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OHIO Eastern Podcasts Hosts 3
Community, Connections & Commerce Podcast
Bridging the Gap Between College & Careers

Community, Connections & Commerce Podcast

Discover what career, community & commerce opportunities await you in the Ohio Valley. To foster community engagement and support local businesses, OHIO Eastern has partnered with the St. Clairsville Chamber of Commerce to bring you this new podcast series. 

Launched in August 2024, this series aims to highlight the dynamic relationship between the university and the local business community. Through in-depth interviews and engaging discussions, the podcast will showcase success stories, innovative business practices, and the vibrant community spirit that defines the Ohio Valley.

 

OHIO Eastern Podcast Hosts 2

Meet Your Host

Meet our dynamic hosts, Drake Watson, an enthusiastic communications studies sophomore from Ohio University Eastern, and Wendy Anderson, the dedicated Director of the St. Clairsville Chamber of Commerce, will co-host the series.

Together, they bring a unique blend of youthful energy and seasoned expertise to the podcast, promising lively and insightful episodes.

Communications Studies Student, OHIO Eastern
Drake Watson

Drake Watson is a 2023 graduate of Harrison Central High School in Cadiz, OH, and a proud sophomore at Ohio University Eastern, where he is studying communications. In addition to hosting the Community, Connections, and Commerce podcast, he continues to work with Harrison Central as their lead play-by-play commentator for live-streamed athletic events. He is also dedicated to his work for his cousin’s Harco Media Solutions, a digital media company where he performs graphic design, video editing, and more.

The incredible people at Harrison Central allowed Drake to start broadcasting when he was just 16. Since then, he has provided either play-by-play or color commentary for over 50 football and basketball games, working with Harrison Central, John Marshall High School, WTRF, and the Ohio Valley Athletic Conference.

Drake’s passion for the strategy of the game of football has largely contributed to his success in calling games. He is also passionate about music, music production, and music theory. Producing high-quality videos for high school sports teams has become a recent passion of his. Whether it’s a 30-second trailer, a two-minute highlight, or a 20-minute mini movie, Drake always gets excited with a blank canvas in front of him.

In addition to his aforementioned passions, Drake is proud of where he is from. This pride motivates him to strive for excellence with the Community, Connections, and Commerce podcast. He believes the Ohio Valley is one of the best places in the United States. It’s where Appalachia meets the Midwest, and it’s home to some of the best people you could ever meet. Drake finds great importance in conversation. While he and his co-host are in two very different positions in life, nothing brings them together like the power of conversation. He believes that conversation can help a community thrive. Their goal is to use conversation to bring together everybody in the Ohio Valley, sharing laughs and good stories along the way. 

Director, St. Clairsville Chamber of Commerce
Wendy Anderson

Wendy has been in the people business for over 25 years. In her current position as the Director of the St. Clairsville Chamber of Commerce, her motto is, “We put you and your business first”. She stands by the principles that “Networking and Connections are the building blocks of a good Chamber” and that “Excellent customer service and attending to the small details are what will always set us apart.”

Wendy has been the Director at the Chamber for seven years. I serve many other businesses in the capacity of committee member such as Valley Hospice, Alzheimer Assoc. America Heart Association. I am also the President of the Rotary of St. Clairsville. We have increased the scope of the Chamber to include over 500 members.

Her experience in various local businesses, The Limited, Bath & Body, Retail Manager for Victoria Secrets, and 11 years as the Retail Manger at Cracker Barrel, has driven her passion for the Ohio Valley businesses. “We serve more than St. Clairsville, we provide service and business connections across state lines and throughout the whole Ohio Valley area.”

She and her husband Dave live in Bridgeport, Ohio. They have 16 beautiful Grandchildren and 2 lab puppies.

“Each one of us can do GOOD things but together we can do GREAT things.” 

Podcast Guests

Director, Ohio Valley Chapter of A Special Wish Foundation
Annmarie O'Grady

Ohio University Alum Brightens Futures with A Special Wish Foundation

Ohio University alumna Annmarie O’Grady is making a significant impact on the Ohio Valley through her role as the director of the Ohio Valley Chapter of A Special Wish Foundation. This Ohio-based children’s wish-granting organization, with several chapters across the state, focuses on bringing joy to children facing serious illnesses. O’Grady's chapter stands out by covering Southeastern Ohio and four counties in West Virginia—Hancock, Brooke, Marshall, and Ohio—ensuring that every wish granted is local, creating a direct and heartfelt impact on the community.

"Every wish that we grant is local, it's truly special that every child and adolescent we grant wishes to is right here in the Ohio Valley," O’Grady said. "It's not someone in another part of the state or country; it's our neighbors and friends."

The Foundation grants a wide variety of wishes, as diverse as the children who make them. From meeting Pittsburgh Pirates players to visiting the world’s largest reptile zoo in Michigan, to the most popular destination - Disney World, where children and their families experience not just the magic of Disney but also Universal Studios and SeaWorld.

"The wish reveals are some of my favorite moments," O’Grady said. "Seeing the expressions and happiness on the faces of the wish child and their families is indescribable."

O’Grady’s journey to her current role was driven by a deep desire to make a meaningful impact. "Years ago, I felt there was something more I was meant to do," she said. After learning about A Special Wish Foundation through a friend, she joined the board and eventually became the director, bringing her unique blend of passion, communication skills, and dedication to the role.

A graduate of Ohio University with a degree in interpersonal communications, O’Grady credits her college experience for shaping her path. "My time at Ohio University, especially learning from Professor Michael McTeague, changed my life," she said. "The skills I gained in public speaking, writing, and building relationships have been invaluable in every aspect of my career."

O’Grady also emphasizes the importance of networking and community involvement. "The power of networking and building relationships is crucial. The connections I've made through various chambers of commerce have been instrumental in supporting our work at A Special Wish Foundation," she said.

O’Grady's dedication and efforts are a testament to the profound impact that one individual can have on their community. Through A Special Wish Foundation, she continues to brighten the futures of children in the Ohio Valley, one wish at a time.

To learn more about how you can get involved or to make a referral, please contact Annmarie O’Grady at   (740) 449-2063 or via email at aogrady@spwishov.com

Interested in helping make wishes come true? Support the foundation by making a donation. You can donate online at A Special Wish Foundation or send your contributions by mail to ASWOV, P.O. Box 674, St. Clairsville, OH 43950.

Kirke's Homemade Ice Cream
Kirke Porterfield

Born into a family with deep roots in the region, Kirke Porterfield represents a legacy that dates back to 1809, when his ancestors settled just south of St. Clairsville. In 1865, they acquired the farm where he currently resides, located northwest of St. Clairsville. Inspired by his grandfather, Herb Walker, who began making ice cream in 1926, Kirke decided to follow in his footsteps and pursue a career in ice cream making. In 1992, Kirke built a new facility and established Kirke's Homemade Ice Cream at 50525 Rehm Rd, St. Clairsville, Ohio. Since then, his business has thrived, providing delicious ice cream to establishments throughout the Ohio Valley and West Virginia, all while continuing a cherished family tradition with a modern touch.

Owner and Executive Chef of Vagabound Kitchen
Matt Welsch

Matt Welsch, known as "The Vagabond Chef," is the owner and executive chef of Vagabond Kitchen, one of Wheeling, West Virginia’s most acclaimed restaurants. Born and raised in the heart of Appalachia, Welsch's early years exploring the deep woods surrounding his family farm instilled in him a deep appreciation for his roots. This connection to the land would later inspire his culinary journey.

After traveling extensively across the United States and abroad—visiting places like Ireland, Japan, and Paris—Welsch returned home to West Virginia over a decade ago. His travels, chronicled in his culinary travel blog, "The Vagabond Chef," shaped his unique culinary perspective, blending Appalachian tradition with global flavors.

In 2014, Welsch founded Vagabond Kitchen at the corner of Market and 12th Streets in Wheeling. The restaurant quickly became a beacon for the revitalization of downtown Wheeling, offering high-end Appalachian comfort food rooted in the local community. Welsch's kitchen is renowned for its emphasis on local ingredients, crafting dishes that celebrate both the spirit of the past and the innovation of the present.

Under Welsch's leadership, Vagabond Kitchen has become the Ohio Valley’s premier destination for fresh, delicious, and innovative cuisine. The restaurant is celebrated for its diverse menu, which includes standout summer entrees like a bison hot dog and Mountain Dew chicken, as well as community-focused initiatives such as the Benefit Burger, with proceeds supporting local causes.

Beyond his work at Vagabond Kitchen, Welsch is a leader in the culinary community. In 2018, he founded WV Cooks, a group of passionate chefs from across West Virginia who collaborate on dinners, speaking engagements, and tastings to showcase the state’s culinary talent. Since 2021, Welsch has served as one of the first WV Tourism Chef Ambassadors, promoting West Virginia's flavors and culture to a broader audience. In 2023, he expanded his influence by becoming the Executive Chef of West Virginia State Parks and partnering with the West Virginia Food & Farm Coalition to promote WV-Made Value-Added Products.

Through Vagabond Kitchen and his broader culinary endeavors, Matt Welsch continues to celebrate the rich traditions of Appalachian cuisine while pushing the boundaries of what it can become, all while contributing to the community he loves.

Waterfront Hall, Milestone Insurance
Dan Milleson

In the Ohio Valley, Dan Milleson’s story unfolds—one of resilience, passion, and a steadfast commitment to community. Milleson, an alum of Ohio University, embodies this narrative as he navigates his dual roles as the visionary behind Waterfront Hall and the driving force at Milestone Insurance.

Milleson's journey began humbly at Ohio University Eastern, a regional campus that served as both an educational institution and a tether to his roots. "Ohio University Eastern was like a warm blanket during a post-high school career path crisis of conscience," Milleson said, recalling how the campus allowed him to pursue higher education while staying connected to his familial and community ties. This foundation would prove instrumental as he embarked on a career path that would ultimately define his role in the Ohio Valley.

After seamlessly transitioning to Ohio University’s main campus and graduating with a degree in business administration, Milleson initially followed the footsteps of generations before him into the insurance industry. Despite initial reservations, his dedication and drive led him to achieve significant success, becoming the youngest principal agent for Nationwide Insurance among thousands nationwide.

Yet, Milleson's ambitions extended beyond insurance. A foray into local politics underscored his desire to effect tangible change in his community. Then, this windy path culminated in the realization of Waterfront Hall—a multifaceted community space in Wheeling, WV. Since its inauguration, Waterfront Hall has emerged as a cultural center, hosting concerts, private events, and community festivals, all while championing local artistry and commerce.

For Milleson, the mission transcends mere business ventures; it's about nurturing community and inspiring others to follow their passions. "Creating awareness, community, and kindness is deeply embedded in my work," Milleson asserts, emphasizing his commitment to fostering a vibrant, inclusive community through his endeavors.

 

Do you have suggestions for upcoming podcast guests or topics you'd like to hear about? We'd love to hear from you! 

Please email your ideas to ouepodcast@ohio.edu.