Purpose, Mission and Scope

The Huntington Regional Chamber of Commerce Youth Advisory Board exists to engage, develop, and elevate young leaders by connecting students with the local business community, fostering civic responsibility, and preparing the next generation of professionals, entrepreneurs, and community advocates.

Vision

To create a foundation of informed, skilled, and service-minded young leaders who actively contribute to the economic vitality and civic life of Huntington.

Board Components

The Youth Board is an advisory and action-oriented body composed of high-achieving, community-minded high school students who illustrate the following:

• Serve as a bridge between youth and the business community
• Provide a student perspective on workforce, education, and economic initiatives
• Support the Chambers mission through programming, outreach, and service

The Youth Board operates under the guidance of the Chamber of Commerce and collaborates with:

• Chamber leadership and staff
• Local business owners
• Community organizations
• Schools and partners

Prioritized Initiatives

Small Business Promotion & Support

Objective: Elevate Visibility and engagement for the local businesses of Huntington, particularly those seeking to connect with younger audiences.

Responsibilities:

• Feature local businesses via social media spotlights, interview series, and digital storytelling
• Support Chamber events
• Collaborate with small businesses to amplify promotions, events, and community involvement

Career Exposure & Job Shadowing Programs

Objective: Expand access to career exploration opportunities by connecting students directly with local employers

Responsibilities:

• Assist in organizing job shadowing opportunities for local students, career insight sessions, and host events promoting community engagement possibilities for Huntington youth
• Serve as a liaison between schools, students, and Chamber member businesses
• Promote internships and mentorship opportunities
• Work with local businesses to create more learning opportunities for students–simultaneously assists businesses with personal potential projects

Chamber Storytelling

Objective: Enhance the image of our business community and our Tri-state region.

Responsibilities:

• Create youth led content for Chamber social media platforms
• Assist with content ideas, event promotion, and business features
• Increase engagement through platforms commonly used by students and young professionals
• Support digital outreach for chamber initiatives, programs, and events

Advisory & Leadership Role

Objective: Provide Insight, innovation, and leadership from a youth perspective.

Responsibilities:

• Advise Chamber leadership on youth engagement strategies
• Participate in select chamber meetings and events
• Develop leadership, professionalism, and civic responsibility among members
• Uphold the mission and values of the Huntington Regional Chamber of Commerce

Selection Process

All applications will be evaluated based on:

• Leadership potential
• Commitment to service
• Professionalism
• Diversity of experience

Both the Chamber President/CEO and Youth Advisory Board presidents will review each application thoroughly and decide.

The selected candidates will be honored and inducted to the Youth Advisory Board at a Chamber event in 2026.