A little more than a week ago, the St. Clairsville Area Chamber of Commerce did something we typically do not do often enough — it recognized the achievements and contributions of several of its members.

During its annual dinner on Sept. 18, where Wheeling’s own Craig Karges entertained the crowd with a blend of magic and psychology, the chamber honored United Way of the Upper Ohio Valley Executive Director Staci Stephen as its Service Above Self Person of the Year.

The Business of the Year award went to Belco Works, courtesy of sponsor WVU Medicine Wheeling Hospital. Erb Electric received the District Distinguished Employer award, sponsored by Project BEST.

The Community Involvement award went to Trinity Health System, which just recently opened its St. Clairsville Neighborhood Hospital in the city. Trinity also sponsored the appearance by Karges.

The Service Above Self Person of the Year award was sponsored by the Rotary Club of St. Clairsville, and the honoree certainly lived up to the name of that award. Club President Daniel Lima presented the honor and explained why Stephen was selected:

“It’s about the people who put their community first, who see a need and act without hesitation. Each year, our club honors someone whose life embodies that principle. This year, that person is Staci Stephen.”

Stephen earned the recognition for her volunteer work in the wake of deadly June flash flooding in Ohio County. She has helped people who lost their homes to find new ones. She also is working with a long-term recovery group that is currently focused on providing building supplies such as drywall, flooring and insulation to help with the recovery.

Even as she talked about receiving the award, she urged others to volunteer by calling 304-232-4652.

Congratulations to Stephen and all the award winners. And kudos to the chamber for recognizing their efforts.