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MARTINS FERRY -- Unified Bank hosted the Martins Ferry Chamber of Commerce's quarterly Beans and Business on Thursday, a business networking event designed to bring business owners and professionals together and showcase what Martins Ferry has to offer.
Thursday's event marked the third Beans and Business for this year. Unified Community Development Executive Don Feenerty said that the event grows every quarter.
Local business leaders, representatives from the chamber office and city officials had a chance to mingle and discuss how social media has changed how local businesses connect with customers.
"The world has gotten both larger and smaller since I went into business 40 years ago. Social media has become the go-to for business promotion, but nothing will ever beat getting together in person with your fellow business people," Feenerty said.
The Martins Ferry Chamber of Commerce states that it is dedicated to the promotion and business expansion of the Martins Ferry area as well as the communities along the entire Belmont County Ohio River area.
"The chamber is working closely with local businesses, city and village officials and community leaders to identify and promote local growth opportunities," chamber Vice President Dan Stephens of Dan Stephens State Farm said.
Thursday's gathering included representation from many area businesses, including East Ohio Regional Hospital, Ferry Hardware, Ohio Valley Printing, Kendall Behavioral Solutions, DeFelice Bros. Pizza and law firms and insurance agencies. Yorkville Bakery provided baked goods for the event.
Craig Bommer, area president at iHeartMedia, spoke at the event and discussed the importance of building long-term relationships with customers and the community.
"Trust and honesty are key to any business. ... We all screw up, but we have to keep that trust and honesty," he said.
Bommer said that building and maintaining relationships with people both inside and outside his company has greatly aided in the success of his career. Before working at iHeartMedia, Bommer said he "ran the Wheeling Nailers" with the title of vice president of business operations.
"We are proud of the businesses and community leaders we have here in Martins Ferry and always welcome the opportunity to share our story with other communities," Mayor John Davies said.
Those interested in learning more about business in the Martins Ferry area or in joining the chamber can call the Martins Ferry Chamber of Commerce at 740-633-2565.