Boxcars!: Chamber Gala Brings Members Together to Celebrate | News, sports, work

Belpre Area Chamber of Commerce Executive Director Karen Waller (center) dramatically draws a 50-50 drawing card during the Mid-Ohio Valley Chamber of Commerce’s annual gala on Thursday at the Parkersburg Art Center as Sandy Hintz (left) with consumer credit Mid-Ohio Valley Consulting Services and Host Chamber President and CEO Jill Parsons laughs. (Photo: Evan Bevins)

PARKERSBURG – Renee Murphy tried different Chamber of Commerce games at a Vegas-inspired gala in the Mid-Ohio Valley on Thursday night, but came up empty-handed as proceedings began.

“I haven’t won anything so far, but it’s nice.” she said.

Her luck changed when the chamber’s annual awards were announced and Murphy, branch manager of First Mutual Bank in Parkersburg, was named Chamber Champion.

And it wasn’t entirely lucky, considering that the award is selected by chamber staff based on a person’s commitment to the organization’s principles and support and participation in the chamber’s activities. Chamber officials said Murphy has been actively involved in chamber activities since last fall, attending more than 40 ribbon cuttings and Business After Hours events.

“I always enjoy the opportunities to network… and meet new friends.” Murphy said before presenting the awards.

Mid-Ohio Valley Partners in Education Chamber of Commerce coordinator Bert Webb, second from right, takes aim at a game of ring toss as Artsbridge Board President-elect Jeff DeWitt (right) watches Thursday’s Vegas-inspired gala at the chamber’s Parkersburg Arts Center. (Photo: Evan Bevins)

Bert Webb, the chamber’s coordinator of the Partners in Education program, excelled at games of skill and chance, especially ring toss, where the targets were the necks of alcoholic beverage bottles.

“I won four bottles” Webb said. “Just like when I go to a real casino, I stick to roulette because I do well.”

He said the gala provides “It’s a great time for companies to come together, not only to recognize each other’s strong performance, but also to network.”

The ring toss was one of the most popular attractions of the evening, said Jill Parsons, president and CEO of the chamber.

An event like Thursday’s “allows you to hang out with some of your coworkers, but also socialize with other chamber members while playing blackjack or Elvis Cakewalk” she said.

From left, Michelle Leasure and Sharri Maston of Silverheels Property Management and Steve Sansevere of Peoples Cartage gather around a blackjack table with dealer Dave Roberts of Seven Mountains Media during a Vegas-inspired gala at the Middle Ohio Valley Chamber of Commerce on Thursday at 7 p.m. Parkersburg Arts Center. (Photo: Evan Bevins)

The latter event featured themed desserts prepared by Blennerhassett Hotel, Da Vinci’s, Gibboney’s Bakery and Lisa’s Sweet Shop.

Maggie Lane of Curry Warehouses lines up her shot during a game of poker darts during the Mid-Ohio Valley Chamber of Commerce’s Vegas-inspired gala on Thursday at the Parkersburg Art Center. Curry Warehouses received the Community Impact Award at the gala. (Photo: Evan Bevins)

Andy Daniel (left), owner of 3D Construction, sits with his wife Cindy at the Mid-Ohio Valley Chamber of Commerce Gala on Thursday at the Parkersburg Art Center before receiving the chamber’s Business Leader of the Year award. (Photo: Evan Bevins)

Attendees take part in the Elvis Cakewalk during a Vegas-themed gala for the Central Ohio Valley Chamber of Commerce on Thursday at the Parkersburg Art Center. (Photo: Evan Bevins)

Prizes at the Elvis Cakewalk held during Thursday’s Mid-Ohio Valley Chamber of Commerce gala included themed desserts prepared by local businesses. (Photo: Evan Bevins)

The Mid-Ohio Valley Chamber of Commerce’s annual gala, held Thursday at the Parkersburg Art Center, had a Vegas theme, featuring blackjack and other games of chance and skill. (Photo: Evan Bevins)