The Union Area Chamber of Commerce had a successful year in 2012, despite a slight decrease in membership.
That is according to Executive Director Tammy Stowe who said there were about 325 members last year, compared to 342 in 2011 and 335 in 2010.
She added the decrease in membership is likely due to the economy and businesses, as well as individuals, in the area are struggling.
Chamber Activities
In October, the Chamber again collaborated with the city of Union Economic Development Department and hosted a Business Expo.
It was the fourth year for the Expo. There were changes last year, including a breakfast for exhibitors.
“We had similar number of exhibitors for the Business Expo as in the past,” Stowe said. “The numbers may have been down a little, but not much.”
During the Expo, organizers collected canned goods and $125 for the food pantry.
Stowe noted that the Chamber also has continued to inform members and highlight new members through its biweekly newsletter.
Other annual events hosted by the Chamber this year included Founders Day, which was cosponsored by the Union Parks and Recreation Department.
The Chamber’s Founders Day Run kicks off the annual daylong event. There are generally about the same number of runners each year.
‘The Founders Day Run was the largest in the 11 years I’ve been here,” Stowe said. “We had about 180 participants.”
The Chamber, along with the city of Union and BoCo Electric also hung wreaths on utility poles throughout the city.
The Chamber participated in the Down Home Christmas and held its annual golf tournament in 2012.
Awards and Scholarships
In June, the Chamber also held the Long Haul Barbecue and presented the Long Haul Service Award to Armin and Norma Klemme.
“They’re very committed to Union and making it a better place to live,” said Stowe.
Boys and Girls State representatives sponsored by the Chamber this year were Matthew Campbell and Abby Vie.
There were four $600 scholarships funded by raffle ticket sales and awarded to Brooke Breeden, Ben Ownby, Kate Gacich and Tyler Feth.
Board Changes
New board members are City of Union Community Development Director Joey Graves and Scenic Regional Library Director Steve Campbell.
The 2013 president is Stacy Rio. Jon Martin is the vice president and Tammy Weinhold is treasurer. The retiring president is Sherri Matthews.
