A Message from the Executive Director
The Elkins-Randolph County Chamber has always been
the voice of business in Randolph County.
Our mission statement guides us to
advocate, educate, and network
for the businesses of Elkins and Randolph County. That's what we were doing before March 19, 2020 arrived.
Before March 19, the Chamber provided matching dollars in the amount of $11,500 over three years to businesses through our Community Investment Initiative. We provided educational opportunities for business leaders to learn from experts in their field from both near and far. We provided networking opportunities through After Hours and other events. We partnered with D&E through a Benedum grant to create a summer leadership internship program for college students. We promoted businesses and organizations through email blasts and social media platforms. We hosted Bi-Monthly meetings, legislative luncheons, and collaborated with multiple groups and organizations to bring needed programs and opportunities to Randolph County.
Two weeks before March 19, 2020 the Chamber hosted Quint Studer, author of
Building A Vibrant Community
, for a day full of inspiration to over 300 individuals through meet 'n greets, a Vibrant Workshop, and an evening celebration. He lit a fire in many of our hearts to work toward true, lasting, revitalization of our community. His message is still ringing in our ears as we work towards the future. An Expo is being planned where we can reveal the work we are implementing - even now - to make our community the vibrant oasis in these hills that we know it can be.
Before March 19, 2020... Those words reverberate constantly through our minds at the Chamber now. On March 19, 2020, we closed our office to visitors...but that was all we closed.
Through the confusion and uncertainty of Covid-19, the Chamber was forced to rethink our purpose and evolve. Working side by side with Elkins Main Street, an organization birthed from the Chamber years ago, the idea for
Randolph Together
emerged. We invited other organizations and government entities to join with us.
Randolph Together
has become more than an idea, more than a collaboration, and more than a web page or social media platforms. It has become a philosophy of who we are in this county. We ARE Randolph Together. We MUST be Randolph… Together.
Since March 19, 2020, the Chamber has provided Emergency Information, guidelines, and help to keep our businesses and economy moving. We have hosted virtual round tables and helped businesses find answers when possible. We have promoted businesses and shared essential information as they navigated the turbulent waters of this difficult time.
The Chamber hosted
Roamin' Randolph
in downtown Elkins and neighborhoods that shared their spirit with our entire community. We thank all the volunteers who stepped up and volunteered their time and resources to put a smile on a neighbor's face!
And yet, there is more to do. The Chamber is collaborating with other organizations to enhance our community’s economic vitality and pursue economic development in new, creative ways while navigating the uncharted waters of a world-wide pandemic. We have partnered with organizations to address needs in work force and job development. While these are, no doubt, challenging times, there are opportunities for growth and change. We have a
vibrant future
ahead of us if we choose to act.
The Chamber invites businesses and organizations in Randolph County to join us as we move forward to create a vibrant community in which we can all
live, work, play, and stay
. If you are a current member of the Chamber, thank you for your continued support. If you once were or never have been, you are welcome to be a part of helping us create that vibrant community. Membership dues is the least of our concerns right now. It’s you and your businesses we want to support. It’s you and your businesses we want to see thrive and prosper. It’s you and your businesses we want to see become a part of something bigger. Your successes will be our successes. And our shared successes will benefit all the citizens of Randolph County. Won’t you join us?
Before March 19, 2020 we were
the voice of business in Randolph County.
Today, our office is open, our outlook is hopeful, and we are, still,
the voice of business
.
Lisa Wood
Executive Director,
Elkins-Randolph County Chamber
