MARTINSBURG, W.Va. — U.S. Sen. Shelley Moore Capito, R-W.Va., on Thursday traveled to Berkeley County, making visits in Inwood and Martinsburg focused on agriculture, civic engagement, economic development and efforts to combat the addiction crisis.
Capito hosted a roundtable discussion in Inwood with local orchardists, Berkeley and Jefferson County officials and representatives from the West Virginia Department of Agriculture to discuss the future of the apple industry in West Virginia’s Eastern Panhandle.
“West Virginia has a rich history of producing apples, which is evident in communities across our Eastern Panhandle,” Capito said. "Our orchardists have been a steadfast staple of our state and deserve our support as they work to feed our residents and drive economic development. Sitting down with them and hearing about the challenges they face is so important when it comes to formulating solutions for the future and advocating for the resources they need."
Capito also traveled to Martinsburg, where she first delivered remarks at the Martinsburg Rotary Club’s weekly lunch meeting. During the meeting, Capito visited with the members and provided an update on her work in the Senate.
“I always cherish the opportunity to meet with West Virginians, hear about what’s happening in their communities, and talk about the issues that matter most to them and I how I can help,” Capito said. "The Martinsburg Rotary Club has a celebrated tradition of service spanning over 100 years, and their members are always engaged and eager problem-solvers. I was so glad to join their meeting this week and spend time with the club."
“We appreciate Sen. Capito taking the time to join us today at the Martinsburg Rotary Club meeting. She shared valuable insights on today’s challenges and opportunities both state-wide and nationwide,” said Michelle Cuthrell Sadat, Martinsburg Rotary president.
Capito traveled to the Berkeley County Day Report Center, where she received an update from staff about their efforts to provide resources to West Virginians on the path to recovery from addiction and see progress on their current expansion. Capito has visited the center several times before in 2016 and 2021.
“The Berkeley County Day Report Center does an incredible job meeting West Virginians where they are on their recovery journey. We all know the scars made by this epidemic, and the center does a wonderful job helping to repair some of the damage that has been created. It’s encouraging to see their expansion efforts underway, and the increased ability they will have to serve those in our state who need it the most,” Capito said.
“The staff and participants of the Berkeley County Day Report Center are extremely grateful for Sen. Capito’s interest and support of our program through the years,” said Tim Czaja, BCDRC Community Corrections director. "There are literally thousands of lives being positively impacted through the work being accomplished and our entire community is healthier and more successful as a result."
Capito then visited The Garage on King, a recently opened food hall in Martinsburg that is drawing large amounts of business. Capito met with Diego Losada, the entrepreneur behind the operation, to learn more about the business structure and see the vendors inside firsthand.
“The Garage on King is an innovative business venture that is finding success here in Martinsburg. It was great to meet with Diego to hear about the ideas that led to this operation, and efforts that he and the vendors are taking to keep business moving,” Capito said. "This is a great example of the kind of development that can be created in West Virginia, and I applaud Diego and all those involved on the success they’ve created since opening their doors this winter."
“Hosting Sen. Shelley Moore Capito at The Garage on King exemplifies our dedication to advancing business growth in West Virginia. Together, we prioritize collaboration, striving to create a thriving environment for entrepreneurs and enterprises alike,” Losada said.