The Chester Business Association was formed in 1985 to bring businesses together to create networking opportunities. We facilitate networking among community members and businesses to keep all abreast of the latest trends and developments affecting the business, government, and general welfare of the Chester business community.

These meetings take place on the 3rd Thursday of each month of the year (except July & August). These meetings are hosted by our members on a first-come first-served basis. Meetings are held 5:30-7:00 p.m. The official part of our meeting is usually over in fifteen minutes or less.

In June, our annual cookout is held at Jim Daniel’s riverfront home and is an annual event all members look forward too. This is when the CBA presents our annual Snead Stebbins Business Person of the Year Award and if deserving, our Betty Matthew Outstanding Community Champion Award is given out.

Meetings normally follow this format:

  • Networking with food and drinks provided by our host

  • Welcome from a CBA Board Member

  • New guest spotlight

  • Message from the host

  • Member 30 seconds commercial

  • Additional announcements

  • Next month’s host

  • More networking

Awards

Snead Stebbins Award

Business Person of the Year

The Snead Stebbins Award is the CBA’s Business Person of the Year Award and is named after the two entrepreneurs, John Snead and Joseph Stebbins, who founded Chester and Ashland as a business venture with the advent of the railroad. With this award we honor a Chester Business Owner who has demonstrated entrepreneurial success and has contributed significantly to our community.

Betty Mathews Award

Outstanding Community Champion

The Betty Mathews Award is named after our dear, late Betty Mathews who so lovingly dedicated herself to improving the Chester Village Community by way of her many volunteer and professional efforts. This award is given to a community champion who has demonstrated this same level of commitment and generosity with their steadfast support of local organizations and actions.