Create West Virginia

Huntington Gets Even Greener

Richard Cobb is an advocate for Cabell County's neighborhoods. He is the chairperson of the Huntington Human Relations Commission, a member of the executive committee of the Cabell-Huntington Chapter of the NAACP and a past citizen member of the Herald-Dispatch Editorial Board. He founded Adopt YOUR Block - Be a Litter-Gitter, a litter abatement group that now numbers more than 1,400 community volunteers.  In 2006, Richard was a recipient of the national Jefferson Award for Outstanding Public Service.

Each resident of Huntington and Cabell County, who has joined the mission to make the area clean and green, has pledged to keep just the block on which they live free and clear of cigarette butts and litter. They focus on eliminating litter - one block at a time.  To date, the volunteers have removed over 250-tons of litter from their streets.  Plans include an advertising and educational campaign that will focus on changing the attitude and behavior of individuals who senselessly litter the area and state.

The group is now participating in the collaborative effort of the Create Huntington organization and are proud to be a part of this creative force of community political and business leaders, business, civic and fraternal organizations, along with private citizens. For more information, check out Richard's "Neighborhood Issues in Huntington and Cabell County" blog at http://media.herald-dispatch.com/blog/cobb/.

Turning the "LightsOn" in Oak Hill

The gang at LightsOn West Virginia have opened their LEED-certified office building in downtown Oak Hill, and it's an exciting example of a concept that Jeff Miller and others in the sustainable development field promote: Why not leverage the "embedded energy" that exists in the hundreds of existing structures in West Virginia communities and put them to new, progressive use?

Brandon Holmes and George Rogers are serial entrepreneurs in Fayette County. Their first endeavor was an adventure tourism videography and marketing firm, but needing a new office of their own, they began to get excited about the potential of real estate and development, particularly as it relates to refurbishing the forgotten gems found throughout West Virginia small towns.

The fruit of their idea is now a reality - the Bellann Building, a circa 1930's brownstone in downtown Oak Hill. The team has completed their renovations and are on track to become the only LEED-certified private sector building in the state pending a year of data collection required for that designation.

In addition, the company has provided new, exciting space for up-and-coming organizations and entrepreneurs in the area. Companies that have already located in the building include Earthmark, Drive Current and the National Parks Conservation Association.

From the State Journal article:

"Quality of place issues and connectivity to the web are changing the business landscape in an unprecedented way," Holmes said. "...We can make progress and recruit people who want to live in a spectacular place like the New River Gorge. We are recruiting the newest generation of West Virginians."

Thinking Green

The demand for knowledgeable green building practitioners has skyrocketed. People desire energy-efficient, environmentally friendly homes and buildings. In response to local interest, the Charleston Area Alliance is pleased to present "Thinking Green."

This green building education seminar is scheduled for 8:30 a.m. to 10 a.m. July 15 at the Charleston Area Alliance, 1116 Smith St.

Chris Haddox, a visiting assistant professor of sustainable design at West Virginia University's Division of Design and Merchandising, will explore the environmental, social and economic benefits of green building. He will discuss ways to ensure an educated workforce and the value of third party certification systems. He also will talk about the current state of green building in West Virginia and projected growth opportunities by defining a growth market niche.

Thinking Green is useful for a wide variety of professionals interested in learning the basics of green building and fostering an educated workforce. Contractors, architects, Realtors, lawmakers, developers and property owners are encouraged to attend.

Thinking Green is free, but seating is limited.  Please RSVP to Danny Forinash at [email protected].  (Members of CAA have first priority.)

Contact Person: Danny Forinash

Contact Phone Number: (304) 340-4253

Contact Email Address: [email protected]

Start Date & Time: 7/15/2008 8:30:00 AM

End Date & Time: 7/15/2008 10:00:00 AM

Location: Charleston Area Alliance, 1116 Smith St., WV