Project BEST

Amazing work by two of our Project BEST unions! Laborers local 809 out of Steubenville OH and Laborers local 1149 out of Wheeling WV do an unbelievable job of fundraising to help better our local community.

Second annual laborers golf scramble raises money for Coats for Kids program Local laborers spent Saturday morning on the golf course for a cause, raising thousands of dollars for a children's program during the second annual Laborer's G

How do partnerships shape the future of Wheeling? Join us for the Power of Partnerships Luncheon hosted by Wheeling Heritage and hear from local leaders working together to revitalize and strengthen our community.

Enjoy a lunch buffet, panel discussion, and community Q&A featuring representatives from the Wheeling, WV City Government, Wheeling/Ohio County Convention and Visitors Bureau (Visit Wheeling, WV), RED: Regional Economic Development Partnership(RED), Community Foundation for the Ohio Valley, Ohio County, West Virginia, Wheeling Area Chamber, and Wheeling Heritage.

⭐Wednesday, June 10
⭐11:30 a.m.
⭐Wheeling Artisan Center, 3rd Floor
⭐$15 admission includes lunch buffet
⭐RSVP by Friday, June 5 at https://wheelingheritage.org/power-of-partnerships/

Seats are limited, reserve your spot today and be part of the conversation shaping Wheeling’s future!

The Health Plan, Kalkreuth Roofing & Sheet Metal, Project BEST, River City, Savvy Sellebrations

Today on Memorial Day, we honor and remember the brave men and women who sacrificed their lives to make the United States of America the greatest country in the world 🇺🇸

We're just hours away from Lunch With Leaders!

Thank you so much to the sponsors making today's event possible. We are so grateful for your support!

Belmont Savings Bank
The Health Plan
Wheeling, WV City Government
WesBanco
WTOV NEWS9
RED: Regional Economic Development Partnership
McKinley Carter Wealth Services
McKinley Architecture and Engineering
Beyond Marketing
Omni Strategic Technologies
Panhandle Cleaning and Restoration
AlignHR
Kalkreuth Roofing & Sheet Metal
Encova Insurance
Project BEST
Visit Wheeling, WV
West Virginia Northern
WVU Medicine - Wheeling Hospital

Electrical Students Sign with IBEW

BLOOMINGDALE- Electrical trades students at Jefferson County Joint Vocational School took the next step in their future by joining the International Brotherhood of Electrical Workers (IBEW) Local 246 in Steubenville.

Four students took part in signing day event at the JVS on April 24 and met with union business manager Kevan Brown and training director Richard Cesta. JVS program instructor Buddy Davis said seniors Josh Smith, Marco Socha, Konner Leishman, and Kale Beebe officially signed with the union as they headed full throttle into the working world.

“They get interviewed and accepted into the hall,” he explained. “All four of them are currently working in the trade for different companies. They will start school after graduation and will be apprentices for the next four years, then they will get their journeyman’s license.”

The students also completed the Alliance Program as part of their program coursework at the JVS, even though it is typically used during the first year of an electrical apprenticeship. This achievement positions them ahead as they transition into the workforce. Davis added that the process will set them up for successful futures in an in-demand field.

“It’s getting them out to work. There are thousands of journeyman electrician needed across the United States. They will train at the union hall in Steubenville and work for union contractors.”

IBEW Business Manager Kevan Brown agreed there was a great demand for skilled labor with opportunities to earn great wages and benefits.

“There's such a demand for skilled labor right now throughout the whole United States, specifically our region,” Brown said, citing mills to solar farms. “There's no better place to start than with the local vocational schools. These kids have obviously shown an interest in trade early and we want to be able to employ them throughout their whole career.”

Senior Marco Socha said he looked forward to continuing his own journey in a viable career.

“I enjoy doing electrical work and a bunch of my friends wanted me to follow in their footsteps, plus I like to travel,” Socha added. “I like to go to different places and learn with a lot of different journeymen.”

He continued that his studies have played a crucial role and made him “100-percent prepared” for the future.

“I’ve always had a fascination with electrical work and I studied electrical engineering at Big Red, then I came here and got certifications and the apprenticeship. I’ve gotten a taste of the real world and it inspired me to sign up for the IBEW.”

He plans to continue working at TS Electric in Richmond, where he has gained experience with residential electricity, but he plans to eventually work in the commercial field.

JVS Career/Workforce Specialist Carina Aulicino said events such as these were a great way to help students transition into the workforce.

“Four students took a major step toward their future careers by officially signing with IBEW Local 246. Seniors Konner Leishman, Marco Socha, Kale Beebe, and Josh Smith celebrated this important milestone as they begin their journey in the electrical trade, an industry that continues to be in high demand,” Aulicino said. “The students have been training under the guidance of instructor Buddy Davis, who has helped prepare them with both technical knowledge and hands-on experience.”

She cited Brown and Cesta for their involvement in the day and for their ongoing partnership with the JVS. Aulicino noted that the JVS strives to prepare today’s students to become tomorrow’s workforce.

“Jefferson County JVS continues to play a vital role in workforce development, accepting 20 junior students each year into its electrical program. Through a combination of classroom instruction and real-world work experience with local companies and organizations, students graduate with a competitive edge,” she said. “Thanks to the extensive hours they accumulate during their training, many Jefferson County JVS students are able to enter the IBEW apprenticeship program as second- or even third-year apprentices—giving them a valuable head start toward a successful and rewarding career. This signing day highlights not only the achievements of these four graduating seniors but also the strength of career and technical education in preparing the next generation of skilled professionals.”

(Photo Caption: Four electrical trades students took part in signing day at Jefferson County Joint Vocational School and joined International Brotherhood of Electrical Workers (IBEW) Local 246 as they charted their future career. Pictured are, front from left, Josh Smith, Marco Socha, Konner Leishman, and Kale Beebe. Back: IBEW Local 246 Business Manager Kevan Brown, JVS program instructor Buddy Davis, and IBEW Local 246 Training Director Richard Cesta.)

Last career day of the school year! Today we’re at Bellaire Middle School teaching the 7th & 8th graders about the many opportunities in the construction industry here in the Ohio Valley 🔧💡🔨

Join Wheeling Heritage for the Power of Partnerships Luncheon on Wednesday, June 10 at the Wheeling Artisan Center. Hear from local leaders as they discuss how public and private partnerships are helping shape Wheeling’s future.

Panelists include:
Robert Herron – City Manager, Wheeling, WV City Government
Frank O’Brien – Executive Director, Wheeling/Ohio County CVB, Visit Wheeling, WV
Josh Jefferson – President & CEO, RED: Regional Economic Development Partnership
Zachary Abraham – President, Ohio County, West Virginia
Susie Nelson – Executive Director, Community Foundation for the Ohio Valley
Jennifer Materkoski – President, Wheeling Area Chamber
Scott Schenerlein – Executive Director, Wheeling Heritage

Lunch buffet included.
$15 per person | RSVP by Friday, June 5 at wheelingheritage.org/power-of-partnerships

Doors open at 11:30 a.m. with the panel discussion beginning at noon.