Recent news from the Fayette County Chamber of Commerce

Fayette County Chamber of Commerce
Connecting Businesses to Businesses
March 2018

Shop Local             Support Local Businesses        Shop Often             Support an Artist 
Buy Here, Live Here, and Support Your Local Business
The Chamber office hours are Mon. - Fri. 9AM - 5PM, Sat. 9AM - 3PM

Shop Local.....What does that mean to you? 
1. You supported local jobs & benefits
2. You kept your tax dollars in Fayette County & West Virginia
3. You enjoyed the uniqueness that keeps our downtowns alive
4. You sustained local craftsmen, artisans and farmers
5. You invested in local suppliers, manufactures and builders
6. You nourished local organizations, churches and charities
7. You became part of the community that attracts new businesses and tourism
8. You enriched your life...something you can't download--- Experience Local Today!
Welcome to Fayette County, WV
Mike's Appliance LLC
45 Price Rd
Scarbro, WV 25917
304-640-2696




Join the Chamber Online 
NEW Business Card Holders
Did you know as part of your chamber membership you may display a business rack card OR brochure in our office? 

Don't have a rack card? We now have business card holders! Call 304-465-5617 or email for more information.   Take advantage and promote your business to our walk in traffic!
How do I get my stuff in the newsletter?
Notices will be once a month. The newsletter is a FREE  service to Fayette County Chamber members! Should you like to post something in the newsletter please submit info in a WORD file (photos must be jpeg) by the last Wednesday of each month to   Email

***As of March 1, 2016 there will be a charge of $50 per E-blast. Please send information for e-blasts to Email  
The President's Circle



Jim Lively Insurance
United Bank Logo


United Bank

The 500 Club
BroadbandBroadband Speed Test and Survey
WE NEED YOUR HELP TO IMPROVE BROADBAND!
One of the Broadband Enhancement Council's (BEC) main priority is to generate better mapping information for those who have broadband and those who are under-served (less than 25 meg. down and 2 up) or un-served.  The mapping information generated by the FCC is of little help painting an accurate representation of actual service.  So the BEC has created a web-page with a speed test and survey to identify the user location down to their street address.  We hope to get as many folks in the state to take the speed test and fill out the survey so we can create accurate maps down to the address level. 

 
Region 4 and Fayette County were awarded a CDBG grant to study how best to move forward with broadband in our areas.  As part of this study, we need to collect as many speed tests in our county as possible and as widely as possible. We encourage citizens to test their speeds at home and work as often as they can. West Virginia is 48th in broadband.  To improve economic development, give students the same tools as other kids in communities with broadband and improve rural medical care, we need to do everything we can to improve broadband. 
   
 
BAHBusiness After Hours ~ March 9th
Join the Fayette County Chamber of Commerce &
Destination Downtown Oak Hill, WVa. for a Business After Hours!

Friday, March 9th, 5pm - 7:30pm
Location: The Venue at 527 Jones Ave., Oak Hill, WV 25901

Business After Hours hosted by Destination Downtown Oak Hill. Come network with other Fayette County businesses and find out about some of our projects. Food and drink will be provided. See old friends and make some new ones. 

To RSVP email or call 304-465-5617

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UnitedBankUnited Bank 179th Anniversary & Business After Hours
United Bank Logo
Save the Date March 15th

United Bank of Fayetteville, WV is celebrating their 179 Year Anniversary! Mark your calendar to join the Fayette County Chamber and United Bank of Fayetteville, WV in celebration. 

March 15th, 5pm - 7pm at 145 W. Maple Ave., Fayetteville, WV 25840

To RSVP email or call 304-465-5617

golf_clubs.jpg
Greetings Chamber Members,
 
The mission of the Fayette County Chamber of Commerce is "To serve as the voice for the business community, providing leadership and vision that encourages a favorable business environment and economic expansion in Fayette County. "
 
In order for the Chamber to remain relevant long term, the board of directors decided we needed to look at a way to supplement the work accomplished at Bridge Day with another event.  While brainstorming on fundraiser ideas, we recalled the success of the Sports Festival and wanted to bring the vitality of that event back to our community.
 
NBA championship coach Pat Riley once said, "There are only two options regarding commitment. You're either IN or you're OUT. There is no such thing as life in-between." With this in mind, June 2018 is going to be a lot of fun: the Sports Festival is back and will be re-branded the:
 
"New River Gorge Sports and Cars Fest - June 20-24, 2018"
 
Though this event will be a fundraiser for the Chamber, it will directly benefit the entire business community of Fayette County. All events will be conducted in Fayette County and any Fayette County entity can be involved. While our focus is on Fayette County, our goal is to attract participants from all over the state and even the country. How many people do we know that have moved away and would love a reason to come back and visit (and hopefully, spend their money)!
 
In addition to this exposure, prize winners for the events will earn Fayette County gift certificates that can be used at businesses that are both chamber members and event sponsors. For example, if your business chooses to be a $100 sponsor, the winner of the golf event can present their certificate at your business and the chamber will reimburse you dollar for dollar. Any business sponsor could be reimbursed their entire sponsorship, or more = FREE MARKETING!
 
Included with this letter, you will find a sponsorship form and a tentative schedule of events.  Please consider joining our Chamber by being a sponsor and encouraging participation in the events.
 
Sincerely,
  
 
Sharon Cruikshank, President                               Aaron Kemlock, Vice-Chair 

  
WRCWomen's Resource Center - Lip Sync Battle 
Do you have awesome mocking talent? Showcase it for a great cause...and great prizes! 

Categories  - Individuals: Age 12 & under; 13-17; and 18 & up. Groups or Family

Registration Fee:  $20 individuals / $35 Group

For complete info visit  www.wrcwv.org
Presented by Southern Communications and Women's Resource Center

Preliminary Battles: 
  • March 10 ~ Nicolas Co. High School
  • March 24 ~ The Ritz Theatre, Hinton
Sponsorship  opportunities are also available. Choose from 5 different sponsorship levels. Click the link below for more information. 
Clover5K4 -H Clover 5K

4-H, 5 Clover K
March 17th
Registration - 11:30AM
Race time - 12PM
Location: Fayette County Park (Beckwith)
For more information call 304-574-4253 or  email

   
 
FishFrySts. Peter & Paul - Lenten Fish Fry

 
BINGOB-I-N-G-O Fundraiser in Ansted 



St. Patty's Day BINGO
March 17th, 6-8PM
Ansted VFW: 19957 Midland Trail, Ansted, WV 25812
Proceeds benefit Ansted Hometown Festival 
 
BridgeWalkBridge Walk 2018 Special Walks
Guided tours are offered daily except for: high winds, snow and/or ice preventing access to the catwalk.

March 11 - Daylight Saving Time Celebration
March 17 - Luck of the Irish Bridge Walk Special
March 20 - 1st Day of Spring in the New River Gorge
March 30 - Good Friday Special at Bridge Walk

Schedule a tour for your birthday, anniversary, and/or reunion for $50Tax Included

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ASWVActive Southern WV ~ Accepting Volunteers
Get Active in the Park
Powered by Community Captains

Active SWV offers a variety of programs to participate in and volunteer. These 5 signature programs have proven successful in providing leadership skills, entry level physical activity, and sustaining healthy lifestyle changes. Each program has a mission and target audience. Start by learning more  https://activeswv.org/programs

Through March we are accepting more volunteers to join the lead in 2018. It can be  as easy as starting with a walking group in your neighborhood.

For more information:  Join the  Active Southern West Virginia Bulletin Board  group on Facebook to get updates on program details, email  or call (304) 254-8488.

Fayette County  2018 activity calendar


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National Park Service
National Park Service National Park Service Fire Managers Plan Prescribed Fires This Spring

New River Gorge National River fire managers are preparing for several prescribed fires this spring, between February 25 and May 31, weather permitting. Current plans include burning four separate units ranging in size from five to 45 acres, totaling approximately 93 acres. Fuel and weather conditions must be within certain burn plan parameters and will determine the exact dates of the prescribed burns.
 
Two of the fire units are located in the park's south district (Carper Field and Sandstone); two other units (Backus I and II) are located in the park's north district. Prescribed fires allow fire managers to conduct a safe burn under optimal conditions with sufficient resources available to meet specific objectives such as decreasing the risks from wildland fire to life, property and resources, restoring ecological processes, and meeting specific resource management goals. This spring's prescribed fires will reduce hazardous fuels and the threat of future wildland fires, control encroachment of woody species into open meadows, improve wildlife habitat, and promote oak regeneration.
During the Sandstone prescribed fire, smoke will be visible from Interstate 64 and the Sandstone Visitor Center will be temporarily closed for a few hours to ensure public, staff, and firefighter safety. Up-to-date information on any facility or trail closures and fire activity will be posted on the park's social media sites.

Burn Unit                        Location                                          Acres
Backus I                           Sout heastern Fayette County                17
Backus II                          Southeastern Fayette County                45
Carper Field                     Northeastern Raleigh County                26
Sandstone                         Northern Summers County                     5      
       
For each prescribed fire, fire managers work with other resource managers for several years planning and writing a specific prescription that includes parameters for smoke impacts, wind speed and direction, relative humidity, fuel moisture for live and dead burnable vegetation, and more. The plans also delineate the types and numbers of resources needed to safely conduct each burn. Before burning, a designated set of conditions must exist including ideal air temperature, wind speed and direction, and relative humidity. Weather conditions will be monitored throughout the duration of the burn to ensure the prescribed fire is completed safely.
 
For more information about the fire management program at the park  click here

Epic Escape Game New River Gorge 


Luck can help you escape.  Are you feeling lucky?  Enter promo code "Lucky" for 15% savings for the month of March.

Contact us for more information at  email  or  304-574-0137

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AOTGAdventures on the Gorge Winter Events
aot
James Bond Murder Mystery
Smokey's Steakhouse
Friday, March 9 & Saturday, March 10
Cash Bar 6:30pm - Dinner 7pm

Embodying the Five Elements of Nature Through Yoga: All Levels
March 9, 2018 - March 11, 2018 

St. Patrick's Day 
Chetty's Pub
Saturday, March 17
12pm - 9pm - Irish themed features 

Fire & Ice: Carving Festival & Brewgrass Reunion
April 20-21
Fire and Ice is  FREE to attend, but rafting and food are extra.  

FurBallNew River Humane Society


Emma is a 2 year old female Pit bull mix weighing 40lbs. 
She is very friendly. To get to know Emma better contact the New River Humane Society. 

New River Humane Society
513 Shelter Rd.
Fayetteville, WV 25840
(304) 574-3682 or email
 
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Paddle2018 Events at ACE Adventure Resort
ACE Logo
May 26, 2018
Join ACE for a demanding trail run through the beautiful mountains in West Virginia on Memorial Day weekend. Choose between a half-marathon, 10K run, or a 5 mile walk. These distinctive race routes will take racers through the New River Gorge past scenic rock outcrops, cascading streams and abandoned coal mines. After grabbing your medal at the finish line a burrito buffet awaits to tame the appetite you have developed. Cash prizes will be awarded to top finishers, plus you get bragging rights for tackling the Wonderland Mountain Challenge on May 26th, 2018.

May 31 - June 2, 2018
Get ready for the 5th year of West Virginia's best music festival at ACE Adventure Resort! Featuring over 25 bands including Umphrey's McGee, Big Something, Perpetual Groove, The Kind Thieves and more on a beautiful mountaintop stage. Plus food, vendors, visual artists, workshops, camping, and adventures in the New River Gorge. This is Appalachia's destination music festival featuring outdoor adventure paired with your favorite music! 

June 23, 2018
The largest mud run in West Virginia! Have fun and test your own limits in the time and space you're comfortable with, while gettin' as Gritty as you wanna be on an untimed 5k Tenacious Trail or 1 Moxie Mile fun run and mud obstacle course designed for excitement, fun, and laughter. Walk, sprint, skip, jog or dance through trails, over walls, through tubes, and mud pits with names like Commando Crawl, Over-Under Logs, Slickey Slide, and more! 
Wear anything you feel comfortable in. A bikini, costume, overalls, prom dress... anything, but it will get dirty! Chix is in the name, but we don't exclude the guys that respect our grit - those guys are man enough to run with Gritty Chix! Open to ages 10 and up; under 18 must be accompanied by an adult.

July 7, 2018
Gather at Wonderland Water Park for the 8th Annual Big Air Blob Competition. Fireworks won't be the only thing rocketing skyward on Independence Day. Teams of two will compete for the most outrageous blob of the day. Judges will score up to 10 points per blob based on form, height or just sheer craziness. Prizes for the 1st, 2nd and 3rd place winners! When you check-in be sure to ask for details at the ACE Welcome Center.  IT'S FREE TO THOSE PLAYING AT THE WATER PARK ON JULY 7th!

August 5, 2018
Join ACE Adventure Resort for the 17th Annual New River Gorge-ous Trail Run & Walk. Choose between three race options including a half-marathon, 8.5 mile run, or a 5 mile walk. All the courses wander through deep hardwood forests and offer spectacular views of the New River and the historic town of Thurmond. And yes, prizes are awarded.

October 12/13, 19/20, 26/27, 2018 
The Mad Butcher is coming back to the New River Gorge this fall. Dare to explore old abandoned buildings and dark corners of an adventure resort hidden in the woods. Campers and hikers have seen things here that will make your bones turn cold. Be careful not to stir the shadows, or creatures lurking in them. You never know who or what's watching... maybe what's left of those people who never checked out... maybe the thing that keeps them here. Just don't scream, or they'll find you.



HOURS - STARTING MONDAY, NOVEMBER 6TH
Tues & Wed | Closed
Thurs | 5pm-10pm
Fri - Sat | 5pm - 11pm
Sun | Closed
Mon | 5pm - 10pm

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Kroger Gives Back to the Community
Working Together to Feed Hungry Children in our Community
 
The Fayette County Chamber of Commerce facilitated the connection between the Oak Hill Kroger and Coda Mountain Academy, which provided two free community meals during the teacher strike week.

The meals were open to the Fayette community but students who have been unable to eat their meals at schools during the strike were specifically invited, said Ester Morey director of Coda Mountain Academy.

The Oak Hill Kroger donated $500 of food to Coda Mountain Academy, which prepared the meals served at Fayetteville Christ Fellowship.  "The Oak Hill Kroger is delighted to support the work of Coda Mountain Academy," said Matt Diederich, store manager.  "We want the students in our community to have access to healthy food."

Photo Caption:  Matt Diederich, manager of the Oak Hill Kroger, assists Lauren Floyd of Coda Mountain Academy with her shopping.

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FriendsBBQ Fundraiser for Friends of New River Gorge National River
Chase away those winter blues with some awesome BBQ!

"Friends of the New River Gorge National River" will be hosting a fundraiser at Dickey's BBQ located at 
2004 Harper Road, Beckley, Tuesday, March 6th from 4:30 to 8:30 p.m.  

Tickets are $15 ($18 after February 28
th) and entitle you to one of the following choices:  4-Rib Platter with 2 Sides, Drink and Cookie or Blondie Brownie OR 2-Meat Platter with 2 Sides, Drink and Cookie or Blondie Brownie OR 1 Sandwich with 2 Sides, Drink and Cookie or Blondie Brownie plus free ice cream cones for all!

The fundraiser proceeds will help "Friends" with upcoming projects throughout the New River Gorge National River area. Please contact a "Friends" board member for tickets or go to 
www.friendsofnrgnr.org or checkout our Facebook page "Friends of New River Gorge National River".

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The National Coal Heritage Area Partnership Grant Program 2018

Application Due: April 13, 2018

The mission of the National Coal Heritage Area is to preserve, protect and interpret lands, structures and communities associated with the coal mining heritage of southern West Virginia. Grant application link


National Coal Heritage Area Authority
Christy Bailey, Executive Director
PO Box 15, Oak Hill, WV 25901
304-465-3720 or 

Wild Mountain Soap
Mention this post in the 
chamber newsletter and get 
15% off bath bombs!! 

 

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Captain Thurmond's Challenge 
Registration for the 2018 Captain Thurmond's Challenge presented by New River Health Association is officially OPEN!

Coupon code EARLYBIRD will take $15 off of each category for a limited time only.

Remember, you can compete as a solo racer, as part of a relay team, or as part of a guided raft team. Need help putting a team together? We can help with that! Sign up now online at  https://aptiming.com/race/604

 
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3rd Annual Fundraiser for Fayette County Education Fund
Join us for Dinner in the Meadows
for the third annual spring fundraiser dinner
benefiting Fayette County Education Fund programs
Sunday, April 29 at 6 PM
 
Featuring great company and gourmet food and drinks served with southern friends and family hospitality.
 
The New River Birding & Nature Festival week (April 30 - May 5, 2018) starts around a catered gourmet dinner with bird and nature enthusiasts of all skill levels as well as expert ornithologists and botanists from across the country.
 
$100 per plate.
Space is limited to 20 people.
Dinner starts at 6 PM.
 
Click here to kindly reserve your seat by April 1.
 
Come as you are.
 
The Meadows at Opossum Creek Retreat
239 Opossum Creek Retreat Road (adjacent to Willis Rd), Lansing, WV.

Questions? Email coordinator Rachel Davis or call 304-880-8059.

 
Scotty Brown State Farm Agency
Scotty Brown State Farm Agency 
90 Fayette Town Center Rd
Fayetteville, WV 25840
304-574-0013

Stop by for your free State Farm Insurance and Financial Review®. Like a good neighbor, State Farm is there.® CALL ME TODAY FOR MORE INFORMATION.

 
 
Grand Opening & Business After Hours
Plateau Medical Center
SAVE THE DATE! APRIL 26, 2018
5PM - 7PM 

Location:  211 W. Maple Ave.,  Fayetteville, WV 25840
 
 
Upcoming Events
calendar
March 2018

March 2 - SSPP Fish Fry
March 6 - BBQ for Friends of New River Gorge
March 9 - SSPP Fish Fry
March 9 - Destination Downtown Oak Hill Bus. After Hours
March 9 - AOTG, James Bond Mystery theatre
March 10 - AOTG,  James Bond Mystery theatre
March 9 to 11 - AOTG, Yoga Retreat
March 10 -WRC, Lip Sync Battle 
March 11 - Bridge Walk, Daylight Savings Special
March 15 - United Bank 179th Anniversary & Bus. After Hours
March 16 - SSPP Fish Fry
March 17 - 4-H, Clover 5K
March 17 - Bridge Walk, Luck of the Irish Special
March 17 - AOTG, Chetty's St. Patty's Day theme 
March 17 - BINGO for Ansted Hometown Heritage Festival
March 20 - Bridge Walk, 1st Day of Spring Special
March 23 - SSPP Fish Fry
March 30 - Bridge Walk, Good Friday Special


A Walk in the Park each Wednesday at 10AM
Fayette County Libraries Calendar

To add your event or questions call 304-465-5617 or    email

Fayette County Chamber of Commerce
310 W. Oyler Avenue, Oak Hill, WV 25901
304-465-5617 - Email

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