CHAMBER NEWS

January Business After Hours at the Keith-Albee Performing Arts Center

We had such an amazing night at January Business After Hours with the Keith-Albee Performing Arts Center. 


More than 200 members of our professional community came together to kick off 2026 in style at the newly renovated and restored Keith-Albee. We'd like to send out a special thanks to the Keith-Albee team for being gracious hosts. Touring and exploring the theater together as a community was such a unique and awe-inspiring experience. Many people have worked tremendously hard to bring this amazing venue back to life. It will certainly be a draw to our area for generations to come!

Huntington Young Professionals' Meet Up West Virginia Brings Hundreds of Young Leaders Together

Huntington Young Professionals held their largest and most successful event on Wednesday, January 21 at West Virginia State University. Meet Up West Virginia brought together nearly 200 young leaders and business professionals from across the state to Charleston for networking and light refreshments. We are grateful to our Presenting Sponsor Netranom as well as sponsors Edward Jones, Joshua Higginbotham Consulting, Joe Justice Media, DIGIT3, the Thrasher Group and the West Virginia State University Center for helping make this event possible.

The Chamber Welcomes New Intern Katie Marshall!

Katie Marshall is a freshman advertising and public relations major at Marshall University from Huntington, West Virginia. She has a passion for branding, social media marketing, photography, and creative storytelling. She is excited to be interning with the Huntington Regional Chamber, where she is gaining hands-on experience in branding, marketing communications, social media strategy, event planning, and content creation.

Katie approaches every project with a creative eye and a focus on authentic storytelling. She also works with Marshall University Athletics. There, she captures photos at sporting events and helps share the energy and stories of Marshall Athletics through visual content. She enjoys combining creativity with strategy to develop engaging and meaningful brand experiences that connect with real audiences.

Her goal is to pursue a career in branding and digital marketing. She wants to help companies tell their stories in ways that truly resonate with their audiences. Outside of school and work, Katie spends her free time taking photos, baking, listening to music, and spending time with her niece Lila. She finds inspiration in everyday experiences and strives to brings that creativity into everything she does. Katie is eager to continue learning, growing, and contributing to impactful projects throughout her internship.

Welcome Katie! We are excited to have you at the Chamber!

The Huntington Regional Chamber of Commerce is accepting Ambassador applications for the 2026-2028 term through Friday, February 13. The Ambassador program is limited to 30 participants, and Ambassadors are a group dedicated to representing the Chamber, supporting its mission, and engaging with current and prospective members. As an Ambassador, you'll have the opportunity to connect with members, celebrate business milestones, assist with Chamber events, and more!

Ambassadors are required to: 

• Be an active member of the Chamber and in good standing
• Establish and strengthen contact with new, existing, and potential Chamber members
• Participate in Chamber events such as Business After Hours, ribbon cuttings, business birthdays, etc. (2 Chamber events per month)
• Attend quarterly Ambassador meetings

Benefits Include:

• Valuable networking opportunities
• Free admission to Business After Hours
• Opportunities to win Chamber awards
• Featured on the Ambassador section on Chamber's website and social media

If you’re interested in joining this group, please fill out the Ambassador application below. Applications are due by Friday, February 13. Submitted applications do not guarantee acceptance to the Chamber Ambassador program. All applications will be reviewed by the Chamber’s Executive Committee, and all applicants will be notified of their acceptance by March 1. 

UPCOMING EVENTS

You’re Invited: February Business After Hours with the Ronald McDonald House Charities of Huntington

Join us for February Business After Hours, hosted by Ronald McDonald House Charities of Huntington. This is a wonderful opportunity to connect with fellow professionals, enjoy refreshments, and learn more about the impactful programs and initiatives that RMHC is leading in our community.

Whether you’re looking to network, strengthen existing connections, or discover ways to support local causes, this Business After Hours promises an engaging evening of conversation, collaboration, and community spirit.

Don’t miss your chance to connect and celebrate the work of RMHC in Huntington!

Join us as we celebrate the ribbon cutting of Kid Fit Barboursville on Monday, January 27, starting at noon! 🎉

Kid Fit is a fun, energetic space where kids can feel empowered to be active, confident, and healthy through engaging fitness activities designed just for them.

Following the ribbon cutting, the community is invited to an open house from noon to 6 p.m., featuring healthy refreshments, free classes, and special coupons for a free week. Stop by, check out the space, meet the team, and see how Kid Fit is making fitness fun for kids of all ages! 💪

Rocky Top’s Pizza is officially cutting the ribbon at its new Pullman Square location—now open inside Old North Bar & Arcade! 


Join us as we welcome this local favorite to downtown Huntington, enjoy free samples, take advantage of special deals, and grab a slice in their fun new space. Come celebrate, support local, and taste what everyone’s been talking about! 

The ribbon cuts on Thursday, February 12 at 4:30 PM. See you there!

MEMBER NEWS

How many calls is your business missing every day?

Each missed call could be a missed opportunity—whether it’s a new customer, a returning client, or an urgent request. The right phone system helps ensure those opportunities don’t slip through the cracks by reducing missed calls, improving internal communication, and supporting scalable growth.

Join Netranom next week with co-host Reinvent Telecom as they break down how modern phone systems can be as simple or as advanced as your business needs.

📅 Wednesday, Jan. 28

⏰ 12:00 PM EST

REGISTER: https://zoom.us/webinar/register/WN_n1K3tvjkQ_a3kbI4DYRnxw

MCTC Offers Personal Branding Workshop

Personal branding isn’t just for influencers.


Join us for Brand Yourself in One Hour and learn how to market yourself with confidence — whether you’re building a business, job hunting, or leveling up your career.


🕑 Wednesday, Jan. 28 | 2 PM

💻 Online via Zoom

👉 Join the workshop here: https://us06web.zoom.us/j/84787651628

The makeup is on, the amps are up, and the legends return. 

The Demon (Barry Burgess, Member, Suttle & Stalnaker, PLLC), The Spaceman (Brad D. Smith, President, Marshall University), The Starchild (Toney Stroud, Chief Legal Officer / Vice President for Strategic Initiatives and Corporate Relations) and The Catman (Jimmy Lundy, Owner, Specialty Systems Electric) take the stage as Hometown KISS delivers a powerful, show-stopping encore performance following DTC’s 10th Annual Local Celebrity Lip-Sync Battle at DTC’s 25th Annual Valentine Celebration. 

From the first beat to the final cheer, this unforgettable performance will have the crowd ready to shout it out loud, leaving the audience on its feet and buzzing long after the lights go down. It’s the ultimate exclamation point on a night filled with excitement and community spirit, turning the celebration into a full-blown rock city.



Don’t miss the performance everyone will be talking about, an unforgettable finale that helps support the essential therapy services DTC provides to children and adults with disabilities across our community.



🎸 Purchase your table at https://dtchuntington.org/2026-valentine-celebration/, or learn more by contacting DTC at 304-523-1164 or info@dtchuntington.org.

We are thrilled to invite you to join us at Marshall University's Spring Career Fair on Wednesday, February 25, 2026, where you’ll have the opportunity to connect with exceptional students and alumni ready to contribute to your organization’s success. At Marshall University, we take pride in preparing students who are not only academically equipped but also embody the values of determination, resilience, and innovation. Our students:

• Come from diverse academic backgrounds, with strong representation in business, technology, healthcare, engineering, and liberal arts.
• Value hard work and are known for their strong sense of community, honed by our university’s heritage in the heart of Appalachia.
• Are actively seeking internships, co-ops, and full-time positions to bring fresh ideas and a dynamic perspective to your organization.

Why Recruit at Marshall University?

• Our students are ready to contribute across industries nationwide, bringing a unique work ethic grounded in problem-solving and creativity.
• Marshall fosters an inclusive, hands-on learning environment, ensuring our graduates have the skills and adaptability to succeed in today’s ever-changing workforce.
• West Virginia offers more than scenic beauty; our students are eager to showcase the talent and drive that make them stand out.



Don’t miss this opportunity to connect with over 1,000 students eager to bring value to your organization. Secure your spot today to experience why our students are a perfect fit for your hiring needs.

Corporations: $325 | Non-profit organizations and government agencies: $200

REGISTER HERE: https://app.joinhandshake.com/career_fairs/654fc0b3-2f6e-44ce-a551-7bc45067abf6/employer_preview

Registration deadline: Feb 20, 2026 (or as soon as we sell out)

Your organization’s registration for the career fair includes admittance for two representatives. There is a required $20 fee for admittance for an additional representative. No more than four representatives are permitted admittance per table. If you require additional representatives to attend, you must purchase an additional table ($200) for the fair.

Moving forward, we have decided to restrict participation in our career fair by outside graduate school programs unless the particular program in question is not available at Marshall University.

Career Fair Timeline:

• Set-up: 10:00 AM - 11:30 AM
• Lunch (provided): 10:30 AM - 11:45 AM
• Career Fair: 12:00 PM - 4:00 PM
• Take Down: 4:00 PM - 4:30 PM 



We’d love to answer any questions you might have or provide more details about the event. Please don’t hesitate to reach out at jennifer.brown@marshall.edu or 304-696-2370. We look forward to welcoming you to Marshall University!

Experienced manufacturing professionals who are interested in making the career transition to teaching now have a new resource to connect them to job opportunities in West Virginia.

Marshall Advanced Manufacturing Center (MAMC) has launched the TrainWV Instructor Network(www.trainwv.org), an online portal where individuals can submit information about their qualifications and experience. 


It takes less than five minutes to join the TrainWV Instructor Network, according to MAMC Director Derek Scarbro.


“Schools across our region often struggle to hire qualified instructors to teach machining, welding, robotics, industrial maintenance and other manufacturing-related classes,” Scarbro said. “Meanwhile, those considering a new career in education often don’t know where to turn. The TrainWV Instructor Network is built to bridge this divide.”


Career and technical education teaching positions, particularly in high-demand fields, can be challenging to fill, as many qualified individuals are working in industry and may be unaware of teaching opportunities, said James Coble with the West Virginia Department of Education’s Office of Career and Technical Education, adding that when positions remain unfilled, student access to these programs can be limited, and a school’s ability to launch or expand such programs may be delayed.


Professionals looking for full- or part-time positions are encouraged to join the TrainWV InstructorNetwork, including retirees, those nearing retirement and out-of-state residents who want to return home to West Virginia to share their knowledge and experience with the next-generation workforce, Scarbro said.


MAMC will only share individuals’ information with schools hiring for manufacturing-related programs. 

More information is available at www.trainwv.org, including video testimonials from MAMC instructors sharing details about their journeys to teaching and the rewards of shaping the minds of today’s and tomorrow’s modern manufacturing workforce across West Virginia.

Valley Health Systems, Inc. is now accepting applications for $17,000 in post-secondary scholarships through its annual Valley Health Cokey Muth Registered Nurse Scholarship and Valley Health Minority Healthcare Scholarships.

The Cokey Muth Registered Nurse Scholarship honors the legacy of the late Cokey Muth, RN, a longtime Valley Health Board Member and dedicated advocate for compassionate, patient-centered care. One scholarship of up to $2,000 will be awarded to an applicant who is enrolled in or accepted into an accredited registered nurse program. Applicants must have received care from a Valley Health provider within the past 24 months.

The Valley Health Minority Healthcare Scholarships, now in their fifth year, will award three scholarships of up to $5,000 each to individuals pursuing careers in medicine, health sciences, or healthcare administration. The program was established to help build a more diverse and representative healthcare workforce. Special consideration is given to applicants who have been seen by a Valley Health provider within the past 24 months.

“Supporting students as they prepare for meaningful careers in healthcare is one of the most impactful ways we can serve our communities,” said Dr. Mathew Weimer, President and CEO of Valley Health Systems. “These scholarships reflect our long-standing commitment to education, opportunity, and ensuring that future healthcare professionals are equipped to meet the needs of the patients and communities they will serve.”

The application deadline for all scholarships is March 27, 2026.

Applications are available at valleyhealth.org

The West Virginia Film Office is inviting residents, business owners, and educators to help grow the state’s film industry through several free initiatives. Property owners can list their locations in the state’s official directory to attract film productions, while local crew members and support services are encouraged to register for upcoming project opportunities. Additionally, the office is highlighting "Teen Screen," a partnership providing middle and high school teachers with free regionally-made films and educational resources to enhance classroom learning. To learn more about pitching TV ideas or exploring West Virginia’s 5,000+ filming locations, visit westvirginia.gov/wvfilm.

Young Illustrator’s Contest Winners Event at HMA Rescheduled to Feb. 3, 2026, at 6 p.m.

The winners of the Young Illustrator’s Contest presented by The Cabell County Reading Council will be recognized at the Huntington Museum of Art on Tuesday, Feb. 3, 2026, at 6 p.m. Light refreshments will be served. (This event has been rescheduled from Jan. 27 because of impending inclement weather.)

“For several years HMA has been displaying the artwork by the winners in The Young Illustrator’s Contest in the Education Gallery,” said HMA Director of Education Cindy Dearborn. “We will continue to display the winning artworks and, for the second year in a row, also honor the young artists in person.”

The Young Illustrator’s Contest, which has been taking place for more than 25 years, honors one student in each grade from kindergarten through 12th grade.

For more information about membership or programs at HMA, call (304) 529-2701. HMA is fully accessible.

West Virginia residents may obtain a summary of the registration and financial documents from the Secretary of State, State Capitol, Charleston, WV 25305. Registration does not imply endorsement.

Upcoming Events at Marshall Health Network Arena

DIGIT3 Is Here To Help!

JPMorganChase Hosting Two Financial Health Workshops Next Week

8th Street Barber Shop is Hiring!

Position: Licensed Barber

Location: 418 8th Street Huntington, WV 25701 



Description: We are seeking a licensed barber to join our team at 8th Street Barbershop. We’ve spent the last ten years building a strong reputation and are looking for someone who takes pride in their work and their space. This is a booth-rent position. The ideal candidate is self-motivated, maintains a clean station, delivers consistent, high-quality work, and works well in a professional shop environment.

How to Apply:

Licensed barbers interested in learning more can email Jordan (shop owner) at djwalker517@gmail.com to start the conversation and email their portfolio.

BDY Cycle Instructor Training

BDY's Indoor Cycling Training Program is designed to introduce the fundamentals of teaching a rhythm-based, interval-driven cycling experience. During this 4-hour cycle instructor training, participants can expect to be trained on the following topics:

•Educate students on proper set up and safety for beat-driven cycling classes

•Illustrate acceptable hand positions and choreography to be utilized in beat-driven cycling classes

•Develop students' motivational techniques to inspire riders through their indoor cycling experience

•Establishing a relationship with music, beat and playlist creation

•Coaching beyond technical cues

•Introduction to voice and using a microphone

•Demonstrate the proper body mechanics for indoor cycling on a beat-driven basis

•A comprehensive manual and study guide

•Certificate of Completion

The training will be held on Saturday, January 31, from 12-4 p.m. with Jonathan Cline and Makenzie Stacy, senior BDY Cycle instructors. There will be a short break for snacks/etc.

Investment: $269



(Certification is based on completion of program and demonstration. Participation in this program is neither an offer nor a guarantee of employment as a BDY Cycle instructor).

Drop into BDY for just $13



THIRTEEN years of movement, community, and sweat 💫 January is almost over, so come see us for just $13 while you still can. Celebrate our 13-year anniversary with us with a $13 drop-ins (excluding Reformer Pilates Classes) until the end of the month! 🎉 If you’ve been meaning to try BDY (or come back home), this is your sign. Let’s move together!

Galentine’s plans = Secured 💖

Besties. Candles. Perfume.

🕯️ Make a custom candle

🌸 Blend your own perfume roller

✨ $48 Galentine’s special

📅 Feb 5–8 only

Seats are limited & you don’t wanna miss this!

🎶 Supporting Recovery Point West Virginia — and celebrating the healing power of music, where every note makes a difference🎶

Mark your calendar for Harmonies for Hope 2026, returning February 28 at 7:30 p.m. at the Clay Center for the Arts & Sciences of West Virginia!

This special event benefits Recovery Point West Virginia, and brings together an incredible lineup — Tommy Prine, John Inghram Band, Philip Bowen, The Local Honeys, Rory Isaac, Leah Cook, Bryan Roberts, and Woodbine — for a night of music and storytelling that will stay with you long after the final note.

Harmonies for Hope is more than a concert. It's a celebration of recovery, resilience, and community. Every ticket directly supports Recovery Point West Virginia’s life-changing, no-cost programs for individuals and families on the path to healing.

🎟 Tickets are on sale now:

👉 https://secure.theclaycenter.org/20811/20812

The Tri-State Arts Association would like to encourage chamber members to come to our reception on March 22, from 2-4 PM. Come see more than 60 original juried artworks from local artists (WV, OH, KY) in a show that runs from March 21 to June 21 at the Huntington Museum of Art. Artwork will be for sale, too.

As you begin preparing your 2025-2026 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.

The Monday Morning Memo is Generously Sponsored by

Thank You to Our Trustee Members

Thank You to Our Investor Members

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