The merger of the Follansbee and Wellsburg chambers of commerce into a single organization representing businesses for all of Brooke County will only help to strengthen the ties of our local communities.

The two chambers have done well over the years working to promote and work on behalf of their members, which currently include close to 150 businesses from our area, and coming together as one chamber should provide even more benefit for the memberships.

That was already shown last year with the expansion of the Follansbee Chamber’s educational grant program, which now is able to reach teachers and students at more of Brooke County’s schools. Plans also have been announced for the Monthly Music Madness concert series to alternate between Follansbee and Wellsburg, bringing evenings of live music to both communities.

The Wellsburg Chamber has been central to the city’s community, organizing many of its Christmas festivities, offering networking events, and various events for members and non-members alike such a 5K color run.

An important aspect of this merger will be the need to have representation from both groups as they move forward, and that is happening with the new board of directors comprised of existing members from Follansbee and Wellsburg. There also will be vice presidents to represent each community.

The two groups also have extended their reach beyond their cities’ boundaries through programs and events with other chambers of commerce in our region, and we’re certain that will continue as well.

By working together, this merger and other cooperative efforts, can only help to strengthen our businesses. It doesn’t matter where we are located in the Ohio Valley. As one community grows, we all benefit, and the same holds for our businesses.

We wish the new Brooke County Area Chamber of Commerce well as it continues its work.