BECKLEY, WV (LOOTPRESS – U.S. Senator
Shelley Moore Capito was on hand Thursday for a ribbon cutting ceremony presenting the new PATTERN textile training and manufacturing facility location.
Both the New River Gorge Regional Development Authority and Beckley-Raleigh County Chamber of commerce participated in the ceremony.
NRERDA Executive Director, Jina Belcher spoke of the endeavor, praising the NRGRDA’s collaboration with Senator Capito.
“The New River Gorge is anxious for a full opening of the PATTERN facility in Summer 2025,” Belcher said. “Senator Capito and her staff embraced this project from its inception and led efforts to secure federal funding for this game-changing economic development initiative. We are blessed in the New River Gorge region and statewide to have Senator Capito on our team”.
Executive Director of WV Hive and Deputy Exective Director for the NRGRDA, Judy Moore was also present for the event
and commented on her involvement in the project, as well as the community support which stands to emerge from the new facility.
“PATTERN will support assets within the region’s rural and coal-impacted communities, including talented and resourceful entrepreneurs, university faculty and students, skilled workforce, industry heritage, natural and cultural resources, and more, to advance the textile manufacturing sector,” said Moore.
Senator Shelley Moore Capito addressed those in attendance for the ceremony, remarking upon the genesis of the project and the process of securing funding.
“The establishment of the New River Gorge National Park and Preserve has resulted in a boost in visitors from all over, leading to great potential to fill voids in the outdoor textiles prototyping industry here in West Virginia,” said the U.S. Senator.
“As a leader on the Appropriations Committee, I was proud to advocate for the support needed to establish this lab in southern West Virginia, and it was great to see the progress firsthand in-person. This type of collaboration is critical to moving our state forward and strengthening our business climate, and I can’t wait to see what it does for local businesses when it is fully up and running.”
The future home of PATTERN is located at 412 City Avenue in Beckley, WV.
