CABELL COUNTY, W.Va. – Today, U.S. Senator Shelley Moore Capito (R-W.Va.), a member of the Senate Appropriations Committee, made stops in Lesage and Huntington, W.Va. focused on economic development.
First, Senator Capito traveled to Lesage, W.Va. where she participated in a ribbon cutting ceremony for Alcon’s newest facility. During the event, Senator Capito delivered remarks and visited with attendees. Alcon’s expansion brings state-of-the-art technology and enhanced infrastructure, representing a more than $60 million investment in West Virginia’s future.
“Alcon’s decision to expand in Cabell County is a win for West Virginia, our workforce, and patients around the world who benefit from their life-changing products,” Senator Capito said. “This new facility represents more than a $60 million investment—it demonstrates a confidence in the skill and dedication of our people, and maintains hundreds of good jobs to Cabell County. I’m proud that West Virginia is playing such an important role in helping Alcon achieve its mission of helping people ‘see brilliantly,’ and I look forward to the continued growth and success this expansion will bring.
“Alcon has been a part of the Huntington community for more than 36 years,” Candace Childers, Alcon’s VP and Huntington General Manager, said. “Our company arrived here in West Virginia in 1989, then, in 2007, we committed to expanding our operations here with a $45 million investment, which was completed in 2011. In 2023 we broke ground on a project aimed to bring cutting-edge technology and operational efficiency to our Huntington facility and, today, we’re thrilled to unveil the completion of that more than $60 million investment.”
Next, Senator Capito traveled to Huntington, W.Va. where she visited the Keith Albee Performing Arts Center. During the visit, Senator Capito toured the recently completed renovations—some of which she supported through the Appropriations process—and learn more about the future plans and additions for the theater.
“The Keith Albee Performing Arts Center is truly one of West Virginia’s treasures, and it was inspiring to see the incredible renovations that have preserved its historic beauty. This theatre tells a story that belongs to both Huntington and our entire state. I was especially impressed by the vision and dedication of the team working to restore and reimagine the space for generations to come, and I was proud to lend my support to some of these projects through the Appropriations process. The Keith-Albee Theater will continue to be a centerpiece of culture, community, and pride for West Virginia,” Senator Capito said.
“We are so grateful to Senator Capito for her support of the arts and the Keith Albee Performing Arts Center. Her commitment has been vital not only to the restoration of this historic theater, but also to strengthening economic development and ensuring a vibrant, thriving downtown in Huntington, WV. Her support helps make it possible for the Keith Albee to remain both a cultural landmark and a catalyst for community growth,” David Miller, Executive Director of the Keith Albee Performing Arts Center, said.
“Senator Capito was the first to commit funds to the restoration of the Keith Albee, and that early support was vital to getting this project off the ground. She shared our vision for what the theater could mean to Huntington and to the region, and her commitment gave us the momentum to begin turning that vision into reality,” Bob Plymale, Keith Albee Performing Arts Center Board President, said.
Photos from today’s visits are below:
U.S. Senator Shelley Moore Capito (R-W.Va.) participates in the ribbon cutting event for Alcon’s newest facility in Lesage, W.Va. on Wednesday, September 24, 2025.
U.S. Senator Shelley Moore Capito (R-W.Va.) meets with Marshall University Athletic Director Gerald Harrison (left) and Marshall University President Brad Smith (right) at Marshall University in Huntington, W.Va. on Wednesday, September 24, 2025.
U.S. Senator Shelley Moore Capito (R-W.Va.) tours the renovations at the Keith Albee Performing Arts Center in Huntington, W.Va. on Wednesday, September 24, 2025.
U.S. Senator Shelley Moore Capito (R-W.Va.) tours the renovations at the Keith Albee Performing Arts Center in Huntington, W.Va. on Wednesday, September 24, 2025.
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