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

The two chambers have done well over the years, working on behalf of their members, which currently include close to 150 businesses from our area, and coming together as one chamber offers the opportunity to 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 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 groups also have extended their reach beyond the boundaries of their cities through programs and events with other chambers of commerce in our region, something that will continue.

By working together, this merger and other cooperative efforts, will help to strengthen area businesses.

It doesn’t matter where we are located in the Tri-State Area — as one community grows, everyone benefit, and the same holds for area businesses and organizations.

The new Brooke County Area Chamber of Commerce is opening a new chapter of service to the region and setting a foundation for a bright future.