WV Hive highlights power of small business at Bridge Day booth

PRESS RELEASE

Made in West Virginia: Six WV Hive Clients Exhibited at 46^th Annual Bridge Day

Fayetteville, W.Va. (October 17, 2026) – The New River Gorge Regional Development Authority’s (NRGRDA) entrepreneurial program – the West Virginia Hive – highlighted the people and products of six of its small business clients today at the annual Bridge Day celebration. New Executive Director Kelly Vickers and Regional Business Advisor Devon Fitzgerald joined the entrepreneurs in greeting the public and introducing their creations.

West Virginia Hive clients who participated included:

Heather Sanchez of Mariposa Hollow in Glen Morgan;
Sisters Lee Ann Goins and Kathy Mills of Hinton Outfitters in Hinton;
Jeff and Krystle Adkins of Kraken Glass N Crafts in Talcott;
Erica Williams of Sunbeams & Moonshine Creations, also in Talcott;
Alyssa Hosler of The Wooly Gorge in Oak Hill; and
George and Sherry Kusner of Wild & Untamed Things in Alderson.

Vickers culminated her first week on the job at NRGRDA at the WV Hive Booth showcasing these small business leaders. “The New River Gorge region is home to some incredibly talented and innovated entrepreneurs and Bridge Day gives us a fantastic opportunity to put their businesses in the spotlight,” she said. “Through the Hive, we’re proud to help turn great ideas into growing businesses that strengthen our communities and contribute to the region’s economic future.”

Fitzgerald, on the front line working with the entrepreneurs, said “It was so rewarding to see our clients showcasing their amazing products and sharing their businesses with the thousands of people who attend Bridge Day. At the WV Hive, we provide business advising, resources, technical assistance and connections to help entrepreneurs overcome challenges, grow their businesses, and reach new opportunities, while also helping showcase the incredible talent we have right here in southern West Virginia. These entrepreneurs represent the creativity, hard work, and passion that make small businesses across West Virginia so special.”

The WV Hive serves Raleigh, Fayette, Summers and Nicholas counties.

To learn more about the WV Hive or become a client, visit https://wvhive.com.