Christopher Dacanay NEW FACE — Emily Byers, president of the Jefferson County Chamber of Commerce since Jan. 29, held a copy of the organization’s membership directory and community guide while seated in her office at 630 Market St., Steubenville.

STEUBENVILLE — The Jefferson County Chamber of Commerce commenced 2024 with some staff changes, most notably the hiring of former marketing representative Emily Byers as its new president.

During the interview process, Byers expressed a number of ideas she has for the chamber’s advancement. Now that she’s taken the reins, Byers is “exceptionally thrilled” about prospects for 2025 and leading new approaches for the chamber’s enduring initiatives.

Before looking to the future, chamber officials reflected on successes of the recent past, including membership expansion and the adoption of a new program.

Last year saw significant membership growth for the chamber — more than 80 additions, bringing its total organizational membership count to 591.

“That’s a lot,” commented Toni Moreland, ex officio chair of the chamber’s board of directors, “and I think it speaks to the progress of our area.”

Those members include new businesses that emerged recently, as well as existing businesses that became aware of the chamber’s value, Byers said, adding that the region being on an “economic uphill” has contributed to more individuals wanting to start a business.

Membership “ebbs and flows,” according to chamber membership coordinator Leanna Lulla. However, many members forced leave due to unfortunate circumstances “always come back” — a fact that the chamber is grateful for.

“We always hear how members like the (chamber’s) personal touch,” Lulla said. “We’re a small community. You’re a name and a person, not a number.”

Moreland affirmed Lulla’s claim, adding, “You guys truly care about the wellbeing of the members.”

The fee for chamber membership depends on an entity’s number of employees. To learn more about the chamber or become a member, individuals can contact the chamber office at (740) 282-6226, visit jeffersoncountychamber.com or speak with an existing member.

Benefits of membership include exclusive networking opportunities, personalized referrals, access to a membership directory and the ability to submit information that’s circulated to all chamber members through an individualized email blast.

The Jefferson County chamber’s community is characterized by a “relaxed atmosphere,” said Moreland, a State Farm insurance agent and branch owner. She emphasized the benefit of relationship building within the chamber’s context.

“You kind of feel like you have support from personal relationships you’ve built,” she said, adding later: “The staff support too — if you’re trying to find an answer to something, someone will pick up the phone here to help guide you.”

Collaborating on various chamber functions can be a catalyst for relationship building, simply though organic conversations, Moreland noted.

Melanie Dragoun, chamber board chair and president of Voto Manufacturers Sales Co., said that the chamber’s referrals are “very important,” and can assist members with finding plumbers, electricians or other member-professionals that they might require.

Byers called the chamber members a “welcoming group,” and Lulla added, “I think that’s the No. 1 chamber goal, is helping connections form.”

Also in 2024, the chamber assumed organizational leadership of the Jefferson County Safety Council.

An initiative by the Ohio Bureau of Workers’ Compensation, local safety councils provide rebates on BWC premiums — or the amount paid each year to receive workers’ compensation coverage — to businesses that have representatives attend at least 10 of the 12 monthly meetings per year.

Jefferson County’s safety council was originally facilitated by the chamber before being turned over to Eastern Gateway Community College. With the academic institution’s dissolution last year, the chamber once again took the helm and has seen increased attendance ever since, Moreland said.

More long-standing chamber initiatives continued in 2024 and are expected to continue in 2025. That includes the popular annual golf outing, which will take place May 13. Additionally, the chamber’s Burger Bash will take place Aug. 5 at Franciscan Square — raising scholarship funds to benefit local high school and non-traditional students.

Also continuing are the chamber’s monthly Coffee and Connections networking events, which occur every second Wednesday. Moreland said that event is the perfect opportunity for those entrusted in the chamber to come and test the waters.

The chamber is in the “creative step” for ways it can progress in the new year, Byers said. There’s a lot being proposed, she added, but nothing set in stone quite yet.

Moreland said, “With the new president coming on there’s a lot of creative discussion on how we can move forward in 2025.”

As for the overall environment for small businesses in Jefferson County, Moreland said that challenges still present themselves, but “I feel like we’re still seeing new businesses popping up, whether they’re popping up or maybe expanding.”

“It’s the Jefferson County chamber, so we really want to get our reach south — the smaller towns, the mom-and-pop shops,” Moreland said. “What can we do to help these small businesses in all of Jefferson County, whether you’re in a town with a population of 1,000 or in the city of Steubenville or Wintersville. I think that’s going to be key for our growth, and it’s going to be key for the growth of the economy if we can support those small businesses.”

Moreland continued: “We’re a very supportive chamber, so I feel like if our chamber members knew of a business in one these outlier (communities) that might not have known about the chamber, they’re going to try to do everything they can to support them. … We try to show up for our members.”

Dragoun added that the chamber’s board is a “working board” that puts extra time into the organization’s betterment, beyond just its monthly meetings.

Threats to the economy that lingered after the COVID-19 pandemic seem to be declining, Byers said. With that fresh start as the backdrop, Byers said she sees 2025 as “an opportunity to grow” for the chamber, continuing what it’s always done with a new flair.