MISSION
“The mission of the Beckley-Raleigh County Chamber of Commerce is to collaborate with leaders to build a vibrant, sustainable and inclusive community.
HISTORY
The Beckley-Raleigh County Chamber of Commerce was formed in 1920 and incorporated on December 2, 1948. It is a voluntary organization of business and professional firms who have joined together to promote the civic, commercial and economic progress of our community.
YOUR CHAMBER AT WORK!
Advocacy is sharing the concerns of our membership with our elected officials to create a positive business climate that promotes growth. We keep members informed about developments within our municipal and county governments. The Chamber’s governmental affairs committee publishes a legislative position paper that is sent to our state representatives. We lobby US congressional leaders and US senators to advocate for a better business environment for West Virginia. Strong grassroots action by members makes a difference in achieving results in government through business forum breakfasts, dialogue with legislatures, statewide coalition building and two annual Meet the Candidates forums.
Resources are the ways we help our membership operate their business effectively and successfully. Members can develop their leadership and management skills and increase knowledge of business issues through the workshops and educational opportunities we offer. Exposure through the Chamber helps businesses stand out and make a name. Targeted, effective and affordable advertising reaches business and customers through our Lifestyle Magazine, Business Expo, ribbon cuttings / grand openings, direct mail and mailing labels. Our members say that the opportunity for business networking like monthly Business After Hours, new member receptions, referral initiatives and our annual dinner is one of the main reasons they invest in the Chamber.
People are our innovators, workforce participants and customers. The Chamber works with employers to recruit quality employees. Our localdevelopment authority and your Chamber share information on projects in the region to ensure cohesive efforts among partners. We provide economic and
community data necessary for relocation. We collaborate with our state and local tourism entities to promote our assets to gain more people to our region. We maintain several public/ private community development partnerships. We invest in initiatives that encourage both young and old alike to return home or consider our area for the first time.
Sustainable communities are places where people want to live, work, learn and play now and in the future. The Chamber is involved in initiatives that make it easier to get up and move, eat healthy, make new friends, and live better lives. Through community development programs like our aesthetic / beautification committee, Raleigh County Make It Shine, and our partnership with the Piney Creek Watershed Association, Chamber members have opportunity to influence our quality of life. We partner with Active Southern West Virginia and both our city and county Parks and Recreation departments to promote healthy lifestyles. Beckley’s Rhododendron Festival and the Chamber’s Appalachian Festival and Makers Market are signature events that expose the assets of our region. To enhance our quality of place we focus on arts, music and culture opportunities such as community mural projects, BEX Arts Week, Tamarack After Dark, Theatre WV and the Beckley Concert Association. Historical activities within our city and county like the Beckley Founder’s Day celebration and the African American Heritage Auto Tour present the heritage and diversity of our region.
