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 the 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 the program can be found everywhere.

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

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

During 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 government 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 asked to organize 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.

The program has been successful, and others from around the Tri-State Area are encouraged to participate in it in the future.