HUNTINGTON, W.Va. – U.S. Senator Shelley Moore Capito (R-W.Va.) made stops in Huntington today that highlighted the impact of local employers, and programs and partnerships that are driving workforce development in the region.
First, Senator Capito toured the Level 1 Fasteners facility with president and owner Andrea Bourelais, and discussed her continued work in Congress to secure defense funding and forge partnerships that support the woman owned and operated business.
“Level 1 Fasteners is a true point of pride not only because they support our national defense, but also because they are a key local partner for developing our workforce here in Huntington,” Senator Capito said. “In the Senate, I worked to secure full funding for multiple submarines included in the Defense Appropriations Bill for FY 2021, which increased the U.S. Navy’s use of the products Level 1 Fasteners makes at this facility. Owner Andrea Bourelais has done an outstanding job leading this company and partnering with local colleges to ensure we have a prepared workforce for the future, and I appreciate her hospitality today.”
Founded in 1959, Level 1 Fasteners, Inc. produces the highest quality fasteners for the U.S. Navy and its subcontractors. The company employs roughly 90 individuals and 95% of their sales are in the defense field. It also has partnerships with Mountwest Community and Technical College and the Robert C. Byrd Institute to help develop a skilled workforce and provide manufacturing jobs here in West Virginia.
Senator Capito then visited Huntington Tri-State Airport for a tour of new facilities that are part of Marshall University’s Aviation Maintenance Technician program.
“Marshall University’s Aviation Maintenance Technician (AMT) program is helping drive the aerospace industry right here in West Virginia,” Senator Capito said. “Just as important, the new flight school and workforce training for technicians are expanding opportunities in the western region of the state, addressing pilot shortages, and introducing new career paths to those entering the workforce. As a leader on the Senate Appropriations Committee, I’ll continue to advocate for funding that builds out and expands proven, successful initiatives like Marshall’s AMT program.”
“Sen. Capito has been a supporter of not only the development of this program, but also for the advancement of aviation education in the state. Aviation is an industry that allows its students and graduates an ever-growing variety of career options in traditional and emerging technologies; the senator has been an amazing force in helping create a vision for how to harness those opportunities and those technologies here in West Virginia. It’s an honor to have her here and to have worked with her staff over the last three years,” Jim Smith, Director of Aviation Maintenance Technology at Marshall University, said.
In addition to these stops, Senator Capito also met with Marshall University President Brad D. Smith and others to discuss a variety of issues related to economic development and entrepreneurship. She also made visit to Heritage Farm to meet with Executive Director Audy Perry and discuss the venue’s recent improvements, as well as what transportation infrastructure could mean for his business, the economy, and the region as a whole.
Photos from today’s event are included below:
U.S. Senator Shelley Moore Capito (R-W.Va.) tours Level 1 Fasteners in Huntington, W.Va. on Wednesday, January 26, 2022.
U.S. Senator Shelley Moore Capito (R-W.Va.) tours the Tri-State Airport with Marshall University President Brad D. Smith in Huntington, W.Va. on Wednesday, January 26, 2022.
U.S. Senator Shelley Moore Capito (R-W.Va.) tours the Tri-State Airport with Marshall University President Brad D. Smith and Director of Aviation Maintenance Technology Jim Smith in Huntington, W.Va. on Wednesday, January 26, 2022.
U.S. Senator Shelley Moore Capito (R-W.Va.) visits Heritage Farm in Huntington, W.Va. on Wednesday, January 26, 2022.
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