U.S. Senator Shelley Moore Capito visited Putnam county on Thursday, August 25, to meet with local and community leaders and to tour two businesses in Fraziers Bottom.

Senator Capito met with the Putnam County Development Authority to discuss the economic growth in the county. Capito was updated on the challenges and the solutions needed to overcome obstacles to future expansion. Following the discussion, Senator Capito toured Tasty Blend Foods, Inc. and Alexander’s Place. Alexander’s Place is adjacent to the Fraziers Bottom business park which is home to Tasty Blend Foods. Alexander’s Place sits on a one hundred acre tract which is being developed by Dave Hobba.

“It’s an exciting time for economic development in Putnam County right now, and that was evident during my visits today,” Senator Capito said. “I was encouraged to hear from the Putnam County Development Authority and see firsthand the existing and ongoing projects in the area. The future success of our state depends on our ability to create more opportunity and jobs, and I’m confident that Putnam County is suited to meet these needs.”

“We are so thankful for Senator Capito taking time to visit Putnam County and our organization. Putnam County is seeing growth with more on the horizon, and the Development Authority continues to drive our communities forward. The Senator’s visit was at a great time so we could discuss infrastructure needs as our county continues to grow; we were also able to celebrate the success of local businesses who have already chosen to make our county home. It was an honor to showcase a few of the great assets of Putnam,” Morganne Tenney, Executive Director of Putnam County Development Authority, said.

Cathy Elswick, President and CEO Tasty Blend Foods, Inc., said, “My Dad grew up poor in government assisted housing in Charleston, but his dreams were bigger than his circumstances. He built something amazing that I’m honored to now lead. We are a West Virginia based company that employs West Virginians and we make products that are used by West Virginia businesses, families and schools. My father’s dream became a West Virginia success story, and we’re so proud to have Senator Capito here to see our success story.”