BUSINESS SYMPOSIUM — More than 100 area high school juniors gathered at the Holiday Inn in Weirton, Wednesday, to get a taste of the business world as part of the annual Dr. Barbara A. Matey High School Business Symposium. The program, offered by the Weirton Area Chamber of Commerce, provides lessons on job interviews, marketing, budgeting and product development. -- Craig Howell

WEIRTON — Local high school juniors got a taste of the business world Wednesday as part of the annual Dr. Barbara A. Matey High School Business Symposium.

The program, organized by the Weirton Area Chamber of Commerce, was held at the Holiday Inn in Weirton, and saw 104 students from Brooke, Burgettstown, Indian Creek, Madonna, Oak Glen, Steubenville and Weir high schools.

Weirton Area Chamber of Commerce President Brenda Mull said the group was interacting well, also noting there was a competitive spirit among the students.

“They all seem to be enjoying themselves,” Mull said, noting the chamber is appreciative of the local schools participating each year.

During the day’s activities, students are presented with information and demonstrations to help them learn more about budgeting and marketing, as well as product development and tips for filling out a resume and conducting a job interview.

At the end of the day, students put those lessons to the test with an exercise in which they create, market and test a product.

Mull said the program would not be held without support from the community, in particular ArcelorMittal USA which provided the chamber with a grant to assist in the costs of its educational programs.

“We appreciate ArcelorMittal for awarding us another grant this year to make this program possible,” Mull said.

Other sponsors included Dee Jay’s BBQ Ribs and Grille, Eastern Gateway Community College, First Choice America Community Federal Credit Union, Franciscan University of Steubenville, Isla Law Offices, James White Construction, Madonna High School, Mountaineer Casino, Racetrack and Resort, UPS and the Weirton Ministerial Association.

Facilitators and other volunteers for Wednesday’s symposium included Brad Degenkolb, Caroll Rosenlieb, Carole Scheerbaum, Cristen Tarquinio, Diane Pastoric, Jason Exner, J.D. Simpson, Jim DeMarco, Jon Rogers, Joyia Lytle, Kaitlyn Rozich, Kal Gupta, Leanna Lulla, Lisa Soly, Marian Edgell, the Rev. Gary Lilly, Elder Michael Smith, Randy Abram, Rich Saxon, Ross Ivkovich, Tracy Lemley and Trey Freeman.

(Howell can be contacted at chowell@weirtondailytimes.com, and followed via Twitter @CHowellWDT)