Appalachian Botanical Co. is growing lavender on reclaimed coal mine land in Ashford, Boone County. We are a for-profit West Virginia LLC founded in 2018.
Appalachian Botanical Company was recognized for its efforts to put Southern West Virginians back to work. The large majority of ABCo workers live in Boone County, with the rest coming from Fayette County and Raleigh County.
Jocelyn Sheppard accepts the Power of Performance Award with Terry Russin (center) and Christina Jeffries.
In accepting the award, ABCo President Jocelyn Sheppard offered thanks for the help and support received throughout this first year of operation. Early partners and collaborators include the Region II Workforce Investment Board, Synergy Health, PSIMED, Inc., and Penn Virginia Operating Co., LLC. Jocelyn also highlighted two individuals for their crucial contributions to the company: Manager Christina Jeffries and Partner/Investor Terry Rusin.
Read more about the other Power of Performance winners who are making a difference in Southern WV at WVhub.org
VIP days for Appalachian Botanical Company continued at the Ashford growing facility on Wednesday, October 2, 2019, when a group of people interested in learning more about commercial lavender visited the site. There have been a few different site visits within the past couple of months. For some visitors, it was their first time to the growing facility, while others have been one or more times.
Christina Jeffries, ABCo Operations Manager (left), shows Kay Roberts, Vice President of Poca County Bank, around the Ashford lavender farm .
Appalachian Botanical Company has discovered that these site visits make for great blog entries. What we are learning is that people who are interested in learning about lavender come from a diverse background and varying interests. One thing everyone had in common was an interest in lavender.
Jocelyn Sheppard addresses visitors in the lower-left side of picture while other visitors look at the plants.
One featured repeat visitor is Terry Rusin. Rusin is the CEO of PSIMED, Inc, a company that works with mental health in corrections. Terry’s interest in lavender has propelled him to become even more involved with Appalachian Botanical Company. Since his first visit, Terry has become a partner with ABCo and also holds the title of Director of External Relations. Learn more at the PSIMED website.
Eric Abston and Cody Ramsey represented Synergy Health. Abston is the Executive Director. Ramsey has a very unique vision of creating a sober-living facility trailer park. The park could provide affordable living to people who are working towards living a sober lifestyle. Optimally, the park could be placed close to the lavender farm to provide residents with a healthy working atmosphere.
Lavender farm ladies prepare windrows for the fall planting of lavender plants.
Ryan Thorn, Economic & Workforce Development Manager with the Office of U.S. Senator Joe Manchin, was in attendance. This was Ryan’s first trip out to the farm and we hope to see him again.
Other VIP’s at the October visit include:
Matt Griffith, Senior Mining Engineer, Energy Transfer Partners
Darynann Washington, Coordinator, Drug Prevention Coalition (Boone Co.)
Kristian Stevenson, Drug Prevention Coalition (Boone Co.)
Tina Ramirez, Director, Great Rivers Regional System for Addiction Care at Marshall Health
Ashley Shaw, Program Director, CORE (Creating Opportunities for Recovery Employment) at Marshall Health
Samantha Page, CORE (Creating Opportunities for Recovery Employment) at Marshall Health
ABCo needs your help planting and watering 40,000 new lavender plants coming to Ashford this fall. For each volunteer hour you put it, the B.A.R.N. Community Center will receive a cash donation. ABCo will provide work gloves, t-shirts, water, and snacks. All you need to do is sign up with B.A.R.N., wear long pants and sturdy shoes, and bring a hat!
LAVENDER JOB FAIR AT ASHFORD APPALACHIAN BOTANICAL IS HIRING!
August 29, 2019
10 am – 4 pm
Organized by the Logan Workforce WV office
ABCo is hiring workers to prep fields, plant lavender, and maintain the plants through the fall. The pay is $10 per hour, with overtime available.
Come to our job fair on August 29 to learn more and fill out an application. Workers who do well this fall will receive priority when we hire for the 2020 season (April through October).
Must be 18 or older & able to pass a drug test
No agricultural experience required
Work starts immediately & runs through October
LUNCH WILL BE PROVIDED
Location:
The B.A.R.N. Community Center,
179 Memorial Dr,
Nellis, WV 25142
RECRUITING CONTACT: Call or text Christina Jeffries (304) 410-7181 http://appalachianbotanical.com
Appalachian Botanical was lucky enough to have Boone County VIPs visit the Ashford growing site. Lawmakers, movers, and shakers endured the hot, summer sun to see the lavender farm in person. Farm supervisors and managers were present to answer any questions and provide them with more information about growing lavender on a reclaimed coal mining site.
