A Mister Bee employee loads bags of barbeque chips from a collator into a box. (File Photo)

PARKERSBURG — A potato chip maker from Parkersburg received an award through the Best of West Virginia Contest.

Mister Bee Potato Chips was selected as the Best West Virginia Made Food Product in the contest sponsored by “WV Living Magazine.” Mister Bee, the only maker of potato chips in West Virginia, won after nationally receiving the most customer votes.

“Our team at Mister Bee could not be happier to learn that we won this designation,” said Mary Anne Ketelsen, who since 2015 has been president of Mister Bee Potato Chips. “What we have built here is very special, and it is important that our customers appreciate our small business and our commitment to quality.”

Readers of “West Virginia Living” nominated companies and products in 75 categories from July 26 to Aug. 8. The top nominees, including Mister Bee, moved to the final round of voting in September and October.

Winners were announced in the magazine’s Winter issue.

“People vote for us every day by buying our products at retail outlets, restaurants and in placing online orders,” Ketelsen said. “We have worked hard to build our brand throughout the Mountain State, and beyond, and provide a variety of high quality, delicious snack chips. We appreciate the love our customers share with us and this victory is truly meaningful.”

Mister Bee was established in 1951 by Leo and Sara Klein in Parkersburg where the first office was on Mary Street. The company moved to the current location in November 1962.

The Klein family operated the company until 2010. Mister Bee, now the West Virginia Potato Chip Co., was purchased in 2015 by new owners Mary Anne (Welch) Ketelsen, Douglas Ketelsen, Gregory Barton and Gregory Reed and Mary Maxine Welch.

The company makes a variety of flavored potato chips and snacks available at retail locations throughout the region and online at www.misterbee.com.