Belpre Area Chamber of Commerce marks 90th anniversary
From left: Rebekah Mathis-Stump, the evening’s keynote speaker, gives her speech, while Ben Bradley, the evening’s emcee, and Abbey Tanner, the Belpre Area Chamber of Commerce president, listen. (Photo by Christina Myer)
Board members gather for the lighting and cutting of the 90th anniversary cake at the Belpre Area Chamber of Commerce dinner. (Photo by Christina Myer)
Attendees experienced a blast from the past with a slideshow of before and after photos of the Belpre area. (Photo by Madeline Scarborough)
Belpre Mayor Mike Lorentz presents Kelly Cox with a Key to the City. (Photo by Madeline Scarborough)
Belpre Mayor Mike Lorentz presents Rod O’Donnell with the Citizen of the Year award. (Photo by Madeline Scarborough)
From left: Rebekah Mathis-Stump, the evening’s keynote speaker, gives her speech, while Ben Bradley, the evening’s emcee, and Abbey Tanner, the Belpre Area Chamber of Commerce president, listen. (Photo by Christina Myer)
Board members gather for the lighting and cutting of the 90th anniversary cake at the Belpre Area Chamber of Commerce dinner. (Photo by Christina Myer)
Attendees experienced a blast from the past with a slideshow of before and after photos of the Belpre area. (Photo by Madeline Scarborough)
Belpre Mayor Mike Lorentz presents Kelly Cox with a Key to the City. (Photo by Madeline Scarborough)
Belpre Mayor Mike Lorentz presents Rod O’Donnell with the Citizen of the Year award. (Photo by Madeline Scarborough)
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BELPRE -- The Belpre Area Chamber of Commerce celebrated 90 years Thursday.
The Chamber took time to reminisce on the old and celebrate the new at the Belpre Area Chamber of Commerce dinner.
The Grand Pointe Conference Center in Vienna was decorated in before and after photos honoring the rich history of Belpre.
It was announced at the dinner that Mayle of Belpre will be ending operations this year after nearly 100 years. This comes after the passing of third-generation owner Darwin Mayle Jr. in 2016.
"Tonight we celebrate their legacy in business and the memory of Darwin, his family and the company which led the way in integrity, fair business practices and services to the community," said Ben Bradley, the evening's emcee.
Rebekah Mathis-Stump, the evening's keynote speaker, spoke of four critical elements that have kept the Belpre community strong and will be key to leading Belpre into the future.
Those four elements were a consistent mission, a vision, an innovative spirit and strong leaders.
"The needs of a community change, and the Belpre Chamber of Commerce has continued to provide strong leadership to address those needs," said Mathis-Stump.
Mathis-Stump talked about the achievements made in the last 90 years by the chamber and citizens.
"Those in 1929 laid the foundation, but each year we lay the bricks," said Mathis-Stump.
Following the speech, the Belpre Area Chamber of Commerce revealed its new logo, which was designed to reflect a look to the future as well as the city's connection to the Ohio River and the Valley.
"The logo tells the story of the part this chamber has played in the past and is committed to playing in the future growth and vitality of this valley," said Karen Waller, the Chamber executive director.
The chamber handed out 14 awards at the dinner:
* Belpre Area Chamber of Commerce President Appreciation: Abbey Tanner
* Chamber Ambassador of the Year: Jessica Doyle of Wood Heating and Air Conditioning
* Spirit of the Chamber: Bob Rauch, owner of Main Street /Farson car washes
* Chamber "Hero": Kelly Cox
* Business Person of the Year: Kristin Meeks with WV Social Media
* Entrepreneur of the Year: Phyllis Brown, of Fitness with Phyllis
* Small Business of the Year: Back to Basics Log Cabin
* Spirit of the Community: West Virginia Central Credit Union
* Non-Profit of the Year: United Way of the Mid-Ohio Valley
* Business of the Year: Peddlers Junction
* Business and Marketing Award: Sno Biz
* Spirit of Belpre Homecoming: Terri Klingenberg
* Citizen of the Year: Rod O'Donnell
* Key to the City: Kelly Cox
Twelve businesses were also honored for their milestones.
"I stand here as mayor, looking at 250 people who help make our city what it is today. It takes all of us working together not just one committee, one business or one person, but everyone," said Mayor Mike Lorentz.