Community, Connections & Commerce Podcast

Wendy has been in the people business for over 25 years. In her current position as the Director of the St. Clairsville Chamber of Commerce, her motto is, “We put you and your business first”. She stands by the principles that “Networking and Connections are the building blocks of a good Chamber” and that “Excellent customer service and attending to the small details are what will always set us apart.”

Wendy has been the Director at the Chamber for seven years. I serve many other businesses in the capacity of committee member such as Valley Hospice, Alzheimer Assoc. America Heart Association. I am also the President of the Rotary of St. Clairsville. We have increased the scope of the Chamber to include over 500 members.

Her experience in various local businesses, The Limited, Bath & Body, Retail Manager for Victoria Secrets, and 11 years as the Retail Manger at Cracker Barrel, has driven her passion for the Ohio Valley businesses. “We serve more than St. Clairsville, we provide service and business connections across state lines and throughout the whole Ohio Valley area.”

She and her husband Dave live in Bridgeport, Ohio. They have 16 beautiful Grandchildren and 2 lab puppies.

“Each one of us can do GOOD things but together we can do GREAT things.” 

Ohio University Alum Brightens Futures with A Special Wish Foundation

Ohio University alumna Annmarie O’Grady is making a significant impact on the Ohio Valley through her role as the director of the Ohio Valley Chapter of A Special Wish Foundation. This Ohio-based children’s wish-granting organization, with several chapters across the state, focuses on bringing joy to children facing serious illnesses. O’Grady's chapter stands out by covering Southeastern Ohio and four counties in West Virginia—Hancock, Brooke, Marshall, and Ohio—ensuring that every wish granted is local, creating a direct and heartfelt impact on the community.

"Every wish that we grant is local, it's truly special that every child and adolescent we grant wishes to is right here in the Ohio Valley," O’Grady said. "It's not someone in another part of the state or country; it's our neighbors and friends."

The Foundation grants a wide variety of wishes, as diverse as the children who make them. From meeting Pittsburgh Pirates players to visiting the world’s largest reptile zoo in Michigan, to the most popular destination - Disney World, where children and their families experience not just the magic of Disney but also Universal Studios and SeaWorld.

"The wish reveals are some of my favorite moments," O’Grady said. "Seeing the expressions and happiness on the faces of the wish child and their families is indescribable."

O’Grady’s journey to her current role was driven by a deep desire to make a meaningful impact. "Years ago, I felt there was something more I was meant to do," she said. After learning about A Special Wish Foundation through a friend, she joined the board and eventually became the director, bringing her unique blend of passion, communication skills, and dedication to the role.

A graduate of Ohio University with a degree in interpersonal communications, O’Grady credits her college experience for shaping her path. "My time at Ohio University, especially learning from Professor Michael McTeague, changed my life," she said. "The skills I gained in public speaking, writing, and building relationships have been invaluable in every aspect of my career."

O’Grady also emphasizes the importance of networking and community involvement. "The power of networking and building relationships is crucial. The connections I've made through various chambers of commerce have been instrumental in supporting our work at A Special Wish Foundation," she said.

O’Grady's dedication and efforts are a testament to the profound impact that one individual can have on their community. Through A Special Wish Foundation, she continues to brighten the futures of children in the Ohio Valley, one wish at a time.

To learn more about how you can get involved or to make a referral, please contact Annmarie O’Grady at   (740) 449-2063 or via email at aogrady@spwishov.com

Interested in helping make wishes come true? Support the foundation by making a donation. You can donate online at A Special Wish Foundation or send your contributions by mail to ASWOV, P.O. Box 674, St. Clairsville, OH 43950.

Born into a family with deep roots in the region, Kirke Porterfield represents a legacy that dates back to 1809, when his ancestors settled just south of St. Clairsville. In 1865, they acquired the farm where he currently resides, located northwest of St. Clairsville. Inspired by his grandfather, Herb Walker, who began making ice cream in 1926, Kirke decided to follow in his footsteps and pursue a career in ice cream making. In 1992, Kirke built a new facility and established Kirke's Homemade Ice Cream at 50525 Rehm Rd, St. Clairsville, Ohio. Since then, his business has thrived, providing delicious ice cream to establishments throughout the Ohio Valley and West Virginia, all while continuing a cherished family tradition with a modern touch.

Matt Welsch, known as "The Vagabond Chef," is the owner and executive chef of Vagabond Kitchen, one of Wheeling, West Virginia’s most acclaimed restaurants. Born and raised in the heart of Appalachia, Welsch's early years exploring the deep woods surrounding his family farm instilled in him a deep appreciation for his roots. This connection to the land would later inspire his culinary journey.

After traveling extensively across the United States and abroad—visiting places like Ireland, Japan, and Paris—Welsch returned home to West Virginia over a decade ago. His travels, chronicled in his culinary travel blog, "The Vagabond Chef," shaped his unique culinary perspective, blending Appalachian tradition with global flavors.

In 2014, Welsch founded Vagabond Kitchen at the corner of Market and 12th Streets in Wheeling. The restaurant quickly became a beacon for the revitalization of downtown Wheeling, offering high-end Appalachian comfort food rooted in the local community. Welsch's kitchen is renowned for its emphasis on local ingredients, crafting dishes that celebrate both the spirit of the past and the innovation of the present.

Under Welsch's leadership, Vagabond Kitchen has become the Ohio Valley’s premier destination for fresh, delicious, and innovative cuisine. The restaurant is celebrated for its diverse menu, which includes standout summer entrees like a bison hot dog and Mountain Dew chicken, as well as community-focused initiatives such as the Benefit Burger, with proceeds supporting local causes.

Beyond his work at Vagabond Kitchen, Welsch is a leader in the culinary community. In 2018, he founded WV Cooks, a group of passionate chefs from across West Virginia who collaborate on dinners, speaking engagements, and tastings to showcase the state’s culinary talent. Since 2021, Welsch has served as one of the first WV Tourism Chef Ambassadors, promoting West Virginia's flavors and culture to a broader audience. In 2023, he expanded his influence by becoming the Executive Chef of West Virginia State Parks and partnering with the West Virginia Food & Farm Coalition to promote WV-Made Value-Added Products.

Through Vagabond Kitchen and his broader culinary endeavors, Matt Welsch continues to celebrate the rich traditions of Appalachian cuisine while pushing the boundaries of what it can become, all while contributing to the community he loves.