First Settlement Physical Therapy Partners with Greenmont Elementary School to Strengthen Community and Educational Ties

Vienna, WV — First Settlement Physical Therapy has officially joined forces with Greenmont Elementary School in Vienna, WV, through the Chamber of Commerce of the Mid-Ohio Valley's Partners in Education program. This collaboration, signed last week, marks a significant step in fostering community engagement and supporting local education.

First Settlement Physical Therapy, a family-owned practice with over 40 locations across West Virginia and Ohio, has long been recognized for its commitment to community health and wellness. Now, the organization is extending its mission to the classroom, pledging to support Greenmont Elementary's students and staff through various initiatives aimed at enriching educational experiences and enhancing resources.

“We are honored and excited to partner with Greenmont as part of our commitment to giving back to the communities that have supported us,” said Kecia Barr of First Settlement Physical Therapy. “Collaborating with local schools is a meaningful way for us to make a positive impact, and we are eager to contribute to the success of Greenmont’s students and staff. We look forward to supporting Greenmont in various ways, whether by assisting with school programs, providing resources for teachers, or working alongside the PTA to bring their activities to life. Our goal is to be a dependable partner, helping to create opportunities that empower students to achieve their fullest potential.

Through this partnership, we hope to foster a strong relationship that not only benefits the students and staff but also strengthens the entire community. Together, we can ensure Greenmont has the support it needs to help its students thrive.”

Greenmont Elementary School serves students from Pre-K through 5th grade and prides itself on providing a nurturing environment that fosters both academic achievement and personal growth. With the added support from First Settlement Physical Therapy, the school is poised to enhance its programs and offer additional opportunities to its students.

Jill Parsons, CEO of the Chamber of Commerce of the Mid-Ohio Valley, expressed her enthusiasm for the new partnership. “The Partners in Education program is all about creating meaningful connections between our local businesses and schools. First Settlement Physical Therapy’s commitment to Greenmont Elementary is a shining example of how businesses can play an active role in shaping the future of our community. We are thrilled to see this partnership take root and look forward to witnessing the positive impact it will have on students, staff, and the broader Vienna community.”

The Partners in Education program continues to bridge the gap between the business and education sectors, creating opportunities for mutual growth and success. Businesses interested in partnering with local schools are encouraged to contact the Chamber of Commerce of the Mid-Ohio Valley at (304) 422-3588 or via email at info@movchamber.org.

Courtesy of Bert Webb

Cleared for Takeoff: MOV Airport’s New Partnerships Open Doors for Students

PARKERSBURG, WV - The Mid-Ohio Valley Regional Airport has officially partnered with Hamilton Middle School and Williamstown Middle/High School through the Chamber of Commerce’s Partner in Education program. This collaboration aims to introduce students to career opportunities in aviation and foster early interest in fields such as piloting, air traffic control, aviation mechanics, and airport operations.

The signing ceremony, which took place at the airport, marks a significant step toward connecting local students with hands-on learning experiences in an industry vital to the region’s economy.

Kevin Campbell, Principal at Hamilton Middle School, emphasized the importance of this partnership in broadening students' career horizons.

“The greatest impact is probably going to be in terms of career and technical education and links to those opportunities for kids,” Campbell said. “With middle school students, we're mostly about opening doors, giving them an awareness of things beyond themselves and opportunities they might not otherwise think of. It’s a wonderful opportunity to expand horizons for our kids.”

Williamstown Middle/High School Principal Jason Ward echoed these sentiments, highlighting the airport's proximity as a unique student advantage.

“We already have students working here, and now this partnership allows for even more career opportunities, field trips, and exploration,” Ward said. “Even though we are less than five miles away, many students might not have thought about aviation as a career path. But once they see the opportunities, especially close to home, they can start getting excited and even gear their education toward those pathways.”

MOV’s Operations Manager, Sydnie Beall, shared the airport’s motivation for engaging with students at an early stage.

“We were inspired to do this because we’ve had a lot of community events lately, and we’ve seen more and more kids get excited about aviation,” Beall said. “We want to inspire the next generation to explore the aviation industry—from pilots to air traffic controllers to airport firefighters. There’s a whole world out there, and we want to show them the possibilities.”

MOV Airport Manager Ben Auville emphasized this initiative's long-term vision, which aligns with local and state efforts to develop the aviation industry in West Virginia.

“There are long-term plans in place, both at the state and federal levels, to bring in aviation-related industries to our region,” he said. “The goal is to get students interested now, so when these industries establish themselves, we already have a skilled local workforce ready to step into these roles. By partnering with our schools, we’re ensuring that kids know these career paths exist and can start preparing for them early.”

The airport has already seen success in engaging students in aviation. For example, a student from Williamstown High School participated in a partnership with Rivertown Aviation and went on to study aviation mechanics at Pierpont Community and Technical College. This new initiative seeks to formalize and expand opportunities for even more students.

The Partners in Education program, facilitated by the Chamber of Commerce of the Mid-Ohio Valley, continues to build bridges between schools and local businesses to support workforce development and student career exploration. Jill Parsons, President & CEO of the Chamber, applauded the new partnership.

“The Mid-Ohio Valley Regional Airport’s commitment to engaging with our students is exactly what the Partners in Education program is all about,” Parsons said. “By fostering these connections, we’re not just enriching classroom learning—we’re creating real-world pathways for success in our community.”

As the partnership takes off, students at Hamilton and Williamstown Middle Schools can look forward to interactive learning experiences, site visits, mentorship opportunities, and potential hands-on training in the future.

Businesses interested in joining the Partners in Education program can contact the Chamber of Commerce of the Mid-Ohio Valley at (304) 422-3588 or email info@movchamber.org.

Courtesy of Bert Webb

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

Williamstown, WV – A momentous partnership has been established between Williamstown Bank and Williamstown High School (WHS), aiming to enhance financial literacy among students significantly.

This initiative, facilitated by the Partner In Education Program, was ceremonially inaugurated at the school on October 19, 2023, at 1:30 PM. The collaboration sets forth a vision to empower students with essential financial skills, preparing them for a financially prudent future.

Jason Ward, the Principal of WHS, reflected on the profound impact of this alliance, "Williamstown Bank has a long-time proud tradition in our community. This partnership unveils numerous collaborative opportunities, financial education, and varied support for our students. I am hopeful that this endeavor will unveil new avenues for students to learn financial literacy, serve the community, and be better prepared to be productive citizens upon graduation."

Echoing the enthusiasm, Sharon Anderson, the President and CEO of Williamstown Bank, remarked, "The urgency for financial literacy among high school graduates transitioning to adulthood has never been more apparent. We are ecstatic to partner with Williamstown High School to bridge this gap. Extending our long-standing Partners in Education engagement with Williamstown Elementary, we now broaden our support to students throughout their school years in Williamstown, laying a solid financial foundation for their future. This partnership is a boon for our community, mutually benefiting both students and their families."

Jill Parsons, the President and CEO of the Chamber of Commerce of the Mid-Ohio Valley, also commended this partnership, "The synergy between Williamstown Bank and Williamstown High School is a beacon of community engagement. This initiative not only amplifies the financial literacy of our students but also fortifies the communal bonds. It's a remarkable testament to the positive change achievable when local institutions collaborate towards a shared objective."

The Chamber of Commerce, which sponsors the Partner In Education Program, invites other Chamber members to explore similar partnerships with schools to invest in our students and the future of the Mid-Ohio Valley. For more information on initiating school/business partnerships, please contact the Partner In Education program at info@movchamber.org or call (304) 422-3588.

Courtesy of Bert Webb

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

Healthy Partnerships: Coplin Health Systems and Van Devender Middle School Team Up for a Brighter Future

PARKERSBURG, WV – Coplin Health Systems and Van Devender Middle School ("Vandy") have formalized their school/business partnership with the help of the Partner In Education Program of the Chamber of Commerce of the Mid-Ohio Valley, a key player in connecting such partnerships in the Mid-Ohio Valley.

On Monday, September 18, 2023, a ceremonial signing marked the official commencement of this partnership at Vandy. Signatories included Rob Dudley, Coplin Health Systems CEO; Kurt Echard, Vandy's principal; Jill Parsons, President/CEO of The Chamber of Commerce of the Mid-Ohio Valley; and Kennith Cook, Director of Secondary Education at Wood County Schools.

Jennifer Parsons, Site Director at Coplin Health Systems, shared, "Our goal is for students to embrace healthy lifestyles that enable them to achieve more in the classroom and in their extracurricular activities. We are thrilled to join the Vandy family - Go Blue Devils!!"

Principal Echard added, "It's an honor to welcome Coplin Clinic to our team. Together, the future looks bright."

Jill Parsons emphasized the importance of such partnerships, noting, "Partnerships like this one are essential to fostering a strong, interconnected community. They create a win-win situation, enriching both our educational institutions and local businesses. The Chamber is proud to play a role in bringing these partnerships to life."

Coplin Health Systems' 45 years of providing quality health care and their work with schools to develop and implement wellness policies and programs, combined with Vandy's strong connections to its community, will strengthen their outreach and impact through this partnership.

To become a member of your own school/business partnership or for more information, contact the Chamber of Commerce at info@movchamber.org or call 304-422-3588.

Courtesy of Bert Webb

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

Williamstown Bank Forms Innovative Partnership With Parkersburg South High School

Parkersburg, WV — July 13, 2023 — The Chamber of Commerce of the Mid-Ohio Valley proudly announces a new educational partnership facilitated between Williamstown Bank and Parkersburg South High School to enhance students' financial literacy and education. This partnership is a testament to local businesses' commitment to bolstering education and community development.

Williamstown Bank, a community institution known for excellent service and community involvement since 1919, recently expanded its presence into South Parkersburg, emphasizing its dedication to financial education. "We are excited to partner with Parkersburg South High School as our presence grows in this area of Wood County," said Sharon Anderson, President and CEO of Williamstown Bank.

Anderson added, "We believe the opportunity to engage high school students in financial literacy and education early on is vital to their success as they graduate. We look forward to working with Betsy Patterson and her team to ensure students at South have the tools they need to navigate the different financial stages of life."

Parkersburg South High School, a National Blue Ribbon School, is well known for its strong academic programs and extracurricular offerings. Principal Betsy Patterson and her team are enthusiastic about the partnership, viewing it as a valuable opportunity for students to gain practical financial knowledge and skills.

In support of this partnership, Jill Parsons, President and CEO of the Chamber of Commerce of the Mid-Ohio Valley, said, "The Chamber is delighted to facilitate this partnership, reinforcing our mission to promote economic development, civic engagement, and cultural enrichment in the Mid-Ohio Valley. This collaboration between Williamstown Bank and Parkersburg South High School is a powerful example of our community's commitment to enhancing educational opportunities and fostering future leaders."

The Chamber encourages other member businesses to consider the numerous benefits of partnering with local schools. This unique initiative creates a symbiotic relationship, strengthening both the business and education sectors while enhancing the future of our community.

If you are a Chamber business member interested in partnering with a local school, please contact the Chamber of Commerce of the Mid-Ohio Valley at (304) 422-3588 or email info@movchamber.org. Together, we can shape the future of our community, empowering our young generation with the knowledge and skills they need to succeed.

About The Chamber of Commerce of the Mid-Ohio Valley:

Founded in 1909, the Chamber of Commerce of the Mid-Ohio Valley is a coalition of area businesses, industries, organizations, and professionals who pool their talents and resources to improve our community's economic, civic, and cultural climate. The Chamber provides a variety of services to its members, including networking opportunities, educational programs, and advocacy. For more information, visit www.movchamber.org.

About Williamstown Bank:

Williamstown Bank has been serving the people of Williamstown, West Virginia, since 1919, providing a wide range of financial products and services. The bank, a member of the FDIC, is committed to giving back to the community and supports various local organizations. For more information, visit www.williamstownbank.com.

About Parkersburg South High School:

Parkersburg South High School is a public high school in Parkersburg, West Virginia, part of the Wood County School District. It serves grades 9-12, with a student body of approximately 1,500 students and a faculty of over 100 teachers. The school offers a wide range of academic programs and extracurricular activities. For more information, visit https://www.woodcountyschoolswv.com/o/psh.

Media Contact:

Bert Webb, Coordinator, Partner In Education Program

Phone: (336) 402-8338

Email: hwebbjr@gmail.com

click to enlarge

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

March 2, 2023

Chamber of Commerce of the Mid-Ohio Valley’s Partner In Education Program Facilitates Partnership between Cox Family Pharmacy and Edison Middle School

Parkersburg, West Virginia - Cox Family Pharmacy, owned by Mike and Laura Cox, has partnered with Edison Middle School, a middle school in Wood County, Parkersburg, WV, to enhance education and health within the school, the students, their families, and the local community. The ceremonial signing for the partnership took place on February 21, 2023, at Edison Middle School.

The partnership between Cox Family Pharmacy and Edison Middle School will offer a range of benefits to promote health and wellness among students and their families. One of the key advantages of this collaboration is that the school will receive support in creating a healthy environment for its students. Through this partnership, Cox Family Pharmacy will contribute valuable resources, such as educational materials and ideas for wellness programs, helping to align them to the school’s curriculum, enabling them to foster healthy habits and behaviors among the students. This will not only improve the physical health of the students but also contribute to their overall well-being and academic success.

The Partner In Education Program of the Chamber of Commerce of the Mid-Ohio Valley, facilitated the partnership between Cox Family Pharmacy and Edison Middle School. The program is designed to facilitate partnerships between local businesses and schools to enhance education and promote economic development in the region. For more information about the program or to get your business involved, contact the Chamber at (304) 422-3588 or jparsons@movchamber.org.

About Cox Family Pharmacy:

Cox Family Pharmacy is a locally owned and operated pharmacy with three locations in Parkersburg. The pharmacy is owned by Mike and Laura Cox and offers a wide range of medical services and products to the local community.

About Edison Middle School:

Edison Middle School is a middle school in Wood County, Parkersburg, WV. The school provides quality education to students in the area.

Photo Caption:

Left to Right: Jill Parsons (President/CEO of the Chamber of Commerce of the Mid-Ohio Valley), Mike and Laura Cox (Owners, Cox Family Pharmacy), Janet Sears (Principal of Edison Middle School), Christie Willis (Superintendent of Wood County Schools)

Media Contact:

Bert Webb

Coordinator of the Partner In Education Program
Chamber of Commerce of the Mid-Ohio Valley
Phone: 336-402-8338
Email: hwebbjr@gmail.com