BECKLEY, WV (LOOTPRESS) -The New River Gorge Regional Development Authority (NRGRDA) and the WV Hive are inviting community members to participate in a survey to help shape the upcoming PATTERN (Planning and Accelerating Textile Technology and Entrepreneurship Regional Network) Industrial Sewing Training Program, launching in Beckley in Fall 2025.
The PATTERN initiative is a regional, collaborative initiative designed to build a pipeline of trained industrial sewing technicians to meet the workforce needs of multiple industries—including apparel, automotive, aerospace, medical, upholstery, and other sewn-product sectors. A primary strategy of PATTERN is to accelerate the growth of the outdoor gear manufacturing industry in the New River Gorge region.
Taylor Carnell, Operations Manager of PATTERN, said the 192-hour hands-on training course will equip participants with professional sewing skills that open doors to a range of employment and business opportunities. “This program is being developed to meet the real needs of industry while creating strong, flexible career pathways for local residents,” said Carnell. “We need the community’s help to ensure the program works for potential employees, contractors, and business partners alike.”
Survey link: https://www.surveymonkey.com/r/S6CM7X5
Carnell, a native of Charleston, W.Va., was hired in February 2025 and brings valuable industry experience from her work with Melanzana Mountain Gear, Inc., a Colorado-based outdoor apparel company.
Judy Moore, Deputy Director of NRGRDA and Executive Director of the WV Hive, said the survey allows respondents to provide input on class structure, preferred training schedules, affordability, transportation needs, and post-training interest in becoming an employee, contractor, or business partner within the PATTERN network.
“The survey gives residents a direct voice in shaping the course content and logistics,” said Moore. “It’s designed to help us develop a program that’s responsive, accessible, and aligned with industry needs.”
Carnell added “This is a chance for the community to help guide the development of an industrial sewing training program that truly fits our region. We’re working hard to build a strong textile manufacturing presence in southern West Virginia — one that supports many industries, meets the needs of our people, and reflects our region’s deep connection to outdoor recreation and craftsmanship.”
Moore emphasized that PATTERN will leverage the strengths of rural and coal-impacted communities across the region, including:
- Talented and resourceful entrepreneurs
- University faculty and students
- Skilled and adaptable workforce
- Rich industrial and cultural heritage
- Abundant natural resources
She noted that success will be measured through outcomes such as job creation, capital investment, business launches, deployment of technical assistance, and increased production of locally made goods.
The WV Hive is the entrepreneurship program of the New River Gorge Regional Development Authority. Its 13-county service area includes Raleigh, Fayette, Summers, Nicholas, Webster, Greenbrier, Pocahontas, Monroe, Mercer, McDowell, Wyoming, Logan, and Mingo counties.
To learn more, visit https://wvhive.com.
