Chamber History
The Elwood Chamber of Commerce is a working partnership of businesses, professionals, industries, and concerned citizens that have joined together for the purpose of advancing their community. It is an organization of people who know the wisdom of coordinating their efforts under effective leadership and who are committed to the success of our city.
The roots of the Elwood Chamber reach back to 1936, when a group of local leaders formed the Elwood Industrial Bureau for the sole purpose of attracting new business and industry. The first officers were: president, King Leeson; vice president, Orla A. Wann; treasurer, Rolland Neese; secretary, Sheridan Clyde. The directors were Robert H. Carpenter, Roy Laughlin, Merle Hoppenrath, Fred Van Tine, George Bonham, Jessie Dietzen and C.G. Norris.
In 1946, The Elwood Industrial Bureau became the Elwood Chamber Of Commerce with John C. Klumpp, serving as the Chamber’s first paid, full-time secretary. In 1949, the Women’s Council of the Chamber of Commerce was formed to help with civic undertakings. One of its most popular undertakings was welcoming new families who moved into the city. In 1952, the Women’s Council began planning the city’s centennial celebration.
At no time in Elwood’s 150-plus year history has an unexpected hardship emerged that the community could not conquer, learn from, and grow. The Chamber knows unequivocally that in the coming years, there will be no challenge that the Elwood community cannot meet head on and become stronger.
The Elwood Chamber of Commerce vows to always be an energizing force for the community, seeking to unite its industrial, commercial, and civic components for the end goal of enhancing and maintaining the welfare of the entire city and all who call it home.
The roots of the Elwood Chamber reach back to 1936, when a group of local leaders formed the Elwood Industrial Bureau for the sole purpose of attracting new business and industry. The first officers were: president, King Leeson; vice president, Orla A. Wann; treasurer, Rolland Neese; secretary, Sheridan Clyde. The directors were Robert H. Carpenter, Roy Laughlin, Merle Hoppenrath, Fred Van Tine, George Bonham, Jessie Dietzen and C.G. Norris.
In 1946, The Elwood Industrial Bureau became the Elwood Chamber Of Commerce with John C. Klumpp, serving as the Chamber’s first paid, full-time secretary. In 1949, the Women’s Council of the Chamber of Commerce was formed to help with civic undertakings. One of its most popular undertakings was welcoming new families who moved into the city. In 1952, the Women’s Council began planning the city’s centennial celebration.
At no time in Elwood’s 150-plus year history has an unexpected hardship emerged that the community could not conquer, learn from, and grow. The Chamber knows unequivocally that in the coming years, there will be no challenge that the Elwood community cannot meet head on and become stronger.
The Elwood Chamber of Commerce vows to always be an energizing force for the community, seeking to unite its industrial, commercial, and civic components for the end goal of enhancing and maintaining the welfare of the entire city and all who call it home.
Occupants of the Chamber Center Building
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