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State Sen. Ryan Weld, R-Brooke, during the June 5 ceremonial ribbon cutting for Pure Watercraft, probably said it best when he noted, "Anybody who comes here, you're a stranger once."
Pure Watercraft, a company based in Seattle, announced plans last August to open a manufacturing facility at the Beech Bottom Industrial Park to build electric pontoon boats and electric outboard motors. The plan includes the creation of 100 new jobs for the community.
Even though operations are still a bit away, the company has made efforts to get to know the residents and businesses of Brooke County. Construction is ongoing on its planned area of the former Wheeling Corrugating facility, with new floors being put in, doors being framed and other preparations under way. That means work for those in the trades.
As part of last week's festivities, company officials, including President and CEO Andrew Rebele, were on hand to take special guests on a few demonstration voyages on the river using one of their electric pontoons. A second event was open to area residents who wanted to learn more and see the boat in action for themselves.
Pure Watercraft is quickly finding its way into becoming a part of the community. This isn't a company that will set up shop and hide behind its walls.
While the idea of an electric pontoon boat might seem to be a strange fit coal and steel country, it represents an opportunity for our area to get in on the ground floor of a cutting-edge business.
The region's economy has had more than its share of ups and downs in recent years, but the ups are always welcome, especially when they are generated by companies that are committed to making a positive contribution to the community.
Pure Watercraft is just the latest example of that type of business, and is a welcome addition to the Tri-State Area.