CHAMBER NEWS

The Huntington Regional Chamber of Commerce was thrilled to help celebrate Prestera Health Services' new location in Milton with a ribbon cutting last week!

As the largest behavioral health provider in West Virginia, Prestera specializes in helping individuals who have co-existing diagnoses, meaning they serve people who have mental health, substance use, and physical health needs in an integrated care approach. Their mission to inspire healing, health, and wellness across our communities has never been more important, and it is truly an honor to help them celebrate this new location in Cabell County.

To learn more about Prestera and their services, visit their website at https://prestera.org/ and check out the full photo gallery from the ribbon cutting at the button below!

🛍️ Shop Local. Win Local. ONE WEEK LEFT!

Supporting local businesses has never been more rewarding! For the next four weeks, the Huntington Regional Chamber of Commerce will give away $500 in business gift cards each week to one lucky shopper who supports our local business community.

Here's How to Enter:



✅ Spend $25 or more at any Huntington Regional Chamber member business in Cabell or Wayne counties. Check out our online directory for ideas on where to shop: www.business.huntingtonchamber.org/member-directory

✅ Post a public photo on Facebook or Instagram showing your purchase (your receipt, your items, or a photo with the business owner all count!)

✅ Tag the Huntington Regional Chamber of Commerce in your post.

✅ Follow the Chamber on both Facebook and Instagram.

⭐ Bonus Entry: Shop at a local business in #DowntownHuntington and receive one extra entry!

The first winner will be randomly selected on Monday, July 27, with additional winners announced each Monday through August 17.

Every purchase you make supports local jobs, strengthens our economy, and helps our community thrive. Get out there, discover your favorite small businesses, and show us your #LocalLoyalty! 💙🛍️

CHAMBER EVENTS

Join the Huntington Regional Chamber of Commerce as we celebrate the grand opening of Barnes & Noble College!

Be part of this exciting milestone as we officially welcome the new campus bookstore to the community. Whether you're a student, faculty member, alumni, or simply a book lover, we invite you to join us for the celebration and help mark this special occasion.



Following the ribbon cutting, all shoppers will receive 10% off their purchase. We hope to see you there!

Join the Huntington Regional Chamber of Commerce as we celebrate the ribbon-cutting of Sun Tan City's newest location in Barboursville!

Providing spray tan and tanning bed services, Sun Tan City prides itself on empowering its customers year-round through one tan at a time.Come out, meet the team and congratulate the Sun Tan City team!

Join business and community leaders for an informational overview of the proposed wastewater infrastructure initiative between the City of Huntington and West Virginia American Water.

Attendees will hear directly from project representatives, learn how the proposal is structured, and have an opportunity to ask questions. Registration is limited to 30 people. A free lunch will be provided for those in attendance.

The State of the Valley, presented by Meeks Rentals & Leasing, enters its fourth year as an exciting event, collaboratively hosted by the Charleston Regional, Huntington Regional, and Putnam County Chambers of Commerce. 

The State of the Valley offers a comprehensive look at the challenges and opportunities shaping the region’s economic and community landscape. As the area continues to evolve, leaders from business, government, and civic organizations are working together to address workforce needs, infrastructure improvements, and quality-of-life enhancements. The event serves as a platform for dialogue on regional priorities, economic development strategies, and cross-county collaboration, aiming to foster a more connected and prosperous future for all communities in the Valley.

Interested in sponsorships? Contact the Charleston Regional Chamber at (304) 340-4253, Huntington Regional Chamber at (304) 525-5131, or the Putnam County Chamber at (304) 757-6510.

Join the Huntington Regional Chamber of Commerce in celebrating 3 decades of Woodlands Retirement Community!

Woodlands Retirement Community is a nonprofit LifeCare community dedicated to helping older adults live with confidence, connection, and peace of mind. Nestled on a beautiful 171-acre hilltop campus near Huntington, Woodlands offers independent living and assisted living services, along with the security of a comprehensive LifeCare plan. Residents enjoy maintenance-free living, chef-prepared dining, engaging social opportunities, and a welcoming community where friendships flourish and support is available for the future.

Come out, meet the team and congratulate Woodlands on 30 years of business!

Join the Nonprofit Roundtable for a half-day workshop led by Sara Blevins O'Toole of Branches Domestic Violence Shelter. This two-part hands on workshop equips nonprofit professionals with practical skills to strengthen teamwork, lead effective work groups, and build engagement.


Through interactive activities and real-world problem solving, participants will gain tools to make meetings more productive and collaboration more impactful.

Lunch will be provided.Note: A $15 No-Show Fee will apply to those who do not cancel within 48 hours.

Get ready to rewind! Join us for the Huntington Regional Chamber of Commerce's 2026 Business After Hours Expo, presented by C.J. Hughes Construction, on Thursday, September 24, from 5–8 p.m. at the Marshall Health Network Arena Convention Center.

This year's Totally 80's Rewind theme brings all the neon, nostalgia, and fun of the decade to one unforgettable evening of networking. Chamber members will showcase their businesses with 80s-themed booths, and attendees are encouraged to dress in their favorite retro attire.



Whether you're looking to discover local businesses, make new connections, or simply enjoy a fun night out, this event is the perfect opportunity to network, grow your business, and celebrate our vibrant business community. 

MEMBER NEWS

Get an inside look at the transformation underway along Fourth Avenue and the future taking shape in Marshall University’s IDEA District.

The details:

• When: 1–2:30 p.m. Tuesday, Aug. 11
• Where: Brad D. Smith Center for Business and Innovation
• What: A short program, networking reception and guided district tour

Join us to explore what’s next for Marshall and the Fourth Avenue community.

RSVP: Please Email Ashley Killingsworth - ashley.killingsworth@marshall.edu

First Ascent is a grant-funded, two-year initiative designed to help recent graduates from Marshall University and West Virginia University launch meaningful careers and build lasting connections in West Virginia. A key aspect of First Ascent is our Mentorship Program, wherein a seasoned professional, such as yourself, will pair with a First Ascent member to provide mentorship for three months.

Minimum time commitment: one 60-minute meeting, virtual or in-person, once per month and weekly touch-points via calls, texts, or emails.

Mentorship opportunities will be offered twice a year, this round will run from mid September to mid December. A virtual orientation session with all mentors and mentees will begin each session. The 3-month program will have curriculum materials that can be used to guide conversations and interactions. Mentors can use their own experience and knowledge to supplement this information. 

If you are interested in becoming a mentor for a First Ascent member, please fill out the form linked below. We can't wait to get you involved! If you have questions about the mentorship program, please reach out to us at First_Ascent@mail.wvu.edu.

The Office of Career Education at Marshall University will be hosting a Part-Time Job Fair, scheduled for Thursday, August 13

This event is a great opportunity to connect with students as they arrive on campus and begin seeking employment opportunities for the academic year. Engaging with students early can help you build your talent pipeline and identify strong candidates before the semester gets fully underway. There is no cost to attend, but space is limited. We encourage you to register as soon as possible to reserve your spot.

The Hilltop Book Fair will take place on Saturday, Aug. 15, 2026, from 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. and on Sunday, Aug. 16, 2026, from noon to 5 p.m. at the Huntington Museum of Art. Hilltop Book Fair is a fundraiser for the Huntington Museum of Art. Admission is $5 on Saturday, Aug. 15, and free on Sunday, Aug. 16. 

Volunteers and HMA staff members sort and arrange the used books by categories prior to the Hilltop Book Fair.  

Book prices on Saturday, Aug. 15, will be $1 for each children’s book; $2 for each paperback book; and $3 for each hardcover book. On Sunday, Aug. 16, from noon to 5 p.m. you can fill a box with books for $10. HMA will provide the boxes for this special deal. 

HMA cannot accept any additional books for this year’s Hilltop Book Fair after Aug. 2. HMA asks those wishing to donate used books after Aug. 2 to wait until September 2026 to deliver those used books to the loading dock behind the Museum. Hilltop Book Fair is sponsored by the West Virginia Department of Tourism through its West Virginia Fairs & Festivals grant program. 

For more information on events and membership at HMA, visit www.hmoa.org or call (304) 529-2701.

If you live in, drive through, or care about Huntington’s Highlawn neighborhood, take

this survey to share your opinion on what shops, restaurants, and gathering spots are

most needed. Tell us how to make Highlawn an even better place to live, visit, work, and

do business. Your answers shape our economic plan.

Join the Marshall Quarterback Club for a Reverse Raffle!

• August 15th
• Marshall Health Network Arena
• Four Marshall Alumni that played in the NFL will have a keynote session with Keith Morehouse
• Comments from Gerald Harrison Marshall AD
• Chances to win money in the raffle.
• Silent and live auction items all evening. 
• Tickets are $225.00/each

Email for tickets - Mark.George@anheuser-busch.com or Mshockley@uptownerinns.com 

Join us at Sandy Ridge starting August 19^th for 8 days of family friendly fun! 🙂 FREE entry for ALL ages! Enjoy different themed days, food trucks, drinks, and even a FREE petting zoo from Honey Hill Farm! Make sure to come and join us on the last day of Racing on September 6 to celebrate the conclusion of the first year of Sandy Ridge!. Full event schedule at the button below!

As local youth sports travel seasons kick into high gear, Mountain State Movement is helping parents, coaches, and league directors put safety first.

When an injury or emergency occurs on an unfamiliar field or court, every second counts. Knowing the exact venue address, assigning roles, and having clear 911 scripts ready can make all the difference.

To support our local athletic community, Dr. Spencer Wilson at Mountain State Movement has created a simple, downloadable Youth Sports Emergency Action Plan (EAP). Designed for travel teams and local leagues, this free tool helps team managers fill out critical field details, emergency roles, and 911 scripts before game day.

• Who it’s for: Youth coaches, team managers, league coordinators, and sports parents.
• What’s included: Fillable fields for personnel roles (Charge, Call, Gate, Equipment), exact 911 verbatim scripts, and critical safety locations.

High-level performance requires high-level preparation. Download your copy below!

🚗 Coming Soon: The Big Car Wash!

Big Brothers Big Sisters of the Tri-State is excited to announce The Big Car Wash, presented by Victory Toyota in partnership with the Woody Williams Center for Advanced Learning!

Join us on Saturday, August 29, from 10:00 a.m. to 2:30 p.m. for a fun-filled community event benefiting local youth mentoring programs.

We're currently seeking sponsors! Sponsorships include the opportunity to bring a team of enthusiastic volunteers to help wash cars throughout the day while supporting the life-changing mission of Big Brothers Big Sisters. To learn more about sponsorship opportunities, please email agreen@bbbstristate.org. Help us make a BIG impact—one car wash at a time!

Join us in supporting Fit Fest 2026, a community-wide celebration of health, wellness, and active living that honors the legacy of Dr. Paul Ambrose while raising funds for the continued maintenance and expansion of the Paul Ambrose Trail for Health (PATH).

This year's event will bring together hundreds of participants and families for a day of fun and fitness, featuring a 5K race around Ritter Park, a Kids Fun Run, Bike Rodeo, wellness activities, community exhibits, and more. Fit Fest serves as both a community gathering and an important fundraiser that helps the PATH Foundation promote, maintain, and secure funding for future trail improvements and expansion projects throughout the City.

Dr. Paul Ambrose, a Marshall University medical graduate, dedicated his career to improving public health and combating obesity. In recognition of his commitment to healthier communities, the Paul Ambrose Trail for Health trail system was dedicated in his honor in 2008. Today, Fit Fest continues that mission by encouraging active lifestyles and expanding access to safe recreational opportunities for residents of all ages.

Use the QR Codes above to register for the 5K race or become a Sponsor/Vendor at this year’s event! By becoming a sponsor, your organization will gain valuable community exposure while demonstrating a commitment to health, wellness, and quality of life in our region. Your support helps ensure that PATH remains a lasting community asset for generations to come.

For more information about Fit Fest 2026, including sponsorship opportunities, please contact planningdept@huntingtonwv.gov or call the Planning Department at 304-696-5540, option 3.

You may not be thinking about your business's next chapter yet. That's exactly why now is the time to start planning for it.The highest-value businesses aren't built in the months before an owner exits- they're built over years of intentional leadership and smart decision-making.

Hosted by Marshall University's Center for Innovation and Entrepreneurship (iCenter), the Business Value Builders Summit Presented by Edward Jones is designed to help business owners increase business value, strengthen leadership, and prepare for whatever comes next.

Thursday, September 17 12:00–5:00 p.m. Dutch Miller Deck at Joan C. Edwards Stadium

Whether your goal is to grow, transition, or eventually sell your business, you'll leave with practical ideas you can put to work immediately.

Dolly Parton's Smoky Mountain Christmas Carol will bring its heartwarming holiday magic to the historic Keith-Albee Performing Arts Center on Tuesday, November 17 at 7:00 pm. Tickets go on sale Friday, August 7 at noon and will be available at keithalbee.com. 

Presented by Right Angle Entertainment and Paul T. Couch, Dolly Parton's Smoky Mountain Christmas Carol is a new holiday musical featuring music and lyrics by eleven-time GRAMMY Award winner Dolly Parton and a book by David H. Bell. Set in the 1930s in the Smoky Mountains of East Tennessee, the production reimagines Charles Dickens' beloved A Christmas Carol as the story of a hardened mining company owner whose life is transformed after a Christmas Eve visit from three spirits. Filled with unforgettable characters, Appalachian charm, and Dolly Parton's signature storytelling, the production delivers a fresh take on a timeless holiday classic.

Perfect for audiences of all ages, the family-friendly musical blends beloved themes of hope, redemption, and the true spirit of Christmas with an original score inspired by the warmth, love, and traditions of the Smoky Mountains. Combining Dickens' classic tale with Dolly Parton's one-of-a-kind songwriting, the production creates a holiday experience that is both nostalgic and new, making it the perfect show to share with family and friends this Christmas season.

Recommended for ages 8 and up, Dolly Parton's Smoky Mountain Christmas Carol is an uplifting holiday musical filled with memorable songs, heartfelt storytelling, and the enduring message that love is the greatest gift of all.

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.

Thank You to Our Trustee Members

Thank You to Our Investor Members

Contact Us | Membership | Resources