By Stephen Smoot
From the global economy right down to the expanding development of Hardy County, change has come at a rapid pace. Technology advances quickly. The State of West Virginia has set itself on a policy course aimed at creating a massive energy production capacity to support the needs of surrounding states unwilling or unable to do the same for themselves. This will create both the foundation for economic development in state and will also create significantly more revenues for state and local government coffers.
Yet with changes also comes the need to prioritize what from the legacy of a special place to retain. Justin Evans, still in his first year as Executive Director of the Hardy County Chamber of Commerce, explains the role of the Chamber of Commerce in supporting the area business community.
“I’ve been here since the beginning of July,” shared Evans, who also assumed a lead role in helping the Chamber accomplish a rebranding and reintroduction of itself to the Hardy County business community.
He explained that the role of the Chamber lies in “to support business, identify opportunities, to engage with the community and keeping Hardy County’s historical legacy and personality.”
Hardy County’s economy encompasses a diverse range of scope, scale, and activity. As Evans says, the Chamber must support “the small business aspect, the locals, trying to help the little man,” while also tending to the needs of “bigger businesses” that form “an integral part of the community.”
And “why wouldn’t we?” he said of supporting the biggest investors and job creators in the area.
The United States Chamber of Commerce encourages local businesses to join their local organizations, even though they have no formal connection to the state or national versions. Its website reads “business contacts from your local chamber could become the supportive community you turn to one day for advice or vice versa.”
Evans described some ideas for supporting area businesses and developing the Chamber community along the way. Small businesses can benefit from membership no matter what part of their life cycle. Entrepreneurs need to network to connect with the community. He suggested that “intermediate aged businesses, if you will,” could benefit from training workshops for using tools such as artificial intelligence or social media effectively, “help them to unlock the potential of technology”
The Chamber will also tend to the needs of those whose length of service make them “institutions in the county.”
Chamber events bring both entertainment and opportunity to members. A major part of the rebranding envisioned by Evans and the Board of Directors include monthly events. After-hours gatherings and ribbon-cuttings not only spotlight individual members, but also create networking opportunities that help in “sharing of ideas, making new contacts, expanding on ideas . . . the benefits are myriad.”
Also the US Chamber notes that “joining your local Chamber of Commerce could give you more credibility with potential customers.” Evans agrees, saying the Chamber lends credibility to a business. It also serves as a handy directory for those new to the area seeking products and/or services.
Membership fees are $60 per year for an individual, $100 annually for businesses with one to 10 employees, $200 for 11 to 49, $300 for 50 to 99, and $500 per year for 100 employee and more operations.
