Huntington, W.Va. – WV Secretary of State Kris Warner officially launched the new West Virginia Certified Veteran-Owned Business (CVOB) Program on Friday during a special presentation at the American Legion State Convention in Huntington.
The new program, authorized by the West Virginia Legislature through House Bill 5227, became effective on July 1 and establishes a formal certification process for veteran-owned businesses operating in the Mountain State. With the launch of the initiative, West Virginia becomes the 15th state in the nation to offer a statewide veteran-owned business certification program.
Secretary Warner was joined by Ryan Kennedy, Cabinet Secretary of the WV Department of Veterans Assistance, American Legion leaders, veteran business owners, and convention attendees as the program officially kicked off. During the event, Warner and Kennedy recognized the first seven (7) businesses to receive certification under the new program.
From Left to Right: CNC Syndicate owned by Jeremy Buffington; Vet Owned Radon owned by John Rosanna; Trickett’s LLC owned by Colin McFadden; Ursus Brew Works owned by Jason Martin; Dirty 304 Drone Wash owned by David Crabtree; Patriot 1:9 Gunsmithing owned by David Gibson; Hasten Services owned by James Merrill; WV Secretary of State Kris Warner, and Department Commander, The American Legion Department of West Virginia Rich Crumm
“West Virginia has a proud tradition of military service, and many of our veterans continue serving their communities long after leaving the armed forces by starting businesses, creating jobs, and driving economic growth,” Secretary Warner said. “The Certified Veteran-Owned Business Program is a meaningful way to recognize those contributions and highlight the important role veteran entrepreneurs play in our state's economy.”
The Secretary of State's Office has developed the guidelines and criteria that eligible veteran-owned businesses must meet to receive certification. Approved businesses may display the official Certified Veteran-Owned Business logo at their business locations, on printed materials, and on their websites, social media and wherever they choose. Certified veteran-owned businesses will also be featured on a dedicated directory page on the Secretary of State's website, helping consumers identify and support veteran-owned enterprises by county across West Virginia.
The program will be administered through the Secretary of State's Business Division and reflects the state's commitment to honoring veterans not only for their military service, but also for their continued leadership as business owners, innovators, and job creators.
“Supporting veteran-owned businesses is about more than just recognition,” Warner said. “It is about expressing our gratitude to the men and women who served our nation. As I do for all businesses, I hope that they have every opportunity to achieve success in their next mission.”
Secretary Kennedy applauded the new initiative and its potential to strengthen opportunities for veterans across the state.
The Secretary of State's Office is encouraging eligible veterans who own businesses in West Virginia to apply for certification. Applications are now available through the Secretary of State's website. To qualify, applicants must complete the certification application and submit documentation verifying their veteran status, including a DD-214, as outlined in the application instructions.
Veterans who have previously qualified for the Secretary of State's Boots to Business program must submit a separate application for CVOB certification but are not required to resubmit their DD-214 documentation.
The WV Certified Veteran-Owned Business Program represents another step toward strengthening support for veterans and promoting entrepreneurship throughout the state.
For more information about the program or to apply for certification, visit the WV Secretary of State's website.
