CHAMBER NEWS

Join us Thursday for CHAMBER-OPOLY & Win a Cruise!

The countdown is on for our annual Business After Hours Expo: CHAMBER-OPOLY, presented by CJ Hughes, taking place this Thursday, September 25, from 5–8 p.m. at the Marshall Health Network Arena!

Join us for an evening of networking, fun, food, and drinks—all while playing to win exciting prizes!



Here’s what’s in store:

• Win a cruise by playing the CHAMBER-OPOLY board! Those who submit their completed game boards will be entered to win a cruise* with Carnival Cruise Line, Holland America Line, or Princess Cruises—courtesy of Sandy’s Racing and Gaming. *Taxes and gratuities not included
• Hundreds of dollars in gift cards from local businesses are up for grabs in our CHAMBER-OPOLY Money Machine. Winners will be drawn every 10 minutes!
• "Best Table Theme" and "Best Costume" contests with prizes ranging from a month-long digital billboard placement from Lamar, tickets to Marshall Artist Series and Marshall Athletics events and more.
• Snap a memorable photo (or mugshot) at the "Go to Jail" Photobooth.
• Delicious food and drinks provided throughout the evening at Restaurant Row and the Boardwalk Bar!

Don’t miss this chance to connect with 70+ local businesses, enjoy an evening of networking and fun, and make your move to ‘Pass Go’ for a chance to win incredible prizes — and maybe even walk away with your next vacation!

🎫 General Admission: $15

See you at Chamber-OPOLY on September 25th—where every move is a business opportunity!

For the first time ever, business leaders from West Virginia, Ohio, and Kentucky will come together in one place for the inaugural Meet Up Tri-State event.

Hosted on Support Your Local Chamber Day and powered by the collaboration of the Huntington Regional Chamber, Northeast KY Chamber, Lawrence County Chamber, and Counsel Connections, this event is designed to break down borders and build a stronger regional network.

Expect an evening of great food, beverages, and meaningful connections — with opportunities to meet Tri-State leaders all while celebrating the impact of our Chambers and business communities.

When: Wednesday, October 15th (National Support Your Local Chamber Day)

Time: 5:30 - 8 p.m.

Location: Brad D. Smith Center for Business and Innovation

This event is free and open to all professionals across the Tri-State, but registration is required. RSVP today to be part of the very first Meet Up Tri-State experience!

Join us for October’s Business After Hours at the Huntington Children’s Museum!

Step into a space built for imagination and discovery on Thursday, October 23, from 5–7 p.m. Enjoy an evening of great food, drinks, and meaningful networking with fellow business professionals—all while experiencing one of Huntington’s most creative community spaces.

Date: Thursday, October 23rd
Time: 5:00 - 7:00 p.m.

Location: Huntington Children's Museum | 1700 Washington Ave, Huntington, WV 25701

Jack & The Bean Celebrated 2 Years Last Week!

We had so much fun celebrating Jack & the Bean Coffee Company's 2nd Birthday today! If you missed it, no worries—stop by next Wednesday from 6:00–10:00 AM to wish them a belated happy birthday and experience their mission of brewing kindness and inclusivity one cup at a time.

Because birthdays (and coffee) deserve more than one celebration!

Learn more about their amazing mission here.

📸 Check out the highlights from this event: Photo Gallery

UPCOMING EVENTS

You're Invited: Bullseye Total Media's 10th Birthday

The Chamber is pleased to present a milestone celebration marking the 10th birthday of Bullseye Total Media. Community members are invited to tour their downtown office, meet the team and enjoy light refreshments provided by Boujee Boards by Roz.

Date: September 26, 2025

Time: 11 a.m.

Location: 831 4th Avenue, Huntington, WV 25701

You're Invited: Rate Ribbon Cutting

Join us for the Ribbon Cutting of Rate on Tuesday, September 9 at 11 a.m.! When Rate began 25 years ago in Chicago, they were founded on a mission: deliver more value to clients than any other mortgage company. Built on the principles of low rates experience, Rate recognized early on that to be the best mortgage company for our customers, they must also be the best for our employees and referral partners. Their culture of positivity empowers people to improve their lives and achieve their dreams. Within their first 3 yrs, they became Chicago’s largest independent mortgage company and funded over $35B in loans across all locations. In 2023, Rate expanded to WV. As they celebrate 2 years serving WV, Rate is proud to announce their third office in Huntington. Help us give a big Chamber welcome to our friends over at Rate!

Date: October 1, 2025

Time: 11 a.m.

Location: 917 3rd Ave, Suite 200C, Huntington, WV

You're Invited: Raymond James Ribbon Cutting

Join us as we celebrate the expansion of Raymond James with a ribbon cutting ceremony, followed by an open-house style event! Enjoy food, explore our new space, and take home some Raymond James branded merchandise as we celebrate this exciting milestone together!

Date: September 30, 2025

Time: 4 p.m.

Location: 6472 Farmdale Road, Barboursville, WV 25504

MEMBER NEWS

Play & Stay WV: Cabell County Schools Seeking Donations for Foundation

Microsoft will officially stop supporting Windows 10 on October 14, 2025 – no more updates, no more security patches.

That means staying on Windows 10 after this date creates a known security risk for your business. As The Trusted Technology Partner, DIGIT3 is here to help.

✅ We’ll identify which of your devices are ready for the upgrade

✅ Schedule system upgrades to Windows 11 for systems capable of upgrade

✅ Recommend replacements for systems that can’t be upgraded

Don’t wait until it’s too late – reach out now to help keep your business secure!

📩 Contact us today at (304) 521-6868, (833) 734-8333 or at info@digit3.com – we’re here to help with Windows 11 and all your technology needs!

Ameritas College Huntington Announces Event Space Availability

Ameritas College Huntington today announced that it will offer space in its historic downtown headquarters building for conferences, meetings, workshops and community events. Located in the former Carnegie Public Library building on the corner of Fifth Avenue and Ninth Street (900 5th Avenue), built in 1902, the college’s main hall and second floor conference suites can accommodate both small group meetings and larger events, college officials said

“The Ameritas College Huntington building was home to the Carnegie Public Library from 1904 until 1980 and we want to make the building a place for the community to gather again,” said Ameritas College President Frederic J. Fransen. 

“We are working slowly to restore the building to its original grandeur. For instance, we just completed replacing the building’s roof,” said Fransen.

There will be no rental charge for use of the event space, officials said. Depending on the event, however, a cleaning fee and security deposit may be required.

For more information or to book a space, go to https://ameritas.edu/eventspaces/ or email events@ameritas.edu.

WVU John Chambers College of Business and Economics Opens Nominations for West Virginia Business Hall of Fame Award

The WVU John Chambers College of Business and Economics initiated the West Virginia Business Hall of Fame Award in 2001 to recognize people with strong West Virginia ties who have made a significant impact on the business landscape. 

Nominees must illustrate extraordinary leadership, have demonstrated a commitment to their community, and have a strong West Virginia tie as a native West Virginian, having been educated in West Virginia or having built their career in West Virginia. Nominations are not limited to, or focused upon, WVU graduates. Publicly recognizing extraordinary business leaders and establishing a record of their achievement are important for many reasons. These individuals and their contributions remind us of the constant opportunity for economic success and the need for continued renewal and change, particularly in West Virginia. Moreover, they serve as role models for our state’s business students, those just beginning their careers, and for new entrepreneurs.

For more information, please contact John Lympany at john.lympany@mail.wvu.edu or Texie Wells at tpwells@mail.wvu.edu. To submit a nomination, please follow the instructions below.

Make a Nomination

Nominations can be made at any time, but priority will be given to those submitted by December 31. To submit an individual for consideration with the committee, please submit the following documents via email to Texie Wells at tpwells@mail.wvu.edu:

• A 1-2 page letter that articulates how they have demonstrated the criteria listed below,
• A resume or biography that details their professional experiences and accomplishments.
• Additional documents, such as letters of support, that highlight the nominee's exceptional community involvement or demonstrate how they serve as a role model to students and professionals, are strongly encouraged as supporting materials.

Nomination Criteria

• No more than four individuals will be inducted annually,
• Nominations will remain active for three years and a person may be nominated again after sitting out one three-year cycle,
• Nominations are not limited to West Virginia University graduates.
• Nominees will be judged on outstanding business performance coupled with high standards of ethics. The nominee must:
• Have an established record of distinction in his/her field and industry,
• Demonstrate a commitment to improving the community,
• Serve as a role model for business students/professionals,
• Have a clear West Virginia connection (for example: born in the state; extended years of residency; college attendance; business presence),
• Be present to receive the award. Posthumous inductees may be represented by a family member or business associate.

Scoop & Pour – Fall Edition! 🕯️🍂🍨

If you love Austin’s Ice Cream and THWS candles—this cozy fall event is for you!

Get inspired by your favorite fall ice cream flavors and pour your own custom candle that smells just like them. Think Pumpkin Roll, Pumpkin Pie, Pumpkin Cheesecake, Pralines ’n Cream, or S’mores than a Feeling. 

While your candle sets, grab a scoop of Austin’s famous ice cream—because nothing pairs better with fall candles than a sweet treat. 

📍 210 11th Street Suite 14, Huntington, WV 25701

📆 September 27 – 5 sessions available

🎟️ Limited spots available – Book Your Spot

Come pour, scoop, and sniff your way through the sweetest fall event in town! 

The Gene Haas Foundation has awarded the Marshall Advanced Manufacturing Center (MAMC) $45,000

The Gene Haas Foundation has awarded the Marshall Advanced Manufacturing Center (MAMC) $45,000 to provide scholarships to individuals pursuing careers through MAMC’s Machinist Technology/CNC Program.

This is the foundation’s largest award ever to the center, according to MAMC Director Derek Scarbro.

MAMC’s skills program, offered in partnership with Mountwest Community and Technical College and BridgeValley Community and Technical College, provides rigorous, hands-oninstruction that prepares individuals for immediate employment and professional advancement in manufacturing. The program was the first in the nation to couple individual credentials/certifications with the ability to earn a career-enhancing associate degree.

MAMC awards Haas Scholarships to new and current students based on financial need, academic performance, attendance and other factors.

“The commitment of the Gene Haas Foundation to building a strong manufacturing workforce is unwavering,” Scarbro said. “The foundation has a long history of supporting our students, who in turn help fill the critical demand for machinists in West Virginia and beyond.”

Gene Haas, owner of Haas Automation, Inc., America’s largest manufacturer of machine tools, established the Foundation in 1999. Since its inception, the Gene Haas Foundation has awarded more than $225 million in grants, including scholarships to support people pursuing manufacturing careers.

To learn more about the Haas Scholarships available at MAMC or any of our career skills programs, visit www.mfg.marshall.edu/career-skills or call 304.781.1625.

Disney On Ice Presents Road Trip Adventures

Disney On Ice presents Road Trip Adventures will whisk families away on an immersive getaway chock-full of magical participatory moments. Featuring new and classic tales, this multi-generational experience visits Charleston playing January 8-11, 2026 at Charleston Coliseum. 

Families should be prepared for a getaway jam-packed with unexpected hijinks and surprise, up-close character interaction as Disney On Ice presents Road Trip Adventures makes a pitstop for fun right in Charleston! 

Tickets go on-sale Tuesday, September 23rd via Ticketmaster.com or the Coliseum Box Office 

The Sandy Ridge Update for August and September

Latest Update for The Sandy Ridge


Sandy Ridge in Ashland, KY continues to make solid progress as the project advances toward its 2026 debut. Construction at the site behind Sandy’s Racing & Gaming is moving steadily as crews prepare for Kentucky’s first quarter horse racetrack, opening in 2026.

This month’s focus remains on groundwork, including grading, infrastructure installation, and foundational work, all progressing as planned. As the project advances, anticipation grows for Sandy Ridge’s future role in expanding horse racing opportunities in the region.

Follow the Progress: Scan the QR code or visit www.sandyridge.com

Heritage Farm Hosts 10th Annual Christmas Village! Explore Sponsorship Levels

Support a Tradition and Treat Your Staff - Heritage Farm's 10^th Annual Christmas Village allows for you to celebrate the season, appear in front of thousands of guests, and gift tickets to your team all in one sponsorship! With different support and ticket packages, there is something to fit any business type. We are excited to celebrate 10 years of our Christmas Village with you!

Sponsorship Levels

Shining Star – $5000

• 50 tickets for Preview Night + 50 Public Night tickets
• Top billing for name/logo at event & promotional materials

Gold Garland – $2500

• 50 tickets for Preview Night + 25 Public Night tickets
• Featured billing for name/logo at event & promotional materials

Silver Bell – $1500

• 50 tickets for Preview Night
• Name/logo listed at event & promotional materials

Call 304-522-1244 (ext. 1) or email jeffwise@heritagefarmwv.com

Mountwest Presents Family Night Candyland

Mountwest Community and Technical College is excited to invite you and/ or your organization to participate in our Family Fun Night & Trunk-or-Treat on Thursday, October 23, 2025, from 5:30 p.m. – 7:30 p.m. right here on our campus.

Last year’s event was a tremendous success with over 1,200 people in attendance, and we are thrilled to build on that momentum. This year’s theme is Candyland, and we look forward to transforming our campus into a colorful, fun, and family-friendly celebration for the community.

We are reaching out to ask if you/ or your organization would consider setting up a trunk during the event. To ensure we have enough treats for the children, we are asking each participating organization to bring enough candy for 500–700 kids.

To add some extra fun, there will also be a contest for the best decorated trunk, so bring your creativity along with your candy!

In addition to the Trunk-or-Treat, families can enjoy:

• Exciting games
• A sensory station
• A firetruck and helicopter visit
• Inflatables for all ages
• Music and food
• 
  

Best of all — everything is FREE for the community!

Your participation not only helps create a memorable experience for local families but also provides your organization with the opportunity to engage directly with our community in a positive, high-visibility way.

If your organization would like to participate, please contact James McDougle mcdougle@mctc.edu or Karen Horner at horner2@mctc.edu to sign up and reserve your spot.

We hope you will join us in making this year’s Family Fun Night another sweet success!

BDY Presents Wild Wonderful & Well, Oct. 23

BDY Studios is thrilled to Introduce Wild Wonderful & Well: a one-night Wellness Festival taking place on Thursday, October 23, 2025, in the heart of Huntington, at Heritage Station. Hosted by BDY Studios, this event is a vibrant celebration of movement, mindfulness, and community connection. The idea for Wild Wonderful & Well grew from the success of BDY's long-running event, All Aboard BDY, which has brought hundreds of people together to move, give back, and celebrate local wellness. Building on that momentum, they envision Wild Wonderful & Well as a way to expand the spotlight — to not only gather our community for an unforgettable evening, but to also showcase the full range of wellness opportunities that exist right here in Huntington and throughout West Virginia.

The event will spotlight Huntington’s growing wellness and small business scene — with expected attendance of 200+ and media coverage from local outlets. With your support, BDY aims to elevate our community within the wellness space and show what makes Huntington so wonderfully well.

As with the past All Aboard BDY events, a high-energy signature BDY class, a curated vendor market, and live music will connect people with the information, businesses and energy that help us all feel our best.

BDY's signature class will begin at 5:30 p.m., and the vendor market and live music will last until 9 p.m.

The fee to sign up for this fun event is $30.

• Join Jonathan on Monday, September 15 at 5:30 p.m. in Huntington for a gritty, high-energy cycle class is all about saving horses.
• With heavy climbs, fiery sprints, and heart-pumping tracks, you’ll push past your limits and ride like a true outlaw. Members this class is free of charge and others may drop in for just $14. 
• On Wednesday, September 24, at 5:30 p.m. in Huntington, join Lisa and Lauren for this special class to help you deepen your yoga practice through receiving hands-on assists.
• In this one-hour class, you will receive adjustments to help you understand proper alignment and muscular action in your own body. You will also learn how to create different sensations in your postures with visual, auditory, and kinesthetic cues.
• This class is part of the Unlimited Membership and anyone may drop in for just $14.

Join Community Trust Bank as they celebrate Advantage Valley Market President Allen Burner and wish him all the best in his retirement journey!

When: Thursday, October 2, 2025 | 11 a.m. - 2 p.m.

Where: Huntington Pullman Square Office, 952 Third Avenue, Huntington, WV 25701

Community members are invited to stop by to share your good wishes, enjoy refreshments, and help honor Allen for all he has done for Community Trust Bank and the Huntington community.

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

The Monday Morning Memo is Generously Sponsored by

Thank You to Our Trustee Members

Thank You to Our Investor Members

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