Community leaders, business representatives, and local supporters gathered Thursday, July 23, at the Pancake Park Shelter in Sistersville to welcome the Wetzel-Tyler Chamber of Commerce to the community and celebrate a new partnership focused on promoting the area’s growth and opportunities.

Hosted by the City of Sistersville, the Sistersville Park and Pool and the Friends of Sistersville Park and Pool, the afternoon reception provided an opportunity for residents to meet chamber representatives, learn more about the organization’s mission, and discuss ways the partnership can benefit Sistersville and the surrounding region.

Guests enjoyed a picnic-style lunch served from the park concession stand. The menu featured sub sandwiches, macaroni salad, potato salad, fresh fruit, cookies, and other refreshments as attendees visited and exchanged ideas in the relaxed setting of Sistersville Park.

During the luncheon, chamber representatives spoke about the organization’s commitment to supporting local businesses, encouraging economic development, and strengthening partnerships throughout Wetzel and Tyler counties. Attendees were encouraged by the chamber’s vision and the opportunities the collaboration could bring to the Sistersville community.

The Friends of Sistersville Park and Pool also used the event to share updates on one of the organization’s most ambitious projects to date which is the proposed installation of a Wiley Goat tubular waterslide for the 2027 swimming season. Board members explained that fundraising efforts are underway to make the project a reality, with the slide expected to provide a major new attraction for families and visitors while enhancing the historic community pool.

The nonprofit organization also celebrated the occasion by sponsoring a Kids Day at the Sistersville Pool. Children were admitted free throughout the day, giving area families another opportunity to enjoy the pool during one of the busiest weeks of the summer season.

The event marked the beginning of what organizers believe will be a productive partnership between the Wetzel-Tyler Chamber of Commerce and the Sistersville community, with both organizations expressing enthusiasm for future projects and initiatives that will benefit residents throughout the region.