Sen. Manchin gives remarks Marion County Chamber of Commerce’s 70th annual awards dinner

FAIRMONT, W.Va. (WBOY) — The Marion County Chamber of Commerce honored businesses and organizations from around the county Wednesday night as it hosted its 70th annual awards dinner on the campus of Fairmont State University.

Members of the chamber said that this is one of its largest events of the year. On top of awards and honors, the annual dinner also allows area businesses to fellowship with other local business owners and entrepreneurs to create a stronger business community.

“We’re seeing some growth right now. There was a little bit of a downturn with the pandemic, but Marion County is coming back strong. We are kind of bookended by Mon and Harrison Counties which have seen tremendous growth and we’re right in the middle of it,” Marion County Chamber of Commerce President Patrick Snively said.

Officials with the chamber told 12 News that having family-owned and operated businesses along with large and new developing businesses that give back to their communities is what creates growth. U.S. Senator Joe Manchin (I-WV) joined the dinner, spoke to those in attendance and received an award for his dedication to Marion County during the welcoming remarks.

“This has always been special for me for many, many, many years, even before I got into the political process and that was back in 1982. And just bringing the county together, bringing everyone working together, trying to help all different areas.” Manchin said. “Some people say ‘well it’s only the Fairmont area’ and it really isn’t. The Marion County Chamber of Commerce looked after all of us, whether it be Farmington, Mannington, Barrackville, you know, Rivesville, everybody. We want everybody to survive and do well and succeed. So, this is what it’s all about how we do work, who needs help more, and how can we help them grow too.”

Those businesses that received recognition at the annual dinner include:

• Family-owned Business of the Year, Short Story Brewing
• Community Impact Award, Alex Petry
• Small Business of the Year, Mikey C’s Cuisine
• Educator of the Year, Krista Blankenship
• Entrepreneur of the Year, Jared Rogers
• Francis Pierpont Visionary Award, WVU Hospital Fairmont Medical Center
• Rev. Donal M. Squires Lifetime Achievement Award, Murvyn McDowell
• Public Servant Award, Senator Mike Caputo and Judge David R. Janes
• Chairman’s Award, Jay Rogers
• President’s Award, Amy Snively

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