CHAMBER NEWS

We are excited to announce that applications for the Leadership Huntington Class of 2026 are now open!

Leadership Huntington is designed to connect, develop, empower, and mobilize current and emerging leaders who are committed to making a difference in the Huntington region. The program is open to all individuals who live or work in Cabell or Wayne counties.

The program aims to bring together leaders from diverse industries and backgrounds to foster collaboration, promote community involvement, and develop a network of informed and engaged leaders. The curriculum is designed to provide participants with a comprehensive understanding of the region's economic, social, and political landscape, while equipping them with the tools and knowledge needed to tackle complex business challenges.

This is a 10-month program starting in September 2025 and ending in June 2026. Participants meet once a month for a full day excluding a two-day orientation. Each session is organized around a theme and will be explored through speakers, discussions, field trips, and exclusive experiential activities.

Last week, Leadership Huntington had an amazing Media & Arts session, exploring the creativity and talent that make Huntington’s arts scene thrive. Here’s a look at the highlights and key takeaways:

We kicked off the day at Alchemy Theatre, where Nora Ankrom, Executive Director, and Mike Murdock, Artistic Director, gave us a behind-the-scenes tour and shared the theatre’s role in growing local talent and storytelling.

Public speaking can be intimidating, but Dr. Robert Bookwalter, Dean of the College of Liberal Arts at Marshall University, broke it down with practical tips to speak confidently and connect with audiences.

We then shifted focus to media strategy. Chris Michael, Owner of Bulldog Creative Services, shared how to navigate interviews and present yourself effectively in front of the camera and media professionals.

During the Huntington Arts Scene Panel, industry leaders shared their experiences shaping the city’s creative landscape:

Liz Simmons, CEO, Huntington Museum of Art

Cynthia Krantz, VP of Marketing & PR, Huntington Symphony Orchestra

David Miller, Director of Marketing & Sales, ASM Global/Marshall Health Network Arena

Jack Houvouras, President of HQ Publishing Co., talked about the challenges and rewards of starting a business, offering leadership lessons from his own journey.

Branding was next on the agenda with Jimmy Lemon, COO of Bullseye Total Media, a Leadership Huntington 2023-2024 graduate, and 2025 Leadership West Virginia class member. He explained why, despite its reputation, branding is essential for any business or organization.

Our last session of the morning explored the world of AI with Ariana Shives, Executive Director of TechConnectWV, a current Leadership Huntington class member, and 2025 Leadership West Virginia class member. She explained how businesses can train chatbots to improve communication and efficiency.

We had an exciting afternoon at Blenko Glass Company, where we enjoyed a behind-the-scenes tour and even got to stamp our own sun catchers! You might spot a special guest in the photos: Daisy, one of the factory’s resident cats!



Blenko Glass Company has been a family-owned business since 1893 and has been based in Milton, WV, since 1921. Known for its vibrant colors, skilled craftsmanship, and creative designs, Blenko has a long tradition of making hand-blown glass. Learn more at https://blenko.com.

Thank you to our presenting sponsor, Marshall Health Network!

The Huntington Regional Chamber of Commerce and Marshall University’s Collective 37—a student strategic communications agency--hosted an official signing event in celebration of their partnership on Friday, March 7 in the Drinko Atrium at Marshall University. The collaboration expands opportunities for graphic design and advertising-public relations students in helping them gain real-world experience while providing local businesses with strategic communications support designed to help them attain their goals. 

Collective 37 and The Chamber have collaborated since late 2024 through the Chamber’s Huntington Bank Small Business Scholarship Program. Collective 37 has assisted the Chamber by leading advertising, public relations and graphic-design initiatives between the small businesses and their target audiences, including, Twelvepole Trading Post, Kangaroo Packoutz, and EveryBODY Fitness.

The Huntington Regional Chamber of Commerce, in partnership with The Huntington National Bank, is excited to announce the relaunch of the Small Business Scholarships Program, designed to support the growth and development of local businesses in the region. This initiative aims to empower small businesses by providing valuable resources and networking opportunities through Chamber membership.

The Small Business Scholarships Program is specifically tailored for businesses located in Cabell or Wayne County who are not current Chamber members, have been operating for less than five years, and employ 10 or fewer employees. Recognizing the challenges faced by emerging businesses, Huntington Bank and the Chamber will award scholarships to 10 businesses. Each scholarship will cover the cost of a one-year Signature Membership with the Huntington Regional Chamber of Commerce. Membership includes access to networking events, educational workshops, and marketing opportunities, all designed to enhance business visibility and community engagement.

The application requires details about the business operations, challenges faced, and the benefits they hope to achieve from the membership. Applications will be reviewed by the Chamber Board of Directors Executive Committee as they are received. 

The Huntington Regional Chamber of Commerce is searching for its next Director of Membership. The Director will be responsible for recruiting and retaining new members, increasing awareness of the Chamber and educating the community on its role, impact, and benefits of membership. 

The Director will report directly to the Chamber President & CEO and will work closely with the Director of Marketing. 

Key Responsibilities

 Membership 

·       Develop and execute new member and retention goals, budget, and strategy (calls and visits to members and prospective members, referral programs, etc.) 

·       Meet with new Chamber members as they join to go over Chamber member benefits

·       Lead the Chamber Ambassador Program, which organizes volunteers from member companies 

·       Maintain current and accurate records of members and prospective members in our membership management software 

·       Train staff, the Board of Directors, and Ambassadors regarding membership benefits 

·       Prepare membership reports for the President and Board of Directors to include new and prospective members and retention statistics 

·       Work with members to make certain dues and invoices are paid in a timely manner 

·       Plan and execute the Leadership Huntington Program

Other 

·       Assist with “all hands-on deck” events, such as the Annual Dinner, Business After Hours Expo, and other events as needed 

·       Participate in member and community activities and events 

Preferred Qualifications 

·       Bachelor’s degree in business, marketing/public relations, communications, or similar field 

·       3-5 years of experience in sales

·       Strong written and verbal communication skills 

·       Detail-oriented and organized, but also quick to adapt to change 

·       Has a growth mindset and is a continuous learner

·       A proactive self-starter and collaborative in nature 

·       Purpose-driven and committed to causes greater than themselves 

The Director will work in the Chamber office located in River Tower (1108 Third Ave, Suite 300 Huntington, WV 25701). Work hours will be 9 a.m. to 4 p.m. Mondays through Thursdays and 8 a.m. to 3 p.m. on Fridays, plus Chamber events (1-2 evening events per month). 

This is a salaried, full-time position. Salary will be determined based on experience with life insurance and retirement benefits available.

To apply, send a cover letter and resume to Megan Archer at megan@huntingtonchamber.org. Additional materials may be included such as references. No telephone calls, please.

UPCOMING EVENTS

Have you ever second-guessed an email, wondering if it was a scam? Join us for a Lunch & Learn with Wendy Goodenough, owner of DIGIT3, as she breaks down the growing wave of phishing attacks in 2025 and how to stay ahead of cybercriminals.

In this session, we will explore how hackers manipulate human psychology, the warning signs of phishing attempts, and best practices to avoid falling victim to scams. Through real-world examples—including anonymous case studies and insights from the recent Change Health Care breach—you’ll gain practical knowledge on recognizing red flags in emails, texts, and calls. Plus, test your skills in an interactive phishing challenge.

Thank you to Ohio Valley Bank for sponsoring our Lunch & Learn series!

The Huntington Regional Chamber, in collaboration with Huntington Young Professionals and Marshall University PR and Advertising students, invite you to the Mentor Match Mixer on March 27, from 5-8 p.m. in the Don Morris Room at Marshall University.

This engaging networking event is designed to connect young professionals with ambitious college students seeking guidance as they prepare to launch their careers. As a mentor, you’ll have the opportunity to share your experiences, offer advice, and build meaningful relationships with the next generation of professionals.

Make an impact, expand your network, and help shape the future workforce. 

MEMBER NEWS

Advantage Valley, Inc. a regional economic development organization serving nine counties that comprise the Charleston-Huntington WV Metro Region, will host a free, two-hour Business Certification luncheon on Thursday, March 13, 2025 at the Charleston Area Alliance, located at 1116 Smith Street in Charleston, WV.

This event marks the launch of “Opportunity Unlock,” a new certification program designed to help women, minority, and veteran-owned businesses access new market opportunities, including corporate and government contracts. As part of the program, each participant will receive one-on-one coaching with a certification expert to navigate the process and unlock new business potential. Certification can open doors to exclusive contract opportunities, supplier diversity programs, and new customers. 

The Lunch & Learn is the first in a series of events introducing the program, featuring Samantha (Sammi) Williams, owner of 628 Digital Design, a certified minority, Black, and woman-owned small business specializing in business certifications. 628 Digital Design is also a certified B Corp. Williams will provide a comprehensive overview of certification types, benefits, and the application process

Each program participant will benefit from up to 10 hours of one-on-one coaching sessions to understand which certification is right for your business. During that time, Ms. Williams will not only take companies through the certification process but also help them fully leverage new designation for business growth.

Have you ever wondered how to dress for your specific body type? Or how to define your personal style? Perhaps how to mix and match pieces in your wardrobe to maximize your outfit options? 

Dress for Success River Cities is excited to welcome volunteer extraordinaire and Wardrobe Stylist, LeAnn Sexton, who will be leading a workshop to share her expertise on these topics and much more!

FREE Event!

When: Tuesday, March 11 | 12- 1 p.m.

Where: Dress For Success River Cities, 541 9th Street Huntington, WV 25701

West Virginia Alliance for STEM and the Arts is partnering with Emmy nominated Director Katie Dellamaggiore of Rescued Media, and with our sponsors and partners around West Virginia, to bring their new program "Stories with STEAM - The Appalachian Circuit" featuring Small Town Universe to several communities in West Virginia. The event at Marshall takes place on Wednesday, March 12th at the Joan C Edwards Performing Arts Center and includes a free reception at 5:30 pm, the film screening of STU at 6:00 pm, followed by an in-person Q & A panel with Dellamaggiore, film subjects, and local STEM and Humanities experts. More details can be found in the press release at WV All STAR's webpage linked here, and on the attached flyers.

Small Town Universe (trailer linked here) shares stories of love, loss, resilience, hope, faith, scientific discovery, and the search for extraterrestrial intelligence in Green Bank, WV, a small town with a big telescope. STU debuted this past April at the 2024 Cleveland International Film Festival in the historic Mimi Theater, where it won the Global Health Award, and was part of the Solar Eclipse day events that were made possible by a partnership between CIFF, the Great Lakes Science Center, and NASA’s Glenn Research Center. It has been and continues to go to multiple film festivals, winning awards and audiences’ hearts across the country and beyond.

Branches Domestic Violence Shelter is proud to announce that Executive Director Amanda McComas has been honored as one of USA Today’s Top 100 Women of 2025. Representing the state of West Virginia, McComas has been recognized for her unwavering dedication to ending domestic violence and leading fellow advocates toward meaningful change.

USA Today’s Top 100 Women honors influential changemakers across the country, highlighting leaders who are driving progress in their fields. McComas’s recognition underscores the critical need for continued advocacy and action in the fight against domestic violence.   You can read more about Amanda’s work and check out the USA Today article and interview from our latest blog post!

Join The Keith-Albee Performing Arts Center in celebrating John Lennon at Sloane Square Gallery (611 14th St W, Huntington, WV).

On March 21, 2025, Sloane Square Gallery transforms into a Beatles-inspired wonderland to celebrate the music and legacy of John Lennon while helping to support the Keith-Albee Performing Arts Center!

Sip, Savor, and Support the Keith-Albee! 

• Beatles music all evening
• View Jamie Sloane’s incredible work
• Exclusive John Lennon-inspired cocktails
• Wine, beer & hors d’oeuvres included

A portion of ticket sales will support the Keith-Albee’s restoration efforts! 

• Two Event Times to Choose from: 5:30 pm or 7:30 pm
• Limited to 50 guests per event.
• $75 per ticket – purchase online at https://keithalbee.com/imagine/ before they sell out!

All Huntington Regional Chamber members are welcome to submit events and news to the MMM for free. All content is to be submitted by 4 p.m. each Thursday for inclusion the following week. Submitted items will only appear one time in the Memo unless discussed and agreed upon with Chamber staff. When submitting, please include "Memo" in the subject line of the email, attach one photo or graphic that is no more than 5 MB, and include text/press release and any links.

Email all submissions to Rebecca Kasey, Director of Marketing, at rebecca@huntingtonchamber.org.

The Monday Morning Memo is Generously Sponsored by

Thank You to Our Trustee Members

Thank You to Our Investor Members

Contact Us | Membership | Resources