Jun 10, 2024 By Melissa Gibson 3 min read

Since 1921, the Mon Valley Chamber of Commerce, formerly the Charleroi Chamber, has been finding ways to support local businesses in Washington, Fayette, Westmoreland and Allegheny counties.

“In 2001, with the mills going under, our small towns were suffering a big hit, so they decided to keep things afloat by regionalizing,” said Leanna Spada, executive director. “We changed the name, got a new logo and set out to be a support and voice for all in the Mon Valley region.”

The purpose of the chamber is to promote economic development in the area. This happens through various means, whether it be networking events, educational opportunities, or sharing resources with local businesses.

“The biggest benefit to joining the chamber is we’re a connection for businesses. We mentor, we share resources, promote, celebrate ribbon cuttings, and host events to support economic growth,” Spada said. “Even if you’re a larger, successful business, supporting the chamber supports others in our region and to be a successful community we all need to do well.”

New this year, the chamber has launched a Women in Leadership series, with an event held in March, July and November.

“The premise around it was to create an event where a group of women felt safe to come, open up, connect, share struggles and know that they are not alone,” Spada said.

The first event featured a social hour with 22 women-owned vendors and keynote speaker, Carol DeAngelo, director of advertising and events for the Observer-Reporter, Herald-Standard, Greene County Messenger and The Almanac. Guests also brought donations for the chamber-selected March charity, Dress for Success.

With hopes of serving at least 50 women through the event, Spada was ecstatic when 180 women arrived.

“My heart was just exploding. Then, Carol was phenomenal. She was so truthful, honest and raw and there wasn’t a dry eye in the place. The ladies were engaged every minute,” Spada said.

July’s event will be held at the Nemacolin Country Club in Beallsville and this time, women will enjoy two hours of the shopping, networking and social time, followed by keynote speaker, Jennifer DiLucia of the podcast “Spill With Me Jenny D.”

The July charity will be Face to Face Healing, a women-owned nonprofit supporting individuals diagnosed with cancer.

“We plan to have a few twists too. Sandi Kern and her Desire to be Well (DTBW) Juicery will be on hand with a few surprises,” Spada said. “If we can help or inspire just one woman with her business, it would be worth it.”

The Chamber will also host their annual events, like the Golf Outing on June 6 at Nemacolin Country Club and the Love Local Mystery Bus Tour this fall.

“We load up two buses and spend the day visiting shops, wineries and restaurants in the area. They don’t know where they are going until they get there,” Spada said. “It’s a great way to share our local businesses with those who might never have stopped in and to infuse funds into the community. We probably spend $14,000 to $16,000 in the region on that one day.”

Spada said the support she sees from one local business to another is heartwarming.

“We want to be a destination and we all win when we all succeed,” Spada said. “Please use us. If you need us to be there, we’re here for you, like your own personal marketing company and in such a supportive atmosphere.”

For more information, visit https://mvrchamber.org/.