For more than three decades, the Weirton Area Chamber of Commerce has provided a pathway for local business representatives to take on larger roles at work and in their communities.

Leadership Ohio Valley, originally known as Leadership Weirton, has a long history of helping individuals realize their potential and showing them ways to give back.

There isn’t a segment of our local society that hasn’t been touched by this program.

From large industry to the local mom and pops, to charitable organizations and civic groups to the halls of government and education, graduates of this program are everywhere.

Last week, nine individuals took their first steps toward discovering their own path in leadership.

This year’s class includes Jordan Allen, Business Development Corp. of the Northern Panhandle; Stacie Applegarth, Summit Salon Academy; Kristi Aulick, West Virginia Northern Community College; Erin Freeman, Be Spa Salon and Yoga; Brittany Holloway, City of Weirton; Christy Nosko, Serra Village Retirement Community; Aulbrey Thompson, WVU Medicine Weirton Medical Center; Danyelle Williams, Miss Tiffany’s School for Young Children; and Carson Yobaggy, Adam DePuglia State Farm.

Over the next several months, they will take part in sessions focused on areas such as history and culture; education; business and economic development; government; and health and human services. They will attend meetings of local governmental entities and community clubs to become more aware of the activities in their communities. They will volunteer their time toward a variety of causes, and they will be tasked with organizing a project designed to be of service to the community.

Along the way, they will form bonds of friendship, while learning more about themselves and their potential.

We wish them all well in the months ahead, and encourage others to consider taking part in this program in the future.