WHITE SULPHUR SPRINGS, W.Va. (WSLS 10) - On Thursday, The Greenbrier CEO Jim Justice announced that the resort will reopen on July 12.
The resort has been closed for more than two weeks since the flooding that hit West Virginia significantly damaged parts of the resort.
During his speech Thursday morning, Justice quoted the 1996 film, "Independence Day," telling the crowd that West Virginia "will not go quietly into the darkness."
As many as 2,000 people work at The Greenbrier, according to Justice. Jacob Coleman, who works at the casino at The Greenbrier is glad Justice is opening the resort next week.
"It's just helping each other man, like I said, it brings true testament to who Jim Justice is," said Coleman.
Since the flooding that swept through the region on June 23, The Greenbrier has housed and fed more than 700 flood victims, who didn't have anywhere else to stay. The Greenbrier has been assured that proper food and housing will be provided to each and every one of these devastated individuals.
"We had some major damage in different parts of the hotel, and it's taken a lot of work to get The Greenbrier back to the standard that our guests expect," said Jim Justice, Owner and CEO, The Greenbrier. "But my dad once told me that if you can't get it done in 24 hours a day, then you're gonna have to work nights. We've worked a lot of nights, because we know just how important it is to have The Greenbrier up and running and guests coming here to visit."
"For this region and this state to get back on its feet, the people need to be working," said Justice. "A number of Team Members at The Greenbrier lost everything, and they can't rebuild if they don't have a place to work. That's why we've worked so hard to get The Greenbrier's doors back open as quickly as possible."
"The best way to help out is to come here, enjoy all the amazing people at America's Resort and help stimulate the economy here in Greenbrier County," said Justice. "Guests can enjoy a world-class vacation and support the community and The Greenbrier's Team Members at the same time. It's a win-win for everybody."
"We want to see this place hopping again like it normally is this time of the year," added Greg Scott, who has been a doorman at The Greenbrier for more than 20 years. "It's a great way to show the world that West Virginia will recover and is still a wonderful place to come visit."