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From the Director’s Desk for September 17, 2026
Those Who Step Into the Gap
Sometimes government systems fail to reach everyone who needs help, and sometimes families, despite their love and best intentions, simply cannot provide all the support needed. There is no blame to place in acknowledging this. It is a simple reality of life. Circumstances can overwhelm a family, public resources have limits, and needs sometimes arise that no existing institution is prepared to meet. When that happens, a gap opens between what people need and what is available.
The creation of a nonprofit organization often begins in that gap. Someone recognizes an overlooked or unanswered need, and instead of turning away, begins to imagine what could be done. It takes vision to see something that does not yet exist, but it also takes courage to accept responsibility for bringing it into being. What begins as concern for a child, a family, an older neighbor, or an entire community slowly takes shape as a mission. Other people begin to believe in it, a board is formed, resources are gathered, and a nonprofit organization is born. At its most fundamental level, that is what a nonprofit does. It sees a gap and fills a need.
The work that follows is rarely easy. The person with the original vision soon discovers that compassion must be matched with organization, accountability, funding, and perseverance. The need may be obvious, but the resources to address it are not always readily available. This is where sponsors and volunteers enter the story. A sponsor who provides financial support says the need matters and that the organization should not have to carry it alone. A volunteer who gives time is making that same commitment in a deeply personal way. Together, they turn an idea that began in one person’s heart into something dependable in the lives of others.
This is why the Chamber’s relationships with nonprofit organizations matter so much to me. As we welcome community-serving agencies into affordable office space at 661 Third Street, we are not entering into ordinary landlord-tenant relationships. We are becoming partners in work that reaches far beyond the building's walls. By keeping their costs reasonable, we help preserve more of their grant funding for the people and programs it was intended to support. By bringing organizations closer together, we create opportunities for conversation and cooperation that may help close still more gaps in our communities.
Nonprofit organizations remind us that meaningful change often begins when an ordinary person decides that an unmet need is no longer acceptable. Sponsors give that decision strength, volunteers give it life, and communities give it purpose. To all of those who have stepped into a gap and stayed long enough to make a difference, thank you. Your work is proof that even when no system can provide every answer, people of vision and courage can still choose to respond.
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New Martinsville Chiropractic provides personalized chiropractic treatment and pain management for everyday discomfort as well as sports, automobile, and work related injuries. Services include spinal adjustments, therapeutic exercises, mechanical traction, heat therapy, and other treatments designed around each patient’s needs. Located at 901 North State Route 2, Suite 1, the practice accepts most major medical insurance. Visit their or call 304-455-6444 to schedule an appointment.
New Martinsville Chiropractic
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New Martinsville Dental provides preventive, restorative, and cosmetic dental care for patients throughout our community. Services include routine cleanings and examinations, fillings, extractions, dentures, crowns, bridges, veneers, implants, periodontal maintenance, and professional whitening. Located at 700 Kevin Drive in New Martinsville, the practice helps patients protect their oral health and feel confident about their smiles. Visit their website or call 304-455-2030 to schedule an appointment.
Services — New Martinsville Dental
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Come as you are. And I'm not talking clothing here! And while we were still in our sins Christ died for us so that in Him we might become the righteousness of God. We meet every Sunday at 10 am and Wed. at 6:30 pm.
I449 Martin Ave
New Martinsville, West Virginia, 26155
(304) 771-1661
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Celebrating 45 Years of S&S Diamonds and Fine Jewelry
Congratulations to S&S Diamonds and Fine Jewelry on an incredible 45 years in business!
For nearly half a century, this family-owned New Martinsville business has helped generations of customers celebrate life’s special moments with beautiful jewelry, custom designs, gifts, and personal service.
Under the leadership of Jae C. Lehew, S&S has continued a proud tradition of quality and community commitment, earning recognition as West Virginia’s Family-Owned Small Business of the Year.
Congratulations to the entire S&S Diamonds and Fine Jewelry family on 45 remarkable years!
Your Trusted Source for Diamond & Gemstone Jewelry in New Martinsville – S & S Diamonds
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Celebrating 31 Years of Barth’s Florist
Congratulations to Barth’s Florist on celebrating 31 years in business!
For more than three decades, Barth’s Florist has helped customers throughout New Martinsville and the surrounding area mark life’s special moments with fresh flowers, beautiful arrangements, plants, gift baskets, and thoughtful service.
Their professional team creates floral gifts for birthdays, anniversaries, holidays, sympathy occasions, and so much more, with local delivery available throughout the community. (Barth's Florist)
We’re proud to celebrate this wonderful milestone with Barth’s Florist and congratulate them on 31 years of serving our community!
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Celebrating 27 Years of Swiss Valley Associates
Congratulations to Swiss Valley Associates, Inc. on celebrating 27 years of service!
Serving the Ohio River Valley, West Virginia, and Pennsylvania, Swiss Valley Associates provides a wide range of engineering and project management services, including civil engineering, building design, electrical controls, and mechanical, electrical, and plumbing design.
The company is known for providing practical, cost-effective solutions while helping clients move projects forward efficiently. (Swiss Valley Associates)
We are proud to celebrate Swiss Valley Associates and congratulate their team on 27 years of professional service and commitment to our region!
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Celebrating 11 Years of The Cellar Door
Congratulations to The Cellar Door on celebrating 11 years in business!
After more than a decade of serving customers from the New Martinsville location, The Cellar Door is beginning an exciting new chapter with a move just across the bridge to 38182 State Route 7, Duffy, OH 43946.
We congratulate The Cellar Door on 11 wonderful years and look forward to celebrating the grand opening of the new location.
Best wishes to The Cellar Door for continued growth, creativity, and success while serving customers from the new home in Duffy, Ohio!
(19) Facebook
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Kraken Records Turns 3!
Turn up the volume — Kraken Records is celebrating 3 years in business!
In just three years, Kraken Records has brought plenty of music, personality, and fun to our local business community.
With a great mix of records and a passion for music, they’ve created a place where customers can browse, discover old favorites, and find something new.
Congratulations to Kraken Records on three great years. Here’s to many more years of good music, great finds, and keeping the records spinning!
(19) Facebook
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Off the Clock Hosting Suggestions
Hosting an Off the Clock event is meant to be easy, relaxed, and fun. Nothing formal or stuffy, just a chance for our business community to gather, unwind, and connect.
To help set the mood, hosts are encouraged to play light background music. Feel free to choose your favorite playlist to match your space and style. The Chamber can provide a small portable Bluetooth speaker if needed.
Light refreshments are recommended and can be as simple as you like. Beer and wine are welcome if you choose to offer them, along with soft drinks and water for guests. Happy-hour-style snacks, such as finger foods or small bites, are perfect and help keep the atmosphere casual.
Event Timing:
Off the Clock events run from 5:00 to 7:00 pm. Hosts may select the date that works best for them.
Chamber Support:
The Wetzel Tyler Chamber of Commerce will contribute $100 toward your hosting costs.
Added Fun and Incentive
Everyone who attends will receive a ticket upon arrival. Throughout the evening, we will draw three tickets. Winners will receive the new Chamber Bucks to use at participating businesses within our communities.
Prizes Will Include
- One $50 Chamber Bucks prize
- One $25 Chamber Bucks prize
- One $10 Chamber Bucks prize
That’s it. No program, no speeches, no pressure. Just good conversation, familiar faces, and a relaxed way to connect Off the Clock!
Schedule Today
Email Lisa at: lisa.wetzeltylerchamber@outlook.com or call 304.455.3825
to schedule your event!
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Project BEST (Building Everything Stronger Together) is a nonprofit construction advocacy organization dedicated to strengthening the construction industry across the Upper Ohio Valley, including the Wheeling, West Virginia, and Steubenville, Ohio region. Representing approximately 500 contractors and more than 6,000 skilled union tradesmen and tradeswomen,
Project BEST works to connect project owners and decision-makers with highly trained local union professionals known for quality craftsmanship, safety, and delivering projects on time and on budget. In addition to supporting local construction projects, Project BEST is committed to workforce development by promoting apprenticeships, career pathways, and partnerships with schools, technical centers, community colleges, and workforce organizations to help build the next generation of skilled trades professionals.
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Free Job Posting for WV Employers #YesWV
West Virginia employers—take your jobs online with West Virginia Economic Development and Jobcase.com/wv. Whether your hiring needs are occasional or less than one open position per month, you can post for free and reach qualified in-state candidates. Start with one of the recommended packages based on your advertising needs and budget—and start hiring today.
| Tyler County Schools is now hiring! Substitute aide, cook, and custodian jobs are now posted. | |
Free Leadership Webinar from Harvard Kennedy School
Effective leadership begins with understanding who we are, how we relate to others, and how our individual strengths influence the way we lead.
Harvard Kennedy School is offering free access to a one-hour recorded webinar, Authentic Leadership, presented by Dr. Nathalie Laidler Kylander. The session explores the principles of authentic leadership and how self-reflection and personality can help leaders better understand their strengths, improve their effectiveness, and lead with greater confidence and purpose.
The webinar includes a discussion of the Big Five personality dimensions and how they can shape leadership behavior. It is a valuable resource for business owners, nonprofit leaders, public officials, managers, and anyone interested in personal and professional growth.
The recording is free to view. Please note that it does not include a certificate of completion. (hks.harvard.edu)
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Become an Entrepreneur!
Turn your ideas into reality and support your dreams with a Jumpstart Savings account! The Jumpstart Savings Program supports West Virginia entrepreneurs by providing a career savings account that helps cover the costs of pursuing a career in skilled trades and vocations.
This program offers unique state tax benefits for West Virginia taxpayers, allowing individuals to save money for their post-graduation expenses needed to enter a skilled trade. The program also offers state tax deductions on contributions and qualified withdrawals, allowing entrepreneurs to utilize their savings for eligible expenses with no monthly maintenance fees. By saving consistently and taking advantage of the program's benefits, entrepreneurs are setting themselves up for long-term success in the skilled trades industry. Click below to receive a helpful guide for new business entrepreneurs.
| | For more information, contact Wetzel County Emergency Management | |
About This Event
Are you interested in connecting with local nonprofits in your region? Looking for solutions or suggestions? We want to hear from you! Join the WVNPA at our free regional roundtable discussions, hosted across the state to reach as many West Virginia nonprofits as possible.
We intend to target nonprofits in their respective regions to better understand location-specific themes and to connect nonprofits that are physically close to each other. Consider which region your organization is most active in or where the population you most serve is before registering for a regional meeting.
| | For information on the benefits of joining the Wetzel-Tyler Chamber of Commerce, click the button below! | | |
The Movie House has temporarily restored one of its projectors by using parts from another unit that is currently out of service. While this has allowed operations to continue, the theater still faces an estimated $40,000 in repairs and equipment costs to return to full capacity.
The Movie House works hard to keep ticket prices affordable while covering the costs of operating and bringing films to the community. Donations of any amount are appreciated and will help support the repairs needed to keep the theater running.
Donations may be mailed to 136 N. Main Street, New Martinsville, WV 26155, or delivered to the theater during regular business hours.
Thank you for continuing to support The Movie House and local entertainment in our community.
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