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Hope Area Chamber Of Commerce
Chamber History :
As a New Year began in 1996, the seeds of an idea for the future were planted in Hope, Indiana. Several business leaders in the Hope area saw a need to find a medium whereby the local officials, business people, volunteers and citizens of the Hope Community could come together and work for the benefit of all of the community.
Brooke Tuttle, Economic Development Director for Bartholomew County, offered his support to promote the economic climate of Hope. The seeds of this idea began to germinate as community leaders met and began to share their ideas, their goals, and their dreams. Columbus Area Chamber of Commerce met with interested business representatives to discuss Chamber structure.
The President of the Morristown Chamber of Commerce came to Hope and brought with him the Bylaws of the Morristown Chamber. It is from these Bylaws that the Hope Chamber bylaws were drafted.
By June 1996, the Chamber was more than a glint in the eye of those founding fathers. On June 13, a meeting was held at the Hope Elementary School. Fourteen representatives of local business and industry met, adopted Bylaws, accepted a dues structure, appointed a nominating committee, and established a membership committee.
On July 25, 1996 the Hope Area Chamber of Commerce met at Hope Elementary School and elected their first officers. Gordon Elsbury, President; Mark Dodd, Vice President; Nancy Ann Brown, Secretary/Treasurer; Randy Gearhart, David Emmert, Spencer Gross, Board Members with Glen Keller to serve in the slot on the Board designated as Immediate Past President.
By August 15, 1996 the Hope Area Chamber of Commerce had forty-one (41) Charter Members. President Elsbury quickly established working committees and appointed Chairmen. Jon Cain, local Extension Agent, was invited to facilitate a planning session where twenty five (25) Chamber Members and business leaders came together to begin planning for the future of the new Chamber.
Economic Development was a top priority. An Economic Development Brochure was developed.
South Street improvements, Representatives of business, government, and professionals joined together in an effort to find funds to improve South Street.
Governmental cooperation.
Membership was increased.
"TEAM work is what it takes," said President Elsbury. "Together Everyone Achieves More."
History continued: 1997-1998
In May 1997 a new Health Services Committee was implemented. Later in the year a Technical Services Committee was formed to develop a WEB page, and Gordon Elsbury took Chairmanship of the Education Committee. Chairman Gordon and the Flatrock Hawcreek School Superintendent traveled to several meetings on education. Chamber Members participated in educational discussions, and promoted proposed legislation.
By January 1998 Hope Area Chamber boasted a membership of over sixty members.
The work on the $450,000 South Street reconstruction project was accomplished by perseverance, a strong letter writing campaign to state officials and door to door and personal contact with businesses and residents along South Street. $250,000 from the Build Indiana Fund was appropriated by the State Legislature thanks to the hard work and dedication of Senator Robert Garton and the help of State Representative Jeff Linder.
Road 600 N is a major thoroughfare between Cross Cliff School and the Hope Elementary/Hauser High School complex and a major access to the Hope Community from Columbus and Highway 31. Reconstruction and development is a major asset to the safety of our children and the growth of our business entities.
Jon Cain facilitated a second planning session. These annual planning sessions assist in giving direction to the Officers, Board and Committee Chairs. And provides the Hope Chamber members a formal means of bringing ideas and projects to the Chamber leaders.
The Hope Town Council asked Chamber members for assistance on the Water Project. The Hope Area Chamber was able to assist in getting over sixty (60) people to attend a public meeting required to get funding approval. Chamber members wrote letters in support of the water project to help gain approval of the funds. This project was finished by spring 1999.
1997-1998 saw nine economic development projects.
P & M Fabrications built and occupied a new facility in the industrial park and expanded its workforce by two people. P & M have room for two expansions of up to 12,000 additional square feet of manufacturing space.
Spencer and Major Gross finished plans and began the construction of a shopping center on the south side of Hope. Major's True Value Hardware is the first store in the Center.
Dollar General Store, the second building in the new shopping center was opened.
J R Ross purchased land in the industrial park with an eye toward construction of a new facility.
Hope Warehouse began upgrading facilities and construction of an expanded area for their business.
Huck's station and store.
Pizza King on the Square.
Retention of the Hope Star Journal in Hope.
Development of a new subdivision on the south side of Hope brought homes in the range of $120,000 to $160,000. The first home built was on the Bartholomew County Home Builders Home Show for 1998.
Hope Chamber members worked with the volunteers on the Hope Bike Ride, one of the largest annual biking events in the midwest. Hope Bike Ride brings thousands of visitors and tourists to the community each year.
Chamber members are involved in the Heritage Days activities, which brings over 40,000 visitors the last weekend of September.
Hope Area Chamber of Commerce Board of Directors began seeking office space And discussing the possibility of staff.
As Gordon Elsbury finishes his second term as President of the Hope Area Chamber of Commerce, he said, "Hard Work and Team Work. A winning combination."
"Economic Development remains a top priority with the Hope Chamber. It is vital that the Hope Area Chamber of Commerce work toward bringing in a variety of business and industry which will enhance the growth and development of the Hope Community and surrounding areas," said President Elsbury.
1998-1999 work year. The Hope Area Chamber of Commerce worked with and supported the Hope Town Board projects. And, more economic development projects occurred through Chamber members.
South Street construction completed in Spring 2000.
The Build Indiana Fund added $50,000 to the previous $200,000 granted. The total cost of South Street will be approximately $450,000. The County Commissioners pledged $85,000 to help on the south side of South Street and at the county road intersections.
Construction has begun on the first phase of Road 600N. This is the important connector road between Hauser Senior High School and Cross Cliff Elementary School.
The Water Project is completed including a new 300,000-gallon overhead water tank, improved pressure and new lines.
Major's True Value Hardware new store opens for business followed quickly by a Dollar General Store.
CJ's Market opened on the Hope Town Square by the Gernentz family. The new grocery will fill a void left by the closing of Clouse's Grocery store about a year and a half ago.
Mike Arford's Photography is a new site for the Town Square. Mike bought and renovated a part of the old Library building.
Synergy Group, Inc. lead by Jim Kemp opened an investment consulting business in the offices spaces occupied by Greg Spurling CPA.
Chamber members and Miller's Merry Manor director, continue to talk with Columbus Regional Hospital officials about the possibility of finding a physician who would like to have a clinic in the area.
Teresa and Randy Gearhart, Mhart Express, went to Washington DC to testify before the House of Representatives Small Business Administration Committee.
Nancy Ann Brown, Bartholomew County REMC, went to Japan with a group of 10 businesswomen from the Bartholomew County Area. They visited with many of the Japanese companies who have business operations here in the County.
Feasibility Grant sought by the Hope Town Board to map the storm sewer system and get recommendations for improvement.
Another new housing addition is annexed and approved on the southeast side of Hope and will be developed in two sections for moderate priced housing.
Combining the Town Election with the County Election remains a high priority of the Town Board.
Elsbury's Greenhouses has become a destination point for travelers. Elsbury's hosted the National Group of County Extension Agents here in the Columbus Area for training in February 1999.
Childcare for the area is being discussed, with a look at a possible Child Care Center being built near the Industrial Park.
The License Branch was saved.
The Hope Star Journal stayed. Thanks to Charlie Biggs who purchased the local newspaper, we will continue to have the local publication on a weekly basis.
FLW expanded with new employees.
Chairman of the Education Committee and School officials announced a grant proposal for the Lilly Foundation and Cinergy Foundation.
The new Library Opened on the Town Square.
The Chamber has changed and grown. A luncheon and a speaker on a bimonthly basis starts at 11:30 a.m. and out at 1:00 p.m.
For 1999-2000 the Chamber continues to be very progressive. The following programs are being finished:
Hope Area Chamber of Commerce opens new offices on the Town Square. 601 Harrison Street, Hope IN 47246.
Website Started.
New phone system and phone number 812-546-0980.
New website www.chamber.com
In 2001-2002 we moved the office from the town square to the Community Building.
2002-2003 Updated the Web Page.
Worked diligently on funding for the Hope Area Chamber of Commerce.
Worked with the Hope Town Board to design, purchase and install new signs to the entrances of the Town of Hope on State Road 9.
Sponsored a Community Calendar in The Hope Star Journal.
Worked on medical care for the Hope Area. Possibility of physician and/or a Nurse Practitioner.
Joint booth with Community Center for Hope Heritage Days, we deep fried pork rins, made lemon shake ups, and popped kettle corn.
Helped to sponsor "Old Fashion Christmas on the Town Square".
Sponsored with the Flatrock/Hawcreek School Corp. a Career Center in Hope. This program set up at the Community Center with 4 computers, fax machine, copier, and furniture. Training for volunteers is complete.
22 new members joined the Chambers this year.
As a New Year began in 1996, the seeds of an idea for the future were planted in Hope, Indiana. Several business leaders in the Hope area saw a need to find a medium whereby the local officials, business people, volunteers and citizens of the Hope Community could come together and work for the benefit of all of the community.
Brooke Tuttle, Economic Development Director for Bartholomew County, offered his support to promote the economic climate of Hope. The seeds of this idea began to germinate as community leaders met and began to share their ideas, their goals, and their dreams. Columbus Area Chamber of Commerce met with interested business representatives to discuss Chamber structure.
The President of the Morristown Chamber of Commerce came to Hope and brought with him the Bylaws of the Morristown Chamber. It is from these Bylaws that the Hope Chamber bylaws were drafted.
By June 1996, the Chamber was more than a glint in the eye of those founding fathers. On June 13, a meeting was held at the Hope Elementary School. Fourteen representatives of local business and industry met, adopted Bylaws, accepted a dues structure, appointed a nominating committee, and established a membership committee.
On July 25, 1996 the Hope Area Chamber of Commerce met at Hope Elementary School and elected their first officers. Gordon Elsbury, President; Mark Dodd, Vice President; Nancy Ann Brown, Secretary/Treasurer; Randy Gearhart, David Emmert, Spencer Gross, Board Members with Glen Keller to serve in the slot on the Board designated as Immediate Past President.
By August 15, 1996 the Hope Area Chamber of Commerce had forty-one (41) Charter Members. President Elsbury quickly established working committees and appointed Chairmen. Jon Cain, local Extension Agent, was invited to facilitate a planning session where twenty five (25) Chamber Members and business leaders came together to begin planning for the future of the new Chamber.
Economic Development was a top priority. An Economic Development Brochure was developed.
South Street improvements, Representatives of business, government, and professionals joined together in an effort to find funds to improve South Street.
Governmental cooperation.
Membership was increased.
"TEAM work is what it takes," said President Elsbury. "Together Everyone Achieves More."
History continued: 1997-1998
In May 1997 a new Health Services Committee was implemented. Later in the year a Technical Services Committee was formed to develop a WEB page, and Gordon Elsbury took Chairmanship of the Education Committee. Chairman Gordon and the Flatrock Hawcreek School Superintendent traveled to several meetings on education. Chamber Members participated in educational discussions, and promoted proposed legislation.
By January 1998 Hope Area Chamber boasted a membership of over sixty members.
The work on the $450,000 South Street reconstruction project was accomplished by perseverance, a strong letter writing campaign to state officials and door to door and personal contact with businesses and residents along South Street. $250,000 from the Build Indiana Fund was appropriated by the State Legislature thanks to the hard work and dedication of Senator Robert Garton and the help of State Representative Jeff Linder.
Road 600 N is a major thoroughfare between Cross Cliff School and the Hope Elementary/Hauser High School complex and a major access to the Hope Community from Columbus and Highway 31. Reconstruction and development is a major asset to the safety of our children and the growth of our business entities.
Jon Cain facilitated a second planning session. These annual planning sessions assist in giving direction to the Officers, Board and Committee Chairs. And provides the Hope Chamber members a formal means of bringing ideas and projects to the Chamber leaders.
The Hope Town Council asked Chamber members for assistance on the Water Project. The Hope Area Chamber was able to assist in getting over sixty (60) people to attend a public meeting required to get funding approval. Chamber members wrote letters in support of the water project to help gain approval of the funds. This project was finished by spring 1999.
1997-1998 saw nine economic development projects.
P & M Fabrications built and occupied a new facility in the industrial park and expanded its workforce by two people. P & M have room for two expansions of up to 12,000 additional square feet of manufacturing space.
Spencer and Major Gross finished plans and began the construction of a shopping center on the south side of Hope. Major's True Value Hardware is the first store in the Center.
Dollar General Store, the second building in the new shopping center was opened.
J R Ross purchased land in the industrial park with an eye toward construction of a new facility.
Hope Warehouse began upgrading facilities and construction of an expanded area for their business.
Huck's station and store.
Pizza King on the Square.
Retention of the Hope Star Journal in Hope.
Development of a new subdivision on the south side of Hope brought homes in the range of $120,000 to $160,000. The first home built was on the Bartholomew County Home Builders Home Show for 1998.
Hope Chamber members worked with the volunteers on the Hope Bike Ride, one of the largest annual biking events in the midwest. Hope Bike Ride brings thousands of visitors and tourists to the community each year.
Chamber members are involved in the Heritage Days activities, which brings over 40,000 visitors the last weekend of September.
Hope Area Chamber of Commerce Board of Directors began seeking office space And discussing the possibility of staff.
As Gordon Elsbury finishes his second term as President of the Hope Area Chamber of Commerce, he said, "Hard Work and Team Work. A winning combination."
"Economic Development remains a top priority with the Hope Chamber. It is vital that the Hope Area Chamber of Commerce work toward bringing in a variety of business and industry which will enhance the growth and development of the Hope Community and surrounding areas," said President Elsbury.
1998-1999 work year. The Hope Area Chamber of Commerce worked with and supported the Hope Town Board projects. And, more economic development projects occurred through Chamber members.
South Street construction completed in Spring 2000.
The Build Indiana Fund added $50,000 to the previous $200,000 granted. The total cost of South Street will be approximately $450,000. The County Commissioners pledged $85,000 to help on the south side of South Street and at the county road intersections.
Construction has begun on the first phase of Road 600N. This is the important connector road between Hauser Senior High School and Cross Cliff Elementary School.
The Water Project is completed including a new 300,000-gallon overhead water tank, improved pressure and new lines.
Major's True Value Hardware new store opens for business followed quickly by a Dollar General Store.
CJ's Market opened on the Hope Town Square by the Gernentz family. The new grocery will fill a void left by the closing of Clouse's Grocery store about a year and a half ago.
Mike Arford's Photography is a new site for the Town Square. Mike bought and renovated a part of the old Library building.
Synergy Group, Inc. lead by Jim Kemp opened an investment consulting business in the offices spaces occupied by Greg Spurling CPA.
Chamber members and Miller's Merry Manor director, continue to talk with Columbus Regional Hospital officials about the possibility of finding a physician who would like to have a clinic in the area.
Teresa and Randy Gearhart, Mhart Express, went to Washington DC to testify before the House of Representatives Small Business Administration Committee.
Nancy Ann Brown, Bartholomew County REMC, went to Japan with a group of 10 businesswomen from the Bartholomew County Area. They visited with many of the Japanese companies who have business operations here in the County.
Feasibility Grant sought by the Hope Town Board to map the storm sewer system and get recommendations for improvement.
Another new housing addition is annexed and approved on the southeast side of Hope and will be developed in two sections for moderate priced housing.
Combining the Town Election with the County Election remains a high priority of the Town Board.
Elsbury's Greenhouses has become a destination point for travelers. Elsbury's hosted the National Group of County Extension Agents here in the Columbus Area for training in February 1999.
Childcare for the area is being discussed, with a look at a possible Child Care Center being built near the Industrial Park.
The License Branch was saved.
The Hope Star Journal stayed. Thanks to Charlie Biggs who purchased the local newspaper, we will continue to have the local publication on a weekly basis.
FLW expanded with new employees.
Chairman of the Education Committee and School officials announced a grant proposal for the Lilly Foundation and Cinergy Foundation.
The new Library Opened on the Town Square.
The Chamber has changed and grown. A luncheon and a speaker on a bimonthly basis starts at 11:30 a.m. and out at 1:00 p.m.
For 1999-2000 the Chamber continues to be very progressive. The following programs are being finished:
Hope Area Chamber of Commerce opens new offices on the Town Square. 601 Harrison Street, Hope IN 47246.
Website Started.
New phone system and phone number 812-546-0980.
New website www.chamber.com
In 2001-2002 we moved the office from the town square to the Community Building.
2002-2003 Updated the Web Page.
Worked diligently on funding for the Hope Area Chamber of Commerce.
Worked with the Hope Town Board to design, purchase and install new signs to the entrances of the Town of Hope on State Road 9.
Sponsored a Community Calendar in The Hope Star Journal.
Worked on medical care for the Hope Area. Possibility of physician and/or a Nurse Practitioner.
Joint booth with Community Center for Hope Heritage Days, we deep fried pork rins, made lemon shake ups, and popped kettle corn.
Helped to sponsor "Old Fashion Christmas on the Town Square".
Sponsored with the Flatrock/Hawcreek School Corp. a Career Center in Hope. This program set up at the Community Center with 4 computers, fax machine, copier, and furniture. Training for volunteers is complete.
22 new members joined the Chambers this year.