CHAMBER NEWS

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!

Let your night shine at the Huntington Regional Chamber of Commerce's 2025 Annual Dinner on Thursday, May 1, at the Marshall Health Network Arena! This year, we’re illuminating the evening with a Candlelight Symphony—an enchanting performance by the Huntington Symphony Orchestra. You won’t want to miss this unforgettable experience where business, community, and world-class music come together. Appetizers, dinner, and desserts will be provided by a variety of local Chamber member restaurants!

Tables and individual tickets are now available!

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. 

Do you prefer text, email, or phone calls when communicating with coworkers or friends?

Suzanne House, HR Manager for Service Pump & Supply, discussed how different generations communicate, why they prefer certain methods, and how we can adapt our approach for stronger, more effective connections during February's Lunch & Learn.

Thank you to Ohio Valley Bank for sponsoring our Lunch & Learn series and Mountwest Community & Technical College for hosting us!

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.

MEMBER NEWS

Dr. Frederic J. Fransen, president of Ameritas College Huntington, shared with students and alumni during the announcement that the school is being renamed Ameritas College Huntington to better reflect the nonprofit two-year college’s mission, values, and expanded academic programs.

Headquartered in the historic Carnegie Public Library building on the corner of Fifth Avenue and Ninth Street (900 5th Avenue), which housed the Cabell County Public Library from 1904 until 1980, the school was reintroduced to the community during the ribbon-cutting ceremony.

The academic changes, including a newly launched associate’s degree in Classical Liberal Arts and a degree in addiction recovery counseling—focusing on all types of addiction, rather than solely on substance abuse—already have been approved by the school’s accrediting body, the Higher Learning Commission. The college’s Medical Assisting program is accredited by the Commission on Accreditation of Allied Health Education Programs.

The Huntington Children’s Museum is thrilled to offer grown-ups the opportunity to enjoy an evening at the Museum on Saturday, March 8th, 6 pm - 9pm. This 18+ event will feature access to all exhibits as well as food and entertainment options. Lee and Hailey Dean will lead a series of party games and Lee will also perform as the King of Rock ‘n; Roll, Elvis himself! Purchase dinner at the event at The Wild Ramp’s pop-up - featuring finger foods and delicious mocktails. 

Tickets are $12 per person and tickets are limited. To purchase tickets in advance visit hcmkids.org/events. 

The Huntington Children’s Museum is dedicated to fostering curiosity and learning through interactive exhibits designed to engage young minds. Featured exhibits include a water table, interactive sand table, indoor climbing area, and stop-motion video creation station. These hands-on experiences encourage children to explore and learn through play.

The Social Club at La Banca is a monthly gathering designed to bring women from the Tri-State area together for an unforgettable themed dining experience. Each month, we curate immersive events inspired by diverse cultures, flavors, and shared experiences, creating the perfect setting for women 18+ to connect, make new friends, and enjoy a night out.

March’s Theme: The Last Rose

Join us for The Last Rose, the ultimate Bachelor finale dinner party at The Social Club! Gather your besties, slip on your rose-colored glasses, and toast to a night filled with fun, laughter, and all things Bachelor. While admission is free, food is not included—guests can indulge in a special limited menu crafted for the evening, along with themed cocktails to keep the celebration going!

Habitat for Humanity of the Tri-State (HFHTS) is excited to announce a community-wide Book Donation Drive to support young readers at Symmes Valley Elementary School. From now through Friday, February 28, Volunteers and ReStore Staff are collecting new and gently used books to provide students with more opportunities to develop their love of reading.  

The donated books will be delivered to Symmes Valley Elementary on Monday, March 3, helping to enrich their annual Children’s Book Fair. This initiative aligns with Habitat for Humanity’s commitment to building stronger communities.

How to Donate:   

Drop off new or gently used books at Habitat for Humanity of the Tri-State’s ReStore Locations during business hours:

Huntington ReStore

240 Third Avenue

Huntington, WV 25701

304-781-1333

New Boston ReStore

3520 Rhodes Avenue

New Boston, OH 45622

740-430-2930

Marshall Health has introduced a new administrative fellowship program designed to develop future leaders in health care administration. This one-year, full-time program based in Huntington provides recent graduates and early-career professionals with hands-on experience in health care operations, finance, strategic planning and leadership within an academic health system.

Fellows will work closely with senior executives, gaining insight into the complexities of healthcare management while contributing to key organizational initiatives. Applicants must have a bachelor’s degree from an accredited college or university and must be actively pursuing a master’s degree from an accredited college or university in one or more of the following fields of study or related degree programs: Hospital Administration, Health Care Administration, Business Administration or Public Health. Preference will be given to Marshall University graduates or current graduate students.

Applications for the inaugural fellowship class are open through April 30. For more information or to apply, visit marshallhealth.org/administrative-fellowship.

Leading advisory, tax and assurance firm Baker Tilly announces its intent to acquire Hayflich CPAs PLLC, a well-established firm serving West Virginia. This acquisition strengthens Baker Tilly’s presence in the Mid-Atlantic region and enhances its ability to deliver tailored solutions to businesses and individuals.

Hayflich CPAs provides audit, tax and advisory services with specialization in the wholesale distribution, construction and manufacturing industries. Through this combination, Hayflich’s clients will gain access to Baker Tilly’s broader network of specialized services and innovative solutions.

The acquisition reflects Baker Tilly’s strategy of combining deep local knowledge with national and global capabilities to drive meaningful results. Clients will continue working with their trusted advisors while benefiting from Baker Tilly’s expanded expertise and technology-driven approach.

Get ready for a truly special night with We The Kingdom Unplugged: An Evening of Songs and Stories at the Charleston Theater on Saturday, April 26! This unique tour scales things back, offering heartfelt performances and the stories behind the songs you love. Known for their electrifying energy, We The Kingdom brings the same incredible talent and passion in a way that feels personal and deeply engaging. Don’t miss this rare chance to experience the band in a whole new way. 

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.

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