I would like to begin my inaugural weekly updates with a heartfelt thank you for the warm welcome I’ve received throughout the community regarding my appointment as executive director. It is an honor and a privilege to serve the counties of Wetzel and Tyler. My goal in the coming weeks and months is to visit our member businesses, to listen to each of your concerns and suggestions, and to share our vision in creating a robust chamber that serves all members and our community.

To that effort…

In January of 2021, there was a survey sent to all members with your billing invoice. Over two hundred surveys were sent out. The return rate was dismal. We received sixteen completed surveys. While the return rate was low, the responses, I believe are representative of a number of our members.

252   Surveys distributed with January 2021 Invoice
16    Surveys returned
6%   Participation rate

1.     What do you feel is the proper role the Chamber should play in the community?

·       Economic development
·       Small business support
·       Community promotion and support
·       Promote local businesses and community activities
·       Work with the area government agencies

2.     Why did you become a member of the Chamber?

·       To become more involved in the community
·       Support local businesses
·       Networking
·       Civic responsibility

3.     What would you like to see the Chamber do better than it has in the past?

·       Finding businesses that attract people to stay in the area
·       Promote area businesses
·       Business networking referrals
·       Educational seminars
·       Training events
·       Communication
·       Spotlighting businesses
·       Helping new businesses get started
·       Networking with other chambers around the state
·       Community support—financial and general

4.     What programs that we offer have you taken advantage of in the past?

·       Business After Hours
·       Ribbon cutting
·       The Entrepreneur Pitch
·       Christmas parade
·       Candidate Forum
·       Small Business Saturday
·       Advertising
·       Lunch and Learn
·       Play It Forward

5.     Does your organization have events that frequently need volunteers?

·       Only one respondent indicated an occasional need for volunteers

6.     Overall, how would you rate the performance of the Wetzel-Tyler Chamber of Commerce over the last two years?

·       On a scale of 1-10, our average rating was 7.42

7.     Is there anyone in your organization who would be interested in being a more active part of the Chamber? (Board member or serve on a committee)

·       Yes—3
·       No—5
·       No answer—7
·       Currently serving—1

Thank you to all who responded!  We are using the results as an indication of where we need to improve as well as what we are doing successfully. In the weeks ahead I hope that you will share with me your ideas and suggestions to help make our Chamber a dynamic entity that truly serves all. Please feel free to email me at: director@wetzeltylerchamber.org.


Sharon A. Campbell
Executive Director
Thursday, July 29th-
  • Business After Hours at the Movie Hours 5:30 PM (Details Below)
  • ArtsLink Coffee House - Evan Cunningham (Details Below)
Friday, July 30th
  • W.A.T.C.H. Meeting 2 PM (Detail Below)
  • United Way "Day of Caring" (Details Belwo)
We are happy to announce this month’s Business After Hours (BAH) will be held at the Movie House, located at 249 State Route 2 in New Martinsville. Doors open at 5:30 PM on Thursday, July 29th.

Attendance includes a ticket for a door prize drawing, refreshments, and a great opportunity to network with other Chamber members, their employees, families, and prospective members. All are welcome! This event will provide an opportunity for local businesses and non-profits to share information about what they are doing in a relaxing atmosphere.

The Chamber will also be holding our **“Big Bucks” drawing. Big Bucks currently offers a jackpot of $150.00. Reminder to all members to bring your business cards for an additional chance to win.

As an added bonus to attending the Movie House BAH is the opportunity to preview an early showing of an upcoming summer blockbuster! The preview will begin at 7:00 pm. Tickets are $10.00 and include a fountain drink and popcorn.

We look forward to seeing you, your team, and your family at this event!

**Big Bucks Drawings
All members are assigned a number. Numbered chips are placed in a box for the drawing. Providing one business card at the BAH will increase your chance to win. Big Bucks are awarded in increments of $50.00. If a member is not present, the pot increases by $50.00 for the next BAH. Big Bucks is capped at $500.00.
ArtsLink Coffee House Hits the Deck Running!
Last Saturday, July 24th, the Chamber held a ribbon-cutting for ArtsLink's new outdoor deck. The ceremony was held right before Ryan Ritchea christened the new platform with the first of the 2021 ArtsLink series of Coffee House performances.

Chamber Executive Director, Sharon Campbell, was joined by ArtsLink Board Members Barbara Vincent, Scarlet Hood (President), and Jane Knight as well as Administrative Coordinator Donna Earley to cut the ribbon and officially launch the new stage.

To learn more about ArtsLinks free Coffee House Series, you can find their website by clicking the graphic below.