CHAMBER NEWS

The wait is over! It's time to roll out the red carpet for the 2026 Annual Dinner Presented by The Thrasher Group on Thursday, April 30, at the Marshall Health Network Arena. Inspired by the glamour of Hollywood, this premier evening will feature meaningful networking, local cuisine, unique activities, and live entertainment. Get ready for an elegant night where business takes center stage!

THURSDAY, APRIL 30 | MARSHALL HEALTH NETWORK ARENA | DOORS OPEN AT 4:30 PM

UPCOMING EVENTS

You’re invited to join us for a ribbon-cutting ceremony celebrating the opening of our new Huntington office. The ceremony will begin at 10:00 AM on Friday, May 1, at the new office building, with a reception to follow at the Brad D. Smith Center for Business and Innovation.

Employ & Empower equips workplace leaders & HR professionals with the knowledge & tools to recognize domestic violence, respond with care, & create policies that protect & support employees.

Featuring a special “how-to” and guidelines discussion that allows participants to walk away with practical strategies to make their workplaces safer & more trauma-responsive for survivors.

Note: A $15 no-show fee will apply to registrants who do not attend and do not cancel at least 24 hours in advance.

MEMBER NEWS

Valley Health Systems, Inc. is announcing key leadership transitions within its Family Medicine, Internal Medicine, and Pediatrics sections, recognizing years of dedicated service while welcoming new physician leaders who will help guide the organization forward.

After more than a decade of leadership, Dr. Scott Davis has stepped down from his role as Section Chief of Family Medicine and Internal Medicine, a position he held from 2016 to 2026. Dr. Davis will continue to serve patients as a valued member of the clinical team.

Stepping into the role of Section Chief for Family Medicine and Internal Medicine is Dr. Ben Allan. Dr. Allan brings extensive leadership experience, including prior service as a Family Medicine Section Chief at SMMC, along with a strong background in financial management and academic medicine as an Adjunct Clinical Professor with Marshall University’s Physician Assistant Program.

Valley Health is pleased to announce that Dr. Melanie Winnings has accepted the role of Section Chief for Pediatrics. Dr. Winnings joined Valley Health in 2024 and brings more than 20 years of pediatric experience, along with strong clinical leadership and operational expertise.

Read the full press release at the button below!

The Huntington Museum of Art will host a public astronomy talk on Tuesday, April 28, 2026, at 6:30 p.m. when NASA Solar System Ambassador Ellie White presents “Calling ETs – The Search for Life Beyond Earth.” Admission to this 4th Tuesday Tour event is free. Light refreshments will be available.

“We enjoy when NASA Solar System Ambassador Ellie White brings an astronomy event to the Huntington Museum of Art,” said Cindy Dearborn, HMA Education Director. “This free and fun presentation is open to people of all ages.”

This project is supported with financial assistance from the West Virginia Department of Tourism and the National Endowment for the Arts, with approval of the West Virginia Commission on the Arts.

Tuesdays are free admission days at HMA. Tuesday hours are 10 a.m. to 8 p.m. For more information about membership and events at the Huntington Museum of Art, visit hmoa.org or call (304) 529-2701. HMA is fully accessible.

Be sure to shop for a great cause at the 23^rd Annual Empty Bowls event on Friday, May 1^st from 10 am - 3 pm at the Pullman Square Gazebo. Presented by Marshall University School of Art & Design, nearly 1,000 unique hand-crafted ceramic bowls will be on display for purchase at $20 each. Buy one or start a collection.



Proceeds benefit Facing Hunger Foodbank in support of the organization's fight against hunger.

Summer camps focused on ceramics, art, nature, and more will return to the Huntington Museum of Art beginning in June. Camp registration begins online on www.hmoa.org on Friday, May 1, 2026. 

“Parents and students can make summer plans before May 1 by browsing through online summer camp descriptions on the Huntington Museum of Art website,” said HMA Director of Education Cindy Dearborn. “Parents can locate the Education tab on the home page of the hmoa.org website and select Summer Camps from the menu to see everything that is being offered this summer.”

Beginning on May 1 at 10 a.m. parents may register online at www.hmoa.org/education/camps/ 

Limited spaces are available on a first-come, first-served basis. There are no refunds for cancellations.

Those with questions about summer camps may contact HMA Education Director Cindy Dearborn at (304) 529-2701, Ext. 321.

Enrollment must be completed two weeks before the summer camp begins. HMA cannot make any exceptions for ages or grades. Camps are divided into grades that campers have already completed.

For more information on membership or education programs at HMA, visit hmoa.org or call (304) 529-2701. HMA is fully accessible.

Join us at Sandy's Racing & Gaming Saturday, May 2^nd as we celebrate the 152nd Kentucky Derby! Enjoy live music, a 360-photo booth, derby hat contest, hobby horse race, and more!

All with chances to win free play prizes! 

Downtown Huntington’s summer blooms are made possible by you.

Our Adopt-a-Pot campaign helps bring hundreds of pots and hanging baskets to the city each year.

For $150, you can sponsor a pot and have your name or business displayed alongside the flowers, including this year’s patriotic red, white, and blue displays honoring America’s 250th Birthday. In celebration of America’s 250th Birthday, 𝒚𝒐𝒖 𝒄𝒂𝒏 𝒑𝒖𝒓𝒄𝒉𝒂𝒔𝒆 𝒕𝒘𝒐 𝒑𝒐𝒕𝒔 𝒇𝒐𝒓 $250.

Learn more: https://www.huntingtoninbloom.org/donation

Marshal Health Network Arena and Convention Center located in Huntington, WV is seeking a General Manager to be responsible for overall management, promotion and operation of the facility including purchasing, booking, marketing, finance, human resources, food and beverage, box office, advertising, security, production, maintenance, and related operations. Learn more and apply at the button below!

Because of our partnership with the West Virginia Manufacturers Association, members of the Huntington Regional Chamber of Commerce have been invited to participate in their upcoming Manufacturing & Energy Growth Summit May 4-5, 2026, at the Charleston Coliseum and Convention Center. 

You don’t want to miss this opportunity to join in the conversation, hear valuable information related to energy and the growth of manufacturing, and network with peers in the industry.

Please register at the WVMA member rate ($275). You can view the agenda and register here or at the button below!

Mountwest is offering a Networking Practicum class that begins on May 12th. The class can be completed via Hi-Flex, which means you have the option to attend in person or via Teams/ Zoom. 

The networking practicum course is designed for intermediate to advanced IT professionals who want to be immersed in a completely lab-based environment. The course will explore a multitude of technologies, such as Microsoft Exchange and SharePoint, Microsoft and VMware virtualization technologies, Remote Desktop Services, as well as enterprise wireless technologies. 

Since May 4, 1896, Children’s Home Society has been dedicated to caring for children and supporting families across our community. This year, we are proud to celebrate 130 years of service and invite the community to join us for our Annual Carnival for Kids!

📅 Friday, May 15, 2026

⏰ 4:00 PM – 7:00 PM

📍 Children’s Home Society, 203 6th Avenue, Huntington, WV

This free family-friendly community event will feature hot dogs, popcorn, Austin’s Homemade Ice Cream, games, prizes, and more!

Sponsorship & Volunteer Opportunities Available

Businesses and organizations are invited to support this special event by sponsoring a gaming station, volunteering at one of our activity booths, or bringing a game of your own to engage with families throughout the evening. Sponsorship opportunities help provide life-changing experiences for children while showcasing your organization’s commitment to the community and its youth. 

Call our office at 681-378-2530 for further details.

Bring the whole family and help us celebrate 130 years of making a difference in the lives of children and families. All families are welcome! We look forward to celebrating with our community!

🚀 Join Us for the 2025 Tri-State Metal Tech Expo! 🏗️🔩 Don't miss the region’s premier B2B networking event on April 10th in Huntington! Meet industry leaders, explore new supply chain opportunities, and take your business to the next level.

• Machine shops, fabricators, welders, coating/finishing operations
• Suppliers or service providers to manufacturing companies
• Or entrepreneurs who *could* plug into the industrial supply chain

This is a prime chance to make real connections with larger companies actively looking for vendors.

Register at the button below!

The Huntington Children’s Museum (HCM) is proud to announce a new initiative designed to further its commitment to accessibility and inclusion: foster families can now receive discounted admission of just $2 per person for both children and adults.

This new offering ensures that foster families have greater access to the Museum’s hands-on exhibits and play-based learning experiences. The discount applies to the entire family and can be accessed by presenting a Placement Letter or Medicaid Authorization Form at the front desk.

“We believe every child deserves a place where they feel seen, supported, and inspired,” said Raine Klover, Executive Director. “Foster families provide incredible care and stability, and we are honored to offer a space where they can connect, explore, and simply enjoy time together."

This program builds on HCM’s ongoing efforts to make the museum accessible to all families, including its participation in the Museums for All program, which provides families who receive SNAP or WIC benefits with discounted admission of $2 per person, as well as other community partnerships that reduce financial barriers to entry.

The Huntington Children’s Museum, located at 1700 Washington Avenue in Huntington, WV, is open Wednesday through Sunday from 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. and welcomes children and their grown-ups to explore, create, and discover through play. The Museum is designed with accessibility in mind, featuring a handicap-accessible entrance, an adult-size changing table, and thoughtfully created spaces that support a wide range of needs. HCM also offers sensory-friendly resources and experiences, including sensory bags, quiet areas, and dedicated sensory-friendly events, ensuring that neurodivergent guests and their families feel comfortable and supported during their visit.

For more information, visit hcmkids.org or contact Raine Klover at rklover@hcmkids.org

Love is in the air and just one month away! DTC's 25th Annual Valentine Celebration is set for Saturday, May 30, 2026, and it's shaping up to be the most spectacular evening yet.

Though the season has changed, the experience hasn't. Expect the same stunning Valentine theme, elegant décor, and black-tie atmosphere you've been looking forward to. Join us at Willow Ridge Events for a night filled with a decadent dinner, open bar, silent auction, Dessert Dash, and a Lip-Sync Battle featuring some of our community's most beloved faces. The VIP Reception kicks off at 5:30 PM, with main festivities beginning at 6:30 PM. Guests are invited to dress in black-tie optional attire. 

Trust us, you won't want to miss a moment!

Best of all, every ticket supports the vital therapy services DTC provides to children and adults with disabilities in our community. Reservations are 50% tax-deductible, making your night a gift that gives back. Secure your seats today and get ready to celebrate 25 years of heart, purpose, and community!

Grab your tickets at the button below!

The Marshall Advanced Manufacturing Center (MAMC) has announced dates for its popular series of summer camps that engage students in learning through a series of engaging hands-on exercises in the areas of Science, Technology, Engineering and Math (STEM).

This year’s STEMventure: Explore Beyond camps will run from 9 a.m. to 2 p.m. daily. Locations and dates are:

• Cabell County: June 1-5 at Marshall Advanced Manufacturing Center, 1050 4th Ave., Huntington
• Kanawha County: June 15-19 at Marshall Advanced Manufacturing Center, 100 Angus E. Peyton Drive, South Charleston
• Mason County: July 6-10 at Point Pleasant Intermediate School, 1 Walden Roush Way, Point Pleasant
• Putnam County: July 20-24 at Putnam Career & Technical Center, 300 Roosevelt Blvd, Eleanor
• Wayne County: July 27-31 at Spring Valley Career Technical & Academic Center, 1640 Spring Valley Drive, Huntington

During the camps, young innovators will design their own creations and manufacture them using MAMC’s advanced technologies that include 3D printers and lasers. Campers will learn how to take an idea from concept through the design and manufacturing processes. In addition, they will learn to program and operate robotics systems.

Campers also will learn about careers in manufacturing and tour a local company for an up-close look at modern manufacturing. Each camp will culminate with a mini maker fest during which campers will demonstrate their custom creations for family and friends.

Camps in Cabell and Kanawha counties are open to individuals ages 11 to 17. Students need not be residents of either county to attend. The cost is $200 per camper.

The Mason County camp is open to and free for 10- to 14-year-old Mason County students. Register by contacting the Mason County Career Center at 304-675-3039 or stephen.richardson@k12.wv.us.

Thanks to a donation from the board of education, the Wayne County camp is free to youth 11 to 17 years old who attend county schools.

The Putnam County camp is open to upcoming high school freshmen who will attend county schools in the fall. The cost is $50 per camper.

Camps costs include all supplies and lunch each day.

Register your child for a camp with the button below or at www.mfg.marshall.edu/camps.

For more information, contact MAMC Makerspace/STEAM Outreach Coordinator Tyler Brandstetter at tyler.brandstetter@mfg.marshall.edu or 304-781-1624.

Visit the Emerald City with CONTACT Rape Crisis Center for a late summer brunch celebrating the brilliance of the Jewel City. Enjoy brunch, mimosas, a silent auction, and a little sparkle—all while supporting survivors in our community.

Bring a friend (or two!) and join an inspiring group of women and community leaders making a real impact.

This is our only major fundraiser for the year - help us make it count! 

Interested in sponsoring? Contact Elijah Haymond at ehaymond@contacthuntington.com or 304-523-3447. Get your tickets: https://contacthuntington.com/event/emerald/

Pair discounts available!

Teachers, consider this your permission slip to clock out and laugh it off. The Bored Teachers: “Is It Friday Yet?!” Comedy Tour will stop at the Charleston theater on Friday, Septembr 25 with all-new jokes, bigger punchlines, and the kind of classroom chaos you can finally enjoy from the audience.  

Tickets go on sale to the public Monday, April 20 at 10am local, ticketmaster.com or the Coliseum Box Office .Artist presale begins Thursday, April 16 at 4pm local. Sign up to be the first to access the presale at boredteachers.com/comedy-tour.

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Nurse, comedian, and viral sensation Nurse Blake is expanding his, But Did You Die? Comedy Tour to over 35 cities this fall including Charleston, WV at the Theater on October 15. The tour originally launched in 2025 and now spans over 100 shows across the U.S. and Canada.

Nurse Blake – who’s been hailed “a genuine phenomenon” by The New York Times – will return to the Charleston Theater stage with his specialty blend of humor and nursing expertise for a night of laughter, connection, relatability, and pure entertainment.

Tickets On Sale THIS Friday, April 17th at 10am Ticketmaster.com or the Coliseum Box Office

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

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