In looking ahead, we are very excited to partner with Seven Stories Theatre Company, Pierpont CTC, and CreateTank for the upcoming murder mystery dessert theatre “Love Is a Heart Full of Bullet Holes.”  This unique event will be held on February 11^th and tickets MUST be reserved in advance.  Seating is limited, so call the Chamber for more information.

Moving ahead in February, the Chamber welcomes Congressman Nick J. Rahall as the Keynote Speaker for our quarterly “Coffee With Congress” luncheon.  This event will be held on Saturday, February 18^th and we hope you will come out and support it.  Congressman Rahall has been very instrumental in Congress in providing funds to Marion County for numerous transportation projects.

Our membership is growing and we welcome our newest members:

Associated Businesses of East Fairmont

Enersystems, Inc

Herbert, Rowland & Grubic, Inc

Marion County Solid Waste Authority

McBee Family Dentistry

MedExpress Urgent Care,

Miller Law Offices, PLLC

National White Collar Crime Center

The Disability Action Center

The UPS Store

We hope you will join us for our upcoming events and please don’t hesitate to contact us with any questions.

The Connector celebration was a true collaboration of many dedicated business leaders and volunteers.  After a day of speakers, ribbon cuttings, performances, artist showcases, music, and a night glow 5K race, the evening ended with a spectacular fireworks display that had all in attendance feeling very proud of what this community has accomplished.   We were honored to be involved and thank all who attended, planned, sponsored, and took part in the festivities of the day.

“Coffee with Congress” was held on October 22^nd with Congressman David B. McKinley as the first Keynote Speaker.  Congressman McKinley discussed current federal legislative issues impacting businesses in the North Central WV region.  He applauded Marion County for their aggressive development in high technology and business development.

A very exciting, new program for the Marion County Chamber is the Women’s Network, which is growing rapidly.  These dynamic women leaders are helping establish this network and we encourage all women who are either chamber members or work for a chamber member to become involved in this stimulating movement.  Our sponsors; Rider Pharmacy & Gifts, Fairmont Clinic, and Wal-Mart are making it possible this first year to plan and initiate this program.

With the holidays not far away, the MCCC goes into planning mode for 2012.  Watch for upcoming special events in the next two months and as always, please don’t hesitate to share your suggestions with us.

The Marion County Chamber has been busy planning and implementing several new programs for our members and their employees.  We will soon host the kick- off celebration for our very own “Women’s Network.”  With sponsors; Rider Pharmacy, Fairmont Clinic and Wal-Mart, the new program is designed to educate, empower and engage all Chamber women.  The planning committee will meet early June and a celebration kick-off will be held later in the month.  Look for more information to follow.

Congratulations to Fairmont Rotary Club for the wonderful execution of their “Fly the Flag” promotion.  These beautiful flags are flying throughout Marion County neighborhoods.  It was a great idea and gives residents an opportunity to show their patriotism during those special holidays at a VERY low cost.  If you would like more information, just call the Chamber and we’ll be glad to help.

As summer approaches, members can look forward to a special publication that will be available for their use.  A Marion County Market and Economic Guide will be distributed later in June unveiling all new census numbers and important information on Marion and surrounding counties.  With all the new demographic information updated, the Chamber felt it was time to compile an “easy to use” guide for business recruitment and retention.  If you would like a copy, please call the Chamber and we will make sure it gets delivered.

Let’s hope June brings more sunshine than May and our Chamber businesses have a very successful summer.

The Marion County Delegation fought for many issues and worked hard on our behalf.  As a Chamber we asked them to support Fairmont State University with their 4^th and final year of equitable funding, which they did, and to support Pierpont Community & Technical College in their efforts to secure a 3^rd floor for the Advanced Training Center to be built in the I-79 Technology Park.  I am optimistic that the Pierpont request will also be successful.  In addition, we have stayed in touch with our Senators and Delegates to ensure that the new WV State Office Complex proceeds as planned and the current facility is demolished in a timely manner.  They have worked diligently on these requests and we are confident that they will continue through the interim sessions to stay on top of these projects.

With spring approaching, your Chamber is gearing up for a very busy three months.  Plans are underway for the Chamber’s Annual Golf Outing to be held on May 6^th at Green Hills Country Club.  This event brings out many of our members for a fun day.  Also in the planning stages is the first Annual Wine & Jazz Festival to be held in June.  This one day event will offer wine tasting from the numerous wineries throughout the region along with food, fun, and entertainment.  Be on the lookout for more detailed information on this event.

A movement to start a Women’s Network is underway which will offer our members more opportunities to connect and engage with each other.  In the very beginning stages, this new initiative will offer seminars, workshops, and special events for our women members.  A kick-off reception is being planned and members will be notified of the date.

The MCCC Board of Directors and committees are hard at work making sure all members are given the opportunities to be involved and engaged.  If you would like to serve on a committee, please call the chamber and we will make it happen. 

We have copies of the 2011 Membership Directory, which is used as recruitment for new residents and businesses.  Copies can be picked up in the Chamber office or we would be glad to send one to you.  Just call the office at 304 363-0442.

As always, we invite all members to call us with any questions, comments or suggestions on ways we can help your business!