Business & Merchant

Last Updated on Tuesday, 30 January 2018 02:32

By J.R. Brower

Culminating years of planning, on Tuesday January 23, the Monongahela Area Chamber of Commerce (MACC) publicly announced their plans for relocation across the street from their old building.

Pictured at the Chamber of Commerce luncheon are (l to r): Michelle DeHosse; Tina Dean; Cis Frazier; Don Frazier; Tony Bottino; Randy Rodriquez; Ashley Lewis; Doreen Walters and Bill Teek.

The organization hosted a luncheon and press conference at their new headquarters, 211 W Main Street in Monongahela.

Among those attending the event were Monongahela Mayor Bob Kepics, Zoning Code Officer Les Pemberton, Public Works Officer Mark Gadd and the Street Department, Police Chief Brian Tempest, as well as members of the Monongahela City Council.

Following a delicious luncheon sponsored by the Monongahela branch of Community Bank and provided by 2 Fine Caterers of Charleroi, Chamber of Commerce President Anthony Bottino addressed the attendees. Speaking proudly about the progress of commerce in the Mon Valley, Bottino expressed the sentiments and enthusiasm expressed in consensus by those in attendance: “It’s a wonderful day for the City of Monongahela!”

Bottino said the move to the former location of The Finishing Touch, a flooring and paint store, was the result of a joint community effort including local government, businesses and organizations that help fund building projects like the Mon Valley Alliance.

He especially thanked Chamber of Commerce Executive Director Dorothea Pemberton “for all of her hard work at the Chamber, especially organizing special events like this one.’

“This building will be a great place to run our organization that will benefit Main Street as we try to encourage and develop new business,” said Bottino.

The building project kick off press conference continued as special Chamber members who are participating in the renovation efforts were introduced for the photo op. They included Michelle DeHosse from Sparkles by Shell; Tina Dean from Step 4 Fitness in Belle Vernon; Board Treasurer Cis Frazier; Don Frazier from Don’s Signs; Board VP Dr. Randy Rodriquez; Ashley Lewis, Manager of Community Bank; Doreen Walters, a local realtor; and Bill Teek of From the Top Music Shop.

Organizations that are helping the Chamber of Commerce complete their renovation project at 211 W. Main include EQT Corporation and the Charleroi-based Mon Valley Alliance, represented by Executive Officer Christopher Whitlatch. Community Bank of Monongahela is financing the building project, and Marketing Coordinator Marissa Krall was also on hand to greet guests and provide information.