Weirton Chamber announces 2010 board

The Weirton Area Chamber of Commerce continues to strive towards its mission "Business and Professional people working together to make their community a better place for everyone to live and work."

The Chamber recently announced the addition of a new member to its board of directors, the re-election of current board members, and the re-appointment of officers and additional directors.

Barbara Owens was elected to the board of directors for a three-year term as a first-time board member.

Owens started at the Baymont Inn & Suites at its opening five years ago and worked her way up to management. She is presently the general manager of the Fairfield Inn & Suites on Three Springs Drive and is a part of several community organizations and activities.

She is the president of the Rotary Club of Weirton Heights and is currently working on the upcoming 2010 Mardi Gras which will benefit the Weirton Community Bread Basket. She has been a member of the Weirton Area Chamber of Commerce Special Projects Committee for the past few years. In 2008 she was presented with the WVCCA Children's Service Worker Award for her involvement with Family Connections. Owens and her husband, Rick, are life-long residents of Weirton. She has two sons, Jayson and Daniel.

Current board members Lisa Conti of the Wyngate Senior Living Community, Don Gianni Jr. of James White Construction, and John Newbrough of Newbrough Photo, were all re-elected to three-year terms.

The Chamber Board of Directors also appointed officers for the 2010 term. Sharon Bogarad, of Bogarad Law Offices, was elected chairman of the board, Doug Finton owner of Steel & Wolfe Funeral Homes was elected first chair and Joe Stankiewicz, owner of Paper & Press Ink, second chair. William D'Alesio from United Bank was appointed treasurer and Lisa Conti was appointed secretary.

At the January meeting of the board of directors, Craig Howell from The Weirton Daily Times, Tamara Pettit from Mountaineer Casino, Racetrack and Resort, Regis Raubaugh from ArcelorMittal and Michael Weaver from Johnmichael were appointed to the board for one-year terms.

Other members of the board of directors are J.J. Bernabei from Tri-State Pharmacy, John Frankovitch from Assure America, John Kirlangitis from Mainstream Physical Therapy, and Paul Stakias from Penn-Way Pharmacy.