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From the Director’s Desk for January 10, 2025



I love movies! When my sister and I were teenagers and I had just learned to drive, we spent nearly every Saturday at our local drive-in. To this day, my boys and I share our impressions of movies we have seen. We make recommendations to one another as “must-see” movies and then talk about them later. Movie-going is a family tradition!


There once was a time when movie theatres and drive-ins were everywhere in nearly every community. That was a long time ago. I don’t believe that so many disappeared because of lack of interest. When times are hard, watching a movie in a quiet theatre is a means of escaping whatever is happening outside, if just for a moment. It is also a way of learning something about the world that we may not have previously known. I think many movie houses and drive-ins closed because of the costs associated with operating them profitably. That's just my guess.

In today's competitive environment, having a movie theatre in a small community like ours is a bigger deal than many people know. It elevates the entertainment offerings of a small town. It’s part of the fabric of a community that gives it “charm.” It's something to do with family and friends. From an economic perspective, a local movie theatre brings visitors to an area. Dinner and a movie make for a great evening! 


The Movie House in New Martinsville is our local movie theatre, and they don’t disappoint. The challenges of operating a movie theatre in today's marketplace, with so many streaming services available, must be daunting, yet The Movie House delivers! A family of four can see a first-run movie for just twenty dollars. That’s an unbelievable deal!


Beyond offering these first-run movies that the rest of the country sees for much more money, The Movie House is also available for private parties and events. They provide advertising spaces to promote local businesses and organizations as well. These additional features help keep the theatre going. The revenue from concessions also helps, so make sure to buy plenty of snacks.


You may have noticed that we always include The Movie House's latest offerings in every newsletter. We consider this a community service.


Over the holiday season, I was able to take some time away from work. I saw four movies and greatly appreciated not having to drive for miles to see a new movie. LOL 


Thank you, The Movie House. You’re appreciated!





Grant Cycles Now Open!


The Belmont County Enrichment Fund (BCEF) and Expand Energy grant cycles are officially underway!


BCEF Grants: Apply now through February 4, 2025, to fund projects that enhance the quality of life in Belmont County.


Expand Energy Grants: K-12 classrooms in Brooke, Ohio, Marshall, and Wetzel Counties can apply through February 7, 2025 for STEM-focused classroom projects.


Don’t miss this opportunity to make a difference in your community or classroom!

Learn more and apply today: https://cfov.org/nonprofits/


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Membership Dues Changes for 2025


The Wetzel-Tyler Chamber of Commerce is introducing updates to our membership fee structure to better align with the size and nature of our member organizations and businesses. These changes are designed to make membership more accessible for small businesses and nonprofits while ensuring fairness.


Membership Fee Structure for 2025


For-profit businesses:

  • 0–5 employees: $100
  • 6–10 employees: $150
  • 11–25 employees: $300
  • 26–50 employees: $500
  • 51–100 employees: $750
  • 101+ employees: $1,500


Nonprofit organizations:

  • 0 employees: $50
  • 1–50 employees: $100
  • 51+ employees: $250


Other categories:

  • Banks/Credit Unions: $1,000 (no change)
  • Students: $25 (no change)
  • Individuals: $50 (no change)


Comparison to Current Structure


The current structure offers fewer tiers, leading to broader categories. For instance:


  • For-profit businesses with 0–10 employees are currently charged $125. Under the new structure, the cost is reduced to $100 for 0–5 employees and $150 for 6–10 employees, providing a more precise reflection of company size.


  • Nonprofit organizations currently pay $100 across the board. The new structure introduces a lower tier for nonprofits with no employees ($50) and adjusts rates for larger organizations.


Why the Change?


This update ensures that membership fees are equitable and reflect the diversity of our members. Smaller organizations and nonprofits will benefit from more affordable rates, while larger businesses will contribute at a level aligned with their capacity.


This structure will strengthen our Chamber by encouraging participation from all community segments.


Please note that you can easily renew your membership through the link below:





Membership Renewal

These trainings are free to municipal employee and well worth the time commitment in pursuing federal grants!

Registration
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To schedule your TAX APPOINTMENT, please call 304-455-0120 or email zdotson@cricap.org

Appointments will be at the Tyler & Wetzel County Community Resources office, 21 Rosary Rd New Martinsville, WV (same place as last year!)


To qualify for free tax prep assistance:

-your income must be below $68,000 annually

-you cannot own a business

-you cannot be an active-duty military

-you cannot have a HSA (Health Savings Account)

-you cannot have any sales of stock or other investments

-to schedule an appointment with this CRI office, you must live in Tyler or Wetzel County!


Show Me Homes I'll Love!

Youth Commissioner Opening

AmeriCorps Alumni Preferred


Volunteer West Virginia is requesting applications for a Youth Commissioner (age 18-24). Volunteer West Virginia Commissioners support Volunteer West Virginia and help us tell the story of service and volunteerism in West Virginia.  

 

Commissioners meet four times a year, twice in person and twice virtually, on Thursdays. Youth commissioners also represent West Virginia at virtual and in-person events at nationwide youth commissioner convenings. This is an unpaid volunteer position, appointed by the Governor, but Volunteer West Virginia will cover the cost of all travel and registration associated with this work.

 

Deadline to Apply: January 22nd


Apply Today!
Career Opportunities

"We want all West Virginians to be able to access resources that can ensure their success in seeking and obtaining meaningful career employment. Navigate the chaos and complexity of accessing training, education, and employment-related support services where there is No Wrong Door."

Learn More!
Workforce WV Virtual Job Fair Registration
Check Out the Jobs!
New Martinsville's Self-Service Kayak Rentals
  • Download rent.fun app
  • Add payment info and sign waiver
  • Scan QR code at smart lockers
  • Payment info will be charged once equipment is returned to smart lockers
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We are looking to celebrate our members' anniversaries in 2025! Please complete the attached form to help us celebrate your ongoing success!

Email the completed form to: director@wetzelcountychamber.org

Anniversary Form

New Childcare Center!

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Visit our Website!
Resource Guide for 2024-2025
Read The Newsletter!
Walmart Pays 100% of College Tuition and Books for Associates!

Read All About it! Fact Sheet
Local Government Info

City of New Martinsville
Paden City Development Authority
City of Sistersville Mayor - Bill Rice Facebook
Town of Friendly Facebook
Town of Hundred Website

For information on the benefits of joining the Wetzel-Tyler Chamber of Commerce, click the button below!

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