TL to R – WV Speaker of the House Roger Hanshaw, WV Delegate Bob Fehrenbacher & WVMA President Bill Bissetthe West Virginia Manufacturers Association (WVMA) announced that Senator Glenn Jeffries, Delegate Bob Fehrenbacher, and Legislative Staff Member Robert E. Akers are the distinguished recipients of the 2024 Champion of Industry Awards at its recent annual All-State Legislative Dinner at the Charleston Coliseum & Conference Center. These awards recognize their legislative service, outstanding contributions to the manufacturing sector, and their unwavering commitment to advancing West Virginia’s economic growth. 

Senator Jeffries, who represents parts of Kanawha and Putnam Counties, is a successful businessperson and entrepreneur who chairs the West Virginia Senate’s Economic Development Committee. Working collaboratively with the West Virginia Development Office and all levels of government, Jeffries brings a private sector perspective to economic development and builds lasting relationships with existing and potential companies to position the Mountain State to grow more jobs and opportunities. 

“Unlocking West Virginia’s full economic development potential has been a top priority for the Senate,” said West Virginia Senate President Craig Blair. “Those efforts really took off under the leadership and hard work of Glenn Jeffries as a member of our Economic Development committee and then as its Chairman. Our citizens have reaped the benefits of his dedication to making our state the kind of place companies choose, and I look forward to the success he will have for years to come.” 

“Senator Jeffries works tirelessly in many facets of economic development at all levels but tends to avoid the spotlight or seek credit for this important work,” said Bill Bissett, WVMA President. “In interactions with him, you can tell quickly that it is the work of growing our economy that is important to him. An excellent example of this work is his letter writing campaign to major business leaders across the United States, which eventually resulted in bringing TIMET to West Virginia, which is a large state-of-the-art facility that will be in Ravenswood, West Virginia. When it comes to ongoing economic development efforts, West Virginians are fortunate to have Senator Jeffries not only in the West Virginia Senate, but also finding ways to bring new employers here and expand existing companies that want to grow.”

Delegate Bob Fehrenbacher, who represents Wood County in the 11th District, may be finishing his first term in the West Virginia House of Delegates, but brings more than four decades of manufacturing experience to his elected office. With a degree in chemical engineering combined with a keen business acumen, Fehrenbacher brings a thoughtful voice to both floor debates and committee meetings.

“In much the same way, Delegate Bob Fehrenbacher brings an engineer’s careful eye to the legislative process without getting tripped up in the details that can make or break so many bills along the way,” said West Virginia Speaker of the House Roger Hanshaw. “Bob is a diligent legislator who shows up every day prepared to ask thoughtful questions and make the best choices to affect positive change for the West Virginians who count on us to come to Charleston and do just that.”

L to R – WV Speaker of the House Roger Hanshaw, WV House Energy & Manufacturing Committee Vice Chair Mark Zatezalo, Legislative Staff Member Robert E. Akers, WV House Energy & Manufacturing Committee Chair Bill Anderson & WVMA President Bill Bissett.“Speaker Hanshaw said it best, ‘Send me more candidates like Bob Fehrenbacher,’” said Bill Bissett, WVMA President. “A passionate advocate for economic and workforce development, Delegate Fehrenbacher brings a clear understanding of manufacturing along with considerable work experience to his role in the West Virginia House of Delegates. While the entire delegation in the Wood County area works together seamlessly for the betterment of the West Virginians and job creators who live there, we wanted to recognize Delegate Fehrenbacher for his work and depth of knowledge that he brings to his elected position.”

For the first time, the WVMA wanted to expand its Champion of Industry awards to include a member of the Legislative Staff. While it is commonplace for State Legislators to receive recognition for their service, there are many members of Legislative Staff who work long hours to make certain that elected members of the Legislature have the information and counsel that they need to be successful. Legislative Staff Member Robert Akers was selected to receive this year’s award.

“This award to Robert Akers highlights the expertise and commitment to public service I’m proud to say we have throughout the ranks of our staff of the West Virginia Legislature,” said West Virginia Speaker of the House Roger Hanshaw. “Robert brings a remarkable skillset to helping craft meticulous pieces of legislation, with his legal and technical proficiency as well as his thorough knowledge of complex issues and industries.”

“Robert Akers is not only an accomplished lawyer who has worked in intellectual property, but also possesses a strong background in manufacturing,” said Bill Bissett, WVMA President. “His passion for both the law and manufacturing is evident in conversations and how he approaches his role as Legal Counsel to the West Virginia House’s Committee on Energy and Manufacturing. We thank Robert Akers for his work in past sessions and look forward to working with him in the future.”