Katrina Bonar, president of the Marshall County Chamber of Commerce Board of Directors, poses with her family including husband Johnny Bonar and their children Jackson and Kennedy Bonar. (Photo Provided)

MOUNDSVILLE — As president of the Marshall County Chamber of Commerce Board of Directors, Katrina Bonar knows how important the organization is to connecting business leaders in the community.

She also knows this from her own personal experience as an employee with WesBanco.

Bonar’s current position with WesBanco is retail sales and support coordinator for the WesBanco Wheeling Market.

“The chamber has helped skyrocket my career at the bank,” she said. “In my previous role, I was a banking center manager, and the chamber was a place I could network with other professionals and really learn the ins and outs of Marshall County.”

She noted WesBanco is also a corporate sponsor of the chamber.

“Being at this level of a sponsor shows the importance of chambers of commerce to our organizations,” Bonar said. “WesBanco encourages its employees to be involved and support the local business community and economy. The partnership that the two organizations have is certainly strong and is making an impact in the community.”

Bonar said there are a variety of reasons why WesBanco is a special company.

“I feel like most of the time I should be the WesBanco cheerleader. I not only love working for WesBanco, but I am also extremely proud to be an employee,” she said. “The values that WesBanco uphold for the community, partnerships and internal culture align with my beliefs.

“Both the Bank and I really want the best for our customers and keep them at the center of all we do. Community, professional development, and being a leader in products and services truly sets WesBanco apart from other regional financial institutions.”

She added there are many reasons the chamber plays an important role in the business community.

“The chamber provides leadership development opportunities, business after hours, hosts breakfast, helps connect schools, small businesses, corporations, municipalities, civic organizations and non-profits,” Bonar said. “It’s literally a one-stop place for all things business and how you can get involved. It’s so important to be a part of in order to know and make points of contact in all walks of life. I have met so many community influences like the Dave Robbins (realtor), Jessica Moore (WVU Medicine), Valerie Piko (RED) and Dana Roscoe’s (Panhandle Cleaning) of the world who have served as a great resource for referrals and friendships.” 

Bonar said the chamber is sustained by its members – something many people may not know.

“I think it’s important that the community knows raising funds through membership dues, sponsorships, and events is how the chamber is able to be sustainable,” she said. “The mission is to engage members, community leaders, partners in education, connect, and promote local businesses. It’s a two-way street and I encourage all to take full advantage of all the benefits the chamber can help you with.”

She said the future of the chamber is in good hands with Reager.

“In my opinion, Scott is one of the best directors we could ask for,” Bonar said. “He is constantly asking for feedback, what can we do next, challenges the board members to think outside of the box, and is open to new ideas. With him as the leader, the future is certainly bright.”

WesBanco, she added, has a long-standing history with the chamber.

“In 2014, WesBanco was awarded Business of the Year, this is a one-time award recognizing a business’ impact in the community and being a great community partner,” Bonar said.

She added WesBanco also had two previous employees, Linda Miller and Barb Rush, recognized with the David Ealy Community Services award. In 2023, Bonar was recognized as the Chamber Ambassador of the Year, which she described as a “true honor to receive.”

“We consistently have one of our team members as a board member to ensure we can support the chamber,” she said. “I have been with the chamber for the last eight years and held multiple positions from board member, executive board member, treasurer and now board president.”

She noted her role at WesBanco lives up to her title of retail sales and support coordinator. “Primarily, I support gap analysis and track progress, prepare sales reports, lead internal campaigns, training and developing our team members at 21 banking centers. I also serve as a liaison between banking centers and executive management,” she said. “As the chamber president, I am taking the lead from our strong Executive Director Scott Reager. We are great friends and work very well together.

“Together, we’ll bring support to customers and attention to our small businesses that have held our county together. We want to bring meaningful partnerships and be a network of one-stop shops for all those who want to get involved in the community.”

Bonar added that community involvement is her favorite part of working for WesBanco.

“We are community focused. This will always be what brings me the most joy,” she said. “I am a committee member and auditor for the Ladies League of Marshall County, Board Member and Treasurer for King’s Daughter Daycare, Board Member of Reynold’s Hospital Foundations, participate in the Pride and Progress of Marshall County, LSIC member for Center McMechen School, WVU Children’s Hospital Fundraising committee member, and provide financial education for correctional facilities, local Family Resource Networks and schools in Marshall and Ohio counties.”

Bonar has been married to her husband Johnny Bonar for 17 years. They have two children, Jackson and Kennedy Bonar, and two dogs, Zeke and Zuri.