AIRWAY HEIGHTS – With the region growing as rapidly as it is, one group that is staying busy is the West Plains Chamber of Commerce.
The chamber brought in a new Chief Executive Officer close to two years ago, Mark Losh.
According to Losh the chamber has been involved in a lot of the growth residents see.
One of the biggest changes is the chamber transitioned into an initiative driven chamber rather than being an event driven chamber.
This success has helped them upgrade their operating system and redesign their website to increase their online influence.
In two years, the chamber has welcomed 103 new members, and helped drive community involvement through hosting multiple ribbon cuttings, grand openings, and other community-oriented events.
These events were part of the West Plains community engagement series, and the turnout for each event was great according to Losh.
Some of the initiatives they have been involved in include partnering with groups such as the West Plains Safety Alliance who works to help area youth, assist people struggling with metal health, strengthening families and more.
The safety alliance has submitted over five million dollars in grant requests designed specifically to help those initiatives.
Still in line with public safety, the chamber also supported the need for a new fire station in Airway Heights.
Cheney Public Schools long range facilities planning. This effort is a comprehensive six-month study to evaluate and address the district’s future building and growth needs.
According to Losh, the chamber celebrated so many successes they couldn’t list them all in their 24-month report.
Also working to help people find the jobs that fit their skills and needs, the chamber has been part of an internship round table of sorts that helps connect students with employers in the region.
The chamber will continue to focus on building partnerships and focus on initiatives that will contribute to growth in the West Plains.
Matthew graduated from West Virginia University-Parkersburg in 2011 with a journalism degree. He's an award-winning photographer and enjoys writing stories about people.
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