Pam Haynes, director of the West Virginia Film Office, says the seminar is a key component for building the state’s film industry workforce. “Participants in the workshop will gain a thorough, hands-on orientation and understanding of proper set etiquette and procedures, production paperwork, script breakdown, scheduling, walkie-talkie protocol, film set ‘speak’, and job search and resume-building skills.” Haynes says, “The added impact for our state is, when a region has a skilled labor pool with a strong understanding of the unique needs of the film industry, it becomes a built-in financial incentive for in-state production and particularly for outside production companies because it reduces the burden of having to hire specialized workers from out of state.”

Lisa Wells, industry relations coordinator for the film office, says, “Our goal here is to identify the best avenues to assist West Virginia residents who want to get started in the film industry, or who are currently working in the film industry and want to learn a new skillset, to have access to outstanding training opportunities that will increase their chances to be hired when production companies film in the state.”

The West Virginia Film Office encourages a wide range of people to attend, from those already working in the industry who want to brush up their skills to those with zero experience who desire to break into the industry. While the workshop is open to the general public, current West Virginia residents who complete the training will be eligible to become listed in the film office’s online crew and vendor directory. “Normally, to become listed, a worker must have one professional credit for a certain skillset,” Wells says. “We hope that anyone who has yet to be hired on a production, but has a strong desire to work in the film industry, will take advantage of this program.”

Haynes is delighted that the Huntington Mayor’s Office of Film, Theatre and Broadcasting, the Greater Huntington Convention & Visitors Bureau and Trifecta Productions have stepped up as co-sponsors of the workshop. “It is clear that a special synergy relating to the film industry is currently taking place in Huntington,” Haynes says. “Mayor Steve Williams is spearheading a targeted effort to make Huntington a film friendly location to conduct business. These two companies have joined forces with the Mayor’s Office to act on these efforts by actively recruiting the industry to the city.”

Production Assistant Training Seminar is considered one of the top traveling training programs in the nation for teaching production assistant skillsets. The lead instructor for the workshop is Gary Fiorelli, who has worked on numerous feature films, including “In the Line of Fire,” “The Pelican Brief,” “Major League 2,” “A Few Good Men,” and “The Firm.” Fiorelli is also a member of the Directors Guild of America and has worked as an asssistant director on such films as “The Pirates of the Caribbean” (1 and 2), “Runaway Jury,” “Blades of Glory,” and “Body of Lies.” In his role as first assistant director, Fiorelli recently completed the first season of the Starz original TV series “Magic City.”

The PATS workshop will begin each day at 10 a.m. and wrap at 5 p.m. at Trifecta Productions, 555 Fifth Avenue. The building is also home to WOWK-TV. Lunch will be provided both days, courtesy of the mayor’s office and the Huntington Convention and Visitors Bureau. Advance registration is highly recommended due to limited seating in order to maximize attention to each participant. If you are not a current member of the film office’s online crew and vendor directory, register by June 7 and pay only $35. After June 7 or at the door, the cost will be $45. Current members of the film office’s online crew and vendor directory pay only $25. High school senior and current college students can take advantage of the workshop for $15.

Registration is open now. Don’t delay. To get your spot in the workshop, send an e-mail to Lisa Wells at wvfilm@wv.gov for instructions or for additional workshop questions, call 304-957-9366.

The West Virginia Film Office is a section of the West Virginia Division of Tourism, under the West Virginia Department of Commerce. Visit the film office at www.wvfilm.com.

“This is truly something to celebrate,” said Dr. Teresa Eagle, dean of the Graduate School of Education and Professional Development. “This accreditation decision means that we are achieving the goals we have set for ourselves. I thank Dr. Ron Childress, who chaired the accreditation team, and the rest of the professional education faculty and staff for their untiring efforts on behalf of students and teachers.”

Dr. Robert Bookwalter, dean of the College of Education, echoed Eagle’s comments.

“We are proud to have earned continuing accreditation from NCATE for our teacher preparation programs,” he said. “Meeting the new, more rigorous standards confirms that Marshall University is preparing great teachers for the public schools and is committed to excellence and continuous improvement in our degree programs.  I am grateful for the contributions of our faculty and staff, as well as our partner schools and local school districts, to our successful accreditation report.”

The Professional Education Unit at Marshall includes the College of Education, based primarily on the Huntington campus and the Graduate School of Education and Professional Development, which is headquartered on the South Charleston campus. Together, the faculty of the two units graduate approximately 300 preservice and inservice educators per year.

“This was truly a team effort and a significant achievement for Marshall’s  Professional Education Unit,” Childress said. “He is professor of elementary/secondary education and leadership studies in the Graduate School of Education and Professional Development. Clearly, this would not have happened without the commitment and contributions from faculty, staff, students and all of our external stakeholders. We should be well positioned as we look forward to our next accreditation visit in 2018.”

Founded in 1954, NCATE is recognized by the U. S. Department of Education as a specialized accrediting body for schools, colleges and departments of education. NCATE and the Teacher Education Accreditation Council (TEAC) have consolidated and are now transitioning into the Council for the Accreditation of Educator Preparation (CAEP).

More information about Marshall’s education programs may be found online at www.marshall.edu/coe and www.marshall.edu/gsepd.

West Virginia SBA Small Business Week award winners will be honored during a dinner on Wednesday, May 29, 6 p.m. at the Erickson Alumni Center in conjunction with the 2013 Teaming to Win Conference. McCauley invites everyone to join her in recognizing these small business leaders. Registration is required and can be completed online at www.teamingtowin.org.

This celebration comes as part of a proclamation issued by the President of the United States every year since 1963. The celebration is a time to recognize the critical contributions of America’s entrepreneurs and small business owners. West Virginia is proud to celebrate the following award winners:

§  Small Business Person of the Year - Diane Lewis, president and CEO, Action Facilities Management, Inc., Monongalia County

Founded in 2001, followed by incorporation in 2003, Action Facilities Management, Inc.(AFM) specializes in providing a full spectrum of site management services including security, facilities maintenance, project management, equipment operations, consulting, training and staffing solutions. Because of the pervasive corporate culture, which starts with Lewis and extends throughout the entire AFM organization, the company has grown from an initial two employees in 2001 to the current on-board strength of 275+ personnel providing government and commercial contract services to more than 20 clients in 11 states and the District of Columbia.

• Small Business Exporter of the Year - Tim Warden, president, Engart Inc., Raleigh County

Engart Inc. is a highly specialized company that designs, manufactures and supplies wet dust extraction systems for mining, utility and heavy process industries. The company utilizes its unique technology to eliminate the fire and explosion risk associated with collecting fugitive combustible dust that is generated during the material handling process. Engart ventilation and air cleaning technology provides a method for its customers to improve the environmental operating conditions of its employees, while maintaining regulatory compliance of its air quality emissions. Engart started in January 2003 and is headquartered in Beckley, WV, with a production facility in Bluefield, WV. Although Engart is a relatively small privately held company, it has expanded its geographic market to set up distributors in Canada. Engart also has an established market presence in South Korea, Mexico and Columbia and has gained recognition for providing quality technical expertise and machinery to the industries that it serves.

• Family-Owned Business of the Year: Jonathan Bellingham, marketing manager, Capon Springs and Farms, Inc., Hampshire County

Capon Springs and Farms have operated as a family owned business since 1932, when grandfather Lou Austin purchased the property for its spring waters, and celebrated 80 years in business in 2012. The business is managed by a leadership structure that includes a general manager and fourth-generation Jonathan Bellingham, who is the marketing manager. Together they are working to continue the tradition where family and friends enjoy home cooked meals, outdoor fun and lasting friendships. Located on 4700 acres of green forested mountains in Hampshire County, the property includes 90 guest rooms in a dozen lodges. Employing 125 local persons, the business is open from April through October each year. The business location lends itself to providing a variety of recreational activities.

• Home-Based Business Champion: Mathew Thomas, Thomas | Work, Gilmore County

Thomas | Work is a small home-based business owned by Matt Thomas. Launched in 2002, Thomas’ focus is on creating beautifully finished pieces that combine metal and wood. Thomas blends three styles, which include traditional, contemporary and hybrid inspiration among metal and wood. Thomas | Work is most known for its small furniture items, serving dishes and accessories. Thomas attended the prestigious 2012 Buyers Market of American Craft Conference as part of the Tamarack Foundation’s Rural to Urban Markets Program. As a result of the show, he picked up 59 new retailers.

• Minority Small Business Champion: Christina Lundberg, business coach, Small Business Development Center, Berkeley County

Christina Lundberg, center manager at the Small Business Development Center in the Eastern Panhandle, is a tremendous advocate for small businesses—especially for minority small businesses. Lundberg has an impressive list of accomplishments that go on for pages. A few include securing funding for multicultural events and publications and producing the 2012 Eastern Panhandle Multicultural Business Directory, which includes local businesses (Black, Hispanic, Asian and Native American); organizing expos and workshops; co-chairing the Berkley County Diversity Committee, Berkley County Public Schools and co-chairing the economic development committee of Berkley Martinsburg Chapter of the NAACP.
West Virginia’s top small business SBA lenders will also be recognized during the celebration. The West Virginia 2012 Community Bank of the Year is The First State Bank in Barboursville,

which approved 31 SBA-guaranteed loans in West Virginia totaling just more than $18.1 million. The West Virginia 2012 Lender of the Year is Huntington National Bank, which approved 52 SBA-guaranteed loans for more than $9.9 million.

Gallagher, a West Virginia native, most recently served as senior vice president of government affairs for the American Pharmacists Association in Washington, D.C.

“Brian will be an incredible asset to Marshall University’s health sciences programs,” said Dr. Kevin Yingling, dean of the School of Pharmacy. “His vast experience in government affairs, health care academics and pharmacy administration will aid Marshall as we move our programs forward.”

School of Medicine Dean Dr. Joseph I. Shapiro said Gallagher’s knowledge of the medical and pharmacy industries allows Marshall to expand in new areas.

“As Marshall begins to build on a collaborative system within its health sciences programs, individuals with diverse skills will be required to help design and create our initiatives,” Shapiro said. “Brian Gallagher has the expertise we need and we are thrilled to have him as part of our team.”

In addition to his position with American Pharmacists Association, Gallagher has held a wide variety of posts, including vice president for regulatory compliance for Rite Aid, vice president of risk management and governance for NDCHealth, general counsel for TechRx, director of pharmacy regulatory affairs for the National Association of Chain Drug Stores and general counsel for WVU Hospitals.

Gallagher served for eight years in the West Virginia House of Delegates, where he was chairman of both the Banking and Insurance and Legislative Rule Making Review Committees. He authored a wide variety of statutes, including the Pharmacy Practice Act.

“Brian’s responsibilities with Marshall Health will evolve as our health care system continues to change under the Affordable Care Act,”  said Beth Hammers, executive director of Marshall Health. “His background in the legislature, law and pharmacy gives him a unique perspective that is highly beneficial to our organization.”

“I am delighted to join the Marshall Health team and to be a part of the exciting initiatives they have in the works to improve the health of my fellow West Virginians,” Gallagher said. “I am really happy to be back home in the Mountain State.”

Gallagher graduated from West Virginia University in 1981 with a B.S. in pharmacy and received his law degree from Wake Forest University in 1984. He is admitted to the West Virginia, Georgia and Pennsylvania bars and is licensed to practice pharmacy in West Virginia.

Gallagher began his duties with Marshall Health March 29.

Brian A. Gallagher, R.Ph., J.D.

Both sessions will take place on Wednesday, May 29, with the first one starting at 10:30 a.m. with a “What’s New, What’s Next, What’s Needed” discussion. A panel of government representatives will provide advice on what’s new in innovations, what’s next in trends and what are the upcoming federal contracting opportunities. The second panel discussion will kick off at 3:30 p.m. and is titled “IMPACT! On Small Business.” Experts will provide advice on the best ways to not only survive but thrive during difficult and challenging times—debunking the “too big to fail, too small to survive” motto.

“I encourage small businesses to take advantage of these panel discussions,” says Judy McCauley, director of SBA’s West Virginia District Office. “It’s not often that this many government contracting experts are in the same room to provide guidance and answer questions.”

Small businesses interested in these panel discussions can register at www.teamingtowin.org.

Later that evening, SBA’s 2013 West Virginia Small Business award winners will be honored during a dinner at the Teaming to Win Conference. McCauley invites everyone to join her in recognizing these small business leaders. Registration and payment can be made at www.teamingtowin.org.

In 2005, after completing her education, Christina moved to Hollywood to achieve her dream of being a wardrobe stylist. During her five years in Los Angeles she did just that. Christina had the opportunity to work on commercials, music videos, independent films, and—her overall dream—a feature film. After conquering all she went to LA to accomplish, she was ready to continue her stylist career in the hometown she loved: Morgantown.

Christina wanted to do something no one else was doing in Morgantown, so she decided to open her own boutique and bring Melrose Avenue to Morgantown. She had the dream but knew she had to pitch it to find the funds.

After shopping her dream around to multiple banks, she ended up in the office of the Small Business and Development Center (SBDC), speaking with business coach Sharon Stratton. At the age of 29, Christina didn’t have the collateral required by most banks and wasn’t sure where to go next. Stratton helped Christina in preparing her business plan and put her in contact with the Washington County Council, who is an SBA’s microloan guarantor.

“I loved the fact that I could sit down and talk with someone open and honestly,” said Christina when asked about her experience working with the Washington County Council. “They really listen to your concerns and questions and they are there to help you succeed.”

Christina has words of wisdom to other young entrepreneurs who may face the same challenges. “Contact your local SBDC office and get started on your business plan. If you can’t put forth the effort it takes to plan your business, then you aren’t ready to dedicate your life to it.”

Christina had the hard work and dedication needed to launch a new business. In April of 2010, she opened the doors to Altered Ego Boutique. Now, after being in business for three years, she is pursuing a new dream—she will soon launch an online version of Altered Ego Boutique.

“I owe a great amount of gratitude to Sharon at the SBDC and also those involved with the SBA microloan program,” she said. “They helped me accomplish my dream.”

To contact the WVSBDC call the Business AskMe! Line at 888-982-7232. For more information on loan guarantee programs visit sba.gov.

If you answered yes to any of these questions, then this FREE webinar is for YOU! Guest speaker Perry Bryant, executive director of West Virginians for Affordable Health Care, will answer these questions and help small businesses navigate the new national health care legislation.

There will be four webinars from 2 p.m. to 3 p.m. on the dates below:

• May 31
• June 14
• July 19
• August 23

Don’t wait – register today at http://aca-business-wv.eventbrite.com/.

You can also find information on the Affordable Care Act by visiting www.sba.gov/healthcare.

David Helmer, senior vice president and regional corporate banking manager for BB&T, presented the latest check for $100,000 to Marshall President Dr. Stephen Kopp and Dr. Ronald Area, CEO of the Marshall University Foundation.

“We are grateful to BB&T for their ongoing support,” Kopp said.

Marshall’s Center for the Advancement of American Capitalism sponsors a lecture series and upper-division course in capitalism for business students, among other activities.

David Helmer, senior vice president and regional corporate banking manager for BB&T, presents a check for $100,000 to Marshall University President Stephen Kopp in support of the BB&T Center for the Advancement of American Capitalism at Marshall University’s College of Business.

Capt. John Tucker, Capt. Joseph Common and Chief Warrant Officer Lamar Dupree became the first African-American Marine Corps officers to graduate from Marshall University (MU) with their Master of Arts degrees in leadership studies.

Marshall is partnering with the United States Marine Corps College of Distance Education and Training (CDET) in Quantico, VA, to provide active duty Marine Corps officers the opportunity to earn the degree.

Marshall President Stephen Kopp and John Hemleben, dean of Academics with the CDET, signed a memorandum of understanding regarding the arrangement in October 2011.

“Seeing Marine Corps officers such as Capt. Tucker, Capt. Common and Chief Warrant Officer Dupree graduate with their master’s degrees is inspiring not only to our young African-American students but also young African-American service members,” says Kelly Sweetman-Nekvinda, director of military and veterans affairs at Marshall. “These men are accomplished in their careers and now as academics. They are excellent role models. Marshall is extremely proud to be a part of their journeys.”

Sweetman-Nekvinda said Marshall currently has about 100 Marines taking part in the partnership with the College of Distance Education and Training in Quantico.

Tucker and Common attended Marshall’s Donning of Kente Celebration of Achievement earlier this month at the Joan C. Edwards Performing Arts Center. The celebration is one of the most prestigious and culturally significant events in which Marshall’s African and African-American students can participate. Dupree was unable to attend.

Tucker, a 37-year-old native of Halifax, VA, has been in the Marine Corps nearly 20 years. He is stationed in Combat Logistics Regiment 25 and was deployed to Iraq once for eight months in 2008.

“I’m pretty ecstatic about it. It’s really neat to be the first of anything,” Tucker says of earning the leadership studies master’s degree. “I’m living my dream.”

He plans to next become either a college professor or join the nonprofit business world after his retirement from the Marine Corps. He is married with two children.

Common is from Joliet, IL, and has been in the Marines seven years, though affiliated with the Marines for 10 years. He, like Tucker, was in Iraq for eight months in 2008. He said it is highly important to him to diversify his life and broaden his experiences.

“Don’t be afraid to think outside the box,” he says. “Come up with different ideas; become a well-rounded person. Don’t be afraid to make mistakes; it’s how you recover that matters. Recognize your failures and turn them into success. It’s important for people of different backgrounds to come together.”

Common is married with one child. He is stationed in Camp Pendleton, CA, and celebrates his 30th birthday May 24.

Dupree, 40, is from Brooklyn, NY, and has been in the Marines for 18 years. He has been deployed to Iraq twice and to Afghanistan once. He is currently stationed in the Marine Corps Air Station in Cherry Point, NC. He is married with four children.

“I want to be an example and inspiration to my family and Marines,” Dupree says. “I want them all to know that you should always make goals for yourself and aspire to reach them.”

Capt. Joseph Common (L) and Capt. John Tucker are two of the first three African-American Marines Corps officers to graduate from Marshall University with their Master of Arts degrees in leadership studies.