CHAMBER NEWS

The Huntington Regional Chamber of Commerce welcomed its fourth cohort of Leadership Huntington, presented by Marshall Health Network, with a two-day orientation at Mountwest Community & Technical College on Sept. 10-11.

On Thursday, class members heard remarks from community leaders including Beth "Buffy" Hammers, Chief Engagement Officer at Marshall Health Network; Brad Goodenough, Founder and Owner of DIGIT3; Izzy Cross of Huntington's Kitchen, and Erik Legg, Assistant General Counsel at Marshall University. On Friday, the class learned and practiced the art of Design Thinking, led by Ben Eng of the Marshall University iCenter. Friday's session ended with an afternoon exploring our CliftonStrengths with Laura Seybold, Founder of Shine Consulting. The group also participated in numerous networking activities and were treated to delicious meals provided by La Famiglia and Chik-Fil-A Barboursville.

The Chamber would like to thank Marshall Health Network for their continued support as the presenting sponsor and DIGIT3 for serving as the two-day orientation sponsor.

CHAMBER EVENTS

If you haven't registered yet, don't miss your chance to join us for a totally rad evening of networking fun and all things '80s at the 2026 Business Expo, presented by CJ Hughes. Grab your tickets, and get ready to rewind to the decade of big hair, bold colors and even bigger business connections!

Businesses who wish to be included in the printed program must register for their table no later than Tuesday, Sept. 15.

And in case you missed it, all attendees will have the chance to win a Carnival or Princess Cruise made possible by Sandy's Racing & Gaming, along with experiences and gift cards to all of your local favorites. We can't wait to see you there!

📅 Thursday, Sept. 24

⏰ 5–8 p.m.

📍 Marshall Health Network Arena Convention Center

Join the Huntington Regional Chamber of Commerce as we celebrate the grand opening of We Rock the Spectrum Huntington!



We Rock the Spectrum is a sensory gym built for all kids but especially designed to be a safe space for families of children with special needs. The gym exists so children can run, jump, spin, crash, and explore, with sensory rooms available to escape the gym floor if/when needed or desired. We strive to be a safe place for children with all abilities

All community members are invited to the We Rock the Spectrum Ribbon Cutting Ceremony at 10 a.m. Wednesday, Sept. 16, and celebrate this incredible team and their mission!

Join the Huntington Regional Chamber of Commerce as we celebrate the ribbon-cutting of A-List Artistry at 11 a.m. Thursday, Sept. 17, at their Huntington location.



Designed as a premier, all-in-one beauty destination, A-List Artistry brings together a powerhouse team of beauty professionals, including skilled nail technicians, an expert braider, a licensed esthetician, and a custom spray tan artist, dedicated to delivering top-tier, personalized service.

Come out, book your next self-care appointment, and celebrate A-List Artistry!

Join us for an engaging Small Business Roundtable discussion, powered by Huntington National Bank, designed to help small business owners build confidence in managing their business finances and making informed financial decisions. Led by Huntington Bank’s John Bauer, Regional Banker, the conversation will feature insights from Branch Managers, Chris Aluise and DesaRae McKee.

The discussion will cover practical financial management strategies and resources available to small business owners, including loans, lines of credit, investment opportunities, cash flow management, and other tools to support business growth. Panelists will share insights and tips to help entrepreneurs better understand their financial options, strengthen their financial knowledge, and feel more confident navigating the financial side of their business.

Whether you're just getting started or looking to take your established business to the next level, this conversation will provide practical information and actionable insights to help you make smarter financial decisions and plan for continued success. Light bites and refreshments will be provided by Nomada Bakery.

Following this event, we encourage attendees to stop by BDY Studios' annual Wild, Wonderful and Well event held in Heritage Station.

Join the Huntington Regional Chamber of Commerce as we celebrate the ribbon cutting of Studio 301's new Huntington location!

Studio 301 is a welcoming, beginner-friendly dance studio serving children, teens, and adults throughout the Tri-State area. Founded in 2020 by Kenzie Buchanan, Studio 301 offers recreational and advanced dance education, performance opportunities, competition programs, dance team preparation, & MOVEZ classes designed for adults. With a focus on confidence, creativity, age-appropriate instruction, and strong technique, Studio 301 strives to make dance accessible & enjoyable for every family.

As Studio 301 begins an exciting new chapter in Huntington, the team looks forward to continuing to grow, serve local families, and create a space where every dancer can learn, connect, and truly “Find Your Dance Space.” All are invited to attend and help celebrate Studio 301 with their new venture!

MEMBER NEWS

Huntington-based architecture and interior design firm Edward Tucker Architects is marking the 30th anniversary of the establishment of the practice this month, recognizing the significant impact Tucker

has made on the region and the profession through his career. The milestone caps three decades

of award-winning design across West Virginia and the Tri-State region - and represents a link in

the firm’s history of more than 115 years of unbroken architectural practice in Huntington.

To mark this 30 year milestone, ETA has launched several public-facing initiatives. An

interactive timeline on the firm's website will be launching soon - etarch.com - it will chronicle

both 30-years of award winning projects as Edward Tucker Architects and the full 115-year

legacy of the practice dating to 1910. A social media campaign is highlighting notable projects,

firm milestones, and the people behind the work through December 2027. Watch a recap of the Edward Tucker 30th Anniversary created by Impact Media at the button below!

Mountwest Community & Technical College will host “Mount Your Voice: National Voter Registration Day 2026” as part of a nationwide effort. Organized through Mountwest’s Division of Student Services, the event will provide students and community members with information about voter registration and civic participation. Representatives from the West Virginia Secretary of State’s Office will be available to provide voter registration information and resources.

The event will feature:

• A campus voter registration fair
• Election-related information and resources
• A voter engagement booth
• A photo station

As part of the event, Project HOPE artist Corie Mattie, known as LA Hope Dealer, will provide an interactive mural project centered on the theme “Care as a Verb.” Students and community members will contribute to the mural by spray-painting a dove, creating a collective work of art representing community, freedom and civic action. The project reinforces the idea that caring for a community is more than an idea; it is something demonstrated through action. The event is free and open to the public. 

WHEN: Tuesday, September 15 from 10 a.m.-2 p.m.

WHERE: Mountwest Community & Technical College (1 Mountwest Way, Huntington, WV, 25701)

You may not be thinking about your business's next chapter yet. That's exactly why now is the time to start planning for it.The highest-value businesses aren't built in the months before an owner exits- they're built over years of intentional leadership and smart decision-making.

Hosted by Marshall University's Center for Innovation and Entrepreneurship (iCenter), the Business Value Builders Summit Presented by Edward Jones is designed to help business owners increase business value, strengthen leadership, and prepare for whatever comes next.

When: Thursday, September 17 | 12:00–5:00 p.m.

Where: Dutch Miller Deck at Joan C. Edwards Stadium

Are you a small business leader? Reach out to the Chamber about a special discount exclusive to our members!

Health experts from across Marshall Health Network will come together for Senior Wellness Day, offering adults ages 55 and older convenient access to preventive screenings, flu shots and wellness resources. The event will be held Saturday, Sept. 19, from 9 a.m. to 1 p.m. in the shared atrium at Marshall University Medical Center and Cabell Huntington Hospital, 1600 Medical Center Drive in Huntington.

Flu shots will be offered as well as a variety of screenings and assessments, including blood pressure, blood sugar, lung health, vision, hearing, cancer screenings and pre-screenings, healthy foot checks and more. Senior Wellness Day is part of Cabell Huntington Hospital’s 70th anniversary celebration and continues the hospital’s longstanding commitment to improving the health and well-being of the community.The event is open to adults ages 55+. No registration is required. Attendees are encouraged to bring their insurance cards for flu shots and any other services that may be billed to insurance.

Your day is already out of control before your feet hit the floor. A text needs a reply. The schedule shifted overnight. A kid or a spouse needs something right now, before you've even had coffee. By the time meetings start, life is moving 100 mph and the whole day starts to blur.

Then night comes, and while everyone else in the house is winding down, you're finally sitting with the to do list you made for yourself hours ago. Nobody wakes up one day and decides they're burned out. It creeps in disguised as an ordinary week. Busy. Tired. Just trying to get through it. I know that pattern because I lived it, which is why I built this workshop. A real life reset for overloaded people tired of everything feeling urgent.

Vera Cafe, Huntington, WV

Tuesday, Sept. 22 - 5:30 p.m.

Food provided. Early bird registration is $37 through Sept. 12. 

Coalfield Development will host its fourth annual Ground Up Gathering on Friday, September 25, bringing together community members, partners, program participants, funders, and leaders from across Appalachia to celebrate progress, share lessons, and build momentum for the future.

The event will begin at 1:30 p.m. at Coalfield Development’s Huntington campus and continue into the evening. It will showcase the people, programs, partnerships, and community-led solutions driving a stronger economy throughout Central Appalachia.

What: 2026 Ground Up Gathering

When: Friday, September 25, 2026

Time: 1:00 p.m. through the evening

Where: Coalfield Development’s West Edge Factory, 1040 Vernon Street, Huntington, WV

Cost: Free and open to the public

In honor of the legendary Dolly Parton, the Keith-Albee Performing Arts Center will host a special screening of 9 to 5 on Friday, September 25, at 8 p.m., following the Marshall University Homecoming Parade. The event will serve as a fundraiser for Dolly Parton’s Imagination Library, with all proceeds benefiting her beloved literacy program. Tickets will go on sale Friday, September 4 at 11 a.m.

All proceeds from the event will support Dolly Parton’s Imagination Library of West Virginia,

which provides children from birth to age five with a free, high-quality, age-appropriate book

delivered to their home each month, regardless of family income.

We Rock the Spectrum Kid's Gym is a sensory-gym franchise that is committed to providing a safe,

nurturing, and fun, environment for kids by providing the support and amazing sensory gym equipment to create this safe space. Our gyms foster learning, exploration, and safe sensory experiences.

Why We Rock:

• Children of ALL abilities are welcome to play and learn here.
• Host your birthday parties or private events with us.
• We offer unique classes for children of all abilities.
• 12 pieces of specialized, occupational therapy equipment that's designed for all kids to use.
• Flex all types of motor skills with our arts & crafts!
• Play With A Purpose TM and develop your 7 senses.

The Cabell-Huntington Health Department (CHHD) will host a drive-through flu vaccine clinic on Friday, October 2, from 8:30 AM to 3:00 PM. The clinic will take place at the health department’s parking lot, located at 703 7th Avenue in Huntington.

Community members can receive their seasonal flu vaccination without ever leaving their vehicles. The drive-through format provides a quick and convenient way to protect yourself and your loved ones ahead of flu season.The flu vaccine is recommended for individuals six months of age and older. CHHD encourages residents to take advantage of this opportunity to get vaccinated early. A limited supply of high-dose flu vaccine is available for senior citizens or high-risk individuals.

For more information about the drive-through flu vaccine clinic, please contact the Cabell-Huntington Health Department at (304) 523-6483, visit www.cabellhealth.org or follow us on Facebook.

Creative thinkers of all ages can compete in the festival’s annual Design Challenge for a chance to win cash and other prizes. The first-place winner in the Adult Category will receive $2,500, while second place will earn $750 and third place $250. In the Youth Category, the first-place winner will receive $300, followed by $200 for second place and $100 for third.

Presented annually since 2014 by Marshall Advanced Manufacturing Center (MAMC), the festival will take place Oct. 2 from 9 a.m. to 2 p.m. at the Memorial Student Center on the Huntington campus of Marshall University. The free event, which coincides with National Manufacturing Day, celebrates creativity, ingenuity, innovation and making.

The Design Challenge is open to everyone, with participants competing in either the Youth Category for ages 17 and under or the Adult Category for ages 18 and older. There is no entry fee. Participants must register at www.mfg.marshall.edu/26wvmakes then arrange to exhibit their creations at the festival on Oct. 2, the first Friday in October.

Challengers in the 2026 design competition must be set up and ready to meet judges and festival attendees Oct. 2 at 9 a.m., when the festival kicks off.

As you begin preparing your 2027-2028 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.

Thank You to Our Trustee Members

Thank You to Our Investor Members

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