This last Tuesday, June 28th, the Wetzel-Tyler Chamber of Commerce took a night to recognize some of the people who help make our community a great place to live. All of the people and organizations that were nominated deserve to be singled out and thanked for what they do. We would like to congratulate those who won. However, the real winners are all of us for living in a community with so many caring people working to make a better home. Here are some pictures from the event...

This year's winners!

(Left to right) - Educator of the Year - Matt Jennings; Health Care Worker of the Year - Alisha Placer, NP; Employee of the Year - Shyeanna Riggenbach; Volunteer of the Year - Dr. Neill Marshall; Business Professional of the Year - Molly Hardway; Civic Organization of the Year - Paden City Garden Club; Citizen of the Year - Johanna Lemasters (Not Pictured) - First Responder of the Year - Gary Voorhis; Youth Leader of the Year Leah Hartline

(Left) Sharon Campbell, Chamber Executive Director, welcomes the attendees and kicks off the night with her endless supply of energy. (Right) Eric Peters, Tyler County Development authority & Valerie Piko REDp were emcees for the festivities.

Local businesses and non-profits decorated tables and donated centerpieces as a door prize. Thank you to all our decorators: Barth’s Florist, Bayer Heritage FCU, Bug & Bean, The Cellar Door, Country Roads Home Spa, Flower Basket & Gift Shop, Holiday Inn Express, Happenings, Neff’s Auto Repair, North Fork Jewelry Design, Olive Branch Animal Rescue, Peoples Bank, Relay for Life, S&S Diamonds, Shoe Sensation, Sistersville Treasures, Stalder’s Family Creamery, THA Reality, Tyler County FRN, United Way of the Upper Ohio Valley, WesBanco, West Virginia Northern Community College, Yoho’s Creations

"Thank you" to the team that made the night happen!

Events like this take a lot of teamwork to make happen. If you would like to be a part of the team that makes everything the Chamber does possible, stop by our office or call (304) 455-3825 and we will help you get more involved in what we do!

This July 4th while we celebrate the long weekend with family, friends, and neighbors, I hope that we all take a moment and realize how fortunate we are to live in a country where all our voices count through our vote.  We have much to celebrate as citizens of a nation of laws, and governed by a constitution that has endured for nearly 250 years!  We remain the envy of a world that is always watching. How we endure lays a pathway for other democracies and those aspiring to be. What we do matters, not just to us, but to countless millions we will never know. What an awesome responsibility for all of us to consider. As citizens, we are not only stewards of, but ambassadors for America. So, as we strive every day to be that beacon of hope for democracies around the world, we must pause and appreciate what this country has faced and continues to face in challenges both external and internal. The best of America is an ideal. It is not easy to maintain an ideal. Governing is messy. Legislating is messy. But when we hear a beautiful version of “The Star-Spangled Banner” and enjoy those awe-inspiring fireworks overhead, we are moved as we remember who we are and how far we have come.  We know that while our nation was forged in fire, we continue in the Grace that follows the high ideal of “liberty and justice for all”. Despite our challenges, we persevere as a people to become a “more perfect union.” I have no doubt that someday we will collectively reach that goal.  On behalf of the Wetzel-Tyler Chamber of Commerce, we wish everyone a safe and happy July 4th holiday weekend!