Brooke County Chamber holds annual recognition dinner

FOLLANSBEE - Members of the Brooke County Area Chamber of Commerce gathered Wednesday to celebrate growth, connection, and community as part of the organization's annual recognition dinner.

"Tonight, we are celebrating you," said Chamber President Eric Fithyan, welcoming those in attendance at the St. Francis Centre, at the beginning of an evening which featured the recognition of local businesses, volunteers, and a few special guests.

As the dinner took place on Veterans Day, one such recognition brought additional meaning.

"Tonight, we have an extraordinary privilege," Fithyan said, in announcing Follansbee native John Panza, a 105-year-old Army veteran who served in the Aleutian Islands during World War II, who has been recognized as West Virginia's oldest World War II veteran.

"For more than a century, John has watched our nation grow and change," he said, noting that, while Panza's military service is greatly appreciated, his life can't be measured only in its years, awards or medals, but the experiences he's lived through.

As part of Wednesday's recognition, Panza also was presented with letters from the Governor's Office and the West Virginia Senate, in recognition of his life, by state Sen. Laura Wakim Chapman, R-Wheeling.

This year's Citizen of the Year recognition was presented to Laurie Labishak, director of marketing and communications for UPMC Trinity, in recognition of her 40 years of service to the business community and the Ohio Valley at large.

"I've had more opportunities than anyone should have in a lifetime," she said in accepting the recognition.

The Lifetime Achievement Award was presented to Marc Chernenko, in recognition of his 45-year legal career, and years of public service which includes membership on the Board of Trustees at Bethany College.

Other awards presented during Wednesday's dinner included:

Non-profit of the Year: Northern Panhandle Quail Forever;

Young Professional of the Year: Brianne Bates;

New Business of the Year: Fuscardo Family Urgent Care;

Business of the Year: Screwy Louie's

Fithyan also took some time to look back on the chamber's year, which included the creation of a hunt for the legendary Bigfoot in an effort to promote the membership. The campaign, in partnership with WTRF-TV, represented an $8,000 investment by the chamber which saw growth in its social media following and increased exposure for its members.

"We are not afraid to try something new," Fithyan said.

Membership in the Brooke County Area Chamber of Commerce now stands at 128 members, with ribbon cuttings held for 14 new or growing businesses in the last year. The chamber recently distributed more than $4,000 in educational grants, and this year also participated in distributions with the Mountaineer Food Bank, helped to organize a Tri-Chamber get-together with members of the Brooke County Area, Weirton Area, and Jefferson County chambers of commerce, held a legislative update featuring area lawmakers, held its inaugural chili cookoff, and is in the process of planning this year's Wellsburg Christmas Parade.

Fithyan noted the challenges presented two years ago with the Brooke County Area Chamber of Commerce was formed through the merger of the Follansbee and Wellsburg chambers, but said they have met many of their goals all in the spirit of Wednesday's theme of "Together We Are."

"We've accomplished so much, but, truly, our best days are ahead of us," Fithyan said.

(Howell can be contacted at chowell@weirtondailytimes.com)