I’m fascinated by the history of Marietta and of the Chamber of Commerce.  We are fortunate to have a vault full of the records dating back to 1887.  While several of these columns have focused on the early days of commerce and business in and around Marietta, this one will take us back, but not quite so far.

 

Gasoline was $1.33 per gallon; Microsoft Windows 3.0 was introduced; smoking was banned on domestic air flights; the Hubble Space Telescope was placed into orbit; and Germany reunited. The year was 1990. 

 

Let’s focus on the Marietta Area Chamber and see what was happening in 1990.  Chamber President Jack Moberg wrote, “With a membership of nearly 500 strong, we have a roster of team players to call into the game” of marketing this region, enhancing economic development efforts and activating community business and industrial leadership.   Here’s a few of the activities undertaken in 1990:

 

The MACC Ambassadors were 25 strong.  They made 37 visits to businesses and participated in 4 grand openings. Last year our 23 MACC Ambassadors made over 550 visits and ten ribbon cuttings.  It’s our goal again this year to make contact with each and every Chamber member, now numbering nearly 600.

 

Business After Hours were held in 1990 at the following: McDonough Center at Marietta College, Cawley and Peoples Funeral Home, Gianfagna’s Design Associates and the Betsey Mills Club.  Interestingly, one of the now-monthly Business After Hours for 20-10 is the Betsey Mills Club.  Please join us on April 8 from 5 to 6:30 pm for an opportunity to see all the Betsey Mills Club has to offer for meetings and get-togethers plus many programs for the entire family.  Just like in 1990, Business After Hours offer you an opportunity to promote your business and gain new customers through networking.

 

The Chamber’s community leadership development program, Telesis, had 26 students in the Class of 1990.  Their community projects were curbside recycling and SYNC, Shaping Youth for New Challenges, a leadership program for high school students.  Twenty years later Telesis graduates can be found in every facet of our community.  They are leaders in business and government; serve on boards of many area non-profits and service organizations, and can be found doing good things for our community. This year’s class of 13 may be smaller, but they are just as dedicated to continuing the tradition of giving back through a community project.  Team Hope just completed a Fast for Hunger to raise awareness and funding for the Marietta Food Pantry.  During their 36 hour fast on March 26-27, they raised over $2,000 in cash and food products. 

 

On April 9, 2010, Team EVE will be holding A Tropical E.V.E.ning to raise money for the women’s shelter.  Join them at Twisted Sisters and Sorelle from 6 to 9 pm for an evening of fun, food, auction, and a raffle. 

 

 The Chamber has long encouraged supporting local business and keeping dollars circulating within our local economy.  In 1990 the Marietta Bucks program “encouraged $27,500 to circulate in member business.”  For the last three years the Marietta Bucks program has kept an average of $130,000 circulating on our local economy each year.  With graduation and Mother’s Day coming up, consider giving a gift of Marietta Bucks.  Truly one size fits all because Bucks are accepted at retail clothing stores.  Marietta Bucks are a gift to please all tastes as many area restaurants accept them.  If you hate shopping for gifts, just call the Chamber and order Marietta Bucks.  They come in denominations valued at $5, $10, $20 and $25.  They can be used at nearly 90 area businesses, such as nurseries, gas stations, retail gift shops, book stores, supermarkets, and more.

 

Thanks for journeying back with me.  The Chamber is still actively promoting and supporting businesses in our valley, building a community good for living, playing and working.