PATTERN Initiative

From the start, the New River Gorge Regional Development Authority has not only valued collaboration; we’ve made partnerships a cornerstone of our operations.

We have always broken the mold of traditional economic development and operated within a collaborative ecosystem of supporting programs and industry expansion, and our newest initiative is no different.

With support from Senator Capito, we’re proud to launch our newest initiative, PATTERN – Planning and Accelerating Textile Technology and Entrepreneurship Regional Network. PATTERN aims to leverage West Virginia’s knowledge of the outdoor industry, heritage, and craftsmanship to create and expand on manufacturing opportunities in Southern West Virginia.

PATTERN will support assets within the region’s rural and coal-impacted communities, including talented and resourceful entrepreneurs, WVU Tech students, skilled workforce, industry heritage, natural and cultural resources, and more, to advance the textile manufacturing sector.

By working in tandem with established and successful organizations in West Virginia and  partners in North Carolina, the project will result in the development of a ready workforce, investment in manufacturing and artisan resources, resulting in an increase in capacity for economic growth.

To publicly highlight the goals of PATTERN and celebrate the existing textile industry in West Virginia,  we’re proud to sponsor WVU Tech’s Glam Night Out on October 22, 2022, at The Resort at Glade Springs.

Glam Night Out will raise funds for WVU Tech Athletics and raise awareness of the growth of the textile and apparel innovators in our region. It will feature fashions from locally rooted global designers as well as West Virginia-based apparel creators and retailers. Community members, alumni, and some special guests will serve as models during the fashion show.

This event highlights the ongoing relationships among the New River Gorge Regional Development Authority, the University, local businesses and community leaders.