On December 15, 1901 the Martins Ferry Board of Trade was incorporated with the Secretary of State, State of Ohio. Its constitution was revised in 1942 through the membership, which was comprised at that time of 338 members. At that time dues for a company with gross business of $20,000 per annum was $25; less than $20,000 paid $12.50 and individual memberships for those not engaged in business was $5. Some of the Directors at that time included some names which are still familiar: Louie Eick, Wilbur Heslop, Sr., Ralph Oldham, A.V. Dix, H.H. Riethmiller, Dr. Wilson, W.R. May, "Red" Burton and the secretary was Fred Packer.
The name was changed to the Martins Ferry Area Chamber of Commerce in March of 1961 but was not made official with the Secretary of State's office until September of 1982. Dues at that time were $25 for everyone.
The Chamber of Commerce is the business community working together with the main job being community development. It is the central agency that corrals the forces of the community for its improvement and development - in business, in industry and in the professions. Together, the Chamber does what no one person can do alone.
The Chamber also acts as the "front door" of our community by welcoming newcomers, visitors and answering inquiries. We maintain a library of directories, reports, surveys, maps, tourist and travle folders and a calendar of community functions and events.
The Chamber has adopted the following Mission Statement: "To improve our strong business environment through the retention, expansion, recruitment and creation of businesses to enhance the quality of life in the areas we serve."
The Chamber is a voluntary organization. The Chamber's Board of Directors is elected by its members and sets the policy for the Chamber and supervises several committees which are set up to handle specific projects.
Our projects include, but are not limited to, the following: Bowling Challenge, Steak Fry, Academic Recognition Banquet, The Great Race (Soap Box Derby), Skyshow (Fourth of July), Sausage Stand at Betty Zane Days and Night at the Races (Reverse Raffle).
The Chamber has two paid staff members: Dorothy Powell, Executive Director and Marian Klier, Secretary. Chamber officers for 2012 are Jeff Keller (Keller Funeral Home) President and Joe Czuchran (Deluxe Doors) Treasurer. Our Board of Directors, who each serve a three-year term are as follows: Joe Czuchran (Deluxe Doors), Brian Dawes (James C. Dawes Co., Inc.), Connie Jacob (Jacob & Sons Meats), Greg Heslop (Heslop Funeral Home), Stephanie Siburt (PNC Bank), Lesley Link (Harvey Goodman Realtors), EJ Miller (The Times Leader), Dan Stephens (State Farm Ins.), Randy Greenwood (The Citizens Bank), Sherry Stratton (Ohio Valley Cruise Planners), Kim Strauss (Steele/Cook Ins. agency) and Bob Zilai (Z's Jewelry).
Chamber membership is open to all who want to improve our community either as an individual, business, professional or organization. A Chamber membership is an investment in a better Martins Ferry.
Our dues schedule is: Single Business Membership - $85.00 each; two or more business memberships $80 each; organizational or individual membership(s) - $50 each. Dues notices are sent out on October 1 and are due by December 31.
The regular monthly Board meetings are held the third Tuesday of each month at noon usually at the Chamber office. All Chamber Members are welcome to attend these meetings and are encouraged to do so. Please call ahead to verify the location of the meeting and to make a lunch reservation.
To learn more about the benefits of Chamber membership and your opportunity to participate in shaping our community's future, call the Martins Ferry Area Chamber of Commerce at 740-633-2565 or email us at m.chamber@att.net.
