BRIDGEPORT – Of today’s groundbreaking for a $8.7 million, 120-room four-story Wingate Inn to be located at Charles Pointe, Governor Robert E. Wise said, "This is an example of the continued progress along I-79 and a symbol of good things to come. Bridgeport is a thriving area, and this development will have long-term benefits for the community and the region."

Construction on the building is slated to begin on December 23; completion is projected for October 2004. The hotel will provide 25 full- and part-time jobs.

"We are pleased to bring Wingate Inn to Bridgeport," Wingate Inns International, Inc. President Keith Pierce said. "We think that our amenity package is unique and it should be well-received by residents, organizations and travelers to the area."

Wingate Inns have been popping up around the country since 1996, and are designed for both business and leisure travelers. Each room will have high-speed Internet access. The building will also have facilities to accommodate business meetings and training seminars. Jamie Corton, managing partner of Genesis Partners, who originated Charles Pointe, said, "With an upscale continental breakfast offering, indoor swimming pool, exercise facilities, a 24-hour business center, plus refrigerators and microwaves in every room, the hotel is perfect for business people, as well as families. These amenities have a universal appeal for travelers."

Tom Bell, a representative for the investors and management of Wingate Inn, said, "Charles Pointe, perhaps one of the most thought out master development plans in the United States, became attractive to us during its conceptual phase. Watching the infrastructure come together, the professionalism of its developer Genesis Partners, and the cooperation of the City of Bridgeport and the State of West Virginia, we knew that we wanted to be part of this happening event. We are looking forward to our long term relationship."

Charles Pointe, a 1,700-acre model community project master planned community, is the ideal home for the new hotel. "Right off I-79, this hotel is sure to attract a lot of travelers and boost the economy of Harrison County as a whole," Corton said. "The Wingate chain has opened 130 hotels in less than a decade. They are one of the fastest growing hotel chains out there because they cater to the needs of all their guests."

Also in attendance at the groundbreaking was Kim Haws, City Manager of Bridgeport, Bridgeport City Council Members, Ruth Allen, Chuck Lindsay and John Westfall; Matt Hostetler, Wingate; Roger Diaz, President of the Harrison County Commission, and Frank Angotti, Commissioner.

"The addition of an upper midscale hotel in Bridgeport is a wonderful Christmas present to our community," Corton said. "As promised, Charles Pointe is making positive contributions to the area through opportunities for economic development and growth."