CHAMBER NEWS

Our guest this week is Sarah-Frances Lyon, the owner and founder of Edit with SF, a premier residential editing and organizing company.

In this episode, Sarah-Frances opens up about her remarkable journey, providing a glimpse into her background and the pivotal decision to transition from a secure career to the dynamic world of full-time entrepreneurship. Join us as Sarah-Frances shares the insights she's gained along the way, and discusses the challenges, triumphs, and invaluable lessons that have shaped her path.

Thank you to Reeves Kirtner, Kindred Communications, and presenting sponsor, Moses AutoMall of Huntington.

Tune in on Apple, Amazon, and Spotify!

You may have seen our ribbon cuttings and giant scissors, or heard about our networking events, but there is so much more to what a Chamber does! Read more in the link!

Insider gives you a direct line to our members’ exciting events, limited-time offers, and breaking community updates. Unlike the in-depth look in our Monday Morning Memo, Insider features one highlighted piece of content from a member to help you stay informed, engaged, and connected! 

To receive these free valuable Insider e-blasts, sign up below to ensure that you never miss out on the latest opportunities and insights within our business community! Please note that Chamber members and non-members can sign up to receive e-blasts. Insider is a paid promotion available exclusively to Chamber members in good standing. 

If you have any questions, please reach out to Rebecca Kasey at [email protected] or call (304) 525-5131 Ex. 303.

UPCOMING EVENTS

Lazy, technology dependent, complainers, irresponsible – all words used to describe Generation Z. Lindsey (Millennial) and Vincent (Gen Z), Marshall Rec full time employees, together have experience supervising up to 200 part time Gen Z employees. In this presentation, they will go over the intricacies of managing Gen Z employees in the contemporary workplace. While the reputation of this generation is low, Gen Z has unique perspectives, strengths, and expectations as employees that we can all appreciate and learn from. Equip yourself with the tools needed to navigate and thrive in the evolving landscape of managing Gen Z in the workplace!

Lunch & Learn series generously sponsored by Ohio Valley Bank.

MEMBER NEWS

We celebrated the grand re-opening of Paula Vega Cakes, located at 308 9th Street in Downtown Huntington! Originally opened in 2011 by Paula Vega and now owned by Kathy Melba, Paula Vega Cakes offers specialty cakes, cupcakes, macaroons, baklava, creme horns, and more! The mission of Paula Vega Cakes is to create a bridge between the isolation and stigma of addiction by mentoring those in recovery from substance abuse disorder, helping to develop valuable life and job skills.

"Our vision is to partner with our community," said owner Kathy Melba. "Three of us at Paula Vega Cakes are graduates of the Cabell County Drug Court and we feel it’s our duty and our honor to continue to give back, bringing value to those who feel worthless by giving them a sense of purpose, showing them how to be productive, contributing members of our society."

Paula Vega Cakes is currently open Monday-Friday: 6 a.m. - 7 p.m.; Saturday – 10 a.m. to 8 p.m.

Congratulations to Cornerstone Community Development Corporation, Winterwood Inc., and CVS Health as on the groundbreaking ceremony for the conversion of the historic Prichard Hotel building into a 108-unit affordable housing and health center for seniors! This $50 million investment will include a community health clinic managed by Marshall Health Network on the first two floors, providing residents onsite healthcare and wellness services also available to the larger community.

As one of the region’s largest housing redevelopment projects, developers are hopeful the project’s economic stimulus will spark further revitalization and development across downtown Huntington.

We joined Marshall Health in celebrating the relocation of their podiatry clinic to East Hills Professional Center, 3246 U.S. Route 60, Suite 2, in Huntington! The new clinic location dedicated exclusively to podiatric care is located just off the 29th Street exit of Interstate 64. The upgraded facilities, including on-site x-ray and bracing, are designed with patient comfort in mind, featuring state-of-the-art equipment and a welcoming atmosphere.

Delivering specialized foot and ankle care at the new facility are the following board-certified podiatrists of Marshall Orthopaedics: Kenneth Avery, D.P.M., Gregory Borowski, D.P.M., and Sheila Feaster, D.P.M., all of whom are assistant professors of orthopedic surgery at the Marshall University Joan C. Edwards School of Medicine.Marshall Podiatry also hosted an open house following the ribbon cutting, providing attendees with tours of the new facility and the opportunity to meet the team and learn more about the comprehensive services offered.

For more information about podiatry services at Marshall Health or to schedule an appointment, please contact Marshall Podiatry at 304.733.7950 or visit marshallhealth.org/services/podiatry.

Tired of iPhone chaos? Dive into our workshop to revolutionize your iPhone experience!

• Organize your apps with finesse for seamless navigation.
• dentify and streamline apps based on your unique usage patterns.
• Elevate productivity with customizable widgets on your Home Screen
• Learn hacks to tidy up your text messages and supercharge your communication.
• Unlock hidden productivity features and shortcuts within iOS.
• Take control of your focus with strategic use of Do Not Disturb.
• Ensure crucial contacts can reach you, even in silent mode.
• Explore a curated collection of apps designed to simplify and enhance various aspects of your life.
• Harness the power of "Find My iPhone" for ultimate peace of mind.

Can't make it live? No problem! Register now, and we'll deliver the workshop recording straight to your inbox.

Note: This session is iPhone-specific, tailored exclusively for iOS enthusiasts.

The Marshall University Foundation has announced the establishment of the Alpha-Tech Scholarship. This scholarship is generously endowed for $100,000 by Alpha Technologies and will serve students studying cybersecurity.

Alpha Technologies' investment in the Institute for Cyber Security at Marshall aims to create cybersecurity practitioners and buyers, bridging the gap between West Virginia and larger markets in technology, said Rich O’Brien, president of Alpha Technologies. With a 20-year history in the state, Alpha Technologies highlights its commitment to networking services and cybersecurity.

The Huntington Museum of Art’s 2024 Museum Ball Presented by Marshall Health Network begins at 6 p.m. Feb. 24 and continues until 11 p.m. The theme for the event is “Magritte at the Museum.”

Food stations for the Museum Ball will be open beginning at 6 p.m., with appetizers by SIP Downtown Brasserie; entrees, vegetarian entrees, sides, and salads by Cabell Huntington Hospital; and breads, spreads, and desserts by Nomada. Musical entertainment will be provided by Bravo Live DJ, as well as Mike Campbell. 

The Museum Ball is a major fundraiser for the Huntington Museum of Art. Money raised by the Museum Ball goes toward general operating expenses. Guest tickets are $300 per person and are limited. For more information or to inquire about guest tickets, contact Jennifer Wheeler at (304) 529-2701, Ext. 306. No refunds. “Magritte at the Museum: A Surreal Soirée” will feature decorations inspired by the Belgian surrealist painter, René Magritte. HMA is not hosting an exhibit of Magritte artwork.

The 2024 Italiano Italian Festival to benefit Facing Hunger Foodbank returns to downtown Huntington August 17! Sponsorship and vendor opportunities are now available. Please contact Judy Eaton at (304) 638-2404 or [email protected] for more information.

Valley Health Inc. is pleased to announce a new collaboration with WVU Medicine Children’s to improve access to specialty care for pediatric heart patients.   WVU physicians will travel to Huntington every month and see young patients at the Valley Health Pea Ridge Health Center.

Cardiologist Jai Udassi, M.D., will see pediatric patients in Valley Health’s Pea Ridge Heath Center, which is located at 4270 U.S. Rt. 60 in Huntington (in the Big Lots Plaza).

The new service will be open on the fourth Thursday of every month starting Feb. 22.

Referrals to the pediatric cardiology service are not required.  Appointments can be made by calling 304-598-4835.  This service is open to all. For more information about the WVU Medicine Children’s, visit WVUKids.com. For more information on Valley Health, visit ValleyHealth.org.  

The Cabell County Career Technology Center is seeking donations to send students to the State and National SkillsUSA competition. SkillsUSA is a national organization that is available in every CTE (Career Technical Education) school in the United States. It is a student led organization with the goal to have more students involved in the skilled trade industry. One of the main goals of SkillsUSA is to work to close the skills gap that we currently face in the United States. We host a school wide competition in each CTE program that decides who will be competing at the SkillsUSA state competition. The winners at the state level will be able to attend nationals in Atlanta, Ga.  The cost for the state competition is approximately $500 per student and nationals approximately $2500.  These costs cover registration, transportation, hotel and meals. If you would be interested in donating please send donations to:



Cabell County Career Technology Center

ATTN:  Susanne Ferguson

1035 Norway Avenue

Huntington, WV  25701

If you have questions, you may call Susanne Ferguson at 304-528-5106 ext 8044.

United Way of the River Cities has named Sarah Short as its director of resource development. Short began her career at United Way in 2020 as its resource development associate, where she built relationships with workplaces and community members, as well as promoted volunteerism and philanthropy throughout UWRC’s service area. 

Before joining UWRC, she worked for the City of Huntington as a Love Your Block program coordinator, managing volunteers for six local revitalization projects. She also previously worked for WV Hive Network as an AmeriCorps VISTA and outreach assistant.

As director of resource development, Short will lead United Way’s fundraising efforts through workplace campaigns, corporate giving, individual donations, special events and more. She said she wants to focus on being a good steward of the relationships United Way has built in the community and start building relationships with new people and organizations.

Join A New Beginning Pregnancy Resource Center for the First Annual Huntington Walk for Life on March 9, 2024 at 10 a.m. at the Ritter Park Fountain Area. The goal is to raise funds for the ministry of A New Beginning Pregnancy Resource Center. When you walk for life, you are directly helping the ministry of A New Beginning PRC provide free parenting classes, diapers, wipes, and other practical resources that local families need. Register at A New Beginning Pregnancy Resource Center - Walk (anbprc.org) and share with us how you’re walking for life by tagging #huntingtonwalkforlife. Event will take place rain or shine.

Finish It! Walt Disney once famously said “if you can dream it, you can do it.” And while I firmly believe that’s true, there’s a big gap between dreaming and doing. So many people dream big dreams but struggle to turn those dreams into actionable goals, and then get those goals across the finish line to completion. In fact, the odds of achieving a goal someone dreams up in their mind is only 8%. 8%!!! 

The Finish It! program takes those odds from 8% to 95% by outlining the difference between dreams and goals, how to set achievable goals, identifying what gets in the way of achieving goals (fear and habits – just to name a few), and finally, how to get across the finish line successfully. 

Anyone who has a dream or goal – either personal or professional – can benefit from this program. Can you imagine what would happen if 10,000 people were able to successfully turn the dreams they crafted in their mind into completed goals? How many businesses or nonprofits would be started? Books written? New products or services created? Lives changed?

Here's the part where I need your help. If you know someone who has a dream they can’t quite bring to fruition, or someone who has put off their goals for “someday,” but secretly dreams of starting today, please share this program with them. There are three ways to join Finish It! FINISH IT! — Shine Consulting LLC (wvshine.com):

• Finish It! On-Demand: an on-line, on-demand version of the Finish It! program that can be taken anytime from anywhere (corporate licenses available)
• Finish It! Live: a live, virtual, instructor-led version of Finish It! that’s offered one hour per week for four weeks, and includes access to an online community of fellow Finishers (begins the week of February 12, 2024)
• Finish It! Coaching: a fully customized and personalized one-on-one goal coaching program that includes four, one hour coaching sessions with a certified Finish It! Coach

Finally, if you’re a goal crusher and don’t know anyone who isn’t a goal crusher, you can still help! I’m offering a donateoption where you can donate Finish It! On-Demand licenses to people in substance abuse disorder recovery through my partnership with WV Sober Living. You can donate licenses here: Finish It! Donation to WV Sober Living — Shine Consulting LLC (wvshine.com)

The Marshall Advanced Manufacturing Center (MAMC) is launching a series of low-cost Saturday workshops to inspire more making locally and demonstrate the versatility of the technology available in its community makerspace.

First up is 3D Printing Essentials on Saturday, Feb. 17, from 9 a.m. to 1 p.m. at MAMC Huntington (1050 Fourth Ave). Under the guidance of MAMC Director of Innovation Deacon Stone, participants will dive into the world of additive manufacturing, commonly known as 3D printing. They will learn about using computer-aided design to create files for 3D printing, as well as printer operation, troubleshooting techniques and best practices for successful 3D printing outcomes. Workshop attendees will apply what they learn by creating their own 3D printed objects, which they get to keep.

The cost is $25 per person. For more information and to register, visit https://marshall.geniussis.com/Registration.aspx and search for 3D Printing Essentials. Questions? Contact Stone at 304-781-1659 or [email protected].

Saturday, March 16, from 9 a.m. to 1 p.m., MAMC will offer an Introduction to Laser Cutting and Engraving workshop at MAMC Huntington (1050 Fourth Ave). Participants will explore laser cutting and engraving using a Boss laser, mastering the fundamentals of laser technology and safety before tackling more advanced cutting and etching techniques using various materials. The workshop will culminate with a showcase in which participants apply their new-found knowledge to make their own laser creations.

The cost is $25 per person. For more information and to register, visit https://marshall.geniussis.com/Registration.aspx and search for Laser Cutting. Questions? Contact Kara Mullins, MAMC STEM education/makerspace coordinator at 304-781-1624 or [email protected].



The workshops are open to people of all ages, though children younger than 16 must be accompanied by an adult. No experience is necessary for either workshop.

As part of National Heart Month, St. Mary’s Medical Center (SMMC), a member of Marshall Health Network, will host a free community education event about heart failure management Friday, Feb. 16, at noon at St. Mary’s Conference Center, 2849 Fifth Ave., Huntington. Doors will open at 11 a.m. 

Carlos Rueda, MD, Marshall Health cardiologist, assistant professor at the Marshall University Joan C. Edwards School of Medicine and medical director of the St. Mary’s Heart Failure Program, will present “Turning Failure to Success: What’s New in Heart Failure Treatment?”

In addition to the guest speaker, blood pressure screenings, medication checks and other health information will be available.

A heart-healthy lunch will be provided. The event is free, but registration is required by calling 304.526.6029.

Why Should I Participate?

1. Empower Your Community: Shape initiatives benefiting local businesses.
2. Visibility: Share your story and be featured in our report.
3. Networking: Connect with like-minded individuals and resources for business growth through our ecosystem efforts.
4. Exclusive Giveaway: Participants enter to win free registration + vendor table at Bridging Innovation Week 2024 in Huntington, WV. 

Survey Deadline: Feb 23

Your voice matters—thank you for shaping WV's entrepreneurial journey! 

UPCOMING COMMUNITY EVENTS

The Monday Morning Memo is Generously Sponsored by

Thank You to Our Trustee Members

Thank You to Our Investor Members

Please note that the deadline for submissions for "In the News" in the Monday Morning Memo is at 

4 p.m. each Wednesday for inclusion the following week. Submitted items will only appear one time in the memo unless discussed and agreed upon with Chamber staff.

Email all submissions to Rebecca Kasey, Director of Marketing, at [email protected].

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