Chamber History
Mission & Vision
Board & Staff
Ambassadors
Chamber History
Founded in 1929 and chartered in 1934, the Belpre Area Chamber has served its community for more than 90 years as a forum for business leaders to plan and promote physical expansion and economic development. As the city and region grew, Chamber leadership worked to attract retail and industrial enterprises while supporting the construction of new neighborhoods for a growing workforce and their families. A major milestone came in 1961 when Shell Chemical opened a plastics manufacturing facility, later expanded into today’s Kraton facility, marking a peak era of economic growth for Belpre.
The Chamber continued to grow as well, transforming a picnic shelter and concession stand into its current offices along Howe’s Grove Park. Today, with more than 236 members, the Chamber has expanded its influence in business and economic development and serves as a partner and facilitator in regional growth initiatives. Through partnerships with community organizations, the Chamber advances its mission and vision, including ongoing collaboration between the BACC Economic Development Committee and the City of Belpre to implement a strategic economic development plan funded by local partners and the Belpre Area Community Development Foundation.
BACC partners with a wide range of organizations to benefit both its members and the community. The Small Business Development Center at Marietta supports startups and growing businesses, while the Belpre Church of Christ and Belpre Senior Center serve as host sites for Chamber events. Neighboring chambers collaborate on joint initiatives that serve shared members and adjoining communities.
The Chamber hosts ribbon-cuttings and grand openings with its members and maintains an active Ambassador program that visits businesses to thank them for their resilience. BACC also organizes monthly networking breakfasts, luncheons, and “lunch and learns” with business and nonprofit partners, and its Annual Dinner each October brings together more than 230 guests to celebrate community and Chamber achievements. A yearly “Business Exchange” serves as a forum for an expo-type experience, with business -to-business connecting plus public exposure to products and services.
Through business expansion and retention, community service, strategic partnerships, and ongoing communication with members and citizens, the Chamber and its board remain focused on their mission to create stronger businesses and stronger communities.
Mission & Vision
Mission:
“Belpre Area Chamber of Commerce supports and advances business and economic growth by providing educational and networking opportunities that promote cooperative partnerships.”
Vision:
“Create stronger communities by creating stronger businesses.
Board of Directors and Staff
Kecia Barr
President
First Settlement Physical Therapy
Jennifer White
Vice President
Schwendeman Agency
Lance Erlwein
Treasurer
Belpre City Schools
Susie Warman
Secretary
Memorial Health Foundation
Dr. Dan Breece
Memorial Health System
Aimee Seabolt
Peoples Bank
Natalie Bradley
Sew-N-Sow & Sun
Tad Wilson
North Bend Wealth Management
Katie Sams
WVU Medicine Camden Clark Medical Center
Corry Prunty
Fire Extinguisher Specialists
Brandon Garrett
Hocking Valley Bank
Austin Hilverding
Shrivers Pharmacy
JC Rutter
Edward Jones
Lance Mayberry
Cawley Hospice
Steve Hand
Kraton
Liz Strong
Strength Warehouse
James Crowther
Chemours
Karen Waller
Executive Director
Cathy O'Donnell
Office Staff
Ambassadors
chamberChamber Ambassadors are members who find value in connecting with other members, learning about other businesses, and welcoming members to the chamber family.
Chamber Ambassadors also communicate to potential members the value gained from Chamber membership.
Monthly visits to businesses and non-profits make this happen! Each chamber member can be an ambassador and join the group as it makes visits one afternoon monthly. It’s nothing formal. The Chamber office makes appointments with owners, directors, or managers at sites. Members are welcome to join the entourage at any point in the schedule.
Lunch together prior to the visits is an added feature. Ambassadors forge friendships and share information about themselves before starting out on the visits, and welcome everyone to join the group at any point in the schedule!
Added value to Ambassadors? Facebook posts and newsletter segments give Ambassadors publicity and make readers aware of the variety of businesses and non-profits represented in Chamber membership.
Added value to site hosts? Outreach to the chamber and local community bring more potential customers, clients, and donors. We all become aware of who’s who and what’s new in the community.
Watch Chamber communication for dates, times and sites.
Contact the Chamber office for more information.
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