The Wetzel County Chamber of Commerce gave its 2017 annual report on Thursday, Jan. 18. The chamber reviewed several of its 2017 events, including the Entrepreneur Pitch, which was won by Cricket Web Services. Pictured is Cricket Web Service’s Mike Scharf with Wetzel County Chamber President Don Riggenbach.

The Wetzel County Chamber of Commerce is 175 members strong, and growing. This growth is evident as four new members were voted in during the chamber’s board of directors business meeting, held just prior to the chamber’s annual membership meeting on Jan. 18. New chamber members include Perry & Associates, Marah Utt, Decades, and Treemendous Tree Trimming.

Chamber President Don Riggenbach explained that more than 20 members were added to the organization in 2017. He noted, “Things are going good.” New members included, but are not limited to, Tina Rush (Certified Health Coach), Shoe Sensation, Mid Valley Healthcare, Wetzel-Tyler Volunteers for Better Reading, United Way, Farmer’s Exchange, Wetzel County Autumn Fest, and Adam Koontz – to name a few.

Riggenbach explained how the Wetzel Commerce park has contributed to the chamber’s economic development funds. The chamber sold acreage in 2016 and currently leases the warehouse on the property, along with adjacent acreage.

These funds aid with the chamber’s revolving loan program. This program makes it possible for community, perhaps struggling, businesses to apply for a loan with small interest. The loans are managed through Wesbanco. A business could apply for as much as approximately $7,500. Those interested can call the chamber at 304-455-3825. It was noted, at the Jan. 18 meeting, that currently one business is utilizing the revolving loan program.

The chamber’s Events & Special Programs Committee planned and hosted several 2017 events, including Community Awards Event, Chili Fest, Christmas Activities, Christmas parade, Christmas tree lighting, and Christmas Decorating Contest.

Pictured are new board members for the Wetzel County Chamber of Commerce.

Riggenbach explained that the April 25 awards dinner was attended by 135 individuals. He said the community awards is “a staple we’ve done for years and has grown a lot.” The Chili Fest had 22 chili contestants, 13 vendors, three exhibit booths. The event was attended by approximately 3500 individuals.

The chamber’s Christmas events continue to grow. The parade had 66 units and was held Dec. 2. The Christmas tree lighting featured a live tree, four feet high. It was donated in 2016 by Joliffe’s Nursery in Hundred, W.Va. Also, the chamber’s Christmas Decorating contest featured approximately 35 entries, a significant increase from the previous year’s approximate 10.

The chamber also made a modest event out of its need for Christmas packages, for its Christmas parade float. The event garnered five entries, the winner being Cindy Ritchie.

“These events don’t happen by themselves,” Riggenbach explained. He noted how the chamber-sponsored Shortline Ramp Fest is in need of volunteers. The event is growing each year, and last year 600 individuals attended the event, which features a ramp cook-off.

“Volunteers need to step up,” Riggenbach said. “This event can’t be done by just a few people,” he said.

“The success of an event is a direct result of its volunteers,” Riggenbach proclaimed.

Riggenbach also highlighted the chamber’s Flood Relief Fundraiser, held Sept. 14 The event was quickly organized by Executive Director Sharon Thomas; however, it yielded $21,000 which was then dispersed to 18 businesses in the Hundred and Pine Grove areas. These areas suffered catastrophic damages as a result of flooding on July 28-29. Businesses applied for the funds, and then the chamber distributed funds based on the business’s application and needs.

Thomas noted the funds helped replace equipment and inventory. Funds also went toward structural repairs.

Board member Eric Vincent explained how the chamber had sent ambassadors to the Hundred and Pine Grove areas, after the flood. “It was very emotional; there were a lot of emotional stories,” Vincent said. He explained how Thomas “took the horse by the reins,” to spearhead the flood relief fundraiser.

Other 2017 events include the chamber’s Lunch & Learn series, State of County breakfasts, Pay It Forward event, and Entrepreneur Pitch. The Necessities Barn was the winner of the $2,100 Pay It Forward funds, while Mike Scharf of Cricket Web Services received the Entrepreneur Pitch. Scharf received $3,000, which will be used toward a drone purchase to conduct 3D mapping.

At the Jan. 18 meeting, Riggenbach reviewed the chamber’s goals for 2018. These include monitor flood insurance reform and broadband expansion, continue the revolving loan program, focus on business programs, act as a voice of the business community, work to develop partnerships, revise information on the chamber website, and focus on drug awareness programs.

Riggenbach stressed the need for volunteers and encouraged interested folks to contact the chamber at 304-455-3825.