As Women’s History month draws to a close, I can’t help but to feel appreciation for how far we have come,  and how hard many courageous women have fought over the generations to give women a voice in business and the governance of our nation.   It has taken many, working tirelessly.  Progress has been long in coming and uneven.

A number of the challenges that I faced throughout my career remain for many young women of today.  The biggest one continues to be affordable childcare and equal compensation for skilled work.  Many women are the primary childcare provider for young families.   The support systems that recognize just how  vital women’s contributions are to all societies are systems that will grow and thrive.  

As the Chamber of Commerce, we support and celebrate all of our women owned businesses and they are growing! However, our support alone is not sufficient.  We all must do more to provide young families with all that they need to grow, thrive and contribute; that includes providing affordable childcare and educational opportunities that allow brilliant women to rise to great heights that will only elevate us all!

March 8th was International Women’s Day. The month of March is Women’s History Month. Let’s make everyday in our state, country and the world, an appreciation of all women, everywhere and work to make that a reality!



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Susan Dew Hoff
Physician Susan Dew Hoff (November 24, 1842-January 2, 1933) was one of the first women licensed to practice medicine in West Virginia
Local Government Info

Check out Mayor of New Martinsville, Sandy Hunt's Friday Forcast.