Submitted photo Elkins-Randolph County Executive Director Karrah Washington (L) addressed President Phillips Kolsun and the Rotary Club of Elkins, giving updates on the Chamber’s upcoming events and activities.

Elkins-Randolph County Chamber Executive Director Karrah Washington addressed the Rotary Club of Elkins, giving updates on the Chamber’s upcoming events and activities.

A new initiative of the Chamber is Rise and Shine. The program happens on the third Wednesday of each month at 8 a.m. at the WV Wood Tech Center on 11th Street. Bryd’s House of Donuts treats and coffee are offered along with a Chamber update, followed by a brief presentation from a chamber partner about their business. Most recently, Ron Andro from Vandalia Health Davis was the speaker. Following Rise and Shine, November’s Smart Seminar began; it’s not necessary to attend both events.

“You do not have to come to Rise and Shine and stay for the Smart Seminar. You can come for the free Rise and Shine and leave if you don’t want to stay for the training. Or you can come just for the training and not to the Rise and Shine,” Washington said. “Anyone and everyone are welcome to come to Rise and Shine.”

The current Smart Seminar series is focused on Excel training. The final Excel session in December will wrap up the series with assistance with specific projects for the attendees. The sessions are taught by Dan Engstrom with the help of Jeremy Deighan and Michael Hayes.

Classes, which start at 8:45 a.m., are limited to 25. Please arrive no later than 8:30 a.m. with a laptop that has Excel installed. Anyone interested in the sessions can contact the Chamber at 304-636-2717 or via email at executivedirector@erccc.com; the cost for Chamber partners is $15 and $25 for the general public.

The 2026 Smart Seminar, beginning in January, will focus on marketing.

The Chamber will be hosting the Elfkins Jingle All the Way Christmas Parade on Friday, December 5th beginning at 6 p.m. Following the parade, the lighting of the new Elfkins Christmas Tree located on the Elkins Rotary Amphitheater plaza in the Elkins Town Square will take place. Santa and Mrs. Claus will be a part of the evening, and s’mores and hot chocolate will be available at the Rotary Amphitheatre following the parade and tree lighting. Washington also encouraged all organizations and individuals to participate in the parade. “The parade is open to all. There’s no fee to enter the parade. It just helps brighten up the downtown and bring Christmas spirit,” said Washington. The parade application is available on the Chamber’s website, www.erccc.com.

The Chamber recently changed its membership to Membership for All which means that many offerings are free to everyone who participates. There is also a new partnership structure with three tiers.

Washington also highlighted the Chamber’s Partnership Program, which replaces traditional membership dues with flexible annual support levels designed to meet the needs of all business types.

The Sole Proprietor or Nonprofit Partner level ($150) annually provides affordable access to Chamber resources, networking, and promotional opportunities for small operations and community organizations. The Community Partner level ($250) annually expands visibility and engagement within the local business network, while the Visionary Partner level ($500) annually offers greater marketing exposure and event recognition. The Legacy Partner level ($1,000) annually represents the highest level of support, offering premium visibility and leadership opportunities throughout the Chamber’s programs and initiatives.

“This model ensures that every business and nonprofit — no matter its size or stage — has a place in the Chamber,” said Washington. “Our partners make it possible for us to invest back into the community through education, networking, and advocacy year-round.”

The Chamber’s most in-demand professional development opportunity continues to be Leadership Randolph. “Leadership Randolph is truly something special. I hear constant praise about the program. People rave about the impact it has on their careers and their connection to our community,” Washington shared. “My phone rings regularly with folks wanting to join.”

Leadership Randolph is a hands-on, immersive program designed to give participants a deeper understanding of Randolph County. Each month, the class explores a different sector — education, agriculture, healthcare, government, tourism, industry, and more — through site visits, expert panels, and meaningful conversations with community leaders. Participants build relationships, gain behind-the-scenes insight into how our region operates, and walk away with a broader perspective on how they can lead and serve in their own organizations.

Leadership Ready, which is run by the Elkins-Randolph County Chamber and Randolph County CLIMB, is a leadership program specifically designed for high school students.

“We kicked it off last year and it is an incredible program. For this program, we were able to have a wide variety of students participate,” commented Washington. “To see all those kids in the same room, working together to learn about leadership in our community, and the way they were able to be connected was truly powerful.

“Watching them grow, collaborate, and see themselves as future leaders in Randolph County was one of the most rewarding parts of the entire program.”

In conclusion, Washington commented on the ongoing “Building a Vibrant Community 2.0” program that is an Elkins-Randolph County Chamber initiative being led by Mark Doak. The program was initiated following the closing of Elkins Main Street and focuses on ways to help build a vibrant Elkins Community. Some projects that have their geneses in Building a Vibrant Community 2.0 are the murals for the Moose Building on Davis Avenue and the painting of murals on the Wilson Street railroad bridge piers, both of which are being headed up by Desire Kniffen Watson of Beander’s. Vibrant Community meetings are held on the first Tuesday of each month from 9-10 a.m. at the Common Door on the corner of Third Street and Kerens Avenue.

More information about the Elkins-Randolph County Chamber and its various programs can be found by emailing executivedirector@erccc.com or by calling Washington at 304-636-2717.

Rotary is a global network of 1.4 million neighbors, friends, leaders and problem-solvers who see a world where people unite and take action to create lasting change – across the globe, in their communities, and in themselves. Visit www.Rotary.org to learn more about Rotary International, visit the club’s Facebook page – Rotary Club of Elkins – or contact 2025-2026 club president Phillips Kolsun at phillipskolsun@gmail.com for more information about the Rotary Club of Elkins.