Bill Woodrum, senior program officer at the Claude Worthington Benedum Foundation, delivered keynote remarks and Judy Moore, executive director of the WV Hive and deputy director of the New River Gorge Regional Development Authority, presented awards to 12 entrepreneurs and partners during the annual West Virginia Hive Open House and Awards Ceremony on Dec. 13.

Manuel Furmento, a civil engineering student from Uruguay, was awarded for his invention of the SkyMounts television stand and securing a provisional patent for his idea. 

He assembled a team, including his brother, and went to work laying the foundation for a working prototype and a company to sell the product.

“Entrepreneurship and small business development are the lifeblood of our communities,” Woodrum said. “The WV Hive plays a critical role in fostering innovation, providing support and empowering individuals to pursue their dreams. The entrepreneurs and partners recognized today exemplify the resilience and ingenuity that drive economic progress in West Virginia.”

Read more about the awardees.

West Virginia quarterback Garrett Greene, who finished his college career Wednesday in the Scooter’s Coffee Frisco Bowl, is headed to the NFL draft as a wide receiver.

Greene noted the position change in his NFL draft announcement Thursday night on social media. He started the past two seasons at quarterback for West Virginia and finished his career with 5,370 passing yards, 36 touchdown passes and 19 interceptions.

The 5-foot-11, 201-pound Greene showcased his mobility as a quarterback with 2,136 career rushing yards and 28 touchdowns on 352 carries. He caught four passes during the 2022 season, when he primarily backed up J.T. Daniels.

Greene had 328 passing yards, 95 rushing yards, two passing touchdowns and a rushing score in Wednesday’s 42-37 loss to Memphis in Frisco, Texas.

“I look forward to this next chapter in my career and the opportunity to continue playing the game I love at the next level,” Greene wrote on social media.

Patrick Martin, 31, of Jane Lew is set to be the West Virginia Senate’s youngest majority leader.

The incoming Senate president, Randy Smith of Preston County, has announced that Martin will be his wingman.

“Patrick is a bright and talented individual. I have said for a while that he is the hidden gem in our chamber and everyone is about to find out how gifted this young man is,” Smith said in the announcement.

“I have full confidence that he will no doubt be one of the most effective majority leaders in our state’s history.”

While Smith will typically preside over floor sessions from a dais, the majority leader regularly makes procedural motions. The majority leader also plays a big role on the Senate’s leadership team and promotes the majority party’s agenda.

Martin, R-Lewis, was elected to the Senate in 2020 and was re-elected this year, when he was unopposed in both the primary and the general. He served in the House of Delegates starting in 2017.

The Senate leadership is changing because the current president, Craig Blair of Berkeley County, was defeated in a primary election. So Blair is set to leave.

The Republican majority in the Senate met earlier this month and selected Smith to be the next president. He defeated two members of the outgoing leadership team, senators Tom Takubo and Eric Tarr.

Smith is now in line to be formally nominated and elected as president when the Senate gathers Jan. 8 for an organizational session.

Smith is likely to make significant changes across the leadership roles and committee chairs. Martin is the first that he has publicly announced.

“I am honored to serve under Randy Smith as he becomes Senate President and excited to work alongside all my colleagues in the Senate,” Senator Martin stated.

“Randy is a Godly man whose dedication to faith, family, and the people of West Virginia sets a strong example for us all. As the youngest Majority Leader in West Virginia Senate history, I’m eager to bring fresh energy to our work and help guide our state toward a brighter future.”