Edward Tucker Architects celebrates 25 years

This August, Edward Tucker Architects will mark its 25th year of business with a celebration gathering for clients, colleagues, staff, and their families. While celebrating 111 years of continuous practice through ownership transitions, the Huntington, West Virginia, based firm is announcing that it is positioned to continue its growth for years to come through the next generation, with Nathan Randolph and Phoebe Patton Randolph as managing principals, architects J.D. Maynard, Josh Dygert, Eddie Bumpus, Katharine Lea, and Angela Maxwell, interior designer Amber Yost, student interns and co-ops, and office manager Lisa Black.

Huntington native, Edward Tucker began his career in Nashville, Tennessee, building experience in health care architecture and planning. Having worked out a purchase of Dean and Dean Architects, Tucker re-started the Huntington-based business in 1996 with one employee and a part-time secretary.

He recalls that, “there were many nay-sayers at the time who said there wouldn’t be enough work here, that people only hired architects outside of Huntington. But we found that people would rather work with local professionals as long as they could perform at or above the level of out-of-state firms.”

Through the trust and confidence of an increasing list of clientele, the firm’s commissions and staff have steadily grown. Starting in offices in the West Virginia Building and then The Hines Building, the firm has operated from 1401 Sixth Avenue since 2014. Built in the 1950s, the two-story structure was completely renovated to create a modern, open workspace with an emphasis on sustainability and energy-saving goals. With a full array of roof-top solar panels, it uses only a third of the power required for similarly-sized office buildings.

Establishing a world-class architectural practice to serve the Huntington community and surrounding region with captivating designs has been the driving force over the past 25 years. Whether designing new, modern structures or renovations of existing or historic buildings, the confidence of the firm’s many, loyal, repeat clients comes from an appreciation for attentive service and value-driven design.

“We believe that our firm offers superior service and accessibility to our clients, and we have built a reputation for conscientiousness and design excellence that has helped us recruit and retain amazing professionals,” said Phoebe Randolph, Principal. “We are all honored to have the opportunity to provide much-needed services and enhance the region that we call home.”

The firm inherited an architectural legacy beginning with Levi Johnson Dean, who opened his practice in 1910. The nineteenth architect to be licensed in West Virginia, his sons Brooks and Keith Dean continued the family tradition, forming Dean and Dean, Inc., Architects in 1956. Growing to become the premier architectural firm in Huntington, many of the Deans’ designs are still prominent in Huntington, including structures at Marshall University, scores of public schools, libraries, banks, medical facilities, and commercial buildings.

With a focus on education and healthcare, major projects in recent years have been completed for Cabell Huntington Hospital, Marshall University, Marshall Health, Huntington Federal Savings Bank, Cabell County Schools, Raceland-Worthington Schools, West Virginia State University, Bluefield College, the City of Huntington, the Cabell County Commission, Cabell County Public Libraries, the Huntington Museum of Art, and many others.

Among projects receiving Honor Awards, the highest level of recognition from the West Virginia Chapter of the American Institute of Architects, are the Marshall University Forensic Science Center, the renovation of the former Stone and Thomas building into Marshall University’s Visual Arts Center, and the Cox Landing Library for Cabell County Public Library.

“Architecture is a process of blending creative, artistic talent with in-depth, technical know-how,” said Nate Randolph, Principal. “Adding factors like the state’s topography, financial realities, and other complexities can present big challenges, but I enjoy the work of creative puzzles.”

The firm’s culture includes giving back to the community by offering their problem-solving skills as architects to support civic, non-profit, professional, and other volunteer organizations.

Nathan Randolph has served on Huntington’s City Council and chaired the City of Huntington Urban Renewal Authority to oversee the establishment of the city’s land bank.

Phoebe Patton Randolph was the founding president of the community engagement organization Create Huntington and has served on many non-profit and economic development entities in the region, as well as serving as President of AIA West Virginia.

Edward Tucker chaired the Huntington Planning Commission for many years and currently serves on the National Council of Architectural Registration Board’s Licensing Exam Writing Committee, as well as the WV Board of Architects. He is a past president of AIA West Virginia and Regional Director for the AIA Region of the Virginias. In 2018 he was elevated to the College of Fellows of the American Institute of Architects.

“It’s been great to work in Huntington and see our city grow and transform but, reflecting on the past 25 years, I’d have to say the most rewarding aspect has been nurturing young professionals who have now become the leaders of our firm and community,” Tucker said.

More information on the firm is available at www.etarch.com.

Follow Edward Tucker Architects on Facebook and Instagram @edwardtuckerarchitects

Cabell Huntington Hospital RNs & Technical Workers Speak Out About Contract Negotiations With Hospital Executives

Huntington, West Virginia – Yesterday, nurses and technical workers with SEIU District 1199 WV/KY/OH at Cabell Huntington stood united for a fair contract. Workers state that in negotiations with hospital executives, their concerns are not being addressed. A press event with participants wearing masks and practicing social distancing was held outside on Tuesday, July 7th at 7:30 pm on Hal Greer Boulevard adjacent to Cabell Huntington Hospital.

In negotiations, nurses say that hospital executives have offered no wage increases and have proposed decreased starting wage rates for nurses and technical workers. Additionally, extreme healthcare costs have been imposed on workers at the hospital. Furthermore, nurses say that they continue to work short-staffed and that safe staffing is integral to quality care.

“Workers with Cabell Huntington Hospital were heroes in our community long before this pandemic,” said Joyce Gibson, Regional Director with SEIU District 1199 WV/KY/OH. “They are standing together and speaking out because they know how important it is that they have a voice on the job – safe hospital staffing saves lives,” Gibson continued. 

In 2018, Cabell Huntington Hospital acquired St. Mary’s Medical Center in a $165M transaction. In 2020, Cabell Huntington Hospital received $46,209,463 in funding under the Cares Act and St. Mary’s Medical Center was issued $25,221,816. Additionally, amid the COVID19 pandemic, in May 2020, St. Mary’s Medical Center submitted documents to the State of West Virginia Health Care Authority that indicated that they planned to spend over $10M to acquire the Huntington Internal Medicine Group

At the press conference workers shared firsthand details about what has been happening behind the scenes since they voted to unionize. They were joined by local leaders including Delegate Sean Hornbuckle, Jeanette Rowsey who is running for the West Virginia House of Delegates in District 17, Dakota Nelson who is a candidate for the West Virginia House of Delegates in District 16, and Hillary Turner who is running for the U.S. Congress in West Virginia’s Third District. “The nurses and technical workers and the people of this region deserve better. We ask hospital executives with Cabell Huntington Hospital to offer a fair and equitable contract and that they hear the voices of these nurses and technical workers as they speak out in regards to quality care,” Gibson concluded.  

SEIU District 1199 has represented workers with Cabell Huntington Hospital for over 40 years. In the largest victory since West Virginia became a “right-to-work” state, nurses at Cabell Huntington Hospital joined SEIU District 1199 in November 2019. Technical workers with Cabell Huntington Hospital joined SEIU District 1199 in February 2020.

Huntington In Bloom brightens city during COVID-19 pandemic

Every spring, the streets of Huntington come alive with bright flower pots and hanging baskets lining the streets of downtown. This year, while the ‘how’ and ‘when’ may have changed, the streets will still be filled with blooming flowers once again. 

Huntington in Bloom plans to start planting flowers again the first week of June but due to the ongoing pandemic, and the risk of volunteers contracting the virus in a group setting, volunteers will not be used to plant this year. Instead, two local landscaping businesses have stepped up to complete the work.

“The Huntington in Bloom tradition brightens Huntington every year,” said Mayor Steve Williams. “During such a difficult time to many – this is a simple way to uplift spirits and show that we are and will be open for business.”

Also, for the second year, Goodwill Industries has agreed to provide watering services. A new watering truck was purchased prior to the pandemic and will eventually be wrapped in the HIB logo.

Due to the closure of so many downtown businesses, and the number of people in the community affected by COVID-19, the “Adopt a Pot” fundraiser has been canceled this year, but donations are always accepted on our website www.huntingtoninbloom.org. 

Huntington in Bloom (HIB) is part of the City of Huntington, West Virginia and a fund of the Foundation for the Tri-State Community. A local volunteer organization, HIB was founded in 2013 to improve the quality of life in Huntington, promote community involvement and unity, and identify opportunities for improvement. HIB is responsible for the city’s year-round, seasonal decorations.

YMCA statement regarding arrest of staff member

At the YMCA of Huntington, the safety and well-being of our members, participants, and staff is a top priority. We are troubled by the recent arrest of and charges facing one of our employees. Due to the charges against him, his employment has been suspended without pay. We are deeply saddened by the alleged actions, and our thoughts are with the alleged victims.

The alleged incidents took place away from our facility and in no way involved or put at-risk children in our care.

A full criminal background check and reference check was performed on this staff member at the time of his hire, and he did not have any previous arrests or areas of concern. However, in light of this incident, we are reviewing our hiring, monitoring and training policies to ensure that YMCA of Huntington is utilizing industry-best practices and that we continue to serve Huntington and the Tri-State area with distinction and pride, as we have for more than 134 years.

The YMCA of Huntington is fully supporting the Huntington Police Department during its investigation and will continue to do so. Because there is an ongoing investigation, all questions about the alleged incidents should be directed to the Huntington Police Department.

The YMCA of Huntington is a people-focused organization committed to enriching lives and strengthening communities. Our actions are guided by our core values of caring, honesty, respect, and responsibility. These values call us to treat our employees – and all people – with compassion, fairness, and dignity.

www.huntingtonymca.org

Bulldog Creative grows with three new hires

Huntington, W.Va., : Bulldog Creative Services, an advertising agency based in Huntington, West Virginia, recently expanded its team with three new employees.

Video Producer Erin Gilleece, Account Executive Peyton Hebb, and Operations Assistant Kay Thomason have joined Team Bulldog adding a plethora of knowledge and talents to the agency.

“You’re always hearing about young talent moving away. We are proud to say we just brought in two extremely talented professionals from the Utah and Arkansas to West Virginia and gave another West Virginian the opportunity to come home. We’ve worked hard to bring in seasoned professionals that are recognized and respected in their fields and translate that into client achievements,” said Chris Michael, CEO of Bulldog.

An award-winning creative video producer and compelling storyteller, Gilleece brings experience in commercial production, documentary film, broadcast television and eCommerce digital media to help Bulldog clients communicate their messages with video. She most recently worked with clients in creating B2B and B2C multimedia video content and previously worked as a videojournalist at an NBC-affiliated television station and an ABC-affiliated television station in Arkansas. Gilleece received a Master of Art in Journalism and Documentary Film from the University of Arkansas where she also received a Bachelor of Art in Journalism.

West Virginia native Hebb will work closely with Bulldog’s clients to coordinate projects and campaigns and will serve as a liaison for clients with the creative, web and production team. She most recently worked in the marketing and advertising field with the Walt Disney World College Program in Orlando, Florida. Prior to her career with Disney, she was as a marketing assistant at both the Marshall Recreation Center and Marshall Artists Series with duties including graphic design, social media, communications campaigns, in addition to guest relations and customer services. Hebb received her Bachelor of Fine Arts from the College of Arts and Media at Marshall University.

Thomason, a native of Utah, brings a background in administration and creativity and will assist clients with their billing and support needs. She recently relocated to Huntington from Utah where she worked for the federal government.

Bulldog Creative Services is a full-service advertising agency based in Huntington that assists businesses with strategic marketing research and planning, media management, graphic design, audio / visual production and website design, development, and maintenance. More information about the agency can be gained at www.bulldogcreative.com.

Children’s PLACE to host holiday pancake breakfast fundraiser

Children in the Tri-State are invited to visit with Mickey Mouse and Minnie Mouse dressed as Santa Claus and Mrs. Clause on Saturday, Dec. 8, during The Magical Holiday Pancake Breakfast, a fundraiser benefiting Children’s PLACE, a non-profit comprehensive child-development center in Huntington.

The enchanting pancake breakfast will be served from 8:15 a.m.to 9:30 a.m. and from 10:15 a.m. to 11:15 a.m. at HIMG and includes a toppings bar, sausage, and choices of milk, coffee, or water. HIMG is located at 5170 U.S. Route 60 East in Huntington.

“We are so excited for the children to meet Mickey and Minnie and enjoy this special holiday breakfast with us,” said Gretchen Palmer, director of Children’s PLACE. “We are grateful to those who participate and help us continue our goal of caring for children in a stimulating and diverse early learning environment.”

A professional photographer will be available for children and parents to take photos with Mickey and Minnie. Photos will be available to download for free at http://www.childrensplacewv.com following the event. Parents also are encouraged to take their own photos.

All proceeds from the event benefit Children’s PLACE by supporting the facility as well as purchasing new equipment and sponsoring activities. In addition to funds raised from ticket sales, those in attendance can purchase raffle tickets for Christmas-themed raffle baskets.

Tickets are $20 for general admission and $12 for ages 4 and under and can be purchased online at https://bit.ly/2qNpMeL or by searching “Magical Holiday Pancake Breakfast” at https://www.eventbrite.com.

Children’s PLACE (Preschool, Learning, Activities Center for Education), Inc. is a non-profit 501(c)(3) organization and offers a stimulating and diverse early learning environment, allowing children the opportunity to learn from their environment while developing valuable academic and life skills. The facility is located at 625 Richmond St. in Huntington.

Huntington Tri-State Airport Awards Marketing Bid to Bulldog Creative Services

The Huntington Tri-State Airport is pleased to announce that they have retained Bulldog Creative Services through a competitive request for proposal process that ended at the beginning of September.

“Due to staffing changes, we knew we needed someone who could serve as our marketing director and our creative team,” said Brent Brown, Tri-State Airport Director. The airport formed a marketing committee that sent out a request for proposal document at the beginning of June with bid submissions due by June 29. After a proposal submission and presentation process, Bulldog Creative Services was chosen as the winning bidder.

“We know Bulldog has worked with the airport in the past and we are excited to continue that relationship on a larger scale moving forward,” said Brown.

Bulldog Creative Services is a full-service advertising agency that has worked with clients throughout the tri-state area and country for almost twenty years.

“I’m excited to start a new chapter in our working relationship with Huntington Tri-State Airport,” said Shannon Lester, Account Executive at Bulldog Creative Services. “The airport is a valuable resource for our region and I’m confident we can give them a refreshed presence within the community and to potential aerospace business partners.”

Huntington Tri-State Airport handles commercial airline, air cargo, military, and general aviation traffic. HTS has two major airlines serving five non-stop destinations, including Charlotte, Orlando, St. Petersburg/Clearwater, and Myrtle Beach. To learn more visit tristateairport.com or call 304-453-6183.

Jenkins Fenstermaker attorneys recognized by Best Lawyers®

Huntington, W.Va., <July 23, 2018>: Eleven attorneys from Jenkins Fenstermaker were selected by their peers to be included in The Best Lawyers in America © 2019.

The attorneys were recognized in the following areas:

  • Wesley F. Agee – Mergers and Acquisitions Law
  • Henry C. Bowen – Workers’ Compensation Law – Employers
  • Stephen J. Golder – Business Organizations (including LLCs and partnerships); Commercial Transactions/UCC Law; Corporate Law; Mergers and Acquisitions Law; Real Estate Law
  • Lee Murray Hall – Insurance Law
  • James W. Heslep – Workers’ Compensation Law – Employers
  • Brian S. Lindsay – Mass Tort Litigation/Class Actions – Defendants
  • Charlotte A. Hoffman Norris – Employment Law – Management; Health Care Law; Litigation – ERISA
  • Thomas E. Scarr – Bet-the-Company Litigation; Commercial Litigation; Employment Law – Management; Litigation – Construction; Litigation – ERISA; Litigation – Labor and Employment
  • Robert “Bo” Sweeney, Jr. – Commercial Litigation; Litigation – Construction; Mass Tort Litigation/Class Actions – Defendants
  • Barry M. Taylor – Medical Malpractice Law – Defendants
  • Steven Wellman – Workers’ Compensation Law – Employers

Since it was first published in 1983, Best Lawyers® has become universally regarded as the definitive guide to legal excellence. Best Lawyers lists are compiled based on an exhaustive peer-review evaluation. Lawyers are not required or allowed to pay a fee to be listed; therefore inclusion in Best Lawyers is considered a singular honor. Corporate Counsel magazine has called Best Lawyers “the most respected referral list of attorneys in practice.”

Jenkins Fenstermaker, PLLC, provides representation in West Virginia, Kentucky and Ohio, backed by more than 90 years of legal experience. Clients can find attorneys dedicated to quality, detail-oriented representation in business and commercial law; wills, trusts and estates; litigation; and labor and employment law.

HIMG Sleep Lab receives ACHC accreditation

The Huntington Internal Medicine Group (HIMG) is proud to announce its approval of accreditation status by Accreditation Commission for Health Care (ACHC) for their Sleep Lab services.

Achieving accreditation is a process where healthcare organizations demonstrate compliance with national standards. Accreditation by ACHC reflects an organization’s dedication and commitment to meeting standards that facilitate a higher level of performance and patient care.

“At HIMG we strive to provide the highest quality of care to our patients by offering them the most advanced treatment options, and this accreditation is a direct reflection of that,” said Mark Morgan, CEO of HIMG.

HIMG’s medical team in the Sleep Disorders Center can effectively evaluate and treat many sleep disorders, including advanced sleep phase syndrome, narcolepsy, sleepwalking and snoring. Sleep specialists are involved at every stage of the sleep evaluation, from the initial examination and treatment to therapy and follow-up care.

ACHC is a not-for-profit organization that has stood as a symbol of quality and excellence since 1986. ACHC is ISO 9001:2008 certified and has CMS Deeming Authority for Home Health, Hospice and DMEPOS.

HIMG is a thriving multi-specialty group practice founded in 1969 and now consists of more than eighty physicians, physician assistants and nurse practitioners in the areas of primary care, urgent care, and medical and surgical sub-specialties. The physician group is considered to be the premier group practice in the tri-state area including and around Huntington, W.Va. with a proven track record in attracting high caliber, qualified physicians. The HIMG Regional Medical Center is located at 5170 U.S. Route 60 East, Huntington, W.Va. 25705. For more information, visit www.himgwv.com.

HIMG welcomes three new providers to their group

HIMG is proud to welcome three new providers to their practice: Christina Caruthers, FNP-BC, Lana Hofeldt, PA-C, and Cynthia Lewis, FNP-BC.

Christina Caruthers is a certified nurse practitioner with specialized training in cardiovascular medicine including COPD, Atherosclerosis and IV Therapy. She received her education from the University of North Carolina and Marshall University’s School of Nursing. Before joining HIMG in February of 2018, Caruthers was working in Charleston, West Virginia as a Cardiology Nurse Practitioner.

Lana Hofeldt joins the team as a physician assistant with experience in orthopaedics, emergency medicine, general and bariatric surgery practices. Hofeldt completed her education at Marshall University and received her certification from Alderson Broaddus College. Hofeldt is a member of the American Academy of Physician Assistants and West Virginia Association of Physician Assistants.

Cynthia Lewis is a certified nurse practitioner with specialized educational and clinical training in family practice. She received her undergraduate degree from West Virginia University and completed her FNP program at Marshall University. Lewis is a member of the Oncology Nursing Society, National Rural Health Association and American Association of Nurse Practitioners.

“I am pleased to welcome these three providers, who bring unique skill sets to our group to further the high quality of medicine provided at HIMG. With the addition of these ladies, we are able to continue our expansion and diversification of service offerings to the Huntington community as we have done over the last 49 years,” said Mark Morgan, CEO of HIMG.

HIMG is a thriving multi-specialty group practice founded in 1969 and now consists of more than seventy physicians, physician assistants and nurse practitioners in the areas of primary care, urgent care, and medical and surgical subspecialties. The physician group is considered to be the premier group practice in the tristate area including and around Huntington, W.Va. with a proven track record in attracting high caliber, qualified physicians. The HIMG Regional Medical Center is located at 5170 U.S. Route 60 East, Huntington, W.Va. 25705. For more information, visit www.himgwv.com.