Welcome to the daily304 – your window into Wonderful, Almost Heaven, West Virginia.
Today is Saturday, Aug. 1, 2026.
#1 – From REAL WEST VIRGINIA – Real West Virginian of the Week encourages young people through outdoor exploration
Kristen Beverage, executive director of Experience Learning, is Real West Virginia’s “Real West Virginian of the Week.” The Pocahontas County native has dedicated her career to helping people build confidence and connect with nature through hands-on outdoor education in West Virginia.
Beverage aims to remove the intimidation surrounding outdoor exploration, encouraging young West Virginians to step outside their comfort zones, embrace new career paths, and form a lasting relationship with the natural world.
#2 – From MARSHALL UNIVERSITY – Summit aims to improve business leadership skills
Are you looking to improve your business expertise? The Business Value Builder Summit brings together nationally recognized experts, successful entrepreneurs and business leaders to explore practical strategies in the field. The conference takes place Thursday, Sept. 17, at Marshall University.
Whether you’re planning for the next five years or the next 20, you’ll leave with actionable insights to strengthen your business, increase its value, and prepare for the future. Register now!
Read more:
https://www.marshall.edu/icenter/business-value-builder-summit/
#3 – From NATIONAL GEOGRAPHIC – WV state parks and forests take the spotlight in national magazine
Dozens of state parks and state forests in the Mountain State offer crowd-free hiking and climbing, quiet lakes, and historic landmarks awaiting exploration.
From Cacapon Resort State Park to Beech Fork State Park, National Geographic highlights some of the state’s best parks and forests while showcasing their natural beauty and outdoor recreational opportunities. Visit wvstateparks.com for additional information or to book lodging.
Read more:
https://www.nationalgeographic.com/travel/article/west-virginia-best-state-parks
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.

