CHAMBER NEWS

Joining the Chamber of Commerce is a significant step toward enhancing your business's growth and success. As a member, you have access to a wealth of resources and opportunities that can help you expand your network, increase your visibility, and stay informed about the latest business developments in the Huntington area. In this blog post, we've compiled a comprehensive checklist to help you make the most of your Chamber membership!

We're sitting at the table of a true culinary institution with Larry and Bradley Tweel, the son and grandson of Jim Tweel, the founder of Jim's Steak and Spaghetti House. Jim’s has been serving generations of patrons for an incredible 85 years!

In this special episode, we’ll uncover the secrets to their remarkable success, including building unwavering customer loyalty, honoring tradition, and nurturing a team where some employees have been with the restaurant for 30 to 40 years! Plus, you'll get the inside scoop on Strawberry Pie Week, the We Are Marshall Movie, the milestone of accepting credit cards, and even the addition of Diet Coke to the menu.

Tune in on Apple, Amazon, and Spotify!

Thank you Reeves Kirtner and Kindred Communications! In Your Business Podcast is sponsored by Moses AutoMall of Huntington.

The Greater Huntington Candy Cane Trail is a free mobile passport that promotes and incentivizes supporting local for the holiday season. Participants can earn points as they visit and redeem exclusive offers along the trail. Points can then be cashed for prizes, which include a drawing for a $1,000 cash grand prize!

Sponsorship is tax deductible as donation to the Huntington Regional Chamber of Commerce Foundation 501c(3).

Santa's Helper - $500

Logo/name to be included on: 

• Passport landing page
• Chamber website, e-newsletter, social media recognition, social media event pages, and email campaigns
• Rewards Center on Passport (included in each of the prize descriptions)

Holiday Spirit - Prize Donation

In the holiday spirit and want to spread some cheer? Donate a special item to be included in a raffle basket!

• Logo to be included on passport landing page

Interested in becoming a Merchant on the Candy Cane Trail for free? If you are a storefront business in Cabell and Wayne counties, sign up by October 27 in the link below!

UPCOMING CHAMBER EVENTS

HYP's next luncheon will feature Jedd Flowers, the new executive director of United Way of the River Cities.

Lunch will be at noon at the Marshall Advanced Manufacturing Center (formerly RCBI). Food will be catered by Honey Baked Ham and is $15. No cost to attend if you're not eating.

Parking: You may park at the metered lot on Fourth Avenue and metered street parking. Please do not park in the northeast lot at the corner of Fourth Avenue and 11th Street, as you may be towed!

MEMBER NEWS

The future of business is intelligent, automated, and undeniably exciting with the advent of Artificial Intelligence (AI). But how does a small business owner like you harness the immeasurable potential of AI without a tech wizard's hat? 

Introducing: “AI Essentials for Small Business Owners"

A tailor-made course by local business owner and AI expert Ariana Shives meticulously crafted to demystify, simplify, and practically apply AI in your small business setting, especially curated for the vibrant and industrious spirit of West Virginia businesses.

What’s Inside the Course:

- Understand AI in simple, jargon-free language.

- Discover AI tools and strategies designed for small businesses.

- Explore industry-specific applications and hands-on AI strategies.

- Ensure your business aligns with vital legal and ethical practices in AI application.

Why Enroll Now:

- Access to practical tools and strategies.

- Elevate your business processes and customer engagements with intelligent solutions.

- Join a community of like-minded, forward-thinking business owners.

- Exclusive early-bird bonuses and resources!

Special Chamber of Commerce Offer: The first 50 enrollments will receive an exclusive $100 discount with code HWVCHAMBER! 🎉

Have Questions? Reach out to Ariana at [email protected]

We helped celebrate the dedication and ribbon cutting of the Natural Learning Environment landscaped outdoor space at Cabell-Wayne Association of the Blind, located at 38 Washington Avenue in Huntington on Monday, October 16.

The West Virginia Nursery & Landscape Association, Inc. funded the project and members and volunteers designed and installed the pavilion and playground, which offer children the opportunity to use objects of nature to stimulate imaginative play and enjoyment. The plan was later expanded to include swivel rockers and gliders to provide seating for patrons of all ages to enjoy the restful outdoor space.

Marshall University has been designated a National Center of Academic Excellence in Cyber Defense Education by the National Security Agency (NSA) and the Cybersecurity & Infrastructure Security Agency (CISA). The designation extends through 2028 and was recognized at the National Cybersecurity Education Colloquium last month at Moraine Valley Community College near Chicago. Marshall President Brad D. Smith; Dr. David Dampier, director of Marshall’s Institute for Cyber Security; and Associate Professor Bill Gardner, Marshall’s NSA CAE coordinator, represented Marshall at the event.

The Marshall University Joan C. Edwards School of Medicine has named Amanda Kinder, MBA, assistant director of development and alumni engagement. 

Kinder brings to the School of Medicine a wide range of project management experience including work for nonprofits, state and federal government agencies and the local school system. She helped create the Cabell County Substance Abuse Prevention Partnership (CCSAPP) through United Way of the River Cities. She has also worked for the Veterans Affairs Medical Center, the U.S. Census Bureau and the West Virginia Department of Environmental Protection.  Most recently, Kinder provided services for WV Birth to Three, a statewide system of services and support for children with delays in development or qualifying medical diagnoses, including autism spectrum disorder, offered to families at no cost.

The American Printing House for the Blind (APH) is the world’s largest nonprofit organization creating accessible products and programs designed to support the educational, workplace, and independent living needs of people who are blind or have low vision. 

Established in 2020, APH Huntington provides access technology trainings and community learning opportunities addressing the needs of people with vision loss in Huntington and the surrounding area. The APH Huntington Impactful Living Summit will connect attendees to national and local content experts, innovative, life-changing access technologies, and national and local resources. 



Attendance is free, but registration is required. Click here to register; or call Lee Huffman at 304-634-1120. Registration will close end-of-day on Tuesday, October 24, 2023. Attendees may attend all or any part of the day’s activities. 

Carl began his 56-year banking career at Park Loan in Chesapeake, Ohio, in the spring of 1967, first as an outside collector and then a loan officer. In 1969, he joined First National Bank of Ironton as a teller before becoming a loan officer and eventually a manager. He learned about the bookkeeping department and proof machine, and how to compute quarterly interest in saving accounts using a 10 key calculator (as they didn’t have computers in those days). 

In June 1984, Carl joined Old National Bank, a one-year-old bank in Huntington, WV. Wanting to grow the bank and knowing that Wayne, WV, was in need of a community bank, Carl researched the market and in 1995, land was acquired and a modular bank was opened. After some early success, the brick and mortar branch was planned and opened in 1998, along with the Chesapeake, Ohio, office. City acquired Old National Bank in 1998, beginning Carl’s career at City. 

Carl became region manager in 2001 leading 10 branches. His proudest accomplishment was when the region placed first two years in a row. He continued to manage the region until transitioning to the Community Engagement Officer role in 2019.

In retirement, Carl plans to spend more time at his vacation home in Murrells Inlet, dosome fishing, and enjoy his position as Deacon at the Cedar Street Baptist Church. He will continue his roles as President of the Rome Proctorville Cemetery, LawrenceCounty Board of Elections, and to serve the Boys and Girls Club of Huntington. Please join us in congratulating Carl, and wishing him health and happiness inretirement

RSVP to Ora Muth at 304-526-6254.

Mountwest Community and Technical College is proud to announce that Multimedia Instructor, Alesa Martin, has been selected as the West Virginia Art Education Association’s Higher Education Art Educator of the Year. This prestigious recognition highlights Alesa’s contributions to the field of art education and her dedication to fostering creativity and innovation among students. 

For more information about the Multimedia Design program, visit www.mctc.edu. 

COMMUNITY NEWS

UPCOMING COMMUNITY EVENTS

The Monday Morning Memo is Generously Sponsored by

Thank You to Our Investor Member

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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