The Huntington Regional Chamber of Commerce is unveiling the creation of its new Small Business Roundtable, designed to foster collaboration, resource-sharing and advocacy among local entrepreneurs and small business owners. The first meeting is scheduled for Thursday, Nov. 20, from 4 to 5:30 p.m. at Huntington’s Kitchen.
The Chamber is committed to nurturing growth-oriented environments where small business owners can connect, exchange ideas and insights and build on each other’s strengths,” said Megan Archer, President and CEO of the Huntington Regional Chamber of Commerce. “Small businesses are the heartbeat of our local economy, and this roundtable aims to provide these leaders with a stronger voice and dedicated network of peers to lean on.”
The roundtable will be chaired by Rebecca Thomas, owner of True Soul Boutique and a graduate of the Chamber’s Leadership Huntington Class of 2025. As a part of the Chamber’s broader effort to expand member engagement and programming, the roundtable will be tailored to address the priorities of small business owners across the area.
“I decided to take on the Small Business Roundtable because uplifting and highlighting local business owners and helping ensure their success is important to me,” Thomas said. “As an Appalachian, we are always ‘counted out’ and helping my peers grow as businesses and community members strengthens our identity and shows the true nature of our heritage, which is resilience.”
As Small Business Roundtable Chair, Thomas said she hopes the roundtable participants feel empowered, supported and appreciated for the sacrifices they make to bring their individuality into our community.
“The point of this is to fill each other’s cups and share our experiences and understand we are not alone, and our businesses do matter, and we do make a difference,” Thomas said. “We are better together – it’s always community over competition.”
The Small Business Roundtable will provide regular opportunities to discuss shared experiences, address common challenges and work cohesively toward solutions to strengthen the local business ecosystem.
By introducing this new group, the Chamber continues to advance its “3C” mission of connecting communities, cultivating growth and catalyzing development for businesses in Cabell and Wayne counties.
Small business leaders are encouraged to register. Additional details including registration information and future meeting dates can be found at huntingtonchamber.org.
Media are invited to cover the Small Business Roundtable and encouraged to RSVP to Kaitlyn Fleming, Office and Events Coordinator, by emailing kaitlyn@huntingtonchamber.org For the most up-to-date listing of Chamber events, visit www.business.huntingtonchamber.org/calendar.
ABOUT THE HUNTINGTON REGIONAL CHAMBER
As the region’s leading business advocate for more than 130 years and a partner in economic development, the Huntington Regional Chamber of Commerce is a non-profit association that promotes a thriving business community in Cabell and Wayne counties by connecting people, places, and resources. Learn more: www.huntingtonchamber.org