty, and opportunity in West Virginia with the world. Follow the daily304 on Facebook, Twitter and Instagram @daily304. Or find us online at wv.gov and just click the daily304 logo.
That’s all for now. Take care. Be safe. Get outside and enjoy all the opportunity West Virginia has to offer.