Board of Directors recognized and 2025 award winners honored

HUNTINGTON, W.Va. — The Huntington Regional Chamber of Commerce hosted its first State of the Chamber Annual Meeting and Awards Ceremony, bringing together business, nonprofit and civic leaders to reflect on the region’s progress and outline priorities for the year ahead.

Chamber President and CEO Megan Archer presented the State of the Chamber, highlighting three focus areas for 2026: continuity, engagement and visibility. Archer announced plans to revitalize the Chamber Foundation, expand grant-funded programs for leadership and workforce development, and launch a new Chamber member discount program to strengthen local business connections. She also emphasized a deep commitment to elevating and sharing the stories of businesses across Cabell and Wayne counties.

“The strength of our Chamber comes from the people and organizations who invest in this region every day,” Archer said. “Our goal is to continue delivering real value that helps our members grow while building a stronger community.”

The program included a fireside chat, “The Business of Belonging,” featuring Marshall University President Brad D. Smith and Board Chair Randy Saunders, focusing on how belonging and community pride contribute to economic success.

The Chamber also recognized its 2026 Executive Committee, its outgoing Board members, and welcomed 11 new members to its board of directors, including:

• Emily Bartram, Market President of United Bank
• Blake Botting, Senior Key Accounts Manager, AEP
• Jim Fitzwater, Advantage Valley Market President, Community Trust Bank
• Jedd Flowers, Executive Director, United Way of the River Cities
• Gerald Harrison, Vice President/Director of Athletics, Marshall Athletics
• Justin Jarrell, Owner & CEO, Forge Security
• Reeves Kirtner, Owner/VP Associate General Manager, Kindred Communications
• Markee Schindler, Manager of Talent & Community Relations, Nucor
• Ashley Stephens, Director of Communications & Family Connections, Cabell County Schools
• Chris Tatum, Mayor of the Village of Barboursville
• Zach Whitfield, Vice President of Commercial Banking, City National Bank

Additionally, the Chamber honored five recipients during the State of the Chamber Awards Ceremony. The 2025 award recipients were:

• Ambassador of the Year: John Lovejoy, Alpha Technologies
• Community Impact Award: Julie Childers, Ronald McDonald House Charities of Huntington
• Innovator Award: Paris Signs
• Rising Star Award: Julian Pecora, Huntington Young Professionals
• Business of the Year: Alcon

The Huntington Regional Chamber hosts monthly events allowing business leaders to convene and connect. The next scheduled signature event is the 2026 Annual Dinner, which will be held Thursday, April 30, 2026, at the Marshall Health Network Arena.

For the most up-to-date listing of Chamber events, visit www.business.huntingtonchamber.org/calendar.

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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 nonprofit association that promotes a thriving business community in Cabell and Wayne counties by connecting people, places, and resources. Learn more: www.huntingtonchamber.org.