Weirton Chamber introduces students to the business world

WEIRTON - A group of local high school juniors took their first steps into the professional world Thursday.

Students from Weir, Madonna, Oak Glen and Brooke high schools spent their day at the Holiday Inn in Weirton, learning directly from representatives of the area business community as part of the Weirton Area Chamber of Commerce's Dr. Barbara A. Matey High School Business Symposium.

"We're happy to have the kids back," noted Brenda Mull, president of the chamber, who explained the program provides a taste of what it might be like for the students once they complete school and move on to their first big job. "It gives them a chance to see what it's actually like to be on a job site."

Throughout the day, students learn tips to help them with job interviews, as well as how to establish and track a personal budget, marketing, product development and testing, and more.

Facilitators representing local businesses were on hand to offer guidance.

Participating students were assigned to groups, incorporating individuals from each school to encourage them to get to know each other and learn to work with others they previously didn't know.

"This is your team, and this is how business works," she told the students, referring to instances of starting a new job and not knowing the other employees.

The day culminates in each group designing and building a special "egg-catching" device, as well as creating and presenting a marketing campaign in support of their product.

The symposium was named in memory of Barbara Matey, a longtime educator and former vice president of human resources at Hancock County Savings Bank. Matey also had been active with the chamber, helping to organize its youth programs for many years.

Mull thanked Stephanie O'Brien, the chamber's member services and program coordinator, and the members of the chamber's Education Committee for their work in putting the program together.

She also offered thanks to the businesses and individuals who offered support for this year's program, including: Apollo Pro-Cleaning & Restoration; Brightwood Center; Business Development Corporation; CHANGE, Inc.; First Choice America Community Federal Credit Union; Hancock County Ambulance; Hancock County Savings Bank; Hancock School Employees Federal Credit Union; ManPower; R.E. Saxon, Jeweler; Tony Viola, Howard Hanna Weirton; Trinity Health System; US Air Force; USW Local 2911; Valley Hospice; Weirton Geriatric Center; Wyngate Senior Living; Brandon Palmeri; Carole Scheerbaum; Daniel Day; Diane Pastoric; Gabe D'Ortenzio; Jessica Kelley; Joann Burnetta; Joe Barnabei; Joe Paolo; Justin Caruso; Kal Gupta; Kelly Skiviat; Leanna Lulla; Lisa Soly; Lisa Pearce; Matt Thorn; Natalee Day; Rachel Ferrise; Rita Hawkins; Staff Sergeant Marc Cintron; Tony Viola; Tracy Lemley; Tricia Farran; and Zachary White.