The 2014 Chamber of Commerce business seminars wrapped up this week. The seminars have attracted an average of twenty to twenty-five participants per session from both Jefferson and Berkeley counties. Those in attendance represent a cross section of local businesses.

The seminars are provided through a partnership with Blue Ridge Community and Technical College, and organizers brought in speakers from around the Tri-State area. In this week’s final seminar, the speaker was also a regular attender.

Kimberly Foore is an enrollment specialist with West Virginia University Online.

Foore said, “With my seminar – Communications Success – who doesn’t want to do that better? It’s a workshop that fits everyone.”

Foore’s topic is just one example of how the Chamber is working to provide for a wide range of needs and interests.

The seminars pinpoint specific skills for the community, like the topic of the May Seminar – One Page Business Plans. The seminars also offer broad topics like What’s Keeping You Up At Night? – held at the Bavarian Inn last month. Chamber of Commerce Executive Director, Heather McIntyre says the workshops are another way the Chamber can support local business.

“We were looking for a niche for chamber members at low cost. Members who don’t attend other chamber events will attend the seminars,” McIntyre said.

The regular business talks incorporate all types of companies not just a start-up or a shopkeeper selling goods over the counter. One person who repeatedly attended the seminars is West Virginia Housing Development Eastern Regional Manager, Nan Stevens. Stevens encourages others to take advantage of the service.

“They are always timely business topics. I come away with new and useful information. The partnership with Blue Ridge Community and Technical College is a good thing,” Stevens explained.

Foore said the topics discussed at the Chamber seminars make people successful in business and in their personal life. She agrees that the consistently strong attendance at these seminars indicates the service is making an impact on our business community.

The 2015 series of free business seminars kicks of in January. Registering for future seminars is simple. One can click over to the Chamber’s website, jeffersoncountywvchamber.org and find the seminars in the calendar of events. Register from there; the seminars are open to members and nonmembers of the Chamber.