“The West Virginia Chamber of Commerce is West Virginia’s largest business advocacy organization,” Roberts said. “We have within our membership companies that employ over half of West Virginia’s workforce.”

Founded nearly 90 years ago, the chamber operates as a voluntary membership association representing businesses of all sizes.

Through policy advocacy, events and education initiatives, the organization aims to strengthen economic development and support employers statewide.

“We have welcomed many new members”

Roberts said 2025 brought several major milestones for the chamber, including the largest membership meeting in its 89-year history.

The organization also hosted its largest Business Leadership Summit in March 2025, drawing more than 600 leaders from across the state to discuss leadership, economic development and workforce issues.

“We have welcomed many new members into the chamber membership,” Roberts said. “It has been a record year in many ways.”

The chamber also expanded its Business Academy, a series of educational programs designed to help members stay informed about emerging issues affecting businesses. Sessions covered a range of topics, including artificial intelligence, economic trends and cultural awareness programs such as Black History Month programming.

Roberts said the programs give members opportunities to learn from experts and connect with peers facing similar challenges.

Post-pandemic

While the COVID-19 pandemic occurred several years ago, Roberts said its impact continues to shape how businesses approach collaboration and networking.

“We’ve seen a good recovery from the COVID years,” Roberts said. “Even though we’re now several years removed from it, I think it’s still on people’s minds.”

During the pandemic, many businesses lost opportunities to meet in person and work together. Roberts believes the recent surge in chamber engagement reflects a renewed desire for collaboration.

“People probably lost the opportunity to be together during COVID,” he said. “Now they’re really enjoying being together and collaborating and looking for ways to improve the economy of our state.”

Advocacy and policy work

In addition to hosting events and professional development opportunities, the chamber serves as a key advocacy organization for West Virginia businesses.

The organization is structured around committees that address issues ranging from workforce development and education to tax policy and environmental regulation.

“Our focus is on the issues that affect employers across the state,” Roberts said.

The chamber also works closely with local chambers of commerce and economic development authorities to help strengthen regional economies and promote statewide growth.

Economic challenges remain

Despite the positive momentum within the chamber, Roberts noted that West Virginia still faces economic challenges.

The state saw steady employment growth beginning in 2016, but that progress slowed during the pandemic. While employment rebounded afterward, Roberts said West Virginia has experienced some job declines since 2023.

“I think employers are concerned about that,” he said. “They see the need to enact policies that will encourage job creation and economic growth.”

Those concerns, Roberts said, are another factor driving businesses to join the chamber and work collectively on policy solutions.

Growth across industries

Membership growth within the chamber has been broad, Roberts said, with new companies entering West Virginia as well as increased participation from small businesses.

“We’ve seen a number of the new companies that have come into West Virginia in the last five years affiliate with the chamber,” Roberts said. “We’ve also seen growth in the small business sector.”

The organization now has members in communities throughout the state, creating what Roberts described as a strong network of employers focused on improving quality of life in West Virginia.

Interest in artificial intelligence

One of the emerging topics drawing significant attention from businesses is artificial intelligence.

Roberts said companies across multiple industries are exploring how AI could improve efficiency, problem-solving and innovation.

“AI is a fascinating topic,” he said. “We’re seeing a lot of interest in AI applications and what it can do to improve processes and opportunities.”

Some of that interest is tied to the potential development of data centers in West Virginia. Roberts said the chamber has been in contact with several companies considering investments in the state.

While he believes data centers could present new opportunities, Roberts emphasized that thoughtful planning will be important.

“There are places where it simply makes sense for data centers to locate and places where it makes less sense,” Roberts said. “Being careful and thoughtful will result in a better outcome.”

Looking ahead

The chamber is now preparing for a milestone year in 2026 as it celebrates its 90th anniversary.

Roberts said the organization plans to mark the occasion during its annual meeting in September with special programming and events.

The chamber is also recognizing the upcoming 250th anniversary of the Declaration of Independence by highlighting historical themes in its monthly publications.

Roberts said the goal is to reflect on the principles of economic opportunity and freedom that have shaped the country and continue to influence the state’s business community today.

“We’re planning special programs related to the anniversary and what the Declaration of Independence has meant for humankind,” he said.

As the organization moves forward, Roberts said the chamber will continue focusing on collaboration, advocacy and economic growth for businesses across West Virginia.

“Employers in West Virginia are eager to work together,” he said. “They want to focus on the things that will make a better quality of life in our state.”