CHAMBER NEWS

Inaugural State of the Chamber Event Kicks Off 2026

Thank you to everyone who made the inaugural State of the Chamber Annual Meeting & Awards Ceremony a resounding success!

More than 260 attendees gathered at Guyan Golf and Country Club on Tuesday, January 13, to recognize the Chamber's outgoing board members, welcome the new 2026 board members, and honor a select few individuals and businesses for their outstanding work in our community throughout 2025. We were also treated to a fantastic fireside chat on The Business of Belonging between Chamber CEO Megan Archer and Marshall University President Brad D. Smith. The inspiring event was made possible by our presenting sponsor, Nelson Mullins, our partner sponsor, Appalachian Power, and numerous table sponsors. An extra special thanks to the team at Guyan Golf and Country Club, who helped us execute a wonderful event from start to finish. For the entire event photo gallery, click the button below.

Attendees at the State of the Chamber were the first to view the Huntington Regional Chamber's first-ever Annual Report. To view the 2025 Annual Report, click the button below.

We were grateful to see strong media coverage following our State of the Chamber Annual Meeting & Awards Ceremony. Thanks to our media members and partners for helping share the good news about the progress and impact of the Huntington Regional Chamber of Commerce.

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: January Business After Hours with the Keith-Albee Performing Arts Center

Kick off 2026 in style at our January Business After Hours, hosted at the newly reopened Keith-Albee Performing Arts Center! 

After a years-long renovation project, the Keith Albee has been beautifully restored, combining its historic charm with modern upgrades, and is ready to welcome the community back inside. 

This event is a perfect opportunity to connect with fellow professionals, enjoy refreshments, and explore the transformed space while learning more about the programs the venue has planned for the year ahead. As an added treat, the team at the Keith-Albee will be showing a movie on the big screen for attendees to enjoy.

You won't want to miss the first Business After Hours of the year! 

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 Huntington Young Professionals for Meet Up West Virginia: Two Days Left to Register!

Come out and join us for Meet Up West Virginia!

What started as a regional series has grown so quickly that we’re now expanding statewide—bringing together young professionals and leaders from across West Virginia’s business, legal and civic communities.

On January 21, we’ll host Meet Up West Virginia at the West Virginia State University Center during the legislative session. This will be our largest event to date and, to our knowledge, the first statewide legislative reception focused specifically on young professionals, while still engaging the broader statewide business community.

We’ve partnered with organizations and professional groups from all over the state—including Counsel Connections, Huntington Young Professionals, and Up Next Charlie West, to name a few—to make this a truly statewide effort. We’re grateful for the collaboration and support that has helped bring this free event together, and we also thank all of our sponsors listed above for making it possible.

We’re excited to bring everyone together for a night of connection, collaboration, and momentum for West Virginia’s next generation of leaders. All are welcome. Please share with anyone. 

WHERE: West Virginia State University Center, 107 Capitol Street, Charleston, WV

WHEN: January 21

TIME: 5:30–8:00 PM

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! 💪

MEMBER NEWS

The Office of Career Education at Marshall University invites Huntington Regional Chamber of Commerce members to participate in an upcoming Career Fair on Wednesday, February 25, offering employers a prime opportunity to connect directly with Marshall students and alumni seeking internships, part-time roles, and full-time employment.

With spots for 125 employers to attend, the career fair serves as a key talent pipeline for regional organizations looking to recruit motivated, career-ready candidates across a wide range of majors and skill sets. Students attending represent disciplines including business, healthcare, engineering, information technology, education, communications, and the liberal arts.

Why Chamber Members Should Participate

Participation provides employers with:

• Direct access to a diverse pool of emerging talent
• Brand visibility among students preparing to enter the workforce
• Opportunities to promote internships, experiential learning, and entry-level roles
• A chance to strengthen relationships with Marshall University and the local workforce ecosystem

How Employers Can Get Involved

• Register to attend the Career Fair and recruit in person
• Promote job and internship opportunities through Marshall University’s Handshake platform
• Send representatives to network, conduct informal interviews, and share industry insights
• Support student career development by discussing career pathways, skills needs, and hiring timelines

The Office of Career Education works closely with employers to ensure a smooth and impactful recruiting experience, offering support before, during, and after the event.

Event Details

What: Marshall University Career Fair

When: Wednesday, February 25, from 12-4pm

Where: Marshall University Recreation Center

Who Should Attend: Employers recruiting interns, part-time, or full-time talent

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

Employers interested in participating are encouraged to register early to secure space and maximize visibility with students.

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 Huntington Museum of Art will begin accepting registrations on Thursday, Jan. 29, 2026, at 10 a.m. for Spring 2026 classes in ceramics, painting, drawing, and bookmaking. Class sizes are limited and registrations are accepted on a first-come, first-served basis.

To see the entire list of classes being offered, please visit hmoa.org.

“In addition to our classes, we will continue to offer Saturday KidsArt, which is our free weekly art activity for children in kindergarten through fifth grade,” said HMA Director of Education Cindy Dearborn.

There is no need to register for Saturday KidsArt, which takes place each Saturday from 1 to 3 p.m. The first art activity begins at 1 p.m. The second art activity begins at 2 p.m. It is OK to take part in one or both art activities. Admission to Saturday KidsArt is free thanks to the generous sponsorship of Hoops Family Children’s Hospital.



For more information on classes, 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

MCTC to Launch New CNA Program on Jan. 27

Mountwest Community & Technical College is proud to announce the launch of its new Certified Nursing Assistant (CNA) Program, designed to prepare students for rewarding entry-level healthcare careers in just 10 weeks.


Classes will be held Tuesdays and Thursdays from 9:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m., with clinical sessions held during the second half of the program on Mondays and Thursdays from 9:00 a.m. to 4:30 p.m. The program provides hands-on training in patient care, safety procedures, and communication skills to prepare students for employment in hospitals, long-term care facilities, and home health settings.


“There is huge demand for Certified Nursing Assistants in our area and this program will not only help fill that gap but also gives students the opportunity to grow and advance within the healthcare field,” said Rebecca Shalash, Instructor of Allied Health.


Upon successful completion of the CNA program, students will be eligible to take the West Virginia state certification exam. Classes begin on January 27th and financial assistance is also available for those who qualify.


To learn more and to register for the class, visit https://www.mctc.edu/programs/workforce-non-credit/. For program related questions, contact Jenna Vanhoose at parker54@mctc.edu or Rebecca Shalash at finley5@mctc.edu. Limited seats are available.

Brand New YMCA Youth Volleyball League: NOW OPEN!

Get ready to bump, set, and spike! The Huntington YMCA is excited to launch a brand-new youth volleyball program designed to teach fundamentals, build confidence, and promote teamwork in a fun and supportive environment. Kids can sign up as a team or as individuals. League play starts the week of February 9th. This brand new program serves 3rd–12th grade students. Contact dshackelford@huntingtonymca.org to learn more.

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

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).

Make Valentine’s Day unforgettable 💘


VIP Tables for 8 are available for DTC’s 25th Annual Valentine Celebration! Enjoy the VIP reception access, a reserved table, dinner, open bar, entertainment, VIP swag bags, and logo recognition on digital event signage, the event website, and evening program. 

This is the most exclusive way to celebrate while supporting a great cause!



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

🎶 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

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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