On Thursday evening January 22nd, the Wetzel Tyler Chamber of Commerce held a gathering of members at the Meeting House Golf Center on North Street in New Martinsville. Executive Director Sharon Campbell organized the event to welcome members and give them an opportunity to meet and get to know each other. It is the mission of the chamber to better the roles and opportunities for local businesses that will benefit the community.

The local chamber has 169 member organizations that participate in their membership. Those individuals realize that in today’s world, small businesses need all the help they can get to compete on an ever-increasing world market. Director Campbell and her staff work diligently to seek out opportunities in not only the local counties but in the broader market across the country.

At the present time the Chamber partners with several organizations that find and publish job opportunities. Currently they are partnered with Jobs and Hope. They also work with 2nd Chance to give individuals job opportunities that they may not discover on their own.

Each year they organize the Community Award program to recognize individuals within the community whose good works benefit many people and businesses. The chamber also supports and organizes the annual Halloween and Christmas Parades. This annual event brings hundreds to downtown to enjoy the brightly decorated floats, bands, and organizations who bring services to our town. The annual Halloween event saw Main Street filled with a variety of costumes for kids and adults.

Children’s activities are also a big part of the services provided by the Chamber. The Pay-It-Forward is a program designed to help non-profit groups navigate the many services available. EQT sponsors Entrepreneur Pitches for business.

Director Campbell explained that the week of January 26 chamber’s newsletter will be announcing a new incentive to help members better exchange ideas and business ventures.

The evening’s dinner was prepared by Terry’s Catering. The Meeting House Golf Center welcomed in thirty members who exchanged names, and made new connections. It is hoped by the chamber this type of event will build new connections and strengthen small business ties within the community.