TYLER/WETZEL COUNTIES, W.Va. – U.S. Senator Shelley Moore Capito (R-W.Va.) and Congressman David McKinley (R-W.Va.-01) made several stops in northern West Virginia today to tour two local businesses, Momentive Performance Materials and the Paul Wissmach Glass Comp, and to meet with business leaders with the Belomar Regional Council to discuss economic development and expansion efforts in the region.
“Coming out of the pandemic, it’s always encouraging to visit employers who are talking about expanding, hiring, and growing right here in West Virginia,” Senator Capito said. “Today’s stops at Momentive and the Paul Wissmach Glass Company were two great examples of local businesses that are focused on increasing their capacity and with it, their workforce, so they can continue leading in their respective fields. Through the Belomar Regional Council, we also have a renewed focus here in Wetzel County on economic development that will be boosted by the bipartisan infrastructure law as it begins to be implemented. I appreciate all those working to create more jobs and stronger communities in this region of our state, and look forward to continue supporting them in accomplishing our shared goals.”
“Hearing directly from manufacturers and regional economic development groups provides important insights into the challenges they are facing when it comes to improving economic opportunity in West Virginia. The one thing we continue to hear is that upgrading roads and bridges, water and sewer lines and access to reliable broadband is key to attracting and retaining new businesses and jobs. Companies like Nucor point to the promise these infrastructure improvements as the deciding factor for choosing to operate in West Virginia. We look forward seeing these improvements take shape bringing greater opportunity to this state,” Congressman McKinley said.
First, Senator Capito and Congressman McKinley visited Momentive Performance Materials in Friendly, W.Va. for a site tour, and discussion about upgrades and expansion with company leadership. With roughly 600 employees, Momentive is Tyler County’s largest employer
Senator Capito and Congressman David McKinley traveled to New Martinsville, W.Va. to attend Belomar Regional Council’s board meeting where they received an update on current and future projects, including its Transportation Improvement Program. Belomar’s primary purpose is to foster cooperation for the planning and development of community and economic development and transportation projects. Its service area originally included Ohio and Marshall counties in West Virginia and Belmont County in Ohio, and expanded in 1972 to include Wetzel County in West Virginia
Following the meeting with Belomar, Senator Capito and Congressman McKinley visited the Paul Wissmach Glass Company in Paden City, W.Va. for a factory tour and update on the family-owned business’ long-term goals and expansion. The company employs 35 people, and has the capacity to double their workforce, but has had trouble finding qualified applicants to fill positions.
Photos from today’s visit included below:
U.S. Senator Shelley Moore Capito (R-W.Va.) and Congressman David McKinley (R-W.Va.-01) tour Momentive Performance Materials in Friendly, W.Va. on Thursday, February 24, 2022.
U.S. Senator Shelley Moore Capito (R-W.Va.) speaks at the Belomar Regional Council’s board meeting in New Martinsville, W.Va. on Thursday, February 24, 2022.
U.S. Senator Shelley Moore Capito (R-W.Va.) and Congressman David McKinley (R-W.Va.-01) tour the Paul Wissmach Glass Company in Paden City, W.Va. on Thursday, February 24, 2022.
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