Ensign gets behind Minden company's Trevair Chair

U.S. Sen. John Ensign, R-Nev., met with Steve Patmont, owner and president of Patmont Motor Werks, and other community volunteers on June 1 to see first-hand the local manufacturer's Go-Ped plant as well as learn of a new mobility chair now being manufactured by Patmont.

Ensign heard the behind-the-scene story of how the community has banded together to help Go-Ped get back on its feet and get the word out about a revolutionary new wheelchair.

The Trevair Chair is an invention created by Patmont and Trevor Snowden. Snowden, a former top snowboarder who became disabled through a snowboarding accident several years ago, wanted a wheelchair better suited for an active lifestyle. While working at Patmont's facility, Snowden came up with a new design for a mobility chair with added suspension and greater flexibility.

"I was very impressed with the work being done at Patmont, especially with Trevor Snowden and the Trevair Chair," said Ensign. "The Trevair Chair has the potential to be a ground-breaking option for many who suffer from spinal cord injuries, including our servicemen and women, who want to continue to lead active lives. Patmont is but one great example of the ingenuity in business that can be found in Nevada, and I remain committed to supporting and protecting our business community with the help of the Northern Nevada Development Authority."

NNDA Executive Director Rob Hooper was on hand along with several NNDA investor partners to share the Patmont story with Ensign. The tour and meeting followed several months of work by NNDA volunteers.

Two NNDA committees are providing assistance to Patmont. The marketing committee is focused on the original patented motorized Go-Ped scooter and will drive increased sales through the creation and implementation of a marketing plan for the scooter. The business and professional services committee is launching a new business selling the Trevair Chair and working to launch sales of this new wheelchair, designed specifically for the active lifestyle of the physically disabled, including many veterans and young people throughout the country.

Both teams are chaired by Tom Taormina, a retired NASA engineer and owner of The Taormina Group, and assisted by Lynette Cameron, ad agency Big Fish and other NNDA investors and volunteers.

For more information about Patmont Motor Werks and the Trevair Chair, contact Patmont at 782-0113 ext. 201.