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Chamber selling ornament to support local spending

SPECIAL ORNAMENT — The Jefferson County Chamber of Commerce is again selling a custom-made Christmas tree ornament that is hoped to promote local buying and community pride. Designed by chamber President Tricia Maple and manufactured by Nelson’s Fine Art and Gifts, the ornament features the names of Jefferson County’s 17 cities and villages. The price is $10 or $12 for those being shipped. -- Contributed

STEUBENVILLE — The Jefferson County Chamber of Commerce is once again selling its popular custom-made Christmas tree ornament this year and hoping it will promote local buying and community pride.

The ornament was designed by Chamber President Tricia Maple and manufactured by Nelson’s Fine Art and Gifts in Steubenville. It features the names of the 17 cities and villages that make up Jefferson County on a clear, acrylic ornament that is cut in the shape of the county.

Ornaments may be purchased at the chamber offices at 630 Market St. in Steubenville and, later this month, through the chamber’s, “Shop Where I Live” website.

The price is $10 for those purchased at the chamber and for $12 they can be shipped anywhere in the United States.

The shipped ornaments have a gift card enclosed with a personal message from the purchaser and a thank-you from the chamber for supporting its local work.

“We are always looking for creative ways to increase our non-dues revenue,” said Maple explained.

“And this year is more important than ever as our chamber is being affected by the COVID-19 pandemic.”

While chambers of commerce across the country have been an important resource during COVID, shedding light like never before on their purpose and value, most, like the Jefferson County Chamber, are financially supported solely through membership dues and event income. And since both of these have taken a huge hit during COVID, that leaves these organizations struggling to survive, according to Maple.

“We have worked hard to provide promotional support and constant information to our members on a very limited budget and with a shoestring staff,” she said. “And as a 501(C)(6), we are not eligible for most state or federal assistance. We were only able to apply for and receive $3,000 in March, from the Economic Injury Disaster Loan. Since our businesses are hurting, it’s understandable that chamber membership dues are one of the first things to be eliminated.”

The chamber ornaments make a great, locally manufactured and purchased gift for friends and family who may live out of the area and also for employees, customers and co-workers, she noted.

Online ordering will be available later this month through the chamber’s new “Shop Where I Live” online shopping platform. In the meantime, contact the chamber at (740) 282-6226 to place an order.

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