The doors of The Neighborhood, The Greater Latrobe-Ligonier Valley Chamber of Commerce are officially open. The Chamber is now spreading what’s “in the happening” around the area from it’s new location, underneath Sharky’s on Route 30.
“The facility will tell the stories of where we came from, where we are now, and where we are going. We live and work in an amazing area and the VIC will celebrate that,” said David Martin GLLV President. People from all over are coming to visit The Chamber to get information on the area.
The Chamber’s center offers information on shopping, member business services, restaurants, lodging attractions, activities and community-focused material for visitors and new and current members.
Locals appreciate the museum and display cases the most. The Pittsburgh Steelers, Arnold Palmer, Fred Rogers, and Rolling Rock are featured. The display cases themselves are a reason to visit. Anyone, especially locals, will appreciate the honor and dedication to the ‘claims to fame’ for the area.
The Chamber’s board members include representatives from local business; First National Bank of PA, Saint Vincent College, Kelly-Sparber-White and Associates LLC, Signs In 1 Day, Eastern Westmoreland Career and Technology Center, Ramada Ligonier, Mullen Refrigeration Service, Saint-Gobain Ceramics, Gutchess Hardwoods, Carpenter Latrobe Specialty Metals, Pace Industries, Adelphoi USA, Westmoreland County Airport Authority, Schultheis Electric, Latrobe Bulletin, Excela Health, Kennametal Inc., and Derry Area School District, Judy Swigart, superintendent, represents Greater Latrobe School District.
The chamber hosts different events and has a monthly news bulletin available. The bulletin features new members, calendars, upcoming events, advertisements, and house for sale.
The staff at GLLV Chamber of Commerce have been working to transition to the new “home” on Route 30. They are now a modern, member-focused Visitor & Information Center.
GLHS Student, Stephanie Kubus, painted a tree on the wall of the new center. “I really enjoyed the opportunity of being involved in the community in any way possible. I am proud of the murals and hope the visitors enjoy them,” said Kubus.
“We’re very proud Stephanie’s artwork, it’s a great attribute to The Chamber,” said David W. Martin, president.
“I think the move of The Chamber office to a more highly visible location is a win-win situation for all parts of the community,” said Tim Bates, member of The Chamber. Bates talked about the idea of ‘Top of Mind Awareness’, which is the idea of a product or location coming first in people’s minds when thinking of a particular organization or industry. “If you are in an office away from the area, it’s not ‘Top of Mind Awareness’. The new location really helps with that,” said Bates.
“The Chamber really helps to advertise and spread the word about local businesses and organizations, it’s a great aspect for Latrobe to have. It really helped to spread the word about the place where I train Taekwondo,” said Jarod Baughman-Stubbs, sophomore.