Recent graduates of The Wheeling Area Chamber of Commerce’s Leadership Wheeling program will host a downtown cleanup day on Thursday, May 14 from 9 a.m. to 1 p.m. in downtown Wheeling.
The 24 participants of the 2026 Leadership Wheeling program graduated on Thursday, May 7 during a luncheon held at Waterfront Hall. Each year, the graduating class completes a class project intended to make a positive impact on the Leadership Wheeling program or the community, and the 2026 graduates selected the cleanup day as their class contribution to the community.
“Leadership is ultimately about service, and this class wanted to complete a project that creates a visible and immediate impact in the community,” said Jennifer Materkoski, President of the Wheeling Area Chamber of Commerce. “We’re proud of the initiative this group has shown throughout the program, and we appreciate everyone willing to volunteer their time to help keep downtown Wheeling clean and welcoming.”
The service event is being held in partnership with The City of Wheeling, Volunteer Wheeling and the Leadership Wheeling Alumni Association. Riley Carpenter, Director of Heritage Programming for Wheeling Heritage, said the organization is grateful for the opportunity to partner with the Wheeling Area Chamber of Commerce and the Leadership Wheeling class for this project.
“We’re always looking for meaningful ways to connect people with opportunities to give back, and we’re especially grateful that this Leadership Wheeling cohort chose to invest in our downtown through their class project,” Carpenter said. “As we head into the warmer months and a busy season of events, keeping downtown looking its best takes a shared effort, and partnerships like this make a lasting impact.”
Community members are invited to participate in the cleanup. Volunteers will meet at the City/County Building located at 1500 Chapline Street at 9 a.m. before dispersing throughout downtown. Cleanup supplies and bottled water will be provided.
Established in 1987, Leadership Wheeling is the Chamber’s longest-running program, designed to develop leadership skills, strengthen professional networks and deepen participants’ understanding of the Wheeling community and surrounding region. This year’s program, presented in partnership with The Health Plan, began in late January and included eight sessions over 16 weeks, featuring speakers, leadership assessments and site visits to businesses, government entities and cultural organizations.
About the Wheeling Area Chamber of Commerce
The Wheeling Area Chamber of Commerce is a 501(c)(6) organization with the mission of leading businesses in the Greater Wheeling area by developing and promoting philosophies, policies, programs and projects that foster enhanced opportunities for growth. For more information, visit www.wheelingchamber.com.
