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.

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.

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

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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