POINT PLEASANT — The Mason County Area Chamber of Commerce is ready to start the new year.

Chamber members recently elected six new board members as well as new officers. In addition, the chamber is actively planning events for the year.

Elected officers for the new year are Terri Thomas of Fruth Pharmacy, president; Homer Preece of the Marshall University Mid-Ohio Valley Center, vice president; Missi Scarberry of City National Bank, treasurer; and Sharon Stapleton of Peoples Bank, secretary.

New board members elected were Preece and Stapleton along with Anna Barnitz of Bob’s Market and Greenhouses Inc.; David Deal of Deal Funeral Home; Eddie Lanham of Farmers Bank; and John Sang of John Sang Ford Lincoln Mercury. These members will join current board members Scarberry and Thomas as well as Ellen Potter of Mason County Insurance; Mayor Leonard “Buster” Riffle of the City of Point Pleasant; JoAnne Siders of Siders Jewelers; and Lanny Williamson of Pleasant Valley Hospital.

Chamber Executive Director Marsha Smith said she was excited to begin the new year and work with the new board members and officers.

“They all seem very energetic and ready to get to work. I think we will have a great year,” she added.

In addition to the new officers, Smith said Kim Donahue of the U.S. Small Business Administration will work with the chamber. Donahue hosted a chamber workshop last year as well.

According to Smith, the chamber’s goal is to promote local businesses more. To do this, the board plans to select a business of the month. Featured businesses will be recognized with a banner and description of the business.

Smith also described her excitement for the monthly luncheons, and she said several interesting and helpful speakers are lined up for the year. In addition to luncheons, more workshops are being planned. “Business after Hours” events will continue as well, enabling businesses to showcase things such as current projects and new office locations.

Smith said the annual dinner also is being planned and will take place in the spring. The chamber’s First Impression Awards are presented at the annual dinner as well.

This month’s luncheon will be Jan. 27 at MOVC. The luncheon is slated for noon and will feature Ron Huiatt, chief development officer of the Clay Center for the Arts and Sciences in Charleston.

For more information, call Smith at 304-675-1050.