CHAMBER NEWS

Strong Turnout for Project Management Lunch and Learn

October's Lunch & Learn, presented by Ohio Valley Bank, explored The Power of Project Management with Ryan Mayo, Vice President of The Neighborgall Construction Company and an alumni of the Leadership Huntington Class of 2024. Ryan shared valuable insights on what drives project success — from defining scope and managing risk to fostering communication, focus, and resiliency.

A big thank-you to Ryan for leading such an engaging session, to the Cabell-Huntington Health Department for hosting us, and to Buddy’s All-American BBQ for the delicious lunch!

Full Plates and Great Conversations at October’s Lunch Mob

Our October Lunch Mob brought our ambassadors together for good food, great company, a vibrant afternoon at Breathe Wine and Culture Co.

Attendees enjoyed a relaxed afternoon of conversation and connection while supporting one of Huntington’s local spots.

Thank you to Breathe Wine and Culture Co. for hosting and to everyone who joined us for another successful Lunch Mob!

UPCOMING EVENTS

Nonprofit Roundtable Grants 101 Workshop:

Date / Time: Wednesday, November 12, 2025 | 10 a.m. - 3 p.m.

Location: Marshall University, Memorial Student Center, Room BE-5, 1 John Marshall Dr., Huntington, WV

Calling all Grant Writers: Are you a nonprofit leader who is ready to take the next steps in your grant writing journey? On Wednesday, November 12, 2025, the Huntington Regional Chamber of Commerce Nonprofit Roundtable will host the West Virginia Grant Resource Centers for a free Grants 101 Workshop! This comprehensive workshop, developed and led by the Grant Centers’ staff, will guide participants through each critical step of the pre-award process, including:

✅ Seeking & finding grants

✅ Drafting strong proposals

✅ Building & maximizing community partnerships

✅ Developing a budget & budget narratives

✅ Identifying matching funds

✅ Thinking like a reviewer

✅ Getting submission ready

Please Note: This workshop is a FREE resource, but registration is required by Friday, November 7, 2025. (If applicable) Seats for this event are limited and will be reserved in the order they were received.

You're Invited: November Business Afters Hosted by Sandy's Racing & Gaming

Get ready for an exciting evening of networking and fun at our November Business After Hours, hosted by Sandy’s Racing & Gaming in Ashland, Kentucky! Enjoy a vibrant atmosphere, connect with fellow Chamber members, and explore everything this premier entertainment destination has to offer!

Date: Thursday, November 13
Time: 5 - 7 p.m.

Location: Sandy's Racing & Gaming | 10775 US-60, Ashland, Kentucky 41102

Attendees are also encouraged to bring non-perishable food items for Facing Hunger Foodbank.

Needed items include: Canned fruits (with pop tops), canned vegetables (with pop tops), Canned or shelf stable packages of meats (chicken, tuna, salmon), canned soups (with pop tops), chili, rice, pasta, tomato pasta sauce, boxed helper meals, peanut butter, dry beans (pinto, navy), dry cereals, instant oatmeal, pop top ravioli/nutritious soups, single serving mac and cheese, single serving fruit/vegetable cups, single serving cereal, Hormel "Compleats" shelf stable entrees, single serving gummy fruit snacks, instant hot cocoa mix, single serving cups of peanut butter

You're Invited: November Lunch and Learn with Toney Stroud

Join us for a special Lunch & Learn as Toney Stroud, Chief Legal Officer and VP of Strategic Initiatives and Corporate Relations at Marshall University, shares the latest updates on the exciting developments at the new IDEA District.

Learn how this transformative project is driving innovation, partnerships, and economic growth in our community, and what it means for local businesses and residents.

Date: Wednesday, November 19, 2025

Time: 12 p.m.

Location: 1425 4th Ave, Huntington, WV 25701 (Room 113)

Friendly Reminder: Attendees who do not pre-register may not receive a lunch. Those who pre-register, but do not attend without canceling, will be invoiced $15 for the cost of lunch.

Small Business Leaders Encouraged to Attend First Small Business Roundtable Meeting

The Huntington Regional Chamber of Commerce has announced the launch of its new Small Business Roundtable, a collaborative forum designed to connect, empower and support members of the small business community in Cabell and Wayne counties.

Chaired by Rebecca Thomas, owner of True Soul Boutique and a graduate of the Leadership Huntington Class of 2025, the roundtable will offer small business leaders a space to share resources, exchange ideas and find strength in community.

For its first meeting, Phoebe Patton Randolph, President of Edward Tucker Architects, will present an overview of the Huntington Downtown streetscape project currently in design.

The City of Huntington, in partnership with KYOVA Interstate Planning Commission, and the West Virginia Department of Transportation, Division of Highways are developing plans to revitalize the streetscapes within the central business district in Downtown Huntington, West Virginia.

The project includes improvements within the public right of way including enhanced safety and accessibility, increased parking, the introduction of wayfinding signage and historical markers, as well as West Virginia’s first “Shared Street” along 9^th Steet between 3^rd and 4^th Avenues, designed with the flexibility to be closed to vehicles for events and festivals. The project will improve ten blocks of downtown streets, including portions of 8th, 9th and 10th Streets and 3rd Avenue. The City is completing full construction documents for these areas and will create a phased approach for implementation, with the first phase going into construction in Fall of 2026.

Following the presentation, attendees will engage in a roundtable discussion followed by a walking tour of downtown Huntington. Space is limited to 50 registrants for this free event.

For more details, visit huntingtonchamber.org

State of the Chamber Annual Meeting and Awards Ceremony

Join us for an inspiring State of the Chamber event featuring a fireside chat with special guest Brad D. Smith, President of Marshall University. At this inaugural event, we will welcome the Chamber’s new Board of Directors, celebrate the contributions of outgoing members, and recognize exceptional community business leaders with special awards. Don’t miss this opportunity to kick off 2026 with a celebration of the achievements and future of our local business community!

$50 Individual Ticket (Early Bird Pricing)
$60 Individual Ticket After December 31

Tables and sponsorships are available. Questions? Contact chamber@huntingtonchamber.org.

The Huntington Regional Chamber of Commerce invites members to submit nominations for our State of the Chamber Annual Meeting & Awards Ceremony, recognizing outstanding individuals, businesses, and organizations that are shaping the future of our region. Help us celebrate the leaders and innovators who make our community stronger. Self-nominations are accepted. Please submit your nominations by Friday, Nov. 28, 2025.

Nominate Now

MEMBER NEWS

Save the Date and Serve Up Some Fun for a Cause!

The Thundering Pickle Classic tournament kicks off Nov. 15 at 10 AM — doubles & mixed doubles for $30 per team!

All proceeds support our Scholarship & Development Fund, and player packs are included!

Participants can expect a fun and competitive atmosphere, with prizes awarded to top teams and refreshments available throughout the day.

Support the City of Huntington's new HUB Low Barrier Shelter

Join the Children’s Home Society’s for Vegas Night — “Where Every Bet Brings Hope!”

Step into a vibrant evening of casino-style games, music, delicious food, open bar, and prizes, all while helping us raise critical funds to support local children and families in need. Your participation helps us continue providing safe homes, loving care, and brighter futures for children across our community.

🃏 Here’s the Deal: Join us for an evening filled with camaraderie, excitement, and a touch of glamour! 🃏

🎰Where giving meets fun, where every bet counts, and where every spin of the wheel brings us one step closer to making a difference in a child’s life!🎰

📍 The evening includes:

🎲 Vegas-Themed Games & Prizes

🎤 Guest Appearances by Elvis and Frank Sinatra

💒 Little White Chapel Photo Op

🎶 Dinner, Dancing, DJ, Open Bar, and Silent Auction

🎰 High Roller VIP Section- includes Bourbon tasting, Cigar Lounge, & More

💃 Dress to impress in your best Vegas-style attire!

📅 November 15, 2025

📍 Guyan Golf & Country Club

🕕 7:00-11:00 PM

🎟️ Tickets & Sponsorships:

General Admission: $100 per person

VIP Admission: $125🎰 High Roller VIP Admission- includes Bourbon tasting, Cigar Lounge, & More

Reserve your spot or become a sponsor today!

👉 https://childhswv.org/vegas-night/

♥️♣️So put on your poker face, grab your lucky charm, and prepare to be dealt a winning hand of a fun-filled evening! ♣️♥️

Recovery Point West Virginia's Embrace Hope Fundraising Event

This year’s event will feature inspiring stories of hope, recognition of program alumni, Employee of the Year, and Volunteer of the Year—plus powerful messages from two featured speakers:

Dr. Stephen Loyd, Director of the WV Office of Drug Control Policy, nationally recognized Addiction Medicine physician and recovery leader

Nick Roberts, an award-winning author and advocate in recovery

Together, we’ll honor resilience, reduce stigma, and raise vital support for free, long-term recovery services across West Virginia.

Save the date - November 14th - we can’t wait to Embrace Hope with you!

⏰ Time: 6:00 PM

📍 Location: Mountain Health Arena, Huntington, WV

Tickets and sponsorship opportunities are available now: https://givebutter.com/c/EH25

Make Your Holiday Party Shine — Let Sandy’s Handle the Catering!

Thank You to Our Read Across the River Cities Sponsors

United Way of the River Cities extends heartfelt thanks to the Chamber member businesses and community partners whose sponsorships made this year’s Read Across the River Cities possible, including Marathon Petroleum Corporation, AEP Ohio, Alcon Foundation, Arthur & Joan Weisberg Family Foundation, Steel of West Virginia, Armstrong, Nucor West Virginia, Marshall Health Network, Ohio University–Southern and Desco Federal Credit Union.

Thanks to their generosity, volunteers read Charlotte’s Web in every third-grade classroom across six counties, giving each student their own book and inspiring a love of reading that lasts a lifetime.

These partnerships, along with workplace giving and corporate support through United Way’s Annual Campaign, strengthen families, improve education and build opportunity across our region.

To learn how your business can get involved, please contact our Director of Resource Development, Sarah Short, at sarah.short@unitedwayrivercities.org or 304-523-8929 ext. 109. You can also find out more about United Way’s work at https://unitedwayrivercities.org.

The Branches Bonfire Store is Open for the Holiday Season!

Looking for meaningful gifts for your team, clients, or loved ones? The Branches Domestic Violence Shelter Bonfire Store is now open and ready for holiday shopping! Every purchase supports our life-saving mission to provide safety, hope, and healing for survivors of domestic violence.

AI Tools Every Small Business Needs — Free Business Academy Webinar for Local Chambers & Members

Join the West Virginia Chamber of Commerce & LG NOVA for Business Academy: AI for Small Business Marketing: Smarter Growth Through Simplicity & Automation

November 13th at 2 p.m.

Artificial Intelligence is reshaping how small businesses attract, engage, and retain customers. But where should you start - and how can AI actually make your marketing easier?

In this 45-minute session, industry leaders will share how small businesses are using AI tools to save time, boost engagement and stay consistent across channels:

Featuring:

Robert Waggoner, LG NOVA West Virginia Operations, LG Electronics
Jeff Curry, Creative Head, Jeff Curry Creative
Ning Zhang, VP of GTM, OnVibe

By attending, you’ll learn how to:

Elevate your brand visibility and customer engagement through social media.
Identify which AI tools make the biggest difference for small business marketing.
Automate routine marketing tasks to save hours each week.
Build a clear, affordable marketing strategy that aligns with your growth goals.
See real-world examples of businesses that grew their audience and sales through content intelligence.

Kentucky Gaming & Racing Corporation Awards 2026 Quarter Horse Race Dates to Revolutionary Racing Kentucky

Revolutionary Racing Kentucky LLC (RRKY), owner and operator of Sandy’s Racing & Gaming

and the newly constructed Sandy Ridge Racetrack located at 10775 US 60, Ashland, KY 41102, announced Oct. 30 that the Kentucky Gaming & Racing Corporation (KGRC) has officially awarded RRKY its 2026 Quarter Horse race dates.

In partnership with the Kentucky Quarter Horse Racing Association (KYQHRA), RRKY will host Kentucky’s first-ever dedicated Quarter Horse race meet, taking place at Sandy Ridge Racetrack in Boyd County. The track sits adjacent to Sandy’s Racing & Gaming — Eastern Kentucky’s premier entertainment and Historical Horse Racing (HHR) destination.

The inaugural meet will feature eight race days on the following dates:

August 19, 20, 21, 26, 27 & 28, 2026

September 4 & 5, 2026

Each race day will offer approximately $250,000 in total purses, delivering world-class competitive opportunities for Quarter Horse owners, trainers, and fans across the United States.

For more information, contact Sara Ann Marlow, Assistant General Manager, Revolutionary Racing Kentucky at sam@sandysgaming.com or (615)944-2157

Marshall University receives $100,000 gift from philanthropist Shawn Ball in support of

the Marshall For All program

Marshall University has received a $100,000 gift from Shawn Ball, a Marshall University alumnus and president of L&S Toyota, in support of the Marshall For All program.

Launched by Marshall University President Brad D. Smith, the Marshall For All initiative aims to provide students with a debt-free pathway to graduation. Whether through a tuition-free education for West Virginia residents or other forms of financial support, the program opens doors for students to focus on learning, leadership and service rather than on how to pay for college. Marshall’s goal is to ensure all eligible students can graduate debt-free by the university’s bicentennial in 2037.

For more information, check out Marshall University's press release.

HMA to Celebrate Improvements to Teubert Foundation Sensory Trail

The Huntington Museum of Art is planning a dedication and celebration on Tuesday, Nov. 4, 2025, at 5 p.m. for the recently completed improvement project to its nature trail system. The public is invited to attend the outdoor ceremony. In case of inclement weather, the program will move inside to HMA’s Virginia Van Zandt Great Hall.

The improvement project titled “This Land is Your Land” included extending the Teubert Foundation Sensory Trail at HMA, which received a $143,550 grant from the Institute of Museum and Library Services in August 2021. The grant was matched with a gift of $145,000 from Brad and Alys Smith’s Wing 2 Wing Foundation in addition to a $15,000 grant from The Teubert Foundation.

For more information visit hmoa.org or call (304) 529-2701. HMA is fully accessible.

BDY's Botox & Bubbles and Pep Talk with the Shala with Eva Ball

Botox & Bubbles

Join us Saturday, November 8th at 10 a.m. for an exclusive feel-good morning with BDY & Dr. Amy Vaughan at the Huntington studio.

You are cordially invited to our upcoming Botox & Bubbles event- the perfect blend of fitness, fun and self-care.

Details:

✨ 10 a.m. - 25 minute Mat Pilates class to get your body moving

🥂 Bubbles & time to relax w/ friends

💉 Botox with Dr. Amy Vaughan at just $10/ uni

✨ Complimentary filler & laser consultation w/ discount

Whether you’re new to these treatments or a pro, this event is the perfect chance to unwind, relax and leave feeling fabulous! Swipe left to learn more about your physician and OG BDY client, Dr. Amy Vaughan.

Investment; $20

Pep Talk with the Shala with Eva Ball

Feeling a little foggy, low on energy, bloated or just not quite youself lately? Join us for this empowering and science-backed conversation “pep talk” with the Shala!

Join us on Saturday, November 15 at 9 a.m. at the Huntington Studio for a special wellness workshop, “Optimizing Wellness with Peptides: Recovery, Resilience, & Longevity” with Eva Ball & Dr. Scott Keffer.

This free one-hour informational session will demystify the world of peptides- breaking down what they are, how they work in the body, and why they are becoming a go-to tool for those who want to feel better, age stronger, and recover faster.

Space for this free workshop is limited so please register under events and trainings on our website.

QuickBooks is Holding Back Growth. Discover When to Upgrade to Leading ERPs

Join Netranom and our sister company, Third Wave, for a look at how ERP systems can help manufacturing and distribution businesses streamline operations, reduce headaches, and create financial predictability.

Learn about leading ERPs like NetSuite, Acumatica, SAP Business One, Infor, and more.

Topics Covered:

▪️Why and how to go from QuickBooks to a full-suite ERP

▪️Key considerations in your ERP journey

▪️How to get more out of your system in a day and in a year

Bonus: Attend live for a chance to win a $100 Visa Gift Card!

DATE: Wednesday, November 19

TIME: 12-12:45 pm EST

Tasting Harmony: The Art of Food & Wine Pairing

Wine Pairing Series at Huntington’s Kitchen in partnership with Mike McCarthy, CSW. Each class is curated by Chef Izzy Cross with happy faces, informative experts, and delicious bites. Choose the full series or individual classes. Only 20 spots.

Wines: NZ Sauvignon Blanc, CA Chardonnay, Burgundy Pinot Noir, Bordeaux Rouge.

Date: November 5, 2025

Time: 6:00 pm - 8:00 pm

Price: $75.00

For more information, visit Huntington's Kitchen's website

From Chaos to Culture Workshop with Erin Treacy

Turn Overwhelm into Focus and Clarity

In this 90-minute live workshop, you'll learn how to:

-Recognize the real sources of chaos and burnout

-Take your first small step toward calm and confidence

-Rebuild clarity for yourself and your team

-Lead with connection instead of control

-Create a culture of calm that lasts

For more information, visit https://www.coacherintreacy.com/

As you begin preparing your 2025-2026 marketing strategy, the Huntington Regional Chamber of Commerce invites you to explore our Sponsorship Investment Guide. This comprehensive resource outlines all remaining sponsorship opportunities available throughout the year.

We are deeply grateful to our sponsors and investors whose continued support helps drive the Chamber’s mission forward.

For questions or to discuss custom sponsorship packages, contact Megan Archer at megan@huntingtonchamber.org