Huntington Regional Chamber Partners with Marshall University’s Collective 37

Huntington, WV  - The Huntington Regional Chamber of Commerce and Marshall University’s Collective 37—a student strategic communications agency--hosted an official signing event in celebration of their partnership on Friday, March 7 in the Drinko Atrium at Marshall University.

The collaboration expands opportunities for graphic design and advertising-public relations students in helping them gain real-world experience while providing local businesses with strategic communications support designed to help them attain their goals.

Collective 37 and The Chamber have collaborated since late 2024 through the Chamber’s Huntington Bank Small Business Scholarship Program. Collective 37 has assisted the Chamber by leading advertising, public relations and graphic-design initiatives between the small businesses and their target audiences.

Megan Archer, president and CEO of the Chamber, said it is “exciting” to partner with future strategic communications professionals and to solidify this partnership at the signing on Friday.

"We are thrilled to partner with Collective 37, a talented group of student professionals who are bringing fresh ideas and creative energy to our local business community,” Archer said. “This collaboration is a win-win—our small businessesgain valuable marketing and communications support, while the students gain hands-on experience that will prepare them for future success.”

Archer said The Chamber is “always looking for innovative ways to support our members, and this partnership is a perfect example of how we can foster growth and opportunity together.”

Brooke Olivarri, co-director and co-founder of Collective 37, said she and her peers are passionate about harnessing the creativity and talent of emerging professionals to make a real impact.

“This collaboration is an incredible opportunity for our students to apply fresh, strategic ideas— while supporting the growth of local businesses,” she said. “We’re excited to bridge the gap between student innovation and community success, creating meaningful work that benefits everyone involved."

The partnership between the organizations has provided many opportunities for small businesses such as of Blue Kangaroo Packoutz.

“Working with Collective 37 has been a great addition to our marketing strategy,” Jesse Lewis, owner-operator of Blue Kangaroo Packoutz, said. “They are energetic and bring fresh ideas to the table. They have been able to increase our brand awareness in the community and showcase our customer testimonials.”

The signing event celebrated this partnership and all the work accomplished thus far for both The Huntington Regional Chamber of Commerce and Collective 37.